15 Engineering Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you are a high school student interested in engineering, summer programs provide structured exposure to applied problem-solving, technical tools, and design processes. Many programs include lab activities, design challenges, coding exercises, and collaborative projects that introduce how engineers approach complex technical problems. Participating in these experiences can help you strengthen analytical thinking, explore potential engineering specializations, and build skills that are useful for future STEM study.
Why choose Florida for engineering summer programs?
In Florida, universities and research institutions offer a wide range of summer programs across engineering and related disciplines. Depending on the program, you might design prototypes, program robots, analyze scientific data, explore biomedical engineering concepts, or contribute to research projects alongside faculty and graduate students. These opportunities may appeal to students who live or study in Florida, as well as out-of-state students interested in exploring academic programs in a new location.
To help narrow your options, we’ve identified 15 engineering summer programs for high school students in Florida.
If you’re looking for free summer programs in Florida, check out our blog here.
1. Florida Atlantic University - Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop
Location: Florida Atlantic University's SeaTech Campus, Dania Beach, FL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications are likely to open in Spring
Dates: The program takes place in June
Eligibility: Students aged 14-17 years
The Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop is an academic program hosted by FAU’s Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering. You engage with real research environments at the SeaTech Ocean Engineering Research Facility. The workshop focuses on how fundamental science, particularly fluid mechanics, is applied in engineering practice. You receive instruction in basic programming and use it to assemble and program robotic carts and drones. Naval Architecture principles are applied through a hands-on boat design and construction project. Enrollment is limited to 30–40 students.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available. More info here
Application deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). Apply here
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Florida State University - Young Scholars Program
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates: June 7 – July 18
Eligibility: Students who have completed the eleventh grade in a Florida public or private high school with a 3.0 GPA
The Young Scholars Program at Florida State University is a six-week residential summer program in science and mathematics for Florida high school students. You participate in an academic curriculum designed for students with demonstrated potential in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Engineering-related coursework includes IDEA Lab, which focuses on design thinking, engineering technologies, and prototype development. You learn 3D modeling and fabricate physical solutions using 3D printers while working in collaborative teams. Additional courses introduce computational methods and advanced scientific concepts through structured instruction.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Multiple labs across the country
Stipend: New participants: $4,000 | Returning participants: $4,500
Application Deadline: November 1
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grade 9 and are 16 or older by the internship start date
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) allows high school students to participate in hands-on STEM research within Navy laboratory settings. Over eight weeks, you work alongside experienced mentors in professional research environments focused on naval science and engineering. Participants contribute to ongoing research projects while learning standard laboratory practices. The program provides exposure to career paths related to naval technology and applied research. Additional components include professional development activities such as shadowing, networking opportunities, and leadership-focused sessions.
6. University of Miami Summer Scholars: Engineering Track
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: Commuter - $8,561 | Residential - $10,225
Application Deadline: December 31 (for early action) | April 1 (for regular decisions)
Dates: June 27 – July 17
Eligibility: Current sophomore or junior in high school with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The Summer Scholars Engineering Track at the University of Miami is part of a credit-bearing summer academic program focused on introductory engineering study. You select one academic specialty, which consists of two engineering courses totaling six credit hours. The courses are structured around hands-on learning, lab work, guest lectures, discussions, and field trips. One course introduces civil, architectural, and environmental engineering through problem-solving, group design projects, and engineering ethics. Another course covers mechanical and aerospace engineering topics, including design, materials, renewable energy, and aerodynamics. The program structure emphasizes exposure to multiple engineering disciplines through applied coursework.
7. University of Florida - Research Immersion in Science and Engineering (RISE)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $1,200 | $20 application fee
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions with an application deadline of April 15
Dates: Session 1: June 7 – 12 | Session 2: July 12 – 17
Eligibility: Students entering grade 10
The Research Immersion in Science and Engineering (RISE) program at the University of Florida is a residential STEM program focused on the intersection of science, engineering, and technology. You participate in a structured schedule that includes discussions, laboratory experiments, and hands-on activities. The program also incorporates case studies, field trips, and guest talks led by UF faculty and graduate students from multiple STEM disciplines. Academic activities are designed to provide exposure to research methods and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Recreational activities such as trivia and game nights are included alongside academic programming. The program is delivered in an on-campus residential format.
8. Florida Youth Institute
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $800 + $25 application fee
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 28 – July 3 | Session 2: July 5 – 10
Eligibility: Students entering grade 11/12
The Florida Youth Institute is a one-week residential summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in life sciences, biological engineering, natural resources, and agriculture. You participate in academic and experiential activities connected to college majors and career pathways in these fields. The program includes laboratory experiences and structured discussions on global and local food security challenges. You interact with faculty, students, and leadership from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida. Program activities also include meetings with representatives from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the World Food Prize. The experience is delivered in a residential campus setting over one week.
9. University of Florida Student Science Training Program
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $5,500 + $50 application fee
Application Deadline: April 15 (for Florida high school students) | April 1 (for Out of State/ International high school students)
Dates: June 7 – July 25
Eligibility: Students entering senior year and at least 16 years old by the program start date
The Student Science Training Program (SSTP) at the University of Florida is a seven-week residential research program for selected students pursuing careers in science, engineering, medicine, math, or computer science. You work directly with a UF faculty research scientist and their research team throughout the program. Research participation is central to the experience, with students spending approximately 30 hours per week on active research projects. You also attend a daily lecture series focused on current research topics. The program includes participation in a UF honors seminar course.
10. University of South Florida - High School Robotics
Location: University of South Florida DFX Lab, Tampa, FL
Cost: $999.99
Application Deadline: Registration opens on February 1 and remains open until the camp has reached capacity
Dates: June 22 – 26 | July 20 – 24
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12
The High School Robotics program at the University of South Florida is hosted by the USF College of Engineering and introduces you to robotics through hands-on learning. You design, build, and program an Autonomous Mobile Robot using tools such as Raspberry Pi, 3D printing, and robotics software. The program covers sensors, actuators, and environmental interaction during robot assembly and programming. You work in USF engineering labs while learning foundational robotics and programming concepts. Industrial robotics is introduced through exposure to professional systems and ABB RobotStudio. You complete the program with a finished robot and project files for continued use.
11. USF Biomedical Engineering
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cost: $1,350
Application Deadline: Registration opens on February 1 and remains open until the camp has reached capacity
Dates: July 13 – 17
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12
The USF Biomedical Engineering program is conducted at the University of South Florida's Tampa campus and focuses on biomedical engineering concepts and applications. You engage with electrical and biomedical engineering faculty as you explore academic and career pathways within the field. The program includes hands-on work in the Design for X (DFX) laboratory. You plan, build, and test bioelectrical interfaces using specialized equipment. Instruction covers bioelectrical signal measurement and instrumentation principles. Activities are structured around cooperative learning in a lab-based environment.
12. University of Central Florida - Camp Connect I
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Cost: $200
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: June 22 – 26
Eligibility: Rising 8th through 11th graders who are a minimum of 13 years old by the start of the program
Camp Connect is a week-long day camp that introduces you to multiple engineering and computer science disciplines. You explore fields such as electrical, computer, industrial, mechanical, aerospace, civil, environmental, construction, and computer science. The program includes hands-on activities, informational presentations, and guided laboratory tours. You interact with faculty members and current students during daily sessions. Each day focuses on a different engineering department. The program concludes with a team project presentation on the final day.
13. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote/ in-person/ hybrid
Cost: $1,299 + $25 application fee
Application deadline: February 15
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Students who are 15 or older by June 18 (for remote internships)
ASSIP at George Mason University offers high school students the opportunity to participate in STEM research under the guidance of faculty mentors. You may select engineering research mentors who provide remote internship options. During the program, you work with advanced technologies and contribute to ongoing engineering research projects. The experience emphasizes the development of skills in scientific writing, technical communication, and creative problem-solving. You engage with STEM professionals through discussions and meetings that highlight different career pathways. The program concludes with a poster presentation and provides the option to earn three college credits from George Mason University.
14. John Hopkins Explore Engineering Innovation: Online
Location: Virtual/in-person/hybrid
Cost: $4,225
Application Deadline: January 30 (Early action deadline)
Dates: June 29 – July 3
Eligibility: Current high school student or recent high school graduate. Academic prerequisites can be found here
Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) Online is a college-level summer program offered by Johns Hopkins University. You explore multiple engineering disciplines, including civil, chemical, electrical, computer, mechanical engineering, and materials science. The program is structured around interactive projects that introduce engineering problem-solving methods. You work in small teams while completing hands-on design and analysis tasks. Projects illustrate how different engineering fields intersect in practice. The online format provides exposure to college-style coursework and collaboration.
15. Stanford’s A14ALL (Online Program)
Location: Virtual/ In-person at Stanford University, CA
Cost: $4,120 (Online program)
Application Deadline: February 6
Dates: June 15 – 26
Eligibility: 9th-graders
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week program offered by Stanford University, available in online or residential formats. You explore artificial intelligence through lectures, mentorship, and small-group research projects. The program includes interaction with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers working in AI-related fields. Research projects focus on the societal impact of AI and its applications in areas such as medicine, disaster response, and poverty analysis. You work within a single research group and present findings at the end of the program. The instruction emphasizes both the technical foundations and real-world use cases of AI.
Image source - Uni of Florida