15 Data Science Research Programs for High School Students in Florida
Research programs are an excellent opportunity for high school students to gain practical experience, especially in rapidly growing fields like data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). Many of these programs give you a chance to access university labs, receive guidance from professors or graduate students, and get exposure to research. In Florida, top universities and organizations offer a variety of these programs.
For those interested in data science and related disciplines, participating in such programs can build foundational skills in coding, data analysis, and critical thinking. We’ve carefully curated a list of the 15 best data science research programs for high school students in Florida. These programs can strengthen your academic profile and offer a head start in pursuing STEM careers.
Here are 15 data science research programs for high school students in Florida!
1. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship — UF Scripps
Location: The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute and Palm Beach State College, Jupiter, FL (in-person)
Cost: Free; paid stipend $4,480 for the summer
Application deadline: March
Dates: June – August
Eligibility: Palm Beach or Martin County high schoolers (rising juniors/seniors), age 16+, minimum GPA 3.0
This nine-week, full-time research internship covers experimental design, laboratory skills, and extensive data analysis projects under faculty supervision. Interns participate in a one-week biotech bootcamp at Palm Beach State College and attend scientific seminars, introducing them to a wide array of research topics..
Throughout the internship, you will engage in hands-on computational analysis of large biomedical datasets. You may explore potential career options in research, drug discovery, biotechnology, or biomedical engineering. This program provides valuable experience in learning laboratory, presentation, and research skills.
2. Veritas AI Scholars & Fellowship
Location: Online
Cost: Varies according to program; need-based financial aid available
Application deadline: Rolling; multiple cohort start dates per year. Upcoming Fall Deadline: August 31
Dates: Year-round (cohorts launch in winter, spring, summer, fall)
Eligibility: High school students; some exceptions for motivated 8th graders with coding experience.
Veritas AI offers two programs designed for high school students who want to learn more about artificial intelligence. In the AI Scholars program, you’ll spend around 10 weeks studying core topics like Python, machine learning, and data analysis in small groups. The sessions introduce key areas such as neural networks, image processing, and natural language processing, along with discussions on the broader effects of AI. You’ll also get to practice these concepts by working on a group project.
If you have experience with coding or AI, the AI Fellowship option allows you to explore a topic in greater depth through a research project, with guidance from a mentor. You’ll work independently and may have the chance to present your findings. Both programs are structured to help you build technical skills and collaborate with peers who have similar interests.
3. GenCyber Summer Camps — University of West Florida
Location: Center for Cybersecurity, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL (in-person)
Cost: Free (funded by NSA/NSF GenCyber grant); lunch provided
Application deadline: Not specified; applications typically open in spring and remain open until filled
Dates: June first week (Basic Camp); June second week (Advanced Camp) (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising 7th–10th graders; Basic Camp is for those new to GenCyber; Advanced Camp is for returnees or those with prior experience in GenCyber, computer science classes, or cybersecurity academies.
The UWF GenCyber Summer Camps are free, week-long day programs designed to introduce middle and high school students to cybersecurity concepts, skills, and career pathways. The Basic Camp is tailored for students new to GenCyber, offering hands-on activities, games, and technical lessons that explore the six core GenCyber Concepts in a fun and accessible format.
The Advanced Camp, intended for returning campers or those with prior technical experience, delves deeper into programming, open-source intelligence, cryptography, penetration testing, and advanced networking through hands-on tools and labs. Both sessions focus on ethical cyber behavior, teamwork, and exposure to real-world cybersecurity problems, supported by mentorship from UWF faculty and cyber professionals.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Online
Cost: Varies according to program. Full financial aid available! You can check out the Lumiere Foundation, a non-profit research program, which offers assistance to low-income students.
Application deadline: Four cohorts throughout the year, applications due in February, May, September, and December. You can apply here.
Dates: There are four cohorts throughout the year: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: All high school students
Lumiere’s research program matches high school students with PhD mentors to complete an independent project. You can select a topic from fields such as data science, computer science, psychology, economics, international relations, or physics , or suggest one of your own. Throughout the program, you’ll work with your mentor to design and carry out a research project. The process is structured to introduce you to academic research while helping you build skills in analysis, writing, and critical thinking. You can apply to the program here.
5. iD Tech Camps at University of South Florida
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL (in-person, day and overnight options)
Cost: Starting at $1,079
Application deadline: Rolling until session fills
Dates: June – July (week-long programs)
Eligibility: Ages 13–17 (middle and high school)
Students participate in hands-on data science, machine learning, Python programming, and AI workshops. Courses include data analytics with Python, developing projects in real datasets, and an introduction to coding for analytics. Camps promote peer learning and encourage exploration of advanced programming tools. You will receive a certificate of completion and have access to post-camp support resources.
6. Gator Artificial Intelligence Camp — University of Florida
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (in-person, residential)
Cost: $2,400 (need-based scholarships available); $20 application fee
Application deadline: March
Dates: mid-July (two-week program)
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th graders; Florida residents only
The Gator AI camp is a residential program focused on Python programming, AI tools, and real-world data analytics. You will receive mentorship from UF faculty across disciplines, tour the UF Data Center (home to one of the nation’s most powerful AI supercomputers), and complete projects exploring the impact of AI in research and industry. The camp is highly interactive and emphasizes foundational and emerging skills in data science and technology!
7. UF CPET Student Science Training Program (SSTP)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (in-person, residential)
Cost: $5,500; $50 application fee
Application deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: June 8 – July 26 (seven-week program)
Eligibility: Students entering Grade 12
The three academic components of the UF SSTP are laboratory research, a science lecture series, and a UF Honors Program seminar class. The program’s academic requirements include participating fully in all program activities, submitting weekly lab notes, developing and writing a scientific research paper, presenting a research poster, and giving two oral presentations. Additional academic requirements include assignments given by instructors for the UF Honors Program seminar class.
This program offers rigorous research with a faculty mentor in labs across STEM, including data science, bioinformatics, and applied analytics projects. The program includes residential life with social events and engages the students in university-level research within lab environments. It provides motivated high school students with immersive learning to stimulate interest in STEM careers.
8. NextGen Bootcamp: Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Summer Program
Location: Online
Cost: Tuition varies; scholarships available
Application deadline: Rolling; sessions fill in the spring
Dates: June – August (multiple 2-week or 4-week cohorts)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
This interactive class, taught live online, covers Python fundamentals and applies them to real data science projects. You will master tools such as Pandas, Matplotlib, and Sci-Kit Learn, gaining the ability to analyze, visualize, and model datasets. The program also teaches foundational statistics, predictive analytics, and presentation of findings. No prior experience is required, and group sizes are kept small for personal attention. You will graduate ready to use Python for advanced data challenges.
9. Data Science Courses — Harvard University
Location: Online
Cost: Free for most modules. Optional paid certifications.
Application deadline: Open year-round
Dates: Flexible, self-paced
Eligibility: High school students with interest and motivation
Harvard’s online courses introduce students to core data science methods, including programming in Python and R, statistical reasoning, and data analysis. Course tracks are instructor-led but allow you to set your own pace, making them accessible to high schoolers with flexible schedules. Practical assignments draw from real-life datasets in science, business, and social research. Completion earns you official Harvard certification for most courses, which can enhance your academic profile. Ideal for self-motivated students looking for foundational skills or a supplement to in-school learning.
10. Columbia University Pre-College: Data Science & Machine Learning 1 & 2
Location: Online
Cost: Tuition applies; financial aid available
Application deadline: Spring
Dates: Summer (2- or 3-week sessions, live online)
Eligibility: High school students (current grades 9–12)
Columbia’s online pre-college modules focus on the fundamentals of data science, machine learning, and the application of Python for analysis and modeling. You will complete group research, participate in live discussions, and develop a capstone presentation using industry datasets. The program is rigorous, with coursework designed by Columbia faculty and delivered synchronously via virtual classrooms. Student presentations are a required part of course completion, simulating a professional data workflow.
11. IBM SkillsBuild for Students: Free Data Science Courses
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Application deadline: Rolling admissions, open access
Dates: Self-paced, online modules
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
SkillsBuild is an open-access online platform offering foundational and advanced data science and analytics courses led by tech industry experts. The platform covers Python, AI, data visualization, and domain-specific applications, allowing you to progress from beginner to advanced content at your own pace. When you complete a learning path, you can earn a digital badge or certificate. All resources are mobile/device compatible, with courses tailored for independent high school learners or classroom use.
12. Florida A&M University — Geospatial AI for Environmental & STEM Careers Workshop
Location: FAMU main campus, Tallahassee, FL (in-person, one-day event)
Cost: Free
Application deadline: February (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: March (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students in Florida (especially underrepresented groups in STEM)
This interactive workshop introduces high schoolers to geospatial data analysis and artificial intelligence. You will work with mapping software, environmental datasets, and learn AI techniques vital for data-driven STEM careers. Activities include hands-on mapping, satellite image analysis, and team-based data challenges led by FAMU researchers. The program foregrounds data science skills needed in climate, health, and geographic research. You will network with STEM mentors and gain exposure to cutting-edge academic research.
13. FLVS Data Analytics and Database Design Course
Location: Online (open to all Florida high schoolers, rolling admission)
Cost: Free (as part of the Florida Virtual School high school curriculum)
Application deadline: Open enrollment year-round
Dates: Flexible start; earliest availability July
Eligibility: All Florida public, private, or homeschool high school students
This accredited online high school course introduces Florida students to fundamental data analytics, including data collection, cleaning, statistical analysis, and database design concepts. You will use tools such as Microsoft Excel, Python basics, and introductory SQL to analyze and model real datasets.
Core lessons focus on the application of analytics to solve business, science, and civic problems, culminating in an independent data-driven project. The course prepares you for college majors and careers in analytics, engineering, and data science. You can receive high school credit and gain practical foundational skills that are useful for further STEM study.
14. FIU Summer Research Internship Program — Florida International University
Location: FIU Modesto A. Maidique and Engineering Center Campuses, Miami, FL (in-person)
Cost: Free; paid stipend optional for select students (no direct cost for high schoolers)
Application deadline: For high school students (rising seniors), applications typically close early spring (e.g., by March)
Dates: June 13 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors, graduated seniors (committed to FIU), or transfer students; must be at least 16 by program start date; minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA
This eight-week, in-person research internship immerses South Florida high school students in interdisciplinary laboratory research focused on cardiovascular health, including projects that span biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and biomedical engineering. You are matched with FIU faculty mentors and take part in both a structured curriculum (journal clubs, workshops, case studies) and original lab research.
You will acquire hands-on data analysis and experimental skills, including experimental design, data collection, statistical modeling, and communicating results through formal presentations. Many projects involve significant computational and data science components such as bioinformatics, computational modeling, and the analysis of biological and clinical datasets. All interns showcase their work at a final symposium, develop professional skills through workshops, and are eligible to win research presentation awards and invitations to FIU’s science symposium.
15. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Online
Cost: Paid stipend (amount varies by assignment)
Application deadline: Rolling; varies by project and session
Dates: Summer, fall, and spring placements; typically 8–10 weeks
Eligibility: High school students age 16+ with U.S. citizenship
The NASA OSTEM paid internship program offers you the chance to join NASA teams as a high school student, contributing to real projects in data science, analytics, programming, engineering, or research. You assist NASA scientists and engineers with tasks such as analyzing satellite data and supporting Earth and space science research, while participating in STEM initiatives alongside experienced professionals.
Throughout the internship, you build technical, programming, and communication skills with guidance from mentors and targeted training sessions. The program is well-suited for those interested in gaining practical experience related to space science, research analytics, or federal STEM careers. Selection for the internship is competitive and considers academic records, application essays, and references.
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