Coding for Middle Schoolers — 8 Free Opportunities
Coding is an essential skill in today’s technology-driven world. The reasons to get started with coding in middle school are simple – coding programs introduce fundamental concepts such as logic, problem-solving, and computational thinking. These programs explore topics like game design, web development, AI, and robotics. Alongside technical skills, they encourage creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Free coding courses make learning accessible to everyone by removing financial barriers, while offering expert-led instruction. These programs are an excellent way to spark your interest in STEM and learn essential programming skills. Here are eight free or affordable coding programs for middle school students in 2025:
1. Code.org – Middle School Computer Science Pathway
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Rolling enrolment
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6–12
Credits Awarded: No formal credits, but completion certificates are provided.
Code.org is a nonprofit organization focused on making computer science education accessible to everyone. Their middle school pathway courses, such as "Introduction to Game Lab" and "CS Discoveries," cover coding basics, game development, and web design. The courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own convenience, while engaging in hands-on projects. Teachers or parents can support your progress with scaffolded lesson plans, making it a great option for both home and classroom learning.
2. Girls Who Code – Clubs for Middle Schoolers
Cost: Free
Location: Nationwide and online
Application Deadline: Rolling enrolment
Program Dates: Regular meetups throughout the academic year
Eligibility: Middle school girls or nonbinary students in grades 6–8
Credits Awarded: No formal credits, but a certificate of participation is provided.
Girls Who Code Clubs provide a welcoming space to learn coding languages like Python, Scratch, and HTML/CSS while tackling real-world problems. Designed for girls and non-binary folx who are middle school students, the program emphasizes not just technical skills but also teamwork and leadership skills. Clubs are offered both nationwide and online, ensuring broad accessibility. With a mission to close the gender gap in tech, this program is ideal if you’re a young woman eager to explore coding within a supportive community.
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Application Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Open to all, no prior coding experience needed
Credits Awarded: No credits
The MIT App Inventor offers free tutorials that introduce middle school students to app development using a block-based coding platform. Through its cloud-based service, you can design and build functional mobile apps, such as health trackers or educational games, while learning programming fundamentals. This hands-on approach makes coding practical and engaging, showing real-world applications in a user-friendly way.
4. Create & Learn–Beginner Coding Series
Cost: Free for introductory sessions
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Program Dates: Self-paced; live class options available
Eligibility: Open to grades 6–8
Credits Awarded: Completion certificates are provided.
Create & Learn offers a variety of beginner-friendly coding classes designed for middle school students. The program’s "Scratch Ninja" and "Roblox Coding" series combine creativity with technical skills to keep learning engaging. While introductory sessions are free, advanced classes are available for a fee. Experienced instructors use an inquiry-based teaching approach to encourage critical thinking and curiosity, making the program a great starting point for young learners interested in coding.
5. Carnegie Mellon’s CS Academy
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Program Dates: Academic year; self-paced or guided cohorts
Eligibility: Grades 6–8; teacher/guardian guidance recommended
Credits Awarded: No formal credits
Carnegie Mellon University’s CS Academy provides a free, web-based coding curriculum for young learners. The program focuses on Python programming, emphasizing computational thinking and problem-solving skills. Through interactive projects like creating animations and solving puzzles, you’ll develop hands-on coding experience. The curriculum is accessible year-round, with structured cohort options that offer mentorship opportunities for deeper engagement. This program is an excellent choice if you’re looking to build foundational coding skills in a supportive and interactive environment.
6. Khan Academy – Intro to JavaScript
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Open to grades 6–8
Credits Awarded: No formal credits
Khan Academy’s "Intro to JavaScript" offers a user-friendly platform for middle schoolers to explore the fundamentals of coding. This course focuses on creating drawings and animation using JavaScript, blending art with coding concepts. Its self-paced structure allows you to learn at your own speed, with instant feedback and quizzes to reinforce your understanding. This program is a good option if you’re looking to explore creative coding and build essential skills in a flexible and engaging environment.
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Program Dates: Summer 2025 (tentative)
Eligibility: Open to middle school students worldwide
Credits Awarded: Certificate upon completion
Harvard’s CS50x offers an introductory computer science course adapted for middle school learners, simplifying complex topics like game design, web development, and basic AI. The curriculum incorporates engaging elements such as Scratch projects and interactive challenges, making advanced concepts accessible. You can earn certificates upon completing the program, highlighting your accomplishments. This course combines rigorous instruction with creativity, providing a strong foundation in coding and computational thinking.
Cost: Free
Location: Virginia (in-person and online options)
Application Deadline: May 2025 (tentative)
Program Dates: June–July 2025 (tentative)
Eligibility: Virginia residents in grades 6–8
Credits Awarded: No credits
CodeVA’s fully-funded workshops and programs for middle schoolers covers concepts in various STEAM topics including programming fundamentals, internet safety, and ethical hacking. These programs combine engaging lessons with hands-on activities, offering practical exposure to real-world coding applications. With virtual participation options, the curriculum is designed to make STEAM topics accessible while fostering critical thinking and technical skills. The Eureka workshops offers accessible and engaging pathways into the basics of programming.
Bonus! If you’re eager to dive into the world of AI and machine learning, consider the Veritas AI Trailblazers Program
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Program dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring and 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort
Fee: $1,790
Financial assistance: Need-based financial aid is available
Aimed at middle school students, this virtual program introduces core concepts like Python, data analysis, and AI ethics. Through guided lessons and group sessions with personalized mentorship, you’ll complete a project that interests you—whether it's music classification or educational algorithms. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore AI while learning valuable skills in a hands-on, collaborative environment.
For more details, visit Veritas AI Trailblazers.
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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