15 Chemistry Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you are a high school student looking to learn beyond the classroom, structured programs can be a great option to explore. Chemistry programs typically offer research experiences, advanced chemistry coursework, insights into career paths, and/or exposure to professional environments in the field. If you enjoy chemistry, programs in the field can help you develop laboratory skills, gain meaningful research experience, and connect with scientists and researchers.
Why should you attend a program in Florida?
Florida is home to various universities and research institutions that offer you access to cutting-edge facilities and mentorship from active research faculty through various chemistry programs. These programs allow you to explore a subject of your choice and build connections with mentors and peers. Whether you are a Florida resident looking for local opportunities or an out-of-state student drawn to Florida's academic culture, you can find programs in the state that align with your interests.
To help you with your search, we have curated 15 chemistry programs for high school students in Florida.
If you are looking for internships in Florida, check out our blog here.
1. American Chemical Society’s Project SEED
Location: Multiple sites and locations throughout the U.S., including Florida
Cost/Stipend: Free program; $4,000 fellowship/stipend offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection; limited spots at each site
Dates: June – July (8 – 10 weeks)
Application deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed at least one high school chemistry course, have demonstrated financial need, and hold U.S. citizenship
Project SEED offers free research opportunities in chemistry to high schoolers. As a SEED participant, you will conduct original chemistry-focused research under the supervision of a mentor at a university or industrial laboratory, working 40 hours weekly during the summer. You will have access to professional development workshops covering research ethics, laboratory safety, and career pathways in chemistry. You can also return to the program during the next summer break and continue engaging in research. Many program sites offer travel grants, helping participants cover the costs of delivering presentations at the American Chemical Society conference.
2. Veritas AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 12- to 15-week sessions available around the year
Application deadline: Rolling admissions; you can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students who have some experience with Python or have completed the Veritas AI Scholars program
Veritas AI offers project-based learning opportunities focused on artificial intelligence. The virtual format allows you to connect with experts and learn from anywhere. The AI Fellowship program allows you to work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities, learning about AI through three structured phases: exploration and learning, ideation and data exploration, and execution. You will develop independent projects, which can focus on the intersection of AI and chemistry. You will also receive support for publishing your work in high school research journals.
3. UCF PREM High School Summer Internship Program
Location: University of Central Florida main campus/UCF Medical campus, Orlando, FL
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
UCF PREM offers paid research internships in materials science, chemistry, and quantum-related fields to high schoolers. You will contribute to quantum materials research projects in a lab environment. In the process, you will gain insights into how quantum materials can solve energy, computing, and healthcare needs. Your tasks may vary by placement, but you will assist researchers and potentially create single-atom-thin materials during the program. You will earn a stipend for your contributions.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Chemistry Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Various cohorts available each year; dates vary by cohort
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with demonstrated strong academic achievements
Lumiere pairs high school students with Ph.D.-level mentors from Harvard, MIT, Yale, Stanford, and other leading universities for personalized virtual research experiences. You will connect regularly with your mentor, experiencing the complete research cycle, from topic alignment and exploration to paper writing, editing, and final presentation. You will also work with a writing coach to explore how to present your research findings in a formal paper. You can choose a topic within chemistry or its subfields, including analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, materials chemistry, and biochemistry. You will complete the program with an independent research paper, which you can use for future research opportunities or college applications.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various labs across the country, including in FL
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants; $4,500 for returning participants
Cohort size: Around 300
Application deadline: November 1
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grade 9 and are 16 or older; labs may have additional requirements
SEAP is a research-based program that places high school students within Navy labs. During the eight-week program, you will explore different branches of naval science and engineering under expert mentorship in a lab setting. At the assigned site, you will assist the lab staff with Naval projects in chemistry and engineering, helping them conduct tests, assessments, experiments, and tool development. The program also offers professional development opportunities, allowing you to shadow and connect with researchers and other STEM professionals. You will also contribute to research projects and gain insight into careers in naval research and technology.
6. Florida International University’s Summer Research Internship
Location: Florida International University (FIU) campus, Miami, FL
Stipend: Paid; exact amount not specified
Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 12 – August 7
Application deadline: TBA; applications open in the spring.
Eligibility: South Florida high school juniors, graduated seniors planning to attend FIU, and accepted FIU transfer students, ages 16 and up
The Summer Research Internship at FIU offers high schoolers eight-week learning experiences focused on cardiovascular health research. The program combines research with a structured curriculum that includes discussions on case studies, journal clubs, and weekly professional development workshops. You will spend 15+ hours each week in FIU research labs under the guidance of a faculty mentor, gaining skills in experimental design, critical thinking, and scientific communication. Before research begins, you will complete safety training and orientation. In the past, students have worked on biochemistry and chemistry projects. The program ends with a presentation of research findings, during which top students receive awards and are invited to present at a university symposium.
7. Mayo Clinic SPARK (Florida)
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 2 – December 3
Application deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors at Duval County or St. Johns County schools in Florida with a minimum 3.5 unweighted grade-point average
Mayo SPARK immerses students in biomedical research within clinical healthcare settings. You will work on research projects in biomedical fields, including biochemistry, under the mentorship of Mayo physicians, researchers, and clinical professionals. You will engage in weekly Lunch and Learn sessions, lab meetings, one-on-one mentor meetings, and lab work during the program. You will work on building a competitive research project that can be submitted to science fairs. Additionally, you will present your research in the form of a poster at the end of the program.
8. Florida Atlantic University’s Crystal Summer School
Location: Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Boca Raton, FL
Cost: Free
Cohort size: 10 students
Dates: June 30 – July 3
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12
FAU’s Crystal Summer School is a one-week program funded by the National Science Foundation. This free program focuses on the crystallization across disciplines, including chemistry, engineering, physics, and geology. You will engage in lectures, games, lab tours, and activities such as growing geodes and exploring crystal gardens to learn about the environmental impact of crystals, the biomineralization process, nanotechnology, and how marine organisms construct skeletal elements. You will work with advanced microscopes to study leaf structures, corals, and mollusk shells. Additionally, you will participate in STEM career discussions to explore paths in your field of choice.
9. Florida State University Young Scholars Program
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost/: Free (fully funded); meals and housing included
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 8 – July 19
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising 12th-grade students with a 3.0 unweighted GPA or higher and at least a score in the 90th percentile on standardized math/science exams with permanent residence in Florida
FSU Young Scholars is a fully-funded six-week residential program that combines science and math coursework with independent research work. You will engage in science and math courses and spend two days each week engaging in mentored research alongside FSU faculty. You will develop a research paper and deliver oral presentations discussing your findings. The program emphasizes personal development, peer collaboration, and leadership training through structured learning experiences. You can indicate your preference for chemistry-focused research experience to be paired with relevant chemistry faculty.
10. University of Florida Student Science Training Program (SSTP)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $5,500 (includes housing, meals, and laboratory supplies); limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~90 students/year
Dates: June 8 – July 26
Application deadline: April 1 for out-of-state/international students | April 15 for Florida students
Eligibility: Rising 12th-grade students who are 16+ years old; no prior research experience necessary
UF SSTP offers a seven-week opportunity to engage in university-level research. Here, you will spend ~30 hours weekly working in faculty research laboratories alongside graduate students and postdoctoral researchers on projects spanning sciences, including analytical chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and materials science. The program offers mentorship to help you learn about lab practices, the scientific discovery process, and career paths. You will also engage in daily lectures from UF researchers to explore various STEM research topics. You will work on developing and writing a scientific research paper and presenting your findings through oral presentations and research posters at the end of SSTP. The program additionally offers honors seminars, weekend field trips, and residential campus life.
11. University of Miami Summer Scholars Program
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: Residential program: $9,532 | Commuter Program: $8,144; merit and need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 27 – July 17
Application deadline: December 31 (early); April 1 (regular)
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors in high school with a grade point average of at least 3.0
The Summer Scholars Program offered by the University of Miami is a three-week intensive that combines college-level instruction with hands-on laboratory experience. You can choose a faculty-taught specialized chemistry course, where you will engage in active laboratory work, go on field trips to professional research laboratories and facilities, and attend lectures covering different topics in chemistry. You will also learn through sessions led by guest lecturers and classroom discussions. This can be an opportunity to get a taste of university-level academics and life on a college campus. You will earn six college credits upon completing the program.
12. Eckerd College Marine Science Pre-College Program
Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: $2,250 per two-week session; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session I: June 14 – 19 | Session II: June 21 – 26
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open in January
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 11 and 12 in the fall; selected candidates must pass a pool swim test
Eckerd College’s Marine Science program allows high schoolers to explore marine chemistry, geology, and biology through hands-on sessions conducted in local marine environments. You will conduct experiments both in college laboratories and directly on water, analyzing seawater composition and exploring human-environment ocean chemistry interactions. You will spend the week engaging in experiences like observing wild dolphins to understand dolphin ecology and behavior, observing foraging shorebirds, identifying seashells on local beaches, and examining live plankton organisms under a microscope. You will learn from marine science faculty and live on Eckerd’s waterfront campus, gaining exposure to life on a university campus.
13. FIU High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Florida International University’s Center for Translational Science, Port St. Lucie, Florida
Cost/Stipend: Not specified; specific information available via public schools in St. Lucie County
Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 9 – July 10
Application deadline: Not specified; information can be accessed via public schools in St. Lucie County
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in St. Lucie County
The High School Summer Internship Program at FIU is a five-week research experience for students interested in exploring biomedical science and research. Here, you will work with scientists in fields such as neuroscience, drug discovery, and immunology, running experiments, analyzing data, and exploring the lab environment. You can indicate your preference for the Nefzi Lab, which focuses on medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis research. The program offers mentorship and opportunities to connect with professionals. You will also get to present your findings and poster at a final luncheon. Overall, you will earn over 100 volunteer hours, a certificate of completion, and a letter from the Program Director.
14. George Mason’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual option available for Florida students
Cost: $25 application fee with waivers available
Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students who are 15 years or older by June 18
ASSIP, offered by George Mason University, provides high school students with the opportunity to conduct advanced research under the guidance of faculty mentors. You can indicate your preference for virtual chemistry or biochemistry research projects while applying. Throughout the eight-week program, you will gain experience in working with modern lab technologies and find opportunities to build research skills. You will also develop scientific writing, communication, and problem-solving skills, network with STEM professionals, and utilize GMU resources during the program. You may present your findings at conferences or even publish in scientific journals.
15. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes: Topics in Biochemistry Course
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080; financial aid available
Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – 18
Application deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 11
Stanford University offers various virtual pre-college courses to high school students who want to explore their interests over the summer. Its Topics in Biochemistry course is a two-week introduction to the field of biochemical science. As a participant, you will learn about lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, and explore how issues in macromolecules cause major health issues. Throughout the two-week course, you will attend live lectures, work on assignments, engage in small group learning activities, and prepare and deliver group presentations. For the final group project, you will choose a topic that incorporates concepts from multiple areas within biochemistry, such as CRISPR-Cas9, mRNA vaccines, the keto diet, and bacterial antibiotic resistance. This course is designed to help you prepare for post-secondary biochemistry courses.
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