13 Free Programs for High School Students in Florida
As a high school student, structured programs offer you the chance to apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts while developing professional and academic skills. These programs expose you to projects, industry experience, and you can receive mentorship from industry experts and experienced researchers. Many of these programs are completely free or offer full financial aid, which eliminates financial barriers and allows you easier access to learning and professional development opportunities. These programs help you explore potential academic opportunities and career paths.
Florida is home to a range of universities, labs, and organizations that run free programs for motivated high school students. From research and medical internships to STEM exploration camps, you can access high-quality educational experiences without tuition costs. For local students, attending these programs can be a convenient and affordable way to connect with faculty and organizations nearby, while they also provide out-of-state students with an excellent opportunity to experience Florida’s strong research and innovation environment.
We’ve compiled a list of 13 free programs for high school students in Florida that combine academic rigor, mentorship, and practical learning.
1. Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop – Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Location: FAU SeaTech Ocean Engineering Research Facility, Dania Beach, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited to 30–40 students
Dates: June (exact dates announced each spring)
Application Deadline: Opens in early spring; closes when seats are filled
Eligibility: Students aged 14–17 with an interest in ocean or mechanical engineering
The Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop introduces students to the applied sciences behind marine systems and mechanical design. Hosted at FAU’s SeaTech Ocean Engineering Research Facility, the program blends theory with hands-on experimentation. You will learn principles of fluid mechanics, programming, and naval architecture, applying these concepts through robotics and design projects. Activities include assembling and coding autonomous vehicles and constructing model boats for a final team-based race.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Financial aid available; select students may qualify for full funding
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small group and 1:1 mentorship formats
Dates: Multiple 12–15 week cohorts offered year-round, including summer
Application Deadline: Rolling; priority deadline for summer – May
Eligibility: Open to high school students; AI Fellowship applicants should have prior experience with AI or Python or have completed the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI offers research-based programs that introduce high school students to artificial intelligence and its real-world applications. In the AI Scholars Program, you’ll learn core topics such as machine learning, neural networks, and computer vision while applying them through Python-based projects. Advanced students can continue with the AI Fellowship, a mentored research experience where you’ll design and execute an independent AI project under the guidance of university researchers. You will also receive editorial support to prepare your work for publication in student research journals.
3. Summer Scholars Program – New College of Florida
Location: New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free; all camps are fully funded for accepted students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; limited seats per discipline
Dates: June 22 – 27
Application Deadline: Rolling through June 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders who apply to one of the offered academic tracks
The Summer Scholars Program at New College of Florida offers rising high school students a fully funded, week-long academic immersion across five disciplines: Creative Writing, Marine Biology, Civics, Artificial Intelligence, and Chamber Music Orchestra. Each track combines lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects guided by university faculty. In the AI program, for example, you’ll experiment with generative AI tools, machine learning applications, and prompt engineering. Marine biology participants conduct field-based environmental research, while writing students develop and workshop original pieces for publication consideration. All attendees gain access to scholarship opportunities and professional mentorship within their chosen fields.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 1:1 mentorship model
Dates: 12 weeks to 1 year, depending on cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs motivated high school students with Ph.D.-level mentors to conduct independent, university-style research. Over 12 weeks or longer, you’ll design a project, collect and analyze data, and produce a research paper that meets publication standards. You may choose from disciplines including physics, computer science, biology, economics, and engineering, as well as social sciences and humanities. The program emphasizes critical inquiry, academic writing, and the use of research tools such as Python, R, or statistical software. Full financial aid is available, ensuring accessibility for all qualified students.
5. Young Scholars Program – Florida State University
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free (tuition, housing, and meals covered)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective (~40 students)
Dates: June 8 – July 19
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Florida residents who have completed 11th grade (exceptionally mature 10th graders considered); minimum 3.0 GPA; 90th percentile or higher in math on a standardized test; must have completed or be enrolled in Pre-Calculus
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a six-week residential research experience designed for Florida high school students with strong potential in STEM. Hosted by Florida State University’s Office of STEM Teaching Activities, the program emphasizes advanced coursework, inquiry-based research, and collaborative problem-solving. You’ll work with university faculty on math and science research projects, learn data analysis and experimental design, and attend daily seminars in fields such as physics, computer science, and biology. YSP also provides mentoring, academic workshops, and a residential college experience focused on developing future STEM leaders.
6. Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK) – Mayo Clinic
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective; limited by mentor availability
Dates: June 2 – December 3
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors from Duval or St. Johns County, FL; minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA; must attend mandatory June orientation
The SPARK Research Mentorship Program provides high school students with a mentored research experience in the biomedical sciences at Mayo Clinic’s Jacksonville campus. Over the course of several months, you’ll contribute to active research projects in fields like biochemistry, immunology, cancer biology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and regenerative medicine. You will spend at least 25 hours per week in labs during the summer and continue work into the school year. Participants will work on independent projects, present their findings at research symposia, and frequently compete in regional and state science fairs. This program is designed to prepare students for advanced studies in biomedical and health sciences.
7. Pathways into Healthcare Careers Program – Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
Location: Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free; meals provided and transportation support available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 60 students
Dates: July 10 – 12
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from Duval County (Jacksonville region); U.S. citizens or permanent residents; students from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply
The Pathways into Healthcare Careers (PiHC) Program is a free, three-day immersive experience designed to introduce students to over 20 allied health professions. Hosted at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, the program features interactive workshops in the Simulation Center, lab demonstrations, and professional panels with Mayo Clinic faculty and healthcare practitioners. You’ll explore career paths such as surgical technology, nursing, histology, radiography, and medical laboratory science, while gaining insight into the education requirements and clinical training opportunities available. The program also includes personal development sessions, networking opportunities, and exposure to the diverse range of healthcare careers available within one of the nation’s leading medical centers.
8. Summer Youth Internship Program – Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Location: Miami-Dade County, FL (in partnership with Miami Dade College)
Cost/Stipend: Free; dual enrollment credits available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Large regional cohort; open to eligible high school students
Dates: Summer session (typically June – August)
Application Deadline: Opens in spring; specific dates announced annually
Eligibility: Miami-Dade County Public School students in grades 10–12, ages 15–18, with a minimum 2.5 weighted GPA
The Summer Youth Internship Program connects Miami-Dade high school students with local businesses and organizations for hands-on professional experience. You will apply classroom learning to real-world settings across fields such as computer information systems, engineering, business, hospitality, and technology education. You can earn dual enrollment credit at Miami Dade College through courses like Co-op Work Experience in Engineering or Creativity, Innovation, and Technology for the 21st Century Learner. The program emphasizes professional skill development, teamwork, and career readiness while helping students explore potential college majors and career paths.
9. CodeBreakHERS – University of South Florida
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open to all grade 8–12 students; limited spots available
Dates: June 23 – June 27
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Open to all students in grades 8–12, regardless of prior experience or background
CodeBreakHERS is a free cybersecurity summer camp hosted by the University of South Florida that introduces students to the fundamentals of digital security and cryptography. Over five days, participants explore topics such as hardware security, information encoding, blockchain, and error correction through interactive lectures and lab-based activities. You’ll gain practical skills in encryption, secure communication, and data protection while working in small collaborative teams. The camp is open to all students, emphasizing inclusion and accessibility for participants from diverse educational backgrounds.
10. Theater Arts Program – St. Petersburg College (SPC)
Location: St. Petersburg College, Clearwater Campus, Clearwater, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free to apply; scholarships available (two $500 awards per term)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies; open enrollment with competitive scholarship auditions
Dates: Year-round courses; fall performances held October 15–19
Application Deadline: Scholarship applications are accepted before each semester
Eligibility: Open to students pursuing theater arts or related studies; 3.0 GPA required for scholarship consideration
The Theater Arts Program at St. Petersburg College allows high school and college students to develop skills in acting, stage production, set design, and performance management. You'll acquire experience in both performance and technical theater through hands-on coursework and partnerships with professional theaters such as American Stage and Jobsite Theater. The program uses professional facilities, including SPC’s 500-seat Clearwater Arts Auditorium and the Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. Scholarships such as the I Am 4 Art, U Can B 2 Scholarship provide financial support to students who demonstrate artistic commitment and academic achievement.
11. Summer of Success (SOS) Program – St. Petersburg College
Location: St. Petersburg College, Pinellas County, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free; full scholarship covers tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and college application costs
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited enrollment; space available to qualified applicants
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: Applications accepted until spaces are filled
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors from Pinellas County; must be Florida residents and U.S. citizens or permanent residents; preference for first-generation, low-income, or disabled students
The Summer of Success (SOS) Program at St. Petersburg College provides graduating seniors with a six-week, fully funded introduction to college life. You will take credit-bearing courses in Speech, Computer Literacy, and First-Time Student Orientation while receiving academic advising and financial aid support. The program also helps students adjust to college expectations through workshops on study strategies, campus navigation, and leadership development. With tuition, materials, and fees fully covered, SOS allows you to earn college credits and transition smoothly into their first semester at SPC in the fall.
12. College Prep at Eckerd – Eckerd College
Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free for qualifying students; all expenses (meals, lodging, materials, and field trips) covered by sponsors
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; space-limited
Dates: June 22 – 27
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors; preference for first-generation students from households with an annual income less than $78,800; must reside in the St. Petersburg area or nearby communities
The College Prep at Eckerd program provides a one-week, residential introduction to college life designed to help high school students transition successfully to higher education. Through accelerated coursework in the liberal arts, you’ll strengthen academic and writing skills while completing a draft of your college admissions essay under faculty mentorship. The program includes workshops on self-awareness, mental health, and time management, alongside sessions on financial aid, college selection, and social resources. You will stay on Eckerd’s 188-acre waterfront campus, gaining first-hand experience of campus life while engaging in evening activities led by residential counselors.
13. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) – Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free; interns earn $13/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective; limited cohort from Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Dates: Six-week program; Exact dates typically announced in January
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (ages 16+) enrolled and residing in Palm Beach or Martin County; must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers high school students a rigorous, six-week laboratory experience in neuroscience. You will join research teams studying neural circuitry, brain development, and imaging technologies while learning advanced experimental methods such as genetic engineering, histological staining, and microscopy. Students can choose tracks such as scientific programming, which involves analyzing large neuroscience datasets using Python, MATLAB, or C++, or mechanical engineering, where they will design and machine custom lab components with CAD software like SolidWorks. The internship culminates in a research presentation and written abstract, reflecting the institute’s focus on precision research, data interpretation, and professional scientific communication.
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