15 Summer Programs in NYC for Middle School Students
Summer programs can help you explore your academic interests beyond the classroom while building practical skills that support your long-term goals.
What do summer programs in NYC look like?
NYC offers a wide range of summer opportunities designed to help you explore academic interests and develop practical skills outside the classroom. You can find programs focused on STEM research, coding, engineering, medicine, creative writing, entrepreneurship, performing arts, and environmental science. Many of these opportunities are hosted by universities, museums, research institutions, and public organizations, allowing you to learn directly from educators and professionals in the field.
Why consider summer programs in NYC as a middle schooler?
These programs often include team-based learning, presentations, and networking opportunities that help you become more confident and independent. Because New York City is home to major universities, museums, hospitals, research centers, and cultural institutions, you can access a wide range of opportunities that may not be available elsewhere.
Below is a list of 15 summer programs in NYC for middle school students that offer hands-on learning, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities.
For related opportunities, consider academic camps for middle schoolers and career development programs for middle schoolers.
Quick Look
6 free or fully funded programs: NYU College and Career Lab (NYC public school 7th-8th graders), SONYC (full scholarship, NYC students ages 12-14), Science of Smart Cities (full scholarship, NYC students ages 12-14), BEAM (free including transport and meals, NYC and LA, lower-income 6th-7th graders), Baruch College STEP Academy (grades 7-12), and Helicon SHSAT Prep (free, African American and Latina girls entering 7th grade)
7 paid programs: range from $350 (NYU STEP) to $4,495 (Summer Culinary Program); financial aid available at Junior Innovator and Lumiere Junior Explorer
7 programs restricted to NYC residents or NYC public school students: NYU CCL, SONYC, Science of Smart Cities, BEAM (NYC track), Baruch STEP, Helicon, and NYU STEP
2 fully virtual options open to students outside NYC: Junior Innovator Program and Lumiere Junior Explorer (both available globally, financial aid available)
2 programs open to 6th graders: BEAM (6th and 7th graders, lower-income families, NYC and LA) and Baruch College STEP Academy (grades 7-12)
Most selective: SONYC and Science of Smart Cities (full scholarship, both admit select NYC students ages 12-14), and BEAM (competitive admissions, lower-income focus)
15 Summer Programs in NYC for Middle School Students
1. NYU College and Career Lab (CCL)
Location: New York University, NYC
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admissions; cohort size not publicly specified
Dates: July 6 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Current 7th and 8th-grade students attending NYC public schools; other eligible students may also apply
The College and Career Lab (CCL) is a multi-year academic and career exploration program designed to help you explore college pathways and professional fields through hands-on learning and mentorship. During the four-week summer Exploratory Stage, you attend college-style lectures, workshops, field trips, and career exploration activities led by NYU faculty and industry professionals. You can study subjects such as neuroscience, anthropology, business, law, public service, health sciences, philosophy, and the arts while gaining exposure to real-world careers, including physical therapy, law, and public health. The program also includes mentorship, advising, and networking opportunities that help you develop communication, leadership, and college-readiness skills. Returning scholars can continue into the Immersive Stage, where you take deeper subject-specific courses and participate in internship-style learning experiences.
2. Junior Innovator Program
Location: 100% Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admissions
Dates: Flexible start dates; vary by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to middle school students
The Junior Innovator Program is a virtual entrepreneurship incubator where you develop a project designed to solve a real-world problem that interests you. Throughout the program, you move from idea development to project creation by learning the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, business strategy, pitching, and innovation in a structured environment. You participate in one-on-one mentorship sessions focused on ideation, market analysis, and foundational business concepts while collaborating with a global cohort of student innovators. The program also includes fireside chats, remote networking events, and interactive discussions that expose you to startup culture and entrepreneurial thinking. You receive mentorship from professionals and entrepreneurs with experience at organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey, helping you understand how innovation and venture-building operate in professional settings. Through presentations and iterative feedback sessions, you strengthen your communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills while refining your final project.
3. NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Location: New York University, NYC
Cost/Stipend: $350 program fee; no application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly specified
Dates: June 29 – July 30
Application Deadline: Summer application closed; fall application opens in August
Eligibility: New York middle and high school students, particularly economically disadvantaged or first-generation students, interested in STEM fields
The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at NYU prepares you for academic success and future STEM careers through structured coursework, mentorship, and research-focused learning opportunities. Led by NYU faculty and co-taught by university students, the program includes instruction in mathematics, English, research methods, and college preparation, and also offers Regents exam support and STEM enrichment classes. You participate in project-based learning activities and supervised research experiences that strengthen your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. STEP also provides mentorship, career awareness workshops, and college admissions guidance to help you better understand pathways in science, technology, engineering, healthcare, and licensed professions. The program is designed to increase college readiness and support students pursuing competitive STEM-related academic programs.
4. Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admissions
Dates: Eight weeks; timing varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 8
Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program is a selective online research program designed to help you build advanced research, writing, and analytical skills through guided independent study. At the start of the program, you choose an academic area of interest, such as STEM, humanities, or social sciences, and are paired with a PhD-level mentor from a leading university. Over eight weeks, you receive structured instruction in research methodology, academic inquiry, and critical thinking while exploring a real-world question within your chosen field. You then design and complete an independent research project under a mentor's guidance, learning to organize evidence, evaluate sources, and communicate complex ideas effectively. The program concludes with the development of a formal research paper that presents your findings and demonstrates your understanding of the subject area.
5. Summer Culinary Program
Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $4,495 | Commuter: $2,895
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited spots available
Dates: Multiple sessions through June and July
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students ages 12–17
The Summer Culinary Program in New York City gives you hands-on experience in professional cooking while learning in one of the world’s leading food capitals. Through chef-led instruction in professional kitchens, you develop foundational culinary skills, including knife techniques, mise en place, plating, baking, and pastry preparation. The curriculum also introduces you to restaurant-style savory cooking, flavor development, and presentation methods commonly used in professional culinary settings. Throughout the program, you spend most of your day preparing recipes across multiple cuisines while learning directly from professional chef instructors. In addition to kitchen training, you participate in guided food and cultural excursions to Chinatown, Chelsea Market, Times Square, and the Brooklyn Bridge, allowing you to explore New York City’s diverse culinary landscape. The program is designed for both beginners and experienced home cooks, so prior culinary experience is not required
6. Sounds of New York City (SONYC)
Location: New York University, NYC
Cost/Stipend: Full scholarship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admissions
Dates: July 8 – August 4 | Orientation: June 28 (via Zoom)
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: NYC students ages 12–14 with strong academic records and demonstrated interest in science
The Sounds of New York City (SONYC) program introduces you to the science of sound, noise pollution, and smart city technology through hands-on STEM learning and research-based projects. Hosted by NYU, the program explores how sound waves travel through urban environments and how noise pollution affects public health and quality of life in cities like New York. You learn concepts related to engineering, computer science, electronics, circuitry, coding, and environmental science while working with microcontrollers, sensors, and sound-monitoring devices. Throughout the program, you participate in project-based learning activities in which you design and build smart-city technologies to be presented at an end-of-program expo. The curriculum also includes exposure to real-world scientific research connected to NYU faculty and National Science Foundation collaborations focused on urban sound analysis and technology innovation. In addition to technical training, you participate in Irondale workshops led by theater artists that use improvisation exercises to strengthen communication and public speaking skills.
7. Middle School Model UN Camp at Columbia University
Location: Columbia University, NYC
Cost/Stipend:$1,625
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; cohort size not publicly specified
Dates: July 13 – July 17 | July 20 – July 24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students ages 11–13; no prior Model UN experience required
The Middle School Model UN Camp at Columbia University introduces you to diplomacy, public speaking, debate, and global affairs through interactive Model UN simulations and leadership activities. Throughout the program, you participate in workshops focused on public speaking structure, negotiation strategies, alliance-building, and resolution writing while learning about international relations and current global issues. You also engage in improv exercises, trivia games, and collaborative challenges designed to improve creative thinking, communication, and teamwork skills in a supportive environment. The curriculum includes multiple Model UN simulations where you represent different countries, deliver opening speeches, debate policies, and work with peers to draft resolutions on international topics. Daily mentorship and personalized feedback help you strengthen your confidence, leadership abilities, and diplomatic speaking skills over the course of the camp. The program is specifically designed for beginners interested in global issues, politics, and debate, making prior MUN experience unnecessary.
8. FIT Precollege Middle School Summer 4-Day Workshops
Location: Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York City
Cost/Stipend: $470 per 4-day workshop (including fees)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; space may be limited
Dates: July 13–16
Application Deadline: Registration closes June 10
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7, 8, or 9 in the fall
The FIT Precollege Middle School Summer 4-Day Workshops introduce you to creative fields and specialized skills through short, intensive courses taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Over four days, you explore topics connected to art, design, fashion, and creative industries while developing practical techniques through hands-on instruction and guided projects. The workshops are designed to expose you to the subjects and career pathways that FIT graduates pursue, helping you better understand creative and professional opportunities in design-focused industries. Each workshop lasts three hours and is offered during either morning or afternoon sessions, allowing you to combine two workshops for a full-day schedule. Through classroom activities and project-based learning, you strengthen creative thinking, technical abilities, and visual communication skills in a college-style learning environment.
9. Science of Smart Cities (SoSC)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NYC
Cost/Stipend: Full scholarship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admissions
Dates: July 8 – August 2 | Orientation: June 28 (via Zoom)
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: NYC students ages 12–14 with strong academic records and demonstrated interest in STEM
The Science of Smart Cities (SoSC) program introduces you to engineering, computer science, and urban technology through hands-on projects focused on making cities more sustainable, efficient, and safe. Hosted by NYU Tandon School of Engineering, the program teaches you how microcontrollers, sensors, circuitry, electronics, and coding work while exploring their real-world applications in smart city design and environmental problem-solving. Working in collaborative teams, you design and develop projects that address practical urban challenges using STEM-based tools and engineering principles. The curriculum also deepens your understanding of energy systems, physical sciences, urban environments, and technology innovation through immersive project-based learning activities. Throughout the program, you participate in interactive classes taught by NYU faculty and graduate students while gaining experience with research, design processes, and engineering software in a materials-rich environment
10. BEAM Summer Programs
Location: New York City and Los Angeles
Cost/Stipend: Free, including transportation, meals, field trips, and activities
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive admissions
Dates: Summer program dates vary by grade level
Application Deadline: Application window runs from January to March each year
Eligibility: Primarily open to 6th and 7th-grade students from lower-income families with strong mathematical potential
The BEAM Summer Programs are intensive math enrichment programs designed for students who enjoy solving puzzles, exploring advanced mathematical concepts, and developing problem-solving skills beyond the traditional classroom curriculum. Through collaborative activities, challenging coursework, and STEM-focused enrichment, you engage with higher-level mathematics in an interactive and supportive learning environment. The admissions process includes an application and an Admissions Challenge that evaluates mathematical readiness and critical thinking ability, rather than prior advanced coursework. BEAM particularly focuses on supporting students from lower-income backgrounds and those who may not otherwise have access to STEM enrichment opportunities, including many first-generation college-bound students. Throughout the program, you participate in academic workshops, field trips, and community-building activities that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and intellectual confidence.
11. Baruch College STEP Academy
Location: Baruch College, New York City
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly specified
Dates: July 6 – July 30
Application Deadline: May 15 | Rolling admissions until June 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 interested in STEM careers
The Baruch College STEP Academy is a New York State Education Department-funded STEM enrichment program designed to prepare middle and high school students for future studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through workshops and academic enrichment courses, you strengthen your skills in subjects such as mathematics, science, coding, engineering, and college preparation while learning in a pre-college environment. The Junior Program for grades 7–9 includes courses such as Engineering Principles, Urban Ecology, and Cognitive Psychology, helping you explore multiple STEM disciplines through project-based, interactive learning. You also gain exposure to scientific research, environmental studies, and foundational engineering concepts while building analytical and problem-solving skills. In addition to STEM coursework, the program provides SAT and college preparatory support designed to strengthen long-term academic readiness.
12. Math Program for Young Minds
Location: New York University, NYC
Cost/Stipend: $1,250
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admissions
Dates: February 5 – May 7
Application Deadline: December 15
Eligibility: Current 7th and 8th-grade students interested in advanced mathematics
The Math Program for Young Minds at NYU is a 13-week academic enrichment program for middle school students seeking to explore advanced mathematics in a collaborative learning environment. Through interactive classes and problem-solving activities, you are introduced to advanced mathematical concepts that are typically encountered at the college level, including number theory, topology, and geometry. The program emphasizes abstract reasoning, logical thinking, and mathematical proof writing while helping you strengthen your analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills. You participate in weekly sessions led by faculty members and teaching assistants who guide collaborative discussions and group-based mathematical exploration. Rather than focusing on memorization, the curriculum encourages creative thinking and deeper conceptual understanding through challenging mathematical exercises and interactive learning.
13. Science Exploration Program
Location: Stony Brook University, New York
Cost/Stipend: $700 non-refundable fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Maximum enrollment of 24 students per grade level
Dates: June 29 – July 9, 2026 (Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served registration
Eligibility: Students entering 7th or 8th grade in September 2026
The Science Exploration Program at Stony Brook University is a laboratory-based STEM enrichment experience designed to strengthen your scientific reasoning, research, and experimental skills through hands-on learning activities. The program combines laboratory work with reading, writing, computer research, and collaborative group projects to help you better understand scientific concepts in real-world contexts. If you are entering 7th grade, you focus on building foundational laboratory skills through guided explorations in physics, chemistry, microbiology, and ecology. If you are entering 8th grade, you will explore more advanced topics such as biotechnology, genetics, environmental chemistry, bioremediation, and disease-related case studies connected to concepts like homeostasis and environmental systems. Throughout the program, you participate in demonstrations, scientific investigations, and interactive discussions designed to prepare you for future high school science coursework.
14. Helicon, Inc. SHSAT Prep and Math Support Programs for Girls
Location: Stuyvesant High School, NYC, and online
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly specified
Dates: Multi-phase program running from July 2025 through the SHSAT testing season in 2026
Application Deadline: Not publicly specified
Eligibility: African American and Latina girls entering 7th grade in September 2025; additional tutoring resources available for primary-, middle-, and high-school girls
Helicon, Inc.’s SHSAT Prep and Math Support Programs provide free academic enrichment and standardized test preparation opportunities for girls pursuing advanced academic pathways in New York City. The 8th annual SHSAT Prep Course focuses on preparing African American and Latina girls for the Specialized High Schools Admission Test through intensive instruction in mathematics, English language arts, algebra, geometry, vocabulary development, and full-length practice examinations. Across multiple phases, you participate in mental math boot camps, SHSAT review sessions, Regents exam preparation, and weekend practice testing designed to strengthen quantitative reasoning and test-taking skills over an extended period. In addition to SHSAT preparation, the organization offers online Algebra I and Algebra II Regents practice sessions and ACT/SAT math review workshops to help you build problem-solving and analytical abilities. The Math Homework Helper program further supports students through short virtual tutoring sessions covering primary, middle, and high school mathematics topics.
15. Fusion Academy Summer School Programs
Location: In-person, virtual, and hybrid options available
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies by course and format
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Personalized 1-to-1 and small-group instruction
Dates: Flexible summer scheduling; courses may be completed in as little as four weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
The Fusion Academy Summer School Programs offer personalized academic support and enrichment opportunities designed to help you catch up, get ahead, or explore new interests during the summer. Through one-to-one instruction and small-group learning, you can take credit-bearing core or elective courses, including honors and AP-level classes, in a customized learning environment. Teachers tailor instruction to your learning style and academic goals, allowing you to complete coursework at an accelerated pace while receiving individualized attention and feedback. In addition to academic credit courses, Fusion Academy provides remediation and enrichment programs that strengthen reading, mathematics, and core subject skills through targeted tutoring and personalized instruction. You can also explore elective experiences and interest-based learning opportunities designed to keep you engaged outside the traditional classroom setting
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there free summer programs for middle school students in NYC? Yes, 6 programs on this list are free or fully funded. SONYC and Science of Smart Cities both offer full scholarships and are hosted by NYU, though both are restricted to NYC students ages 12-14. NYU CCL is free for current 7th and 8th-graders attending NYC public schools. BEAM is free and covers transportation, meals, field trips, and activities for 6th and 7th graders from lower-income families in NYC and LA. Baruch College STEP Academy is free for students in grades 7-12 with an interest in STEM. Helicon's SHSAT Prep program is free for African American and Latina girls entering 7th grade in NYC.
2. Which NYC summer programs are open to students outside New York City? Most in-person programs on this list require NYC residency or enrollment at NYC schools. Students outside the city have the most options through: Stony Brook University's Science Exploration Program (no geographic restriction listed), Columbia Middle School Model UN Camp (ages 11-13, open enrollment), FIT Precollege Workshops (grades 7-9, no residency requirement stated), the Summer Culinary Program (ages 12-17, open enrollment), and Fusion Academy (flexible locations and virtual options). For fully virtual programs with no location requirement, Junior Innovator and Lumiere Junior Explorer are both available to students worldwide.
3. What NYC summer programs are available for 6th graders? Two programs on this list are open to 6th graders. BEAM accepts students in 6th and 7th grade from lower-income families with strong mathematical potential in NYC and LA. Baruch College STEP Academy is open to students in grades 7-12, and while it lists grade 7 as the entry point, students completing 6th grade in spring would qualify for the summer session. NYU STEP and Junior Innovator Program are also open to middle school students broadly and may accommodate 6th graders depending on the cohort.