14 Physics Programs for High School Students in Florida

If you are a high school student interested in physics, structured programs are a good option to explore the field while developing practical and transferable skills. These programs expose you to experiences such as lab experiments, data analysis, and problem solving that reflect how physics is studied and applied at higher levels. Many also offer mentoring from professors or industry experts, helping you build valuable academic and professional connections.

Why should you attend a program in Florida?

In Florida, several universities and organisations offer physics and related STEM programs that cater to motivated high school students. Participating in a program in the state can give you access to active research communities, well-equipped campuses, and a growing science and technology ecosystem. Whether you are a local student or traveling from out of state, these programs offer a focused environment to explore future academic paths.

To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down our list to 14 physics programs for high schoolers in Florida. 

If you are looking for internships in Florida, check out our blog here.

1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Location: Various Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories across the U.S., including multiple labs in FL

Cost/Stipend: No cost to participate; stipend ranges from $4,000 for new participants to $4,500 for returning participants

Application Deadline: November 1

Dates: Eight weeks during the summer (exact dates vary by lab)

Eligibility: U.S. citizens, rising 10th graders through graduating 12th graders aged 16 and older

The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program places you in the Department of the Navy research laboratories, where you will work closely with scientists and engineers on real naval research projects over an eight-week summer internship. Projects often involve STEM fields, including physics, engineering, and computer science, providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. The program offers mentorship, professional development, and exposure to naval research careers. Interns receive a stipend paid bi-weekly and must apply by November 1 through the program's online portal. Selection is competitive and based on academic achievement, research interests, and recommendations.

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

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. You will work on your 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. MPFI High School Internship – Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience

Location: Max Planck Florida Institute, Jupiter, FL

Cost/Stipend: $13/hour for a full-time, six-week internship

Application Deadline: March 4 (tentatively)

Dates: 6 weeks in the summer. Dates TBA

Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors residing in Palm Beach or Martin County, age 16+

This paid internship immerses you in neuroscience research that incorporates advanced physics methods such as imaging. You will engage in hands-on lab work under MPFI researchers, preparing and presenting a research abstract at the end of the internship. In addition to neuroscience and programming tracks, MPFI offers an internship focused on mechanical engineering and design. Here, you gain practical experience with machining tools and CAD software (SolidWorks) to design and create custom parts. These parts enable cutting-edge neuroscience research by supporting laboratory equipment and experiments. You will be trained by expert machinists and develop skills in mechanical fabrication directly applied to advancing neuroscience studies.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Physics Track

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Cost: Varies based on program type

Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)

Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Eligibility: You must be enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall, and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program gives high school students the chance to complete an independent research project with guidance from a PhD mentor. Over 12 weeks, you’ll work one-on-one with your mentor to design and carry out a project in your chosen subject area. If you select the physics track, you can explore topics such as astrophysics, theoretical or experimental physics, or related interdisciplinary fields.  The program emphasises the research process—from forming a question to analysing results and writing your paper. By the end of the program, you’ll have produced an original research paper that reflects your work and understanding. In addition to physics, you can choose from other fields like computer science, engineering, chemistry, data science, economics, or psychology, depending on your interests. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here. 

5. UCF High School Summer Internship Program

Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

Stipend: $1,000 stipend, lunch provided

Application Deadline: May 15 (now closed; tentatively)

Dates: June 9 – July 18 (tentatively)

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors

This paid, six-week program places you in a UCF quantum/materials science research lab for direct involvement in experiments. The labs cover interdisciplinary work at the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. You’ll receive mentorship from university researchers, collaborate with peers, and develop skills for advanced STEM learning. The $1,000 stipend is distributed upon completion, and lunch is included daily, but transportation is not. The program prioritises students interested in research and plans to foster future college STEM majors.

6. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program – Eglin AFB

Location: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Eglin Air Force Base, FL

Cost/Stipend: Stipend awarded (amount unspecified)

Application Deadline: Unspecified (apply through the general AFRL Scholars Program portal)

Dates: Typically summer (exact dates unspecified)

Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors interested in STEM research, particularly in physics, engineering, and related fields

The AFRL Scholars Program at Eglin AFB offers you a competitive, paid internship where you will engage in research projects within the Air Force Research Laboratory environment. You’ll collaborate with AFRL scientists and engineers on cutting-edge defence technologies, with opportunities in physics-related research, including materials science, propulsion, and weapons systems. The program aims to develop your technical skills and provide mentorship in STEM disciplines while preparing you for college and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You will gain practical lab experience and contribute to projects impacting national defence. Application and stipend details are managed through the national AFRL Scholars Program website, and acceptance is merit-based. Summer program dates typically span several weeks, with locations and project focuses varying annually.

7. Research Opportunities for High School Students – UCF

Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

Cost/Stipend: No cost. Information about the stipend is unspecified

Application Deadline: Based on available opportunities

Dates: Based on available opportunities

Eligibility: Florida-based high school students

UCF facilitates high school student involvement in ongoing campus research projects, including those with a physics (nanoscience) focus. These research opportunities let you assist in labs, analyse data, and sometimes even work on your own small subprojects, directly supervised by university researchers. These experiences are available across various science departments, and the application window reportedly remains open year-round. The site is periodically updated with new listings and application procedures.

8. Crystal Summer School - Florida Atlantic University

Location: Science and Engineering Building (SE 43), Boca Raton campus, Boca Raton, FL

Cost/Stipend: Free

Application Deadline: Currently closed. Check back for next year

Dates: June 30 – July 3 (tentatively)

Eligibility: K–12 students (limited to 10 participants)

This free, in-person program introduces you to the physics and chemistry of crystals through lectures, games, lab tours, and hands-on activities such as growing geodes and exploring crystal gardens. You learn about biomineralisation, nanotechnology, and the environmental importance of crystals with access to advanced microscopes to study corals, mollusc shells, and leaves. Sessions are small and highly interactive, providing a unique opportunity to experience interdisciplinary science in a coastal research environment. The program also offers career discussions and STEM advising. 

9. Young Scholars Program – Florida State University

Location: FSU College of Arts & Sciences, Tallahassee, FL

Cost: No cost 

Application Deadline: February 15 (tentatively)

Dates: June 8 – July 19 (tentatively)

Eligibility: Florida residents, rising 12th graders; exceptional 11th graders considered

You’ll join a six-week residential experience focused on advanced STEM research and coursework, particularly tailored for Florida residents with significant academic promise in science and math. Programming is rigorous, and you’ll engage in hands-on lab projects, lectures, and group problem-solving under the mentorship of university scientists. The curriculum includes substantial physics content, as well as exposure to related STEM fields. Students are chosen based on a 3.0+ GPA, high percentile math test scores, and completed (or concurrent) pre-calculus coursework. The program emphasises full-time residence and does not accommodate outside commitments during the session.

10. Discovery Days – FSU Office of Research

Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

Cost: Unspecified (typically free public events)

Application Deadline: No registration required for most events; see program listings for details

Dates: October 18–25 (tentatively)

Eligibility: K–12 students for Blast Off! Saturday Morning Physics + Art; U.S. high school students interested in quantum research for the International Year of Quantum

During Florida State University's Discovery Days, two notable events are scheduled. On October 24, there's an event called “Celebrating the International Year of Quantum”, where students can attend talks by researchers from the MagLab, FSU College of Engineering, and Physics Department, and learn about quantum research opportunities. The next day, October 25, offers "Blast Off! Saturday Morning Physics + Art," where K–12 students explore rocket physics through hands-on art projects, experiments, and demonstrations that combine science and arts to spark curiosity and creativity. Both events provide engaging, interactive experiences—one focusing on cutting-edge quantum science and the other on practical physics concepts, creativity, and fun with gravity and rockets.

11. Laser & Photonics Summer Camp – CREOL, UCF

Location: CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

Cost: Early Bird $550 (before April 30, 2025), Regular $650 (May 1 – June 15, 2025); scholarships available

Application Deadline: June 15 (tentatively)

Dates: Choice of three one-week sessions — July 7–11, July 14–18, July 21–25 (tentatively)

Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders interested in physics, optics, or engineering

This summer camp offers you hands-on experience in photonics, exploring topics related to lasers, fibre optics, medical imaging, autonomous vehicles, and more. The daily schedule runs from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and includes practical activities designed to deepen your understanding of how light-based technologies shape modern inventions and industries. You’ll work with lab-grade equipment, guided by UCF faculty and graduate students specialising in optics and photonics. While lunch is not included, you can store and heat meals on-site. The camp provides materials, a T-shirt, and a drawstring bag. Registration closes mid-June, and scholarships are available for qualified applicants to assist with the fee.

12. Camp Connect – UCF STEM

Location: L3Harris Engineering Centre (HEC) 101, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

Cost: Camp Connect I & II: $200 each; Camp Connect Advanced: $300; deposits required ($75 for I & II, $100 for Advanced); scholarships available

Application Deadline: Camp Connect I: May 9 (tentatively); Camp Connect II: Confirmation by April 25 (tentatively); Camp Connect Advanced: April 25 (tentatively)

Dates: Camp Connect I: June 23 – 27 (tentatively), Camp Connect II: July 7 – 11 (tentatively, Camp Connect Advanced: June 9 – 13 (tentatively)

Eligibility: Camp Connect I: Rising 8th–11th graders, minimum age 13;  Camp Connect II: Students who completed Camp Connect I; Camp Connect Advanced: Rising 10th–12th graders, minimum age 15, prior camp participation preferred but not required

Camp Connect at UCF STEM offers three distinct week-long day camps to introduce and deepen your understanding of engineering disciplines such as electrical, mechanical, aerospace, and computer science through hands-on activities, presentations, and lab tours. In Camp Connect I, you'll explore different engineering fields daily and work on a team project. Camp Connect II builds on this with more hands-on experiences and lab visits for returning students. Camp Connect Advanced provides an immersive research-oriented experience, where you collaborate closely on specific projects. All camps run weekdays from morning to afternoon and include lunch, materials, a backpack, and a t-shirt. Scholarships are available to support students with financial needs. Early applications and deposits are required to secure spots.

13. Student Science Training Program (SSTP) – UF CPET

Location: Centre for Precollegiate Education and Training (CPET), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 

Cost: $5,500; application fee $50; limited need-based scholarships available

Application Deadline: Florida High School Students: April 15 (tentatively); Out-of-State/International: April 1(tentatively)

Dates: June 8 – July 26 (tentatively)

Eligibility: Students entering 12th grade and at least 16 years old by program start; academically talented and motivated

In this seven-week residential program, you will engage in full-time research alongside UF faculty mentors, dedicating approximately 30 hours weekly to university-level scientific projects, often including physics. Daily activities include a lecture series on current research, an honours seminar class, and social and service events on weekends. You are expected to produce weekly lab notes, a scientific research paper, oral presentations, and a research poster summarising your work. Housing is in university residence halls with suite-style rooms shared with other participants. The program emphasises collaboration, communication, and leadership skills development in addition to rigorous academic training.

14. Research Immersion in Science and Engineering (RISE) – UF CPET

Location: Centre for Precollegiate Education and Training (CPET), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Cost: $1,200 (includes room, dining, program supplies, and field-trip transportation); limited need-based scholarships available; $20 application fee

Application Deadline: April 15 (rolling; if not filled after the first round, ongoing review until filled)

Dates: June 8 – 13 or June 22 – 27 (tentatively)

Eligibility: Rising 10th graders (students entering grade 10 in fall 2025) at any Florida high school

In the RISE program at the University of Florida, you’ll participate in a one-week residential experience exploring intersections across science, engineering, and technology. Daily activities consist of hands-on laboratory experiments, case studies, interactive discussions, campus tours, and guest talks with UF faculty and graduate students working in research fields. The curriculum encourages creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and exposure to scientific research cycles, covering topics from virtual reality to sustainable city design. You’ll spend the week living in a UF campus dorm with other accepted Florida high school students, engaging in both academic activities and evening recreational events. 

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