10 Tech Camps for Middle School Students
Exploring technology at a young age can open up a world of possibilities, and tech camps for middle school students provide an excellent opportunity to dive into this dynamic field. Whether you're just starting to explore technology or have a passion for it, tech camps offer a hands-on way to learn, create, and innovate. Guided by experienced instructors, they allow you to tackle real-world challenges, like building a robot, designing a game, or coding an application.
Beyond the immediate skills and knowledge gained, attending tech camps for middle school students can also be valuable to your educational journey. It can help your future college applications stand out by showcasing your initiative and dedication to learning outside the classroom. In this article, we’ve highlighted 10 tech camps for middle school students that are designed to help you explore your interests and set a strong foundation for future success in technology.
1. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,400. Financial aid available
Program Dates: 8 weeks from:
Winter Cohort II: January 20, 2025
Spring Cohort 2025: March 3, 2025
Application Deadline:
Winter Cohort II: December 29, 2024
Spring Cohort 2025: February 9, 2025
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6 – 8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a unique opportunity for middle school students to explore their academic interests while developing a high school-level project. Although not a traditional camp, the fully remote format of the program makes it accessible and ideal for students seeking flexibility.
For over 8 weeks, you’ll work closely with a dedicated mentor in weekly one-on-one sessions. The program begins with a broad exploration of four topics within your chosen track during the first four weeks, allowing you to discover which areas captivate you most. This foundation sets the stage for a focused deep dive into one topic of your choice, where you’ll define and refine the concept for your project.
In the final weeks, you’ll bring your project to life with your mentor’s guidance. The program is designed to enhance your problem-solving skills, encourage creative thinking, and introduce you to advanced concepts in your chosen field. Whether it’s coding, engineering, or another tech-related area, you’ll have the chance to explore new ideas and build something meaningful.
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,990. Financial aid available
Program Dates: 10 weeks. The Spring Cohort dates are March 9, 2025 – May 11, 2025
Application Deadline: January 5, 2025, for the Spring Cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6 – 8
The Veritas AI Trailblazers program is an engaging experience designed for middle school students eager to explore artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 10 weeks, or an accelerated two-week summer schedule, you’ll dive into the world of AI with no prior experience required. The program introduces you to Python programming, data analysis, and foundational concepts in AI during the first two weeks. From weeks 3 to 5, you’ll explore more specific topics, such as regression and classification problems, while gaining hands-on experience with exploratory data analysis.
In the later weeks, the program delves into advanced topics like image classification, neural networks, and the critical considerations of AI ethics. Each session includes both interactive lectures and group discussions, ensuring a supportive environment with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. By the program's end, you’ll collaborate with peers on a project that applies what you’ve learned, showcasing your skills in solving real-world problems through AI – helping set a strong foundation for future exploration in technology and innovation.
3. DynaMIT Camp
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: mid to late August 2025 (1 week for rising 6-7th graders, 1 week for rising 8-9th graders)
Application Deadline: TBA; fill out this form for info on the 2025 session
Eligibility: Rising 6th – 9th graders in the Boston area
DynaMIT is a fully-funded tech camp for middle school students based in the Boston area, designed to spark your curiosity and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. Hosted at MIT, the camp offers a week-long immersive experience that challenges you to think critically, solve problems, and dive into hands-on activities. You’ll work on projects that cover a wide range of STEM topics, from engineering design to scientific experiments, all while developing essential skills like teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking.
In addition to the fun projects, dynaMIT also emphasizes the importance of skills that will serve you well in any future career, such as collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. You’ll be involved in challenges that require both independent thinking and working together as a team to create solutions – whether you’re building a simple machine or testing an experiment. The program is completely free and open to middle school students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, making it a great opportunity for anyone interested in exploring the world of STEM without worrying about costs.
Location: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, AL
Cost: $1,899
Program Dates: Multiple one-week camps are available. Click here for available options.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 12 – 14
At the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Space Academy, you’ll dive into the fascinating world of space exploration through an array of hands-on activities tailored for middle school students. Designed for students aged 12-14, this space camp offers a chance to experience what it’s like to train as an astronaut and solve real-world challenges in space science. You’ll take part in mission simulations to the moon, Mars, or the International Space Station, using NASA’s innovative 1/6th gravity chair to simulate walking in low-gravity environments. Alongside peers, you’ll tackle engineering problems like designing, building, and launching a team rocket, all while learning about space travel’s technical and creative demands.
At the Academy, you’ll collaborate with others to navigate complex missions and complete tasks, such as constructing a heat shield during the Thermal Design Challenge. Leadership training is woven into aquatic team-building activities and the Space Camp Challenge Course. With every challenge and activity, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and the skills needed for innovation in space technology.
Location: University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Cost:
Non-sponsored programs: $700 per week (commuters); $1,350 per week (residential)
Sponsored programs: Free
Program Dates: July (tentatively)
Application Deadline: May (tentatively)
Eligibility: Students in grades 5 – 12
The UNH Tech Camp, offered by the University of New Hampshire’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, is an immersive program that brings STEM subjects to life through hands-on, collaborative projects. The camp fosters a sense of curiosity and adventure, welcoming learners of all experience levels. You’ll work in state-of-the-art facilities alongside award-winning faculty, exploring a variety of STEM fields through dynamic, project-based learning. Activities are tailored to encourage creative thinking and problem-solving, allowing you to tackle real-world challenges in an engaging and supportive environment.
One of the camp’s standout features is its focus on innovative areas like regenerative medicine and biofabrication, offered as part of a broader workforce development initiative called NH CREATES. Through this unique opportunity, you’ll dive into cutting-edge topics funded by a prestigious Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) grant. With an inclusive atmosphere and scholarship opportunities, the program ensures that STEM education is more accessible.
6. Air Force Association’s CyberCamp
Location: Varies, depending on the host institution
Cost: $1,200 (standard); $1,500 (advanced)
Program Dates: Multiple five-day camps from June 2, 2025 – August 15, 2025
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Designed for beginners, the Air Force Association’s CyberCamp spans five days and twenty hours, immersing participants in topics such as cyber ethics, online safety, and the fundamentals of computer systems. With a mix of instructor-led sessions, interactive modules, and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn essential skills in Windows and Linux security, account management, file protection, and command-line tools. The program is hosted by various approved organizations, including schools, universities, and community clubs, ensuring a professional yet approachable environment.
Throughout the week, you’ll explore how cybersecurity concepts apply to real-world scenarios while gaining practical experience with Windows 10 and Ubuntu 18 demonstration images. The camp culminates in a friendly CyberPatriot competition on the final day, where you can test your newly acquired skills against peers. Advanced camps offer additional flexibility for those seeking to specialize further, covering advanced Windows and Linux security, networking, and other specialized topics.
7. Penn GEMS
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $650 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: A week in June (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: March (tentative)
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 – 9 residing in the Philadelphia area
The Penn GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science) Camp offers an exciting week for middle school students to dive into the fascinating world of applied science, technology, and engineering. This camp is held on the University of Pennsylvania campus and focuses on practical exploration in bioengineering, nanotechnology, materials science, and computing. Through engaging activities, you’ll learn how engineers solve real-world problems, collaborate in teams, and develop solutions that make a difference in everyday life. The camp’s focus on challenging projects ensures that you not only learn new concepts but also see how these ideas are applied in real-world scenarios.
In addition to practical experiments, Penn GEMS connects you with mentors and role models, including Penn engineering students, who provide guidance and insight into what a future in STEM might look like. The program emphasizes teamwork, creative problem-solving, and building confidence in technical skills. While Penn GEMS is a day camp and does not offer overnight accommodations, it provides a supportive and inspiring environment to deepen your interest in STEM and consider the possibilities of pursuing engineering in college and beyond.
Location: 65+ locations across the U.S.
Cost: Varies, depending on location and course
Program Dates: Week-long camps between June – August
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students aged 7 – 19
iD Tech Summer Camps provide a hands-on opportunity for students to explore cutting-edge fields in technology. These week-long camps are offered at over 150 locations across the U.S. and focus on coding, game design, virtual reality, robotics, and 3D printing. Whether you’re building your first app, programming a robot, or designing a video game, the curriculum is designed to inspire creativity while teaching practical skills. Each session includes small class sizes – guaranteeing no more than eight students per instructor – so you can receive individualized guidance as you work on projects tailored to your interests.
The camps are inclusive and offer specialized programs, including co-ed options and all-girls tech camps like Alexa Café for girls aged 10 – 15, which combine technology with entrepreneurship and social activism. Projects vary by camp and age group but often involve coding languages like Python or Java, robotics challenges, or designing 3D models for printing.
If attending in person isn’t an option, iD Tech also offers year-round online courses through their Tech Rocket platform, where you can learn independently or with live tutoring. These camps give you the chance to develop skills that are not only exciting but also highly relevant to future STEM careers.
9. CodeWizardsHQ Virtual Summer Coding Camp
Location: Online or on-campus at various locations across the U.S.
Cost: $199 – $799
Program Dates: Multiple one-week and 2-day camps from June – August
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students aged 11 – 13
CodeWizardsHQ Virtual Summer Coding Camp is an ideal opportunity for middle school students to dive into the world of technology through interactive, game-based learning. You’ll get to explore foundational coding concepts while working on hands-on projects like creating Redstone circuits in Minecraft, developing custom games in Roblox, or designing virtual worlds using Unreal Editor for Fortnite. The AI camp introduces you to the basics of machine learning, helping you understand how technology powers tools you use every day. Classes are led by live instructors and conducted on a custom-built coding platform that supports real-time interaction and collaboration.
Each camp runs for two hours per day, blending fun and education in a way that makes coding approachable, even for beginners. Throughout the camp, you’ll receive regular feedback from instructors, and your parents will be updated on your progress. By the end of the program, you’ll earn a certification, giving you a sense of accomplishment along with a head start in STEM learning!
10. Tech Explorer Camp at the University of North Texas
Location: Frisco Landing, Preston Rd, Frisco, TX
Cost: $350 (not including meals)
Program Dates: July (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Designed to nurture creativity and curiosity, the Tech Explorer Camp at the University of North Texas introduces you to diverse tech-related fields such as human-computer interaction, informatics, and misinformation. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll participate in workshops and hands-on activities that gradually progress in complexity throughout the week. You’ll also gain exposure to potential careers in information science, such as user experience research and IT specialization while learning how technology shapes our lives and future workplaces.
Through collaborative projects, like coding exercises or robotics challenges, you’ll develop practical skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. Sessions are interactive and engaging, making complex concepts easy to understand, whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your knowledge. By the end of the week, you’ll walk away not only with new skills but also with a deeper understanding of technology’s role in the modern world.
Are you looking to start a project or research paper in the field of AI and ML? Consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is an AI program designed for high schoolers. It’s founded and run by Harvard graduate students. The program aims to give students the opportunity to create unique projects in the field of AI. Participants will get to learn more about AI from researchers and experts and work 1-on-1 with mentors from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and more. In just the past year, we’ve had over a thousand students learn with us! You too can apply!
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI!
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