15 Biology Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you’re in high school, participating in a biology-focused program is a good way to explore the life sciences while building skills and practical lab experience. Many programs integrate classroom instruction with laboratory work, field research, and mentorship, allowing you to acquire real-world experience in techniques like microscopy, data analysis, and experimental design. You’ll also get to make professional connections that matter for college and careers.
Many state universities, medical centers, and research institutes across Florida offer biology programs for high school students, including mentorships, courses, or internships in fields like medicine, ecology, genetics, or environmental biology. These programs are a great option for both in-state students looking to explore local opportunities and out-of-state students who want to explore the academic options available in the state. Engaging in a biology-related program will also help you determine if it is a career path that aligns with your interests.
To help you choose, we narrowed the list to 15 biology programs for high school students in Florida.
1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Various locations in the U.S., including Florida
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; About 30-35 students each year
Dates: 8-week internship during summer (June-August)
Application Deadline: January 19 (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+) from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rica, and Pacific Islands (if a mentor is available locally)
In the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, you’ll spend eight weeks during the summer working alongside a fisheries or aquatic science professional in a marine or freshwater setting close to home. You’ll engage in fieldwork like habitat restoration, fish population surveys, water-quality testing, specimen collection, and data analysis. You’ll also be helping with outreach or education projects, depending on your placement. Throughout the internship, you’ll check in regularly on your progress, complete mid-summer and final reports, and attend the Hutton Scholar’s Summit, where you’ll present what you’ve learned and connect with other interns and mentors. You’ll receive mentorship that helps you explore career options in environmental biology, natural resource management, or related fields.
2. Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on session; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines depending on cohort
Eligibility: High school students interested in healthcare with prior coding experience or completion of the Veritas AI Scholars program
The Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive introduces you to the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine through project-based learning. You will work with real-world datasets to explore how machine learning supports diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient outcomes. For example, your project work could focus on developing image recognition tools for medical scans or building predictive models from health records. Throughout the program, mentors from leading universities will provide structured guidance and technical feedback. The experience concludes with a capstone project, for which you will design and present your own AI-driven solution to a problem in healthcare. You can apply to the program here.
3. New College of Florida: Summer Scholars Program
Location: New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 ‒ 27
Application Deadline: June 1; Rolling till full
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
During the Marine Biology track of the New College Summer Scholars Program, you’ll spend a week at the New College Marine Biology Research Center working on real environmental issues affecting waterways and estuaries. You’ll collaborate with faculty and peers to conduct hands-on investigations, using the Center’s labs and facilities to study local marine ecosystems. You’ll engage in field-based or lab-based research projects, collecting data, analyzing organisms, and learning techniques in marine biology and conservation science. You’ll also receive mentorship, participate in workshops or seminars, and gain insights into potential academic paths in marine biology and environmental science. The program concludes with opportunities for recognition, and high-achieving participants may qualify for merit scholarships at New College.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Biology Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; Financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year: winter, spring, summer, fall
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of at least 3.3
The Lumere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous program tailored for high school students that offers extensive research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas. It pairs you 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 biology, biotechnology, human body & diseases, psychology, chemistry, and more. You can find more details about the application here!
5. Pathways into Healthcare Careers (PiHC) Program
Location: Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 60 students
Dates: July 10 – 12
Application Deadline: March 1 – May 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from Duval County; U.S. citizens or permanent residents (students from underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged)
Over the three days of the PiHC program, you’ll engage in interactive simulations, tours, panels, and exercises designed to reveal more than 20 allied health professions beyond physician roles. You’ll meet professionals and students in fields like pharmacy, surgical technology, histotechnology, and more, hearing firsthand about their educational paths, daily responsibilities, and career growth. You’ll take part in simulation-based scenarios and campus tours to see how healthcare teams operate in real settings. You’ll also participate in personal and professional development activities, networking with peers and faculty, and exploring the specific programs and resources offered by Mayo Clinic’s School of Health Sciences.
6. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $13/hour
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: 6 weeks
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors (16+) residing in Palm Beach or Martin County, with U.S. work authorization
Over six weeks, you’ll work with MPFI researchers to contribute to neuroscience projects in areas like imaging, neural circuit analysis, or programming. You’ll train in advanced lab methods and imaging techniques, collect and analyze data, and refine your experimental design skills. You’ll also meet with your mentor and the broader research community for feedback sessions and seminars. By the end of the program, you will be expected to prepare a scientific abstract of your work and present your results to faculty and fellow interns. This experience gives you direct exposure to cutting-edge neuroscience research, helps you build your scientific communication skills, and allows you to develop connections with researchers in the field.
7. Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June 3 – December 2
Application Deadline: November 1 – December 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from Duval or St. Johns counties, Florida; Minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA; Commitment to a minimum of 25 hours per week during summer and additional time during the school year
In the SPARK Research Mentorship Program, you'll work alongside leading scientists at Mayo Clinic's Jacksonville campus, immersing yourself in biomedical research over several months. You'll gain hands-on experience in laboratory work, critical thinking, and professional research practices. Research areas include biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer biology, neuroscience, regenerative sciences, epidemiology, drug development, immunology, and artificial intelligence. Many students go on to present award-winning projects at science fairs, pursue further research opportunities, and study at top universities in science and medicine.
8. Young Scholars Program (YSP): Florida State University
Location: FSU, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Around 40 students each year
Dates: June 8 – July 19
Application Deadline: January 1 – February 15
Eligibility: Florida rising high school seniors with at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA; Must be enrolled in or have completed Pre-Calculus; Must have scored in the 90th percentile or better in math on a nationally standardized exam
You’ll spend six immersive weeks living on FSU’s campus, attending specialized courses in mathematics, science, and computer programming that are designed exclusively for this program, not aligned to high school or college credit. You’ll also participate in an independent research project under the guidance of FSU faculty, culminating in a symposium where you present your findings. The program aims to deepen your exposure to STEM fields, challenge your thinking beyond your high school curriculum, and prepare you for the demands of collegiate science and research.
9. Internship Program at Dolphin Research Center (DRC)
Location: Grassy Key, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 16-18 weeks; Winter (January – April), Summer (May – August), Fall (September – December)
Application Deadline: October 1 (Winter); February 1 (Summer); June 1 (Fall)
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least able to read, speak, and understand English; Physically fit (able to lift 50 lbs), and comfortable working outdoors in Florida heat and humidity
In the DRC Internship Program, you’ll join a marine mammal facility for 16 to 18 weeks, working full-time across departments, such as Animal Care & Training, Education, Information Technologies, Research, Medical, or Visual Communications. Most of your week will be spent in your designated department (typically four days). In contrast, one day each week you’ll support broader facility operations through the Volunteer Resources Pool, giving you exposure to behind-the-scenes roles and cross-department collaboration. You will also pursue an independent study project tailored to your interests, whether that’s fieldwork, lab methods, data analysis, animal behavior, or communication, letting you build a tangible portfolio piece while receiving mentorship. The program offers hands-on experience in marine mammal care and facility management, as well as a valuable foundation for future opportunities in marine biology, research, education, or zoological operations.
10. Florida Keys Volunteer Program for Teens
Location: Florida Keys, FL
Cost: $5,295 + airfare
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 9
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students finishing grades 9-12 (approx. ages 14-18)
If you’re a high school student who loves marine life and wants to gain real-world experience, consider volunteering in the Florida Keys with organizations involved in reef restoration, marine research, or environmental outreach. You’ll work outdoors in Florida’s subtropical climate, helping clean up beaches, maintaining coral nurseries, tagging or identifying marine organisms, and supporting public-education events about ocean conservation. Many programs will pair you with experienced staff or scientists who’ll guide you in techniques such as sampling marine habitats, recording environmental data, or educating visitors about ecosystem health.
11. Pre-College Program at Eckerd: Marine Science
Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: $2,100
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 14 – 19; June 21 – 26
Application Deadline: Opens in January
Eligibility: Students entering 11th or 12th grade in the fall
At Eckerd College’s Pre-College Marine Science program, you’ll spend a week on the Gulf Coast working with faculty and peers in a field and lab-based curriculum modeled on the college’s undergraduate courses. You’ll take part in hands-on fieldwork netting offshore invertebrates, catching and releasing nearshore fish and invertebrates, deploying hydrophones to record underwater sound, and collecting sediment or biological samples. You’ll get to use campus lab space to process and analyze your data. The program emphasizes practical skills you can use in future study, including sampling methods, basic lab techniques, data recording, and scientific communication. By the end of the week, you’ll have clearer insight into marine science as a possible major and direct experience with the kinds of work marine scientists do.
12. National Student Leadership Conference: Marine Biology
Location: University of Miami, Miami, FL
Cost: $4,295; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 17 – 25; June 29 – July 7
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12 with demonstrated academic achievement
At the NSLC Marine Biology program, you’ll spend an intensive residential session doing field and lab work that explores local marine ecosystems. You’ll take part in dissection workshops, conduct experiments and species surveys, and practice water-quality and sampling methods using university lab space and coastal field sites. The program pairs scientific activities with leadership workshops and group projects, so you build teamwork and communication skills while applying scientific methods. Daily activities balance outdoor data collection with indoor analysis and reporting, giving you practice in species identification, data recording, and scientific presentation. By the end of the session, you’ll have hands-on marine science experience and clearer ideas about next steps if you want to study or work in the field.
13. FSU College of Medicine Summer Institute
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: $1,650
Cohort Size: 20 students per session
Dates: Multiple 1-week sessions
Application Deadline: December 1 – January 15
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore or junior year with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA
The FSU College of Medicine Summer Institute is a one-week residential program designed for high school students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. During the program, you will explore various clinical settings and receive information on financial aid and pre-health advising. You will experience college life from the perspective of a medical student and learn about key aspects of the medical school curriculum through interactions with faculty and participation in faculty-led presentations on medical topics. The program provides opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills in medicine, including shadowing physicians and biomedical researchers, touring rural medicine facilities, and attending workshops led by FSU medical faculty on subjects like vital signs, CPR training, college admission, financial aid, and medical ethics. Additionally, you will participate in an anatomy lab tour, engage in recreational activities, and work on a group research project focused on a health topic.
14. Research Explorations (REx) program at the University of Florida (UF CPET)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $2,500 + $35 application fee; Limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Biomedical Track: July 6 – 18 + July 20 – August 1; Environmental Science & Toxicology Track: July 6 – 18
Application Deadline: April 15 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students entering grade 11 or 12
In the Research Explorations program, you’ll immerse yourself in either a Biomedical Science track or an Environmental Science & Toxicology track, working at the University of Florida with faculty and graduate students on authentic research projects. You’ll visit research labs, engage in hands-on experiments like DNA science, protein science, CRISPR techniques in the biomedical track, or pollutant impact studies and eco-tox analyses in the environmental track. You’ll also develop your own research question, culminating in a poster or presentation of your findings. You’ll attend seminars on academic and career paths in science and take part in social and recreational activities to enrich the experience.
15. UM Pre-college Summer Scholars
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: Residential: $9,532; Commuter: $8,144; Limited scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June 27 – July 17
Application Deadline: Varies; See here
Eligibility: High school students completing grades 10 or 11
The University of Miami’s Pre-college Summer Scholars is a credit program that offers the chance to spend three weeks on campus engaging in hands-on learning. As a participant, you can choose to participate in the Exploration Sciences courses or the Healthcare and Medicine courses. Some of the topics available to you include Marine Animal Biology and Conservation, Cancer Biology, Tropical Marine Biology, Microbiology, and more. Each course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the subject, blending lectures with labs, field trips, guest speakers, and collaborative projects. For instance, in the Cancer Biology course, you’ll delve into the mechanisms of cancer, exploring treatment strategies and prevention methods. On the other hand, during the Marine Animal Biology and Conservation course, you will explore the world of marine megafauna, from its biology, physiology, and natural history to conservation and management efforts. This program is an excellent opportunity for motivated students like you to experience college life, engage in rigorous academic work, and earn college credits before graduating high school.
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