15 Chemistry Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you are a high school student curious about what chemistry looks like beyond the classroom, a chemistry-focused summer program can be a meaningful next step. These programs let you work in real labs, try out applied research, and practice problem-solving in ways that aren't always possible during the school year. You also have the opportunity to work with mentors, interact with researchers, and understand how chemistry connects to fields such as medicine, materials science, environmental science, and engineering.
Why should you attend a program in Florida?
Florida is home to major research universities, medical centers, and government labs that host structured chemistry programs for high school students across the state. In these programs, you might conduct wet-lab experiments, assist with materials testing, analyze biochemical data, contribute to research work, or complete mentored projects. Whether you are a Florida resident looking for a local opportunity or an out-of-state student interested in the state’s research institutions, these programs provide access to experiences in a range of academic and applied settings.
To help with your search, we’ve identified 15 chemistry summer 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: Various locations across New York State and virtual options
Cost/Stipend: Free. Minimum $4,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Over 350 students annually
Dates: 8–10 weeks from June to July
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates who have completed at least one chemistry course, demonstrate interest in science, meet documented financial eligibility requirements (at or below 300% of Federal Poverty Guidelines), and have parent/guardian consent if under 18
Project SEED is a full-time summer research experience focused specifically on chemistry. You’ll work about 40 hours per week in a university or industrial lab under the supervision of a professional chemist and take part in real, ongoing research projects. The program includes training in lab safety, research ethics, and career pathways in chemistry. Many students continue into a second summer, allowing deeper engagement with their research topic. Some sites also provide travel grants, so you can present your work at American Chemical Society conferences.
2. Veritas AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies; need-based aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Rolling. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students with Python experience or Veritas AI Scholars completion
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students passionate about AI with a supportive environment 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. Florida State University Young Scholars Program
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free; meals and housing included
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students who have completed 11th grade at a Florida public or private high school (rare exceptions for outstanding 10th graders), hold a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA, score in the 90th percentile or above in math on a standardized exam, have completed or are enrolled in Pre-Calculus, can commit to the full six weeks, and are Florida residents.
FSU Young Scholars combines advanced coursework with mentored research in a fully funded residential setting. You’ll take college-level science and math classes while spending two days each week working on independent research with Florida State University faculty. If you’re interested in chemistry, you can request to be paired with relevant departments and labs. The program emphasizes both academic growth and personal development, with structured leadership and collaboration activities. You’ll complete a research paper and deliver oral presentations at the end of the program.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Chemistry Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students
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. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Navy labs nationwide, including Florida
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 (new); $4,500 (returning)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 300 students
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, are currently enrolled (including those taking college-level courses), graduating seniors, are 16 or older by the program start date, and hold U.S. citizenship
Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) places high school students in Navy research labs working on real science and engineering projects. You might take up chemistry-related work, including testing materials, conducting experiments, and assisting with tool development. You’ll work alongside professional researchers and gain exposure to applied science careers outside an academic setting. The program also includes professional development and networking opportunities.
6. Mayo Clinic SPARK (Florida)
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 2 – December 3
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors from Duval or St. Johns County schools with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
Mayo SPARK places high school students in a clinical research environment with a strong focus on biomedical science. You’ll work with physicians and researchers on projects that may involve biochemistry and related chemistry-based methods. The program includes lab work, mentor meetings, and weekly Lunch-and-Learn sessions. Over time, you’ll build a research project suitable for science fairs and present your work as a research poster at the end of the program.
7. Florida International University Summer Research Internship
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 12 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: South Florida juniors, graduated seniors attending FIU, and accepted FIU transfer students, age 16+
This Florida International University Program combines lab research with guided academic discussions. You’ll spend at least 15 hours per week in research labs working on projects that have previously included biochemistry and chemistry topics. Alongside lab work, you'll also take part in journal clubs, case studies, and professional development workshops focused on academic and professional skills. Before starting in the lab, you’ll complete safety training and orientation to prepare for research. The program ends with research presentations, and top students may be invited to present at a university symposium.
8. UCF PREM High School Summer Internship Program
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Stipend: $1,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
UCF PREM explores materials science and chemistry through the lens of quantum research. You’ll work in a lab environment assisting with ongoing research projects connected to energy, computing, and healthcare applications. Depending on placement, you may help create or analyze advanced materials, including ultra-thin structures. You’ll also gain exposure to how interdisciplinary chemistry research functions at a large research university.
9. Florida Atlantic University Crystal Summer School
Location: Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 students
Dates: June 30 – July 3
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 – 12
Florida Atlantic University (FAU)’s Crystal Summer School introduces high school students to crystallization across multiple scientific disciplines. You’ll explore chemistry concepts through hands-on activities, including growing crystals, studying geodes, and using microscopes. The program covers topics including biomineralization and nanotechnology. Lab tours, games, and interactive lectures are part of the experience. Since the program is short and highly focused, it serves as an effective introduction to applied chemistry.
10. FIU High School Summer Internship Program (Port St. Lucie)
Location: FIU Center for Translational Science, Port St. Lucie, FL
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 9 – July 10
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in St. Lucie County
This five-week internship focuses on biomedical research, with opportunities in medicinal chemistry. You’ll work in labs conducting research in neuroscience, immunology, or drug discovery. Students interested in chemistry can seek placement in labs focused on organic synthesis and related techniques. Along the way, you'll receive mentorship from researchers and gain professional exposure to how scientific work functions in a professional research setting. You’ll present your work at a final luncheon and earn volunteer hours for your participation.
11. University of Florida Student Science Training Program (SSTP)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $5,500 + $50 application fee; limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 90 students each summer
Dates: June 7 – 25
Application Deadline: April 1 (out-of-state/international) | April 15 (Florida students)
Eligibility: High school students who are entering their senior year and are at least 16 years old by the program start date, and are interested in science, medicine, mathematics, computer science, or engineering careers
SSTP is a seven-week research program that places high school students directly into faculty-led laboratories. You’ll spend around 30 hours per week working alongside graduate students and postdocs on real research projects in areas such as analytical chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and materials science. Alongside lab work, you'll attend daily lectures by university researchers, which help you understand how different scientific fields intersect. Over the summer, you’ll work toward writing a formal research paper and presenting your findings through posters and oral presentations. Residential students also experience campus life through seminars and weekend activities.
12. University of Miami Summer Scholars Program
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost/Stipend: Residential $9,532 | Commuter $8,144; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 27 – July 17
Application Deadline: December 31 (early) | March 1 (Scholarships and international applicants) | April 1 (regular)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
This three-week program combines college-level chemistry coursework with lab experience. You’ll take a specialized chemistry course taught by University of Miami faculty and participate in lab work and related field trips. Guest lectures and group discussions help place the learning in a broader scientific and real-world context. You'll earn six college credits upon completion of the program and gain a sense of academic expectations at a private research university.
13. Eckerd College Marine Science Pre-College Program
Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: $2,250; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 14 – 19 | June 21 – 26
Application Deadline: Registrations open January 2026; deadline to be declared
Eligibility: Students entering 11th or 12th grade in the upcoming academic year; must pass a pool swim test; should have an active health insurance
Eckerd’s program explores marine chemistry through hands-on environmental study. As part of the program, you’ll conduct experiments both in labs and on the water, analyzing seawater and marine ecosystems. You'll undertake plankton analysis, dolphin observation, and shoreline studies under the guidance of the college faculty. Living on a waterfront campus enhances the program experience.
14. George Mason University ASSIP (Virtual Option)
Location: Virtual options available
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee + $1,299 tuition for 3 college credits (fee waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Minimum age 15 (16 for wet-lab internships); must not have graduated from university
ASSIP offers mentored research projects, including chemistry-related options, that can be pursued online. As part of the program, you’ll work under faculty guidance and develop research skills over eight weeks. The program places a strong emphasis on scientific writing, communication, and independent problem-solving, skills that are relevant for higher studies and professional careers in chemistry. Some students go on to present at conferences or publish their work.
15. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes: Topics in Biochemistry
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $3,200; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 11; must have completed a high school biology course
This two-week virtual course from Stanford University introduces core concepts in biochemistry through live instruction. You’ll study macromolecules and their relationship to health and disease. Group projects and discussions help reinforce learning as you move through the material. The final project integrates multiple biochemical topics, including CRISPR and mRNA vaccines. Although short, the program provides structured academic exposure to biochemistry and a clear understanding of how it is taught at the university level.