14 Physics Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you’re a high school student interested in exploring physics, consider participating in a physics program this summer. These programs enable you to study advanced topics such as quantum mechanics, astrophysics, optics, and engineering concepts while building a strong foundation in mathematics, computation, and scientific reasoning. You can also gain experience conducting experiments, analyzing data, and presenting your findings in structured academic settings.
Why should you participate in a physics summer program in Florida?
Florida is home to major research universities, aerospace organizations, and national laboratories that create strong learning opportunities in physics and related STEM fields. In these programs, you might take college-level coursework, work in research labs, contribute to engineering or materials science projects, or complete mentored independent studies in areas like quantum science or photonics. Whether you are a Florida resident or traveling from another state, these programs provide access to established research institutions and academic communities across the state.
To help you get started, here are 14 physics summer programs for high school students in Florida.
If you are looking for internships in Florida, check out our blog here.
1. FSU’s Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost/Stipend: None; Stipends offered based on financial need
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: June 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in Florida with at least a 3.0 GPA who are enrolled or have completed Pre-Calculus; More info here
The Young Scholars Program is a summer initiative focused on science and math, designed to prepare students for STEM careers. Participants will take three courses covering math, science, and computer programming. Some of the physics courses available are Intro to Quantum Computing & Information and IDEA Lab: [I]nnovation, [D]esign & [E]ngineering in [A]ction. You will also get the chance to work on an Independent Research Project under the mentorship of faculty from various FSU departments. In addition, the program offers athletic and social activities, such as scavenger hunts and the YSP Olympics, as well as weekend trips to destinations including St. George Island State Park, Wakulla Springs, the Fourth of July Fireworks, and more.
2. Veritas AI: AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and led by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students with a strong interest in artificial intelligence. If you’re new to AI, machine learning, and data science, you’ll find the AI Scholars program particularly beneficial. It will introduce you to the fundamentals of AI and data science and provide opportunities to work on real-world projects. If you’re a more advanced student, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program allows you to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities on a unique, individualized project. This provides an opportunity to explore the intersection of AI with various fields, including physics. Additionally, you’ll have access to the in-house publication team, which will assist in securing publications in high school research journals.
3. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including FL
Stipend: Paid (varies by project and site)
Acceptance Rate: Varies by placement
Dates: At least 8 weeks (dates vary by project and site)
Application Deadline: October 10 – January 10
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (16+); GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale highly recommended; More info available here
The AFRL Scholars Program provides an opportunity to engage in practical research alongside full-time AFRL scientists and engineers. Participants will have the chance to contribute to distinctive research and technology projects. If you’re a student in Florida, you’ll be placed in the Eglin AFB site, where you will get to explore the technologies in Munitions. Some fields you’ll be able to work in include aerodynamics, fuze technology, materials science, bioscience, and more. By the end of the program, you’ll be expected to draft a technical report and present your research to your branch. You might even be selected to present at the AFRL Scholars Poster Session.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP): Physics Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June – September)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts
Eligibility: High school students in good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across a variety of subject areas, including physics, data science, machine learning, and more. It is one of the few high school research programs that offer the option to conduct quantitative or qualitative research. After selecting a specific subject track, you will be paired with a professor or PhD scholar who will serve as a mentor throughout your research project. You will then be expected to produce a 20-page research paper, which can be submitted to reputable journals for publication. The program also offers a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback on your project.
5. UCF’s High School Summer Internship Program
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: June 9 – July 18 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: May 15 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors
During the UCF High School Summer Internship Program, you will explore the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering research. As an intern, you will be placed in one of ten PREM research labs, where you will investigate the various elements of quantum materials. You will learn about atomic-scale materials and how they can create solutions that meet our future energy, computing, and medical needs. You’ll also get the chance to create single-atom-thin materials.
6. MPFI’s Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $13 per hour
Acceptance Rate: Not mentioned
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Palm Beach or Martin County rising high school juniors or seniors (16+)
The MPFI Summer Research Internship program provides an opportunity to collaborate with scientists and researchers at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to explore brain structure and function, as well as the advanced imaging techniques and technologies utilized in neuroscience. The program offers four tracks: Neuroscience, Scientific Programming, Mechanical Engineering, and Programming/Coding for Public Engagement. For a more physics-focused experience, consider the Scientific Programming track, where you will explore the technologies used to probe the brain. This track requires a strong background in physics, math, and programming, and will have you working on projects to develop software applications for data analysis.
7. FAU Crystal Summer School
Location: Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 10 participants
Dates: June 30 – July 3
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
During FAU’s Crystal Summer School program, you will spend a week cultivating geodes and exploring crystal gardens. You will gain insights into the environmental impact of these crystals, the biomineralization process, and the role marine organisms play in the formation of skeletal elements. You will also use advanced microscopes to observe and study corals, mollusc shells, and leaf structures. Some of the topics you’ll explore in this program include crystallization across disciplines such as physics, chemistry, geology, and engineering; nanotechnology; nanoscale microscopy; and more. Additionally, you will attend STEM career discussions, lab tours, lectures, and more.
8. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various DoN labs across the U.S., including FL
Stipend: $4,000 – $4,500
Acceptance Rate: Varies by placement
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Eligibility: U.S. 10th-12th graders (16+), as well as graduating 12th graders
SEAP will place you in a Department of the Navy (DON) laboratory, where you will spend around eight weeks contributing to real Naval research. As a participant, you’ll get to work alongside and learn from top scientists and engineers while also exploring Naval research and technology. You can choose from research areas in physics, biology, chemistry, robotics, computer science, and more. Through this internship, you will have the opportunity to explore a career in DON science and engineering, as well as various science, technology, research, and development opportunities.
9. Research Immersion in Science and Engineering (RISE)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: Tuition fees apply + $20 application fee; Limited financial aid offered to FL applicants
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: June 7 – 12 | July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: January 5 – April 15 (rolling)
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders
During the Research Immersion in Science and Engineering program, you will explore the link between technology, engineering, and science. As a participant, you'll work with experts and contribute to real research projects while gaining exposure to basic science research and the development of new applications, therapies, and technologies. You will participate in hands-on activities, discussions, lab experiments, field trips, and guest talks by UF faculty and students from various STEM departments.
10. University of Florida Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $5,500 + $50 application fee; limited need-based scholarships offered to Florida applicants
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: June 11 – July 29
Application Deadline: April 15 (FL applicants) | April 1 (out-of-state/international applicants)
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders (16+)
The University of Florida’s Student Science Training Program is a comprehensive program that pairs you with a faculty mentor and offers opportunities to engage in ongoing research across fields such as science, medicine, math, engineering, or computer science. Your mentor will hold weekly one-on-one meetings with you, assist in analyzing scientific articles, and provide guidance and feedback on academic assignments. Additionally, you will have the chance to attend a lecture series on current research topics and participate in a UF honors seminar course. By the conclusion of the program, you will be expected to have written a scientific research paper, prepared a research poster, and delivered two oral presentations.
11. Laser & Photonics Summer Camp
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Cost: $550 – $650; scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: 1 week in July
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: 10th – 12th graders interested in physics or engineering
The Laser & Photonics Summer Camp, hosted by CREOL, UCF’s College of Optics and Photonics, is for high school students interested in physics and engineering. The program offers practical experience in optics and photonics. As a participant, you will get to work in the lab with lasers, attend lectures by experts, and gain an understanding of what a career in photonics will entail. You’ll learn about how photonics contributes to things like fiber optics, lasers, autonomous vehicles, medical imaging, and more.
12. Hoya Summer High School Sessions: Summer College
Location: Virtual
Cost: $7,113 + additional costs; scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: Varies by session
Application Deadline: January 31 (early) | April 30
Eligibility: Current 10th-12th graders with at least a 3.0 GPA
Georgetown University offers summer pre-college programs for high school students, where you will get to learn from Georgetown faculty, participate in challenging coursework, and learn alongside college students. The program offers several courses, including Basic Physics, Innovating with Modern Physics, and Earth Systems Science. During the Basic Physics course, you will cover classic physics topics like Mechanics, Waves, Sound, Magnetism, etc., as well as Quantum Physics. The Innovating with Modern Physics course will introduce you to modern physics and its impact on our world. You will learn about the fundamentals of relativity and quantum mechanics and how they’ve contributed to technologies like GPS and MRI. During the Earth Systems Science course, you will learn about how Earth systems science informs environmental policymaking.
13. Stanford Pre-Collegiate: University-Level Math & Physics
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,700 + $35 application fee
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: June 17 – August 8 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: May 12 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students with some prerequisites, depending on the course
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate program offers high school students the opportunity to enroll in university-level math and physics courses. In the physics curriculum, you will get to choose from four courses: Light and Heat, Modern Physics, Intermediate Mechanics I, and Intermediate Mechanics II, which are only offered in the fall and spring. During the Light and Heat course, you will be introduced to optics and thermodynamics-related topics like the properties of matter, kinetic theory, electromagnetic waves, and more. On the other hand, the Modern Physics course will introduce you to the two pillars of modern physics. You will explore topics such as general and special relativity, quantum theory, the Schrödinger equation, and more. To participate in either of these courses, you will need to have some experience in high-school-level precalculus and physics.
14. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: 9th-11th-grade students; applicants from underresourced backgrounds are encouraged to apply
SPINWIP is a three-week virtual program for first-generation students and students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in physics. During the program, you will explore research in fields like quantum physics, quantum computing, astrophysics, and cosmology. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to code in Python and apply these skills to physics-based projects. In addition, you will attend lectures led by Stanford professors and researchers, participate in workshops on college planning and career development, and work with Stanford students.