Top 8 Engineering Programs for Middle School Students
Middle school students who are interested in technology and math should explore their interests by participating in engineering programs! These programs offer students an exceptional opportunity to explore the world of engineering while developing skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.
Participating in an engineering program while in middle school introduces you to the fundamentals of engineering and challenges you to apply them in creative and practical ways. Through hands-on projects, interactive workshops, and exposure to real-world engineering applications, you will gain a deeper understanding of how engineering shapes the world around us. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 8 engineering programs you should consider joining!
Location: NYU
Cost: Free
Program dates: 3 weeks - July 8 to August 2
Application Deadline: April 14, 2024
Eligibility: Age 12 by the start of the program but not older than 14 on the day program begins, NYC Residents
The NYU Science of Smart Cities program offers students a unique opportunity to delve into the field of urban innovation. This program, hosted by New York University, is designed to provide middle school students with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts that underpin smart city technologies. Through the program, participants engage in a curriculum that combines interactive coursework, hands-on projects, and site visits to explore various aspects of urban development, such as sustainability, transportation, and infrastructure. Students learn how technology can be utilized to address urban challenges and improve the quality of life in cities.
In the Science of Smart Cities program, you will be expected to actively participate in group projects and use what you’ve learned to propose creative solutions to real-world urban issues. The final component includes the presentation of these innovative ideas. The program also provides additional perks, such as the opportunity to network with peers and experts in the field, as well as access to guest lectures, workshops, and seminars. You should note that the program is rigorous and you will need to manage your time to excel in the coursework and projects. Nonetheless, for middle school students passionate about urban innovation and technology, the NYU Science of Smart Cities program is an invaluable experience that can foster a deeper interest in the evolving landscape of smart cities and urban development.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: AI Trailblazers - $1,790 (need based financial aid available), AI Junior Fellowship - $2,900
Program Dates: AI Trailblazers - runs for a total of 25 hours over 10 weekends; AI Junior Fellowship - 12 weeks. Upcoming cohort starts on December 16, 2023.
Application Deadline: December 3, 2023 (Winter Cohort). You can apply here!
Eligibility: These programs are open to all middle school and high school students.
Veritas AI is a virtual program for middle school and high school students founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Middle school students can pick from two options - the first is the AI Trailblazers bootcamp. Through this program, you will learn the fundamentals of computer science and key concepts in machine learning and artificial intelligence. You'll work on hands-on, real-world projects in areas like medicine, finance, autonomous vehicles, and more under the guidance of mentors from top universities.This is best suited for students who are beginners!
If you have already gone through the bootcamp or have some experience with python, the AI Junior Fellowship is a good option for you. You get to work 1-1 with a mentor to build out your own project or research paper over 12 weeks at the intersection of AI, computer science, or engineering. This is a great way to work at the intersection of various topics and showcase your passion.
You can take a look at the program brochure here.
Boston University College of Engineering U-Design
Location: Boston University College of Engineering
Cost: $450
Program dates: July 17-21
Application Deadline: Rolling until program reaches the 20 person per workshop limit
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-9
The Boston University College of Engineering's U-Design program provides middle school students like yourself with a dynamic introduction to the world of engineering. Through hands-on projects, interactive workshops, and team-based activities, you will learn the fundamental principles of engineering and problem-solving. A key feature of U-Design is that it encourages you to design and construct your own engineering projects, allowing you to bring ideas to life through the practical application of what you learn. The final component typically includes a tangible project or prototype, showcasing your engineering and design capabilities.
Beyond the academic curriculum, U-Design offers students the chance to connect with the broader Boston University community. They can interact with college students, faculty members, experienced engineers, and like-minded peers, thus gaining exposure to the field's professional landscape and potential networking opportunities.
Location: MIT
Cost: Free
Program dates: One week in August
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Rising 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders
The DynaMIT Program is an exciting and educational experience for middle school students, providing them with the opportunity to learn about engineering and transportation. Hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this program offers students an in-depth exploration of transportation systems, urban planning, and the engineering concepts that shape our daily lives. Through the program, participants will engage with a well-rounded curriculum that combines hands-on projects, interactive coursework, and site visits. They learn about various modes of transportation, from public transit to autonomous vehicles, discovering the engineering principles that drive their design and operation.
In the program, you will be expected to actively participate in group projects and apply your knowledge to propose innovative solutions to real-world transportation challenges. The final component typically involves the presentation of your ideas. Students will also have the opportunity to network with peers and experienced engineers, and attend guest lectures and workshops. While the program offers an enriching educational experience, it is important to note that it may require a significant time commitment and the ability to balance coursework and projects effectively.
NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Location: NYU
Cost: $350
Program dates: July 5 - August 4
Application Deadline: March 24
Eligibility: Be a New York State resident, Have an 80 average in Math, Science, and English, meet state-determined economic criteria listed on the eligibility section of the website, be a middle or high school student in the 7th - 12th grade.
The NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is an initiative designed to empower underserved and historically underrepresented students with a strong foundation in STEM fields. The program is hosted by New York University and offers a curriculum that encompasses interactive coursework, hands-on projects, and mentorship. Through STEP, you will gain a deep understanding of STEM subjects, and cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You will be required to actively participate in classroom activities, collaborate on group projects, and engage in hands-on experiments.
Through the program, students also have access to networking opportunities, where they can connect with peers and professionals in STEM fields, as well as attend guest lectures and workshops to gain insights from experts. It is important to note that the program can be academically demanding, and students should be prepared for the rigors of STEM coursework. That being said, for underrepresented students seeking to enhance their STEM knowledge, the NYU Science and Technology Entry Program offers an invaluable opportunity to excel in these fields and prepare you for future academic and professional success.
University of Michigan Thinkabit Lab Summer Program
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Virtual
Cost: Free
Program dates: One week in August
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Current 6th, 7th, and 8th graders
The University of Michigan Thinkabit Lab Summer Program is a unique and engaging opportunity for middle school students to explore the realms of engineering, technology, and innovation. This program provides participants with a comprehensive curriculum that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Students learn about engineering concepts, digital technology, and design principles through hands-on projects, interactive workshops, and collaborative activities.
Throughout the program, you are encouraged to actively participate in the development of creative engineering solutions to real-world challenges, such as designing and building prototypes. The final component typically includes the completion of projects that demonstrate your understanding of engineering and technology concepts. You will also get a chance to attend workshops and seminars!
CEISMC Summer P.E.A.K.S. at Georgia Tech University
Location: Georgia Tech
Cost: $450
Program dates: Two weeks in July
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Rising 6-8th graders
The CEISMC Summer P.E.A.K.S. (Program for Enriching Accelerated Knowledge in STEM) at Georgia Tech University is an educational experience designed specifically for middle school students interested in the field of engineering. This program offers participants a chance to learn the fundamental principles of engineering and technology through hands-on projects, interactive classes, and collaborative activities. You will gain an understanding of various engineering disciplines, including robotics, environmental engineering, and basics of computer science.
As a participant, you are expected to actively engage in problem-solving tasks, design and build engineering solutions, and explore the application of engineering principles to real-world challenges. The final component typically includes the completion of projects that showcase your innovative and engineering capabilities. Beyond the academic curriculum, the program provides additional perks, including networking opportunities with peers who share their passion for STEM and access to guest lectures and seminars, which offer insights into the latest advancements in engineering and technology.
Location: Stanford University
Cost: Free
Program dates: May
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle school students with little background in engineering
Stanford seeME is an outreach event designed for middle school students who have a passion for engineering and wish to dive deep into the world of technological design, innovation, and problem-solving. This event offers an immersive educational experience where students explore the fundamental principles of engineering and gain hands-on experience in the design process. Through the program, you will learn to ideate, prototype, and refine engineering solutions for real-world problems, honing your creativity and critical thinking skills. Students are taught by university graduate student mentors
The final component of the Stanford seeME program includes the development of engineering projects, showcasing students' innovative ideas and their newfound problem-solving skills. Additionally, the program offers networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with like-minded peers and experienced engineers. You may also have the chance to attend guest lectures, workshops, and seminars!
Bonus!
Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $1990 (financial aid is available)
Application deadline: Upcoming spring deadline - 18 February, 2024
Program dates: March 11, 2024
Eligibility: Middle school students
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a 1-on-1 research program designed particularly for middle school students. Through the program, students will get a chance to work with PhD mentors from top universities like Harvard, Yale, MIT, and more to write research papers in their field of interest. You can pick from a wide range of subjects and topics including engineering, business, psychology, and social science. This is a great opportunity for students interested in interdisciplinary research and want to gain in depth knowledge of a subject.
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