10 Data Science Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you are a high school student interested in data science, AI, or other computer-related fields, research programs are a great way to gain experience and explore the field. Many of these programs provide access to university labs and research projects that help you understand how data works and build research and analysis skills. You can receive one-on-one mentorship from professors and researchers and build your network.
Why should you attend a program in Florida?
In Florida, various universities and institutions offer a wide variety of opportunities to strengthen your coding, data analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Whether you’re just starting out or already passionate about data science, participating in a research program can enhance your academic profile and give you a head start toward careers in data science, AI, and machine learning. These programs are accessible to both local and out-of-state students looking to explore research opportunities offered in Florida.
To make it easier for you to find the right fit, we’ve curated a list of 10 Data Science Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Florida.
If you are looking for summer STEM programs in Florida, check out our blog here.
1. Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Florida State University
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: No cost
Dates: June 7 – July 18
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are Florida residents, have a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA, scored in the 90th percentile or higher in math on a national standardized exam, and are enrolled in or have completed pre-calculus
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Florida State University is a six-week residential summer experience that helps high school students interested in STEM learning and research. Through a blend of interactive classes, hands-on activities, and close support from faculty mentors, you will study subjects such as mathematics, science, and computer programming while seeing how these fields connect to real-world problems. The program is built to help you grow both your understanding and your practical skills. As a fully funded program, YSP provides scholarships covering tuition, housing, and meals for all selected students. Throughout the six weeks, you take three advanced courses and join a small research group where you apply classroom concepts to your own project. With guidance from FSU researchers, you gain experience in scientific thinking, teamwork, and presenting your work.
2. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience’s Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience in Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: No participation cost; stipends of $13/hour offered
Dates: Six weeks in the summer; dates TBA
Application deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16, entering junior or senior year, and enrolled in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school
The Summer Research Internships at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience are six-week programs for high school students interested in neuroscience and related areas. If selected, you will work in advanced research labs with scientists studying how the brain works using modern imaging tools. You can choose from three tracks—Neuroscience, Scientific Programming, or Mechanical Engineering—and your hands-on work will match the track you pick, whether that’s learning lab techniques, coding for data analysis, or designing parts with CAD. Throughout the internship, you will receive training in research skills, take part in professional development workshops, and present your project at the end of the summer. This program gives you strong exposure to scientific research and helps you build important skills for future STEM careers.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Online
Cost: Varies according to program. Full financial aid available! You can check out the Lumiere Foundation, a non-profit research program, which offers assistance to low-income students
Dates: There are four cohorts throughout the year: spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: Four cohorts throughout the year, applications due in February, May, September, and December. You can apply here
Eligibility: All high school students
Lumiere’s research program matches high school students with PhD mentors to complete an independent project. You can select a topic from fields such as data science, computer science, psychology, economics, international relations, or physics , or suggest one of your own. Throughout the program, you’ll work with your mentor to design and execute a research project. The process is structured to introduce you to academic research while helping you build skills in analysis, writing, and critical thinking.
5. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship
Location: The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute and Palm Beach State College, Jupiter, FL (in-person)
Cost: Free; paid stipend $4,480 for the summer
Dates: June 1 – July 30
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Palm Beach or Martin County high schoolers (rising juniors/seniors), age 16+, minimum GPA 3.0
This nine-week, full-time internship gives you a strong introduction to real scientific research. You learn how to design experiments, use essential laboratory tools, and analyze data while working closely with faculty mentors. The program begins with a one-week biotech bootcamp at Palm Beach State College, where you build foundational lab skills, and continues with weekly seminars that expose you to a wide range of biomedical research topics. Throughout the internship, you work directly with large biomedical datasets, gaining hands-on experience in computational analysis and learning how modern biological research is carried out. You also get opportunities to explore career paths in research, drug discovery, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering. By the end of the program, you will walk away with strong skills in laboratory work, data interpretation, scientific communication, and presenting your findings with confidence.
6. SPARK (Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge) – Florida program
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Dates: June 2 – December 3
Application deadline: December 31
Eligibility: You must be a high school junior or senior
The SPARK Program at the Mayo Clinic Florida is a research-focused summer experience for high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical science. In this program, you will work directly with Mayo Clinic scientists in advanced research labs, learning real techniques used in fields like molecular biology, cancer research, neuroscience, immunology, and even AI in medicine. You will spend the summer completing hands-on experiments, analyzing data, attending mentorship sessions, and participating in workshops that help you build scientific and professional skills.
7. Gator Artificial Intelligence (AI) Camp
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (in-person, residential)
Cost: TBA (need-based scholarships available); $20 application fee
Dates: mid-July (two-week program)
Application deadline: Applications will open in January
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th graders; Florida residents only
The Gator AI Camp is a residential program where you learn Python programming, AI tools, and real-world data analysis. You will work with UF faculty mentors, visit the UF Data Center (which has one of the country’s most powerful AI supercomputers), and complete hands-on projects that show how AI is used in research and industry. The camp is very interactive and helps you build strong foundational and emerging skills in data science and technology.
8. NASA Internships
Location: Virtual or NASA centers nationwide
Stipend: Paid + unpaid opportunities available; amount varies
Dates: Opportunities available in spring, summer, and fall
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 at the time of application, have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and are U.S. citizens
NASA’s Internships give high school and college students the chance to work with real scientists and engineers on projects in aeronautics, technology, and space exploration. Depending on your role, you might help develop software tools, analyze satellite data, test new technologies, or assist with research that supports NASA missions. Throughout the internship, you’ll build important skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while learning how research is done in a professional setting. This experience also helps you explore different STEM career paths and understand what it’s like to work at NASA.
9. FAMU GAEC-MSI (Geospatial AI for Environmental & STEM Careers) program
Location: FAMU main campus, Tallahassee, FL (in-person, one-day event)
Cost: Free
Dates: March (tentative, based on previous years)
Application deadline: February (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students in Florida (especially underrepresented groups in STEM)
This interactive workshop introduces high school students to geospatial data analysis and artificial intelligence. In this program, you will learn how to work with mapping tools, study environmental datasets, and explore basic AI techniques used in data-driven research. You’ll take part in hands-on activities like satellite image analysis, map building, and team challenges, guided by FAMU researchers. The workshop focuses on building useful data science skills for fields like climate studies, public health, and geography. You will also get the chance to meet STEM mentors and learn about current research happening at FAMU.
10. Stanford AI4ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000 (financial aid available)
Dates: June 18 – July 2 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application deadline: January 24 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: 9th graders or rising 10th graders who are over the age of 14 by the start of the program
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week online summer program that introduces high school students to artificial intelligence through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real project experience. You’ll explore key AI areas such as machine learning, data science, computer vision, natural language processing, and medical AI, all while focusing on how these tools can be used to create positive social impact. The program blends lessons with collaborative research, allowing you to apply new skills in small project teams guided by Stanford researchers and industry experts. By the end, you’ll gain both foundational knowledge and practical experience in designing AI-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
Image source - NASA Logo