15 Chemistry Research Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you are looking for ways to explore chemistry beyond the high school curriculum, consider enrolling in a chemistry research program. These research programs can help you dive into chemistry and develop key skills while contributing to experiments, connecting with researchers, and learning how to communicate scientific findings. The experience can prepare you for university- or professional-level research as well as advanced STEM academics and help you explore the applications of chemistry and research in various fields.
Why should you attend a program in Florida?
Florida is home to universities, research facilities, and STEM organizations that run chemistry research programs for high school students, offering direct access to expert scientists as well as cutting-edge equipment and labs. In these programs, you may conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, or assist ongoing faculty research on topics such as molecular design, catalysis, or environmental chemistry. If you are living in Florida or planning a trip here during your school break, the state has a lot to offer in terms of learning opportunities.
To help you find the right fit, here are 15 chemistry research 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 throughout the U.S., including Florida
Cost/Stipend: Free program; $4,000 fellowship/stipend offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~350 students/year; Florida-specific numbers not available
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 (those with an annual income of ≤300% based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines), and hold U.S. citizenship
Project SEED offers high school students the opportunity to conduct mentored research in chemistry over 8 to 10 weeks in the summer. As a participant, you will work in a university, industrial, or governmental lab alongside professional researchers on independent or group research projects. You will write a report or prepare a poster to present your work at the end of the summer. The program also offers access to career panels, poster/science fair field trips, and college prep support, along with the opportunity to return the next summer and continue engaging in chemistry research.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year (spring, fall, winter, and summer)
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students who have experience in AI or Python or have completed the AI Scholars program
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. UCF’s High School Summer Internship Program
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (UCF Main Campus & UCF Medical Campus)
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: 11th and 12th graders
This summer internship, run by the University of Central Florida, allows you to participate in interdisciplinary research projects. You will join one of 10 research labs and spend the summer studying the various aspects of quantum materials and the field’s intersection with chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. You may work on the lab’s main areas of research, such as electronic structure and light matter interaction in layered quantum materials, catalysis on topological materials, and quantum material-biological material interfaces. The experience can offer you insights into how quantum materials can help meet future energy, computing, and healthcare needs.
4. Lumiere Research Scholars Program: Chemistry Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts (fall, winter, summer, and spring) in a year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students; selected students typically have a GPA of 3.3+
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 that you can explore as a high schooler. 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 chemistry, physics, data science, computer science, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Wertheim UF Scripps Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships
Location: Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $4,480
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 5 – July 31
Application deadline: March 1; applications open on December 8.
Eligibility: High school rising juniors and seniors, ages 16 and up, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, who live and attend school in Palm Beach or Martin County and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship is an opportunity for high schoolers to explore chemical and biological research alongside scientists who have worked on cancer and coronavirus studies. In the first week, you will attend an introductory course covering standard techniques and applications in biomedical research. Then, you will work alongside UF Scripps laboratory staff, learning about the scientific process, research planning, experimental design, and building lab skills. The program also provides exposure to careers in biotechnology, research, biomedical engineering, and drug discovery. At the end of eight weeks, you will submit a written scientific abstract, deliver an oral presentation, and present a poster to share your research findings with peers and mentors.
6. Mayo Clinic’s Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (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 enrolled at Duval County or St. Johns County schools in Florida with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
Mayo Clinic’s SPARK is designed to help students dive into biomedical research within clinical healthcare environments. You will work on research projects in biomedicine, with placements available across areas, including biochemistry and drug development, under the mentorship of Mayo Clinic physicians, researchers, and other professionals. You will participate in weekly Lunch and Learn sessions, one-on-one mentor meetings, lab meetings, and lab work during the program. You will also work on building a competitive research project, which can be submitted to science fairs. Finally, you will present your research in the form of a poster at the end of SPARK.
7. Florida State University’s Young Scholars Program
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: Free (fully funded); meals and housing included
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~40 students selected in the past
Dates: June 7 – July 18
Application deadline: February 15; applications open on January 1.
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 free six-week residential program that blends science and math coursework with independent research. You will take science and math courses and spend two days each week conducting mentored research alongside FSU faculty. The program focuses on personal and academic development, peer collaboration, and leadership training through structured learning experiences. You will also write a research paper and deliver oral presentations to discuss your findings. You can indicate your preference for a chemistry-focused research experience to work with relevant chemistry faculty.
8. 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/year; Florida-specific numbers not available
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Application deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grade 9 and are 16 years old or older; labs may have additional requirements.
SEAP is a mentored research program that places high schoolers in the Department of the Navy labs. Over the course of eight weeks, you will explore naval science and engineering fields under the mentorship of a scientist within a lab setting. At the assigned site, you will assist the lab staff with Naval projects in chemistry and engineering, helping them run tests, assessments, experiments, and tool development procedures. The program also offers professional development opportunities, including shadowing and connecting with researchers and other STEM professionals. Additionally, you will gain insight into careers in naval research and technology during the program.
9. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $14/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~8 students selected in the past
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application deadline: February 8; applications open on December 16
Eligibility: Palm Beach or Martin County rising high school juniors and seniors, ages 16 and up, who are authorized to work in the U.S.
This six-week internship program allows you to engage in research within neuroscience and related fields under the guidance of MPFI scientists. The program offers multiple tracks: Neuroscience, Mechanical Engineering, Scientific Programming, and Programming/Coding for Public Engagement. You can indicate your preference for chemical science-focused research placements. As a participant, you will practice wet lab techniques such as genetic engineering, histological staining, and microscopic observation. You will wrap up the experience by writing a scientific abstract and delivering a short presentation of your work.
10. FAU 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
This one-week program is designed to introduce middle and high schoolers to crystallization, wth a focus on the underlying chemistry, physics, geology, and engineering. You will gain exposure to research while engaging in lab activities, including studying corals, mollusk shells, and leaf structures using advanced microscopes. Beyond lab work, you will engage in lectures, STEM career discussions, educational games, hands-on activities, and tours. Additionally, the program covers topics like biomineralization, nanoscale microscopy, and nanotechnology.
11. University of Florida’s Research Explorations (REx) Program
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $2,500 + $35 non-refundable application fee; limited scholarships are available for Florida applicants.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Biomedical Science Track: June 21 – July 3 or July 19 – 31 | Environmental Science and Toxicology Track: July 19 – 31
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open on January 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
REx offers high schoolers an in-depth introduction to research through lab work, informational sessions, and activities. As a participant, you will explore the basics of scientific research and how scientists come up with innovative applications, therapies, and technologies. The program focuses on offering exposure to the work of scientists and engineers in developing solutions to address societal challenges. You can choose from two experiences: the Biomedical Science Track, where you will explore DNA science, CRISPR, and protein science, or the Environmental Science and Toxicology Track, where you will explore chemical science and the effects of pollution on health and the environment. You will also visit research laboratories, engage in discussions on current research conducted at UF, and contribute to experiments while collaborating with UF faculty and graduate students.
12. University of Miami Summer Scholars Program
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: Residential: $9,532 | Commuter: $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: High school sophomores and juniors with a GPA of at least 3.0
The Summer Scholars Program at the University of Miami is a three-week program that blends college-level instruction with laboratory experience. You can choose a faculty-led specialized chemistry course, where you will engage in laboratory work, participate in field trips to professional research laboratories and facilities, and attend lectures covering key topics in chemistry. You will also dive into coursework 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.
13. University of Florida Student Science Training Program
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $5,500 + $50 application fee; limited need-based scholarships are available for Florida applicants.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 90 students/year
Dates: June 7 – July 25
Application deadline: April 15 (FL applicants) | April 1 (out-of-state/international applicants)
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders, ages 16 and up
In this seven-week residential research program, you will gain experience in STEM research while working with University of Florida faculty within a laboratory. You can indicate your preference for a chemistry-focused placement. You will attend weekly one-on-one sessions with your faculty mentor, work on analyzing scientific articles, and receive guidance and feedback on your research project. You will be required to take research notes, write a research paper, and create a research poster as part of your research. You will also attend a lecture series covering current research topics and engage in a UF Honors Program seminar class.
14. Florida International University Summer Research Internship Program
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned
Cohort size: Varies each year; ~25 – 30 students in past cohorts
Dates: June 12 – August 7
Application deadline: TBA; applications open in spring
Eligibility: South Florida high school juniors or graduated seniors, ages 16 and up, with an unweighted GPA of 3.0+
FIU’s Summer Research Internship Program is an opportunity for high schoolers to engage in research focused on cardiovascular health. Over the course of eight weeks, you will join a lab and assist university professors with their research. The program also offers interdisciplinary research placements, including within labs focusing on chemistry and biochemistry research. Your responsibilities will include working on your research project, preparing an abstract, reviewing case studies, and attending journal clubs. At the end of the internship, you will present your work to peers and faculty and stand a chance to win awards and the opportunity to present the project at the MARC U*STAR symposium in December.
15. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote opportunities available
Cost: Application fee: $25 + Program fee: $1,299 for three college credits
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school students and undergraduates who are at least 15 years old
Offered by George Mason University, ASSIP is a mentored research opportunity designed for high schoolers interested in STEM fields. You can choose a mentor offering a remote research internship within biochemistry or chemistry. Over the course of eight weeks, you will work one-on-one with your mentor and contribute to chemical science research, build scientific writing skills, and explore career paths in STEM. The summer experience ends with a symposium, where you will learn about the research conducted at ASSIP over the last eight weeks.
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