14 Free Medical Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you are a high school student interested in medicine, participating in a medical program can help you explore different areas of healthcare and biomedical science before college. Depending on the program, you may study topics such as neuroscience, public health, genetics, clinical medicine, or biotechnology while developing a stronger understanding of the field. These experiences can also help you identify areas of interest and make more informed decisions about future academic and career pathways. Several programs are either free or provide financial support, making it easier to gain meaningful academic experience without the financial commitment often associated with pre-college programs.
Why should you attend a Medical program in Florida?
Florida is home to several renowned universities, hospitals, and research organizations that offer free medical programs for high school students. Through these opportunities, you can conduct biomedical research, work in advanced laboratories, participate in clinical workshops, shadow healthcare professionals, analyze scientific data, and present your findings through posters and presentations. These programs are designed for students living or studying in Florida who want to gain local research and healthcare experience, as well as out-of-state students interested in exploring select virtual and nationally accessible opportunities.
To help you identify the strongest options, we've narrowed down our list to 14 free medical programs for high school students in Florida.
If you’re looking for data science programs in Florida, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span biomedical research (Kenan Fellows, FIU SRI, Max Planck Neuroscience), genomics (JJ Vance Memorial Internship), clinical exploration (Cleveland Clinic Summer Scholars, Mayo Clinic Pathways), and AI in medicine (Veritas AI), giving Florida high schoolers options across the full range of medical interests.
Several programs are free and include stipends, including Kenan Fellows ($4,480), JJ Vance Memorial Internship (stipend provided), Max Planck Neuroscience Internship (stipend provided), Los Angeles Pediatric Society program ($500 scholarship), and the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation (fully funded).
Many Florida-based programs are geographically restricted to local students, including Kenan Fellows (Palm Beach or Martin County), Max Planck Neuroscience (Palm Beach or Martin County), FIU CTS Internship (St. Lucie County), and Mayo Clinic SPARK (participating Florida school districts).
Program lengths vary significantly, from short three-day experiences (Mayo Clinic Pathways) and one-week programs (FIU JDOT) to extended multi-month commitments like Mayo Clinic SPARK (six months) and Kenan Fellows (eight weeks).
Virtual options including Veritas AI, Medicine Encompassed Internships, and the Los Angeles Pediatric Society program are open to Florida students regardless of their proximity to a research institution.
1. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships at the University of Florida Health
Location: Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free; a $4,480 stipend is paid
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors at a Palm Beach or Martin County high school in the fall, ages 16 and above; Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships offers you an eight-week full-time learning opportunity. You will engage in fundamental biomedical research, explore research topics through seminars, and work with renowned scientists to address real-world healthcare challenges. The program will allow you to explore careers in a range of fields, including biomedical engineering, basic research, biotechnology, and drug discovery. You will gain knowledge of scientific process, experimental designs, research planning, data analysis, and more. At the conclusion of the program, you will submit a written scientific abstract and give an oral presentation and a poster presentation.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Medicine Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Dates: Multiple 12 - 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November) | You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students from around the world; AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI is an AI program for ambitious high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI + Medicine Deep Dive, students learn how AI is used in the healthcare and medical industry. Students get a chance to work on real-world projects using AI & ML models to diagnose diseases, sharpen medical scans, and explain their outcomes to aid doctors and patients. Here is the program brochure.
3. FIU Summer Research Internship (SRI)
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost: Free
Dates: June 12 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: High school juniors OR graduated seniors who have committed to attend FIU OR accepted FIU transfer students; must be at least 16 years old with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The FIU Summer Research Internship (SRI) is an eight-week learning opportunity in cardiovascular health. You will learn through the two components offered by the program: the curriculum component, involving case studies, workshops, and journal clubs, and the research component, where you will engage with the weekly curriculum through guidance from a mentor. The program enables you to acquire knowledge of research methodologies, understand experimental designs, and develop professional skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork. You will explore cardiovascular research through the program's interdisciplinary research labs. The program concludes as you submit a research abstract along with a PowerPoint presentation of your project.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students or students planning to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall; Must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as medicine, psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. You can apply here!
5. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship at Miami’s School of Medicine
Location: Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free; A stipend is paid
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school juniors
The JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship at Miami’s School of Medicine is an eight-week summer research opportunity for high school students. You will be paired with a faculty member, postdoctoral fellow, or staff member at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics (HIHG). The program is a paid learning opportunity that offers a challenging research experience in biological and computational sciences.
6. FIU Junior Doctors of Tomorrow (JDOT)
Location: FIU Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Miami, FL
Cost: Free
Dates: June 15 – 19
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0+ GPA
FIU Junior Doctors of Tomorrow (JDOT) is a one-week immersive program for high school students. You will engage in interactive sessions, participate in hands-on clinical workshops, and receive mentorship from experienced medical professionals. The program enables you to explore healthcare careers, acquire practical knowledge, and develop essential skills for a future in medicine.
7. Max Planck Florida Institute of Neuroscience High School Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost: Free; A stipend is paid
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending high school in Palm Beach or Martin County.
Max Planck Florida Institute of Neuroscience High School Internship is an immersive laboratory-focused program for high school students. The program will spend six weeks working with MPFI scientists and exploring your interest in the structure, development, and function of the human brain. You will engage in a range of wet-lab techniques, including microscopy, genetic engineering, histological staining, and microbiology preparations. You will acquire detailed knowledge and learn to answer key questions about neural circuit structure and function. This program offers a strong learning opportunity, especially if you have a background in chemical and biological sciences.
8. Medicine Encompassed Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Available year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students
Medicine Encompassed Internships offers flexible learning opportunities to high school students. You will get to choose one from 18 community options, including neurology, article writing, graphic design, anatomy, and more. You can collaborate with peers on projects, participate in outreach efforts, organize webinars, and conduct literature reviews. The program helps you build skills in scientific writing, medical communication, and teamwork.
9. Baptist Health Academics Observer Program
Location: South Florida (Baptist Health hospitals)
Cost: Free
Dates: Available year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+
The Baptist Health Academics Observer Program is a voluntary learning opportunity for high school students. You will gain in-depth knowledge in medicine and real-world exposure to the workings of the healthcare systems. You will engage in shadowing experiences and observe health clinicians performing duties and managing patient care. The program will allow you to engage in hands-on learning. The program requires you to find and confirm a sponsor to participate in and engage with the opportunity.
10. Cleveland Clinic Summer Scholars Program
Location: Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, Weston, FL
Cost: Free
Dates: Session 1: June 15 – July 3 | Session 2: July 6 – 24
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; Minimum GPA: 3.6 or above
The Cleveland Clinic Summer Scholars Program provides a three-week educational experience for high school students. Participants will explore various clinical fields, including surgery, radiology, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and more. The program features a structured schedule that enables students to interact with staff physicians and acquire practical knowledge. It offers a firsthand look at the hospital environment and helps students explore their interest in clinical medicine.
11. Mayo Clinic’s Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Free
Dates: June 2 – December 3
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in Florida school districts participating in ten programs; Minimum GPA: 3.5
Mayo Clinic’s Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK) is a six-month program for high school students. You will have the opportunity to work on competitive projects, engage in mentor laboratories for around 25 hours every week, and have the chance to win regional and state prizes for your projects. You will explore a range of research areas, including neuroscience, drug development, cancer biology, regenerative sciences, immunology, and more. Some of the program alumni have successfully participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and the Clinical Research Internship Study Program (CRISP), and have pursued careers in related areas.
12. Mayo Clinic Pathways into Healthcare Careers Program
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Free
Dates: July 23 – 25
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Mayo Clinic Pathways into Healthcare Careers is a three-day interactive program designed for high school students. Participants will take part in hands-on sessions at the simulation center and have opportunities to connect with faculty, students, and allied health professionals through lectures, panel discussions, tours, and various activities. You will have the opportunity to explore educational and career pathways in a range of professions, including histotechnologist, pharmacist, surgical technologist, nurse anesthetist, and more. The program offers activities for personal and professional development, as well as opportunities to explore careers and educational opportunities at Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.
13. FIU Center for Translational Science (CTS) High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Florida International University Center for Translational Science, Port St. Lucie, FL
Cost: Free
Dates: June 8 – July 9
Application Deadline: Available through partner schools
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from St. Lucie County
The FIU Center for Translational Science (CTS) High School Summer Internship is a five-week program designed to engage high school students in biomedical research. Participants will receive mentorship from experts in diverse fields, including neuroscience, aging and wellness, drug discovery and delivery, inflammation, infection and immunity, mitochondria, and metabolism. You will understand the role of scientific processes in generating knowledge, conduct experiments in state-of-the-art laboratories, and develop a range of skills in scientific methodology, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
14. Los Angeles Pediatric Society – Eve and Gene Black Virtual Medical Career Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500 scholarship
Dates: Multi-length sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Los Angeles Pediatric Society – Eve and Gene Black Virtual Medical Career is a medical mentor program for high school students. The program offers both virtual and in-person sessions, giving you the opportunity to learn from a variety of professionals, including dieticians, pediatricians, surgeons, therapists, pharmacists, and others. You will participate in group discussions and prepare a final presentation. By the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion along with a monetary scholarship.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best free medical programs for high school students in Florida?
Strong options depend on a student's interests. Students drawn to hands-on lab research might consider the Kenan Fellows or the Max Planck Neuroscience Internship; those interested in clinical medicine might look at the Cleveland Clinic Summer Scholars or the Mayo Clinic Pathways, and those interested in AI in healthcare might consider Veritas AI's AI and Medicine program.
Which free Florida medical programs include a stipend or scholarship?
Kenan Fellows provides a $4,480 stipend, JJ Vance Memorial Internship and Max Planck Neuroscience Internship both provide stipends, the Los Angeles Pediatric Society program offers a $500 scholarship, and the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is fully funded at no cost to qualifying students.
Which programs are available to Florida students regardless of their county or school district?
Virtual programs including Veritas AI, Medicine Encompassed Internships, and the Los Angeles Pediatric Society program are open to students statewide and beyond, while FIU JDOT, Cleveland Clinic Summer Scholars, FIU SRI, and Mayo Clinic Pathways are accessible to students from across Florida.
Which Florida medical programs focus specifically on research rather than clinical shadowing?
Kenan Fellows, FIU SRI (cardiovascular health), Max Planck Neuroscience Internship, JJ Vance Memorial Internship (genomics), FIU CTS Internship, and Mayo Clinic SPARK all center on hands-on laboratory or biomedical research, while Cleveland Clinic Summer Scholars and Baptist Health Observer Program focus more on clinical observation.
Do any free Florida medical programs accept applications year-round?
Yes, Medicine Encompassed Internships accepts students on a rolling basis year-round, Baptist Health Academics Observer Program is available throughout the year with rolling admissions, and Veritas AI offers multiple cohorts in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
When should I apply to free medical programs for high school students in Florida?
Deadlines vary widely. The earliest include JJ Vance Memorial Internship (January 31) and Max Planck Neuroscience Internship (February 8), while others like Cleveland Clinic Summer Scholars (March 23) and Mayo Clinic Pathways (May 1) fall later in the spring.