Middle School Summer Challenge

Build a strong foundation

Program Overview

Middle School Summer Challenge is a fun, interactive summer experience designed to help participants grow in confidence and curiosity. Through team-building games, hands-on challenges, creative projects, and reflective discussions, students practice important traits such as resilience, collaboration, and leadership. Each day encourages participants to connect with peers, explore new ideas, ask questions, solve problems, and discover how strong character supports success in school, friendships, and the community.

Each day includes the following experiences:

  • Leading with Purpose Workshop: In this interactive workshop, participants explore what it means to lead with intention, make thoughtful choices, and contribute positively to a group. Through guided discussion and reflection, students consider how confidence, character, and responsibility shape the way they show up in school, friendships, and everyday life.
  • Bear Team Challenges: These energetic team-based activities invite participants to work together, communicate clearly, and tackle challenges as a group. From strategy games to problem-solving tasks, students build teamwork, resilience, and a sense of connection while having fun in a supportive environment.
  • Exploration Activities: In these hands-on sessions, participants dive into creative and engaging projects that spark curiosity and encourage discovery. Whether they are building, designing, experimenting, or creating, students are encouraged to ask questions, try new ideas, and learn through active exploration.

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

Dates

Middle School Summer Challenge is offered from July 5-9, 2027.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Middle School Summer Challenge individuals should:

  • Be a current 6th or 7th grade student (7th or 8th grade during 2027-2028 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 will begin accepting applications on December 1, 2026. Individuals interested in applying should submit an application, copy of their current grade report, contact information for a teacher recommender, and a signed parent liability waiver and release. A short essay response to the prompt, "What are you curious about, and how do you hope this program will help you explore your interests, strengths, or future goals?" is required. Teacher recommendations are waived for applicants who previously attended the program.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the program fills or the application deadline of April 1, 2027. Space is limited, so we encourage families not to wait until the deadline to apply. 

Fees and Scholarships

The 2027 program fee for Middle School Summer Challenge is TBD. The program fee includes all activities, snacks, and course materials. Lunch is not included and participants will need to bring a 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 Certificate

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. 

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. We'll start with an overview of the day followed by the Leading with Purpose Workshop which runs 9:45-11:00am. 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 Team Challenges

After a short break and snacks, participants will attend Bear Team Challenges from 11:15am-12:30pm. Bear Team 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 12:30-1:15pm. Participants should bring a nut-free lunch with them each day of the program.

Exploration Activities

After lunch, participants attend Exploration Activities from 1:15-2:30pm. In these hands-on sessions, participants dive into creative and engaging projects that spark curiosity and encourage discovery. These sessions will also include visits to the Kemper Art Museum and Matthew A. Grossman Mineral Museum.

Daily Wrap-Up

The day ends with afternoon snack and wrap-up reflection activities. After learning ends, participants will be escorted to the pick-up location to be picked up at 3:00pm.

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 are now closed. 

Applications for 2027 will open December 1.