Let’s meet two students, Alfred and Beth. Both are enrolled in middle school, but that’s where the similarities end. Their personalities are quite different…
Alfred spends his summer playing Minecraft, watching Netflix, and relaxing on the couch. While it’s all fun and games, Alfie isn’t gaining any new skills or experiences that will help him later on. Meanwhile, Beth has a different approach. She also has fun, but her summer is filled with exciting learning opportunities. She attends a science camp, joins a creative writing workshop, and explores job shadowing at her local pharmacy. By the time high school rolls around, Betty is leagues ahead of Alfie in the ways that count.
When it’s time for college applications, Betty has a robust resume filled with academic achievements, new skills, and connections with mentors, all thanks to the summer programs she attended. As a result, she stands apart from students like Alfie in the competitive college admissions process.
The difference? How they chose to use their summers. In this article, we’ll examine why summer programs are important for middle school students and provide a shortlist of some of the best opportunities out there to get you started.
Why Do Summer Programs for Middle School Students Matter?
Many families (like Alfie’s) overlook middle school as a critical time for exploring academic interests and building new skills. However, summer programs for middle schoolers offer the perfect environment to grow academically and socially. Let’s take a closer look at why these programs are so valuable:
- Exploring new interests: Summer programs allow students to dive into subjects they may not encounter in a regular school setting, from robotics to creative writing.
- Making new friends: By interacting with peers who share similar interests, students build friendships that can last a lifetime.
- Learning how to network with peers and mentors: These programs give students access to professionals and educators who can offer guidance and inspiration.
- Building your resume: Even at a young age, attending summer programs shows a commitment to learning and personal growth, which can be a future asset for college and job applications.
- Opening doors to new opportunities: Many programs introduce students to career paths and academic fields that they hadn’t considered before, sparking interests that can shape their future decisions.
- Developing key skills for future success: Summer programs don’t just provide academic enrichment; they also help students develop key skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration—qualities highly valued in college applications. Engaging in these activities early can lay the foundation for success in advanced high school coursework, internships, and leadership opportunities.
- Strategic planning for college admissions: Admissions officers look for applicants who show consistency and passion in their pursuits. Participating in a variety of programs year after year shows dedication to academic and personal growth, which is exactly what college admissions want to see.
Convinced? Let’s get started!
Top Middle School Summer Programs
Here’s a roundup of some of the best summer programs for middle school students. Some are free to attend, while others charge tuition. The programs are located across the country and range widely in subject matter.
1. International Summer School at Yale University
- Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Cost: $8,900
- Dates: July 14, 2024, to August 4, 2024
- Deadline: May 1, 2024
- Eligibility: Current 13 to 18 year olds
- Description: The International Summer School at Yale University offers students the opportunity to experience life at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. The program includes a wide range of academic courses, extracurricular activities, and cultural experiences. Students live on campus, take part in college-level courses, and engage in enriching activities designed to broaden their horizons and develop their leadership skills.
2. The Ulysses G. Grant Foundation at Yale University
- Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Cost: $75 (scholarships available)
- Dates: June 24, 2024, to August 2, 2024
- Deadline: February 23, 2024
- Eligibility: Rising 6th to 9th grade students currently studying in New Haven
Description: This six-week academic enrichment program is designed to prepare New Haven middle school students for success in high school and beyond. Students attend classes in math, writing, and critical thinking, while also participating in field trips and college readiness workshops. The program has a long-standing tradition of supporting the academic growth of underrepresented students.
3. Purdue University’s Physics Inside Out
- Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
- Cost: Free
- Dates: June 25 – June 28, 2024
- Deadline: May 1, 2024
- Eligibility: Current students in grades 7 and 8
Description: This week-long day camp introduces middle school students to the fundamentals of physics through hands-on experiments and activities, including building electric motors and exploring microfluidics. Participants also interact with Purdue faculty and graduate students, gaining insight into both the science and personal stories of researchers at the university?.
4. MIT DynaMIT
- Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
- Cost: Free
- Dates: Varies by program
- Deadline: March 10, 2024
- Eligibility: Rising 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grades
Description: DynaMIT is a week-long science and engineering program designed to ignite interest in STEM fields among middle school students. Hosted on the MIT campus, this hands-on, project-based program provides participants with an engaging introduction to robotics, engineering, and problem-solving activities.
5. Summer Explorations at Harvard University
- Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Cost: Free
- Dates: July 10, 2024, to August 4, 2024
- Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling bases
- Eligibility: Current 6th to 8th grade Harvard Ed Portal member (or Ed Portal eligible) who meets the age/grade requirements.
Description: Summer Explorations at Harvard University offers local middle school students the chance to take part in engaging academic activities and enriching experiences. The program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary learning, leadership, and community engagement. Participants explore a variety of subjects, collaborate on projects, and receive mentorship from Harvard faculty and students.
6. Summer Residential Program at Duke University
- Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
- Cost: Varies by program
- Dates: Varies by program
- Deadline: April 1, 2024
- Eligibility: Current 6th to 11th grade students
Description: Duke’s Summer Residential Program offers students a chance to immerse themselves in a rigorous academic environment while experiencing life on a college campus. The program covers a range of topics, from STEM and the humanities to leadership and social sciences. Students participate in interactive classes, social activities, and college prep workshops, all designed to enhance their academic and personal growth.
7. North Carolina State University Step Up to STEM
- Location: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Cost: Free
- Dates: Varies by program
- Deadline: February 8, 2024
Description: Step Up to STEM is a week-long residential program aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented students in STEM fields. Participants engage in scientific and engineering challenges, attend workshops, and network with peers and mentors from the academic community. The program emphasizes building confidence and leadership skills in STEM disciplines.
8. NYS 4-H Animal Science Programs at Cornell University
- Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
- Cost: Free
- Dates: June 2024
- Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling bases
- Eligibility: Current middle school students
Description: Cornell University’s 4-H Animal Science Programs introduce middle school students to the world of animal husbandry and veterinary science. Participants engage in hands-on activities such as livestock management, animal care, and veterinary practices, all while learning about the importance of sustainable agriculture. The program is designed to foster a love for animal science and agriculture among young students.
9. State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) at Columbia University
- Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
- Cost: Free
- Dates: July 8, 2024, to August 2, 2024
- Deadline: May 15, 2024
- Eligibility: Students must be:
- Enrolled in Grades 7 to 12
- A New York State Resident or a Permanent Resident residing in the state.
- Economically disadvantaged, or Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaskan Native or American Indian; and will benefit from academic enrichment.
Description: S-PREP is an academic enrichment program focused on providing middle and high school students from underrepresented groups with access to advanced science, math, and writing courses. The program also includes college readiness workshops and networking opportunities with Columbia faculty and professionals. Participants gain academic skills, career insights, and mentorship in preparation for future success?.
10. NYU College and Career Lab (CCL)
- Location: New York University, New York, NY
- Cost: Free
- Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2024
- Deadline: March 31, 2024
- Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in the 7th or 8th grade at a New York City public school.
Description: The NYU College and Career Lab offers middle school students an immersive introduction to college and career pathways. Through a combination of academic enrichment and career exploration, participants learn about a variety of fields and develop skills that will help them succeed in high school and beyond. The program focuses on supporting students from traditionally underrepresented groups in higher education.
11. NYU Sounds of New York City (SONYC)
- Location: New York University, New York, NY
- Cost: Free
- Dates: July 8 – August 4, 2024
- Deadline: April 14, 2024
- Eligibility: Eligible applicants will be students who live in New York City and are currently age 12 by the start of the program but not older than 14 on the day the program begins.
Description: SONYC is a unique program focused on urban soundscapes and noise pollution in New York City. Students engage in scientific research and experiments, learning to collect and analyze sound data. This program allows students to work directly with NYU faculty and graduate students, fostering scientific inquiry in an applied, real-world setting.
12. Penn GEMS at the University of Pennsylvania
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Cost: $650
- Dates: June 24 to 28, 2024
- Deadline: March 4, 2024
- Eligibility: Philadelphia-area middle school students in 6th, 7th or 8th grade
Description: Penn GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science) is a week-long camp aimed at introducing young girls to STEM fields through hands-on workshops and projects. Participants work with Penn faculty and students to explore various engineering disciplines and are encouraged to develop their problem-solving skills and creativity. The program aims to inspire girls to pursue STEM careers and reduce gender disparities in these fields?.
13. STEM for Rising 9th and 10th Graders at Brown University
- Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
- Cost: $5,498
- Dates: July 14 to 26, 2024
- Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until courses reach capacity
- Eligibility: Students completing grades 8 to 9, ages 13 to 15 by June 16, 2024
Description: his two-week residential program at Brown University is designed for students passionate about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Participants take part in interactive classes, hands-on workshops, and real-world projects under the guidance of Brown University faculty. The program focuses on helping students develop their problem-solving and research skills, with an emphasis on preparing them for future academic challenges in STEM fields.
14. CMU Summer Engineering Experience (SEE)
- Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
- Cost: $100 (Financial aid available)
- Dates: June 24 – June 28, 2024
- Deadline: April 10, 2024
- Eligibility: Rising 8th and 9th graders who are able to commit to attending the program from 9 AM – 3 PM.
Description: SEE at Carnegie Mellon University introduces middle school students to engineering concepts through hands-on design projects and interactive workshops. Participants get a chance to explore different engineering fields, work in teams, and engage in critical problem-solving. The program encourages students to develop a passion for STEM disciplines at an early age.
15. Women’s Alliance in STEM and Humanities Summer Research Institute
- Location: Virtual / In-person TBD
- Cost: Free
- Dates: Once a week for six weeks, ranging from the end of June to the first week of August.
- Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Eligibility: Students identifying as female in grades 6-12.
Description: This program provides young women with the opportunity to engage in research projects related to STEM or the humanities. Students are paired with mentors who guide them through the research process, offering support and fostering intellectual curiosity. The program encourages the development of both academic and leadership skills, with a focus on empowering female students in underrepresented fields.
16. Stanford Middle School Scholars Program (SMSSP)
- Location: Virtual
- Cost: Free
- Dates: July 8 – 26, 2024
- Deadline: March 29, 2024
- Eligibility: Low-income students in grades 6 or 7 who reside in and attend school in the United States.
Description: SMSSP provides academically talented middle school students from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to participate in rigorous, interdisciplinary courses. The program emphasizes critical thinking, academic skills, and college preparation. By engaging with Stanford professors and mentors, students gain exposure to advanced topics and develop skills that will serve them throughout their academic journey.
Launching Your Summer Plans
If you need help finding the ideal program for your student, start thinking about your long-term strategy now. Early exposure to educational programs can help shape their interests, build valuable skills, and enhance their future college applications. Whether your child is passionate about STEM, the arts, or leadership, there’s a summer program that can open doors to new experiences! By strategically choosing summer programs that align with a student’s interests, families can help their child build a competitive profile for college admissions.
What’s more, these programs also give students the chance to work with mentors who can later provide strong letters of recommendation. Colleges value students who have demonstrated a commitment to learning outside of the classroom, making summer programs an ideal way to stand out. Investing in their development today sets the foundation for academic success tomorrow.
Best of all?
You don’t have to do all this alone. A college counselor can help guide you through the options and ensure your student is on the right path, from middle school through college admissions. At Empowerly, our team spends on average 25x more time with students than the average high school counselor. We are here to help walk you through every step of the way, from applications to attendance, and ensure you’re still having fun.
