Summer Springboard
Exploratory Summer Programs
on the Campus of NYU
for Middle School Students
PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR LOCAL NEW YORK MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS AT NYU
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Summer Springboard
Pre-College Programs for Middle School Students at NYU
Summer Springboard’s middle school program at NYU gives learners an exciting, hands-on introduction to college-style learning in one of the most inspiring cities in the world. Students choose from academic tracks such as engineering, game design, medicine, business, trial law, architecture and diplomacy and spend each day diving into interactive lessons, team projects and real problem solving that bring each subject to life.
Because the program is based on NYU’s downtown campus, New York City becomes an extension of the classroom. Students might sketch buildings, explore museums, analyze real-world case studies or brainstorm innovative solutions with classmates who share their curiosity. The mix of academic challenge and city exploration helps students see how their interests can connect to real careers and global issues.
Above all, the experience builds confidence and independence at a crucial age. Students practice communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking in a supportive environment designed just for middle schoolers. They return home energized, more self-assured and excited about what they might want to study next.
We offer five summer sessions at NYU to choose from:
- Session 1: June 22 – June 26, 2026
- Session 2: June 29 – July 3, 2026
- Session 3: July 6 – July 10, 2026
- Session 4: July 13 – July 17, 2026
- Session 5: July 20 – July 24, 2026
*Please note that the NYU program is designed for commuter students only and on-campus housing is not offered at this location.
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Summer Springboard
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Summer Springboard’s expert Admissions Team is here to help you plan your summer program every step of the way.
Pre-College Summer Programs Designed with Middle Schoolers In-Mind
At the heart of your Summer Springboard program is the academic track you choose. Depending on your field of interest, you will take a course, led by an expert instructor, that is designed to give you an early taste of the real-world college experience at a competitive university.
Each course is one-week long and is designed by educators and real world experts to allow middle school students to quickly grasp core concepts in an easy and enjoyable way.
Our Mission and Values
Our mission at Summer Springboard is to help students increase their self-awareness so they can make decisions about college selection, academic majors, and careers that reflect their personal vision for success.
Summer Springboard has adopted six key values from the African Leadership Academy that sit at the heart of our mission.
ALA is at the root of the journey that eventually led to the formation of Terra Education and its programs around the world, including Summer Springboard, and these values continue to embody everything Summer Springboard represents as an organization.
★ Integrity: We are a people of our word, with the courage to do what is right.
★ Curiosity: We challenge the status quo and take the initiative to pursue new Ideas.
★ Humility: We are thankful for opportunities and are aware of our limitations.
★ Compassion: We empathize with and care for those around us.
★ Diversity: We respect all people and believe that difference should be celebrated.
★ Excellence: We set high standards for our own achievement and celebrate the achievements of others.
Why Start in Middle School?
While most Summer Springboard programs are designed exclusively for high school students, our summer programs for middle schoolers are curated for ambitious and curious students in this younger age range.
Middle school students should join a Summer Springboard program because it transforms an ordinary summer into a launchpad for BIG possibilities. Instead of waiting until high school to explore their interests, they get to jump in early, trying out exciting fields, tackling real-world challenges and discovering what truly sparks their curiosity.
It’s the perfect mix of independence, adventure and growth, all set on inspiring college campuses that make them feel like they’re stepping into their future. With new friends, new skills, and a huge boost in confidence, students “level up” while on campus.
Activities and Excursions at NYU
Learning extends far beyond the classroom in this city-based program. Students participate in academic excursions that connect what they learn in class to the real-world professionals, spaces, and industries that make New York unique. In addition, all students will come together for a group trip to one of New York City’s world-class museums.
Summer Springboard
Get Your Free Program Catalog
The Summer Springboard program catalog is your best go-to resource for exploring programs by campus, course and more. We’ll send you one at no cost!
About Summer Springboard
On a Summer Springboard pre-college academic program, teens are invited to explore a major and find a future career path, on elite university campuses in the United States and abroad.
We are proud to host our programs at some of the nation’s – and world’s – leading colleges and universities to offer students a rich taste of life on a major campus.
Each campus has been selected for our programs based on outstanding academic excellence and rigor, reputation for safety and comfort, and capacity to inspire students to reach their full potential. With an outstanding university as your home and real-world classroom, you’ll experience a true taste of college student life.
Each instructor has been chosen for their expertise in their field of study, their academic achievement, and their exceptional ability to teach and connect with high-achieving, college-bound students. Whether you’re working with a professor from the university, a scientist who runs their own lab, or any other number of extremely qualified instructors, this is a learning experience not to be missed.
Hands-on Learning
Dive deep into our academic immersion courses taught by industry professionals. Imagine learning Law from someone who argued before the Supreme Court or writing under the guidance of a published author.
Career Exploration
Beyond theory, there will be excursions and guest speakers for students to hear firsthand from experts in their field of interest. Past company visits included Google, Bloomberg, and the United Nations Foundation.
College Prep
Through campus visits and enrichment electives, we provide a deeper understanding of the college admissions process. Students also make new friends from around the world and learn to live as a college student.
Summer Springboard
Save Your Spot on This Program
Enrolling in this program or any other Summer Springboard program is quick and easy! Simply navigate to our online application form to get started.
Curate Your Summer Springboard Experience
Our middle school one-week program locations include Berkeley, CA, Georgetown, NYU, UC San Diego, and University of Washington. These programs combine academic courses, interactive labs, and recreational activities to give students a supportive, fun, and enriching summer experience.
These programs operate separately from Summer Springboard high school programs with separate staff, accommodations, schedules, classes, activities, and a more structured environment.
Choose a Campus
Summer Springboard hosts summer programs at the following university campus and city locations. Those in bold offer programs for middle school students.
• Yale University
• Berkeley
• Duke University
• UCLA
• Georgetown University
• UC San Diego
• Barnard College, Columbia University
• UC Santa Barbara
• Georgia Tech
• Cal Poly
• University of Michigan
• University of Washington
• New York School of Interior Design
• UW Foster School of Business
• NYU
• Vanderbilt
• Oxford, UK
• Cambridge, MA (MIT Campus)
Select an Academic Track
You can choose from these Academic Tracks when you attend a campus-based program:
• Business & Law
• Computer Science
• Engineering & Science
• Humanities & Liberal Arts
• Media & Design
• Medicine & Healthcare
Summer Springboard
Get Your Free Program Catalog
The Summer Springboard program catalog is your best go-to resource for exploring programs by campus, course and more. We’ll send you one at no cost!