8 Online Machine Learning (ML) Programs for Middle School Students
If you’re a middle school student curious about artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), you might wonder where to start without diving into an overwhelming college-level course. Online machine learning programs for middle school students provide an accessible, engaging, and hands-on way to explore AI. These programs not only introduce coding and data science fundamentals but also help you gain practical skills, exposure to industry trends, and mentorship opportunities.
Many online machine learning programs for middle school students are backed by top universities, research labs, and leading organizations, ensuring a high-quality learning experience. They offer a structured approach to machine learning, allowing you to experiment with AI models, work on real-world projects, and even interact with experts in the field. Because they’re online, you can learn from anywhere, access top-tier instructors, and work at a pace that suits your schedule.
For students interested in machine learning, AI applications, and coding, online machine learning programs for middle school students serve as an excellent stepping stone toward deeper STEM exploration. To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down the top 8 online machine learning programs for middle school students—each offering a unique blend of hands-on projects, mentorship, and foundational AI concepts.
1. Berkeley Coding Academy – Data Science: The AI Journey
Location: Online (Zoom)
Cost: $2,129 ( early applicants); $2,699 (regular applicants)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 8 or less per cohort
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling (early enrollments get discounts)
Eligibility: Ages 12-14 & 15-18; requires Python experience (writing functions, using libraries)
Berkeley Coding Academy’s Data Science: The AI Journey is a structured online summer program focusing on data science, Python programming, and machine learning. Over three weeks, you will work with linear regression, decision trees, random forests, XGBoost, and neural networks, using libraries like Scikit-learn and Keras. The course emphasizes hands-on coding, with students creating custom data visualizations and developing machine-learning models. The program culminates in a final project, where you will apply AI techniques to a dataset and present your findings. A Data Science Scholar Certificate is awarded upon completion.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers
Location: Online
Cost: $1,990
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort and 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort
Application Deadline: Rolling. March 23 for early admission into the summer cohort
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual program that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will learn the basics of Python as well as topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. You will learn through lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Previous student projects have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and creating a machine-learning algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on selected specifications.
3. Stanford University: Machine Learning Specialization
Location: Online (via Coursera)
Cost: Free. $49 for certification
Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
Dates: 2 month (self-paced)
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Open to all; knowing basic code, arithmetic, and algebra is recommended
Stanford University’s Machine Learning Specialization is a three-course foundational online program that was created in collaboration with DeepLearning.AI and Stanford Online. During the program, you will learn about the fundamentals of machine learning and how you can use it to build real-world AI applications. You’ll also learn about concepts like supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and industry best practices. By the end of the program, you’ll be able to do things like build machine learning models in Python, deep reinforcement learning models, and so on.
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program – AI & Data Science Track
Location: Online
Cost: $2,400
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Spring Cohort: March 3
Summer Cohort I: June 2
Summer Cohort II: July 14
Application Deadline:
Priority Admission: March 9 (for the summer cohort)
Regular Admission: April 13 & May 11 (for the summer cohort)
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6–8)
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week online research program where middle school students are able to work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to explore AI, machine learning, and data science. Founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, the program offers a structured research experience, guiding students through topic exploration, project development, and final research presentation. As a participant, you will gain hands-on experience in AI applications, build a unique research portfolio, and develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
5. UC San Diego Extended Studies – Introduction to Python Programming and Machine Learning
Location: Online
Cost: TBD
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment
Dates: July 7 – July 25 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle school students
This live online course introduces middle school students to Python programming and machine learning through hands-on projects. During the program, you will learn the basics of Python scripting, functions, loops, and conditionals, and apply your knowledge to create an image classification model using Google Teachable Machine. The course also explores real-world AI applications, including self-driving cars, robotics, and data analysis. As a participant, you will build a basic image classifier, integrate it into a web application, and test it on a Raspberry Pi platform, providing a tangible introduction to machine learning concepts.
6. Veritas AI Junior Fellowship
Location: Online
Cost: $3,900
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (12-week duration)
Application Deadline: March 23 for early admissions into the summer cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6-8)
The Veritas AI Junior Fellowship is a 12-week online program designed to let middle school students (grades 6-8) explore artificial intelligence, analyze real-world data, and create an independent AI project with 1-on-1 mentorship. The program follows a structured learning model, starting with the exploration of AI concepts and machine learning techniques, followed by data analysis and feasibility assessment, and culminating in the development of a novel AI-driven project.
You’ll get to work closely with a mentor, who will guide you in identifying AI applications in fields like medicine, finance, environmental science, and more. Through hands-on experience, you’ll gain a deep understanding of AI models, problem-solving techniques, and coding practices. The final project showcases original research and AI implementation, helping you build a strong foundation in AI while developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
7. Wolfram Middle School Summer Camp
Location: Online
Cost: $500; needs-based financial aid available on a sliding scale (up to 100%)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28 (early decision); May 1 (regular deadline)
Eligibility: Middle school girls and gender-nonconforming students between the ages of 11 and 14; should have an interest and background in STEM
The Wolfram Middle School Summer Camp is a virtual, one-week summer camp designed for middle school girls interested in computational thinking, programming, and innovative technology. Sponsored by Wolfram Research, the program provides hands-on training in Wolfram Language, an advanced programming language used for data science, machine learning, and mathematical computing. Through interactive workshops, expert speakers, and peer collaboration, you will develop problem-solving skills and explore AI-related applications.
8. Creative AI: A Middle School Curriculum on Creativity, Generative AI, and Ethics
Location: Online
Cost: Not mentioned
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Medium selectivity (MIT-affiliated program designed for broader accessibility)
Dates: Not mentioned
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Middle school students
This hands-on AI program introduces middle school students to machine learning, generative AI, and ethical considerations through interactive activities. The curriculum covers Neural Networks, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and AI-driven creativity in various media, including text, images, music, and videos.
As a participant, you will train your own GANs, experiment with AI-generated art, and explore real-world applications of generative AI. Ethical discussions include AI bias, misinformation, and ownership of AI-generated content. The program balances plugged and unplugged activities, allowing you to understand key AI concepts while engaging in creative projects.
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