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Explore Big Ideas with Real Projects

Nova Project Labs for Middle School students

From artificial intelligence to healthcare, middle schoolers dive into fun, month-long small-group projects guided by mentors from the world’s top 25 universities. Along the way, they build early domain expertise, gain confidence for the future, and complete one of their first portfolio-ready projects.

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Enter High School with Focus and Confidence

The earlier students discover what excites them, the sooner they can grow into their best selves. Middle schoolers have big dreams but need guidance to turn curiosity into real-world skills and projects. With expert mentorship and hands-on experiences, Nova helps students uncover passions, build showcase-ready work, and gain the confidence and skills they’ll carry into more advanced projects, high school, college, and beyond.

By the numbers

500+

Students served

350+

Mentors from top-25 universities

25,000+

Hours of mentoring delivered

$120,000+

In financial aid awarded

Nova mentors are from top 25 universities

You deserve world-class support to reach your full potential. That’s why every Nova mentor is a graduate candidate, professor, or alumnus of a top 25 university, including Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. We want middle and high school students to create meaningful work that showcases their best selves.

Choose Your Nova Project Lab

Explore the foundations of machine learning and ethical AI, and discover how artificial intelligence shapes platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and ChatGPT.
Learn directly from mentors at leading computer science programs who provide guidance on coding, algorithms, and real-world AI applications.
Gain experience in how AI works by learning algorithm basics, training image classifiers, interpreting pseudocode, and experimenting with real-world systems.
In just four weeks, design a redesigned YouTube interface prototype with mock-ups of the recommender system, comments section, and search features.
Explore innovations in startups and discover how new business models are reshaping industries worldwide.
Learn directly from mentors from  top companies and MBA programs with experience building ventures.
Gain early business expertise, strengthen strategic thinking, and develop skills in finance, marketing, and innovation.
In just four weeks, develop your own business plan, financial model, and go-to-market strategy—and pitch it with confidence.
Explore breakthroughs in medicine and public health, and discover how innovation is shaping the future of healthcare.
Learn  from mentors pursuing MDs, PhDs, and advanced healthcare degrees who can share career guidance.
Gain domain expertise, discover your passions within healthcare, and launch an project to bring those interests to life.
In just four weeks, publish a professional webpage that addresses a real-world health challenge and raises awareness.
Apply now
Download Program Guide

Hear from our students

"Before Nova Scholar, I had no background in  political science research. There are so many opportunities in the field, and I now know how to analyze and add to real-world political issues."

Mei, Nova Patent Academy

"I am grateful to Nova for this opportunity. I’ve grown as a researcher and have improved my  Python. This program has laid a foundation for greater milestones"

Olin, Nova Patent Academy

"Nova Scholar has been a transformative experience for me. The mentorship I've received not expanded my understanding of biology and helped me develop critical thinking  skills."

Aditya, Nova Patent Academy

"Nova Scholar has been a transformative experience for me. The mentorship I've received not expanded my understanding of biology and helped me develop critical thinking  skills."

Aditya, Nova Patent Academy

"Nova Scholar has been a transformative experience for me. The mentorship I've received not expanded my understanding of biology and helped me develop critical thinking  skills."

Aditya, Nova Patent Academy

Priya

I'm glad I did something productive over break! I also liked my cohort

Nova AI Fundamentals
Arizona, USA

Richard

I’ve never been in an environment where learning felt so engaging. My Nova Research Mentor gave me the tools and confidence to tackle complex problems with creativity and rigor.

Nova Research
Washington, USA

Keshav

We learned really cool things - from coding to GenAI. I wanted to learn about AI do this was a great experience.

Nova AI Fundamentals
California, USA

Grace

I never imagined I’d be working on an app that people might actually want and even pay for as a student. Thanks to my team and mentor, I learned how to refine my ideas and transform them into something truly impactful

Nova Patent
Washington, USA

Sia

All the hands-on projects made learning computer science and AI fun and exciting

Nova AI Fundamentals
Texas, USA

Bella

My mentor went above and beyond, providing personalized feedback, thoughtful discussions, and invaluable career advice. Their passion for research was contagious.

Nova Research
Rhode Island, USA

Brianna

Learning AI at Nova helped me see how it connects with my passion for healthcare. I now understand how AI can be used for medical diagnostics and research.

Nova AI Fundamentals
Illinois, USA

Elena

I’ve always loved problem-solving, and AI opened up a whole new way to approach challenges.

Nova Research
Texas, USA

Raj

I really liked it - I learned so much! I'm excited to do research next

Nova AI Fundamentals
Texas, USA

Cassie

AI is changing the world, and Nova helped me understand how I can be part of that change. Now, I want to explore AI in environmental science!

Nova AI Fundamentals
New York, USA

Druv

Despite not having a programming background, Nova Patent provided enough instruction, support, and an incredible team to help me succeed. I loved working on the app design and I felt that I was truly contributing to something meaningful.

Nova Patent
New York, USA

Jess

I thought I needed a strong programming background to understand AI, but Nova’s structured approach made it easy to learn, no matter my starting point.

Nova AI Fundamentals
Washington, USA

Kate

Learning AI at Nova helped me see connections to fields I never expected—like environmental science, policy, and social impact.

Nova AI Fundamentals
Washington, USA

Taylor

The mentorship at Nova Research is unmatched. My mentor took the time to challenge my ideas, refine my methodology, and help me develop as both a thinker and a scientist.

Nova Research
Arizona, USA

Jessica

My mentor at Nova Research was more than just a guide—they were a true collaborator. Their expertise and encouragement pushed me to think deeper, work smarter, and grow as a researcher.

Nova Research
New Jersey, USA

Anna

Maya was amazing - she knew a lot about AI and convinced me that electrical engineering was the path I wanted to explore next!

Nova AI Fundamentals
California, USA

Divya

I used to think AI was just for engineers, but Nova showed me how AI intersects with business, law, and even social justice.

Nova AI Fundamentals
New York, USA

Hear from Middle School Lab instructors

At Nova, students are guided not only by academic mentors but also by publication specialists—peer reviewers and published researchers who help shape papers into journal-ready work. See how our experts support students from first draft to confident submission.

We know you may have questions...

How long is the Nova Project Labs program for middle school students?
Do middle school students need any experience to join Nova Project Labs?
Can my middle schooler enroll in multiple Nova Project Labs?
What skills and outcomes will my child gain from Nova Project Labs?
How much does Nova Project Labs cost for middle school students?

Build your first project

Explore big ideas and take the first step into the future, guided by mentors from the world’s top universities.
Start your Nova Scholar journey today
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Talk with our team about fit & options
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Download Program Guide