Middle School Summer Challenge

Build a strong foundation

Program Overview

Our Middle School Summer Challenge program is designed to expand participants' critical thinking skills in an exciting and innovative environment. Our noncredit program includes an arts and humanities themed learning, leadership and team building activities, and a STEM course creating a well-rounded summer experience. This program is ideal for individuals looking to build a strong academic foundation and engage with peers from across the St. Louis area.

Middle School Summer Challenge participants commute to campus and are supervised at all times by our dedicated program staff. 

Dates

We offer two sessions of Middle School Summer Challenge:

  • Session I: June 29-July 3, 2026 (waitlist only)
  • Session II: July 6-10, 2026

When applying, individuals will choose their preferred session. Content in both sessions is the same, and applicants may attend only one session each summer.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Middle School Summer Challenge individuals should:

  • Be a current 6th or 7th grade student (7th or 8th grade during 2026-2027 school year) from the St. Louis area.

We are looking for mature, academically motivated individuals; collaborative, intellectually curious, and creative thinkers thrive in our program.

Application

We review applications on a rolling basis until spaces are filled. Individuals interested in applying should submit an application, copy of their current grade report, contact information for a teacher recommender, and signed parent liability waiver and release to our office no later than April 1, 2026. Once the application is reviewed, an admission decision will be sent within 7-10 business days. If admitted, the admission decision will include directions on submitting the program fee due no later than April 22, 2026. The teacher recommendation is waived for previous attendees of the program.

Space is limited, so we encourage families not to wait until the deadline to apply.

Fees and Scholarships

The 2026 program fee for Middle School Summer Challenge is $785. The program fee includes all activities and course materials. Lunch is not included and participants will need to bring a boxed lunch with them each day. Need-based scholarship assistance is available. Children of WashU employees and returning students are eligible for a 10% discount. Visit Fees & Scholarships  for additional details on fees, need-based scholarships, and discounts. 

Grading and Evaluation

Middle School Summer Challenge is a noncredit program. Grades are not issued. Participants are evaluated based on interaction with peers, engagement during activities, and work produced. Participants who have met all expectations will receive a certificate of participation. A performance evaluation will be emailed to parents within two weeks of the program's conclusion.

Acceptance and participation in Middle School Summer Challenge does not imply or guarantee acceptance into a degree program at WashU. For questions about the undergraduate admission process, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.

Program Schedule

The Middle School Summer Challenge schedule is a busy one! Students are supervised throughout the day by instructors and program staff as they explore WashU and collaborate with their peers. Select an activity to learn more.

Leading with Purpose Workshop

Participants should be dropped off by 9:00am and will be escorted to their first class of the day, Leading with Purpose which runs from 9:15-10:30am. How can someone inspire action in their community, school, or the world? What skills does a leader need to be successful? What makes an effective leader? These are just some of the questions explored in this interactive and collaborative workshop. Participants will reflect on their own leadership style and gain strategies to improve specific skills. 

Bear Challenge Workshop

After a short break, participants will attend Bear Challenge Workshop from 10:45am-12:00pm. Bear Challenges are a series of activities designed for participants to be creative and get to know their peers...and win some free WashU swag! Puzzle relays, trivia, cup stacking challenges are just a few of the fun activities we play during these sessions. Along the way, they discover traits and skills that support personal growth.

Lunch

Participants have a break for lunch each day from 12:00-12:45pm. Participants should bring a nut-free lunch with them each day of the program.

STEM Challenge Course

After lunch, participants attend STEM Challenge from 12:45-2:00pm. In this course, they will research, analyze, and discover the vast connections between the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. They will apply their new knowledge and develop communication, critical thinking and strategy skills as they work together to come up with solutions to a series of various challenges. No specific math or science experience is required. 

Cultivating Creativity Activities

The day ends with a series of experiential learning activities from 2:15-3:20pm that explore creativity, research, and innovation. Students will explore art at Kemper Art Museum, discover rare, archival materials at Special Collections, study minerals at the Matthew A. Grossman Mineral Museum and more. After learning ends, participants will be escorted to the pick up location and should depart campus by 3:30pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should my child expect?

While we do provide staff supervision as well as fun, interactive experiences, this is a selective, academic program. Individuals must apply and be admitted. Participants are expected to be engaged participants, complete activities, and will receive an evaluation at the end of the program.

Can a student miss part of the program due to other commitments?

We strongly encourage participants to commit to the full length of the program and to schedule other commitments when the program is not in session. Missing any part of the program can impact the experience. 

When will I get my admission decision?

Admission decisions are released within 7-10 business days of receipt of the application and completed teacher recommendation.

2026 Applications Now Open!

Submit Your Application