14 Research Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you are a high school student and want to explore your academic interests, a research program is a good way to experience studying and working in a scientific field. These programs allow you to apply classroom knowledge to practical scenarios, build technical skills in the research process, and receive mentorship from researchers and professionals in your field of interest. Hosted by top universities and organizations, these programs also give you access to networking opportunities that can help you learn about future opportunities in your field and be better prepared for them.
Why should you attend a program in Florida?
Florida has various institutions, such as the University of Florida and Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, that offer research opportunities to help you gain experience, work on projects, and prepare for college-level academics. These programs allow you to conduct lab experiments, analyze data, use coding tools for scientific modeling, or assist in ongoing studies in fields like neuroscience, biology, or environmental science. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state student, these programs can help you experience university-level learning while connecting with professionals and peers who share your interests.
To help with your search, below are 14 research programs for high school students in Florida.
If you are looking for internships in Florida, check out our blog here.
1. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 23 – August 1 (tentative)
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors aged 16+ residing in Palm Beach or Martin County with U.S. work authorization
Stipend: $13/hour
The MPFI Summer Research Internship is a six-week intensive research experience designed for students interested in neuroscience, computational modeling, or engineering. You’ll work full-time alongside scientists on studies focused on brain structure and function, learning lab techniques and imaging technologies used in real-world research. You will also contribute directly to ongoing experiments and present your results through a scientific abstract and formal presentation at the program’s conclusion. The internship offers an authentic introduction to neuroscience and quantitative analysis at one of Florida’s top research institutes.
2. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: You should have completed the AI Scholars program or demonstrate prior experience with AI concepts or Python
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which 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.
3. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship in the Biological and Computational Sciences
Location: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High school juniors in good standing from Miami and Broward-area schools
Stipend: Paid
Hosted by the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, the JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship offers high school juniors a mentored introduction to research in genetics, computational biology, and biomedical sciences. You’ll collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff while contributing to active projects in human genomics. The internship focuses on mentorship, ethical research practice, and hands-on lab experience, culminating in a presentation of findings. This paid opportunity helps you strengthen your understanding of both laboratory techniques and data-driven scientific inquiry.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate from anywhere in the world
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort — summer, fall, winter, or spring; options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program allows you to conduct independent, mentor-guided research in your area of interest. You’ll be paired 1:1 with a PhD researcher from a top university and spend 12 weeks developing an original research paper on a topic of your choice. You can explore subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, computer science, and international relations while learning how to design studies, analyze data, and write academically. Throughout the program, you’ll receive personalized mentorship, feedback, and support to help you produce a professional-level research paper. This is a strong option if you’re looking to build tangible research experience before college.
5. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship
Location: Palm Beach State College (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) and The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute (Jupiter, FL)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: No information available
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents entering their junior or senior year at a Palm Beach or Martin County high school with a GPA of 3.0+; must be 16+ years old by program start
Stipend: $4,480
The Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship gives you a full-time, paid opportunity to conduct advanced biomedical research under professional mentorship. You’ll begin with a one-week training module at Palm Beach State College before transitioning to eight weeks of lab work at the Wertheim UF Scripps Institute. Then, you’ll learn experimental design, molecular biology techniques, and data interpretation while contributing to real-world biomedical studies. Weekly seminars, mentorship sessions, and end-of-program presentations help you refine your research communication skills. This experience prepares you for future college-level research and offers one of the most comprehensive science internships for high school students in Florida.
6. FIU-CTS High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Florida International University, Center for Translational Science, Port St. Lucie, FL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: No information available
Dates: June 9 – July 10
Application Deadline: April 8
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in St. Lucie County
Cost/Stipend: None
At the FIU Center for Translational Science (CTS), you’ll spend five weeks conducting biomedical research alongside scientists and graduate students. You’ll gain hands-on experience in areas such as neuroscience, pulmonary physiology, drug discovery, and cancer biology. During the program, you’ll assist with experiments, attend research seminars, and present your findings at a poster session. The experience provides a deep understanding of laboratory processes, from data collection to analysis, and helps you develop technical and communication skills vital for scientific careers. Participants also earn over 100 volunteer hours, a certificate of completion, and a letter of recommendation.
7. Summer Scholars Program
Location: New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL
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
Cost: Free; all camps are fully funded for accepted students
At the Summer Scholars Program hosted by New College of Florida, you’ll spend a week immersed in one of five academic disciplines: Creative Writing, Marine Biology, Civics, Artificial Intelligence, or Chamber Music Orchestra. Each track combines seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects led by university faculty. If you join the AI track, you’ll explore generative models, prompt engineering, and basic machine learning concepts, while Marine Biology students engage in hands-on field research and data collection. Throughout the program, you can build technical and creative skills, connect with peers who share your interests, and gain exposure to research-based learning in a collegiate environment.
8. Young Scholars Program
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective (~40 students)
Dates: June 7 – July 18
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
Cost/Stipend: Free (tuition, housing, and meals covered)
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Florida State University is a six-week residential research experience designed for high-achieving Florida high school students interested in STEM. You’ll live on campus and work alongside faculty mentors on advanced research projects in fields such as computer science, physics, biology, and mathematics. Throughout the program, you’ll engage in lab-based experiments, data analysis, and problem-solving challenges that reflect authentic scientific inquiry. Daily seminars and workshops help you build research communication and teamwork skills. This program gives you a glimpse into university-level research while developing a strong academic foundation for future STEM studies.
9. Cell-Science Summer Internship Program
Location: Florida (primarily in-person; includes visits to local biotech companies)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: No information available
Dates: June – July
Application Deadline: Rolling; applicants must email their CV and letter of interest
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their junior year
Cost/Stipend: None
The Cell-Science Summer Internship Program by Science Gurus introduces you to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries through an 8-week applied research experience. You’ll study topics such as cancer biology, immunotherapies, drug discovery, and nanomedicine while completing a project that incorporates bioinformatics tools. Throughout the program, you’ll attend workshops on professional development and hear from guest speakers working in leading biotech companies. You’ll also present your findings in a final oral presentation and written report. This internship gives you a practical understanding of translational research and a strong foundation in applied biosciences.
10. Florida International University Summer Research Internship
Location: FIU campuses, South Florida
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: No information available
Dates: June 13 – August 8
Application Deadline: Early spring
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates accepted to FIU; must be 16+ with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA
Cost/Stipend: None
The FIU Summer Research Internship allows you to engage in cardiovascular and biomedical research under the guidance of university faculty. Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll spend at least 15 hours each week in the lab, conducting experiments and contributing to ongoing studies. The program also includes workshops, journal clubs, and case study sessions designed to strengthen your understanding of scientific inquiry and research ethics. You’ll conclude the experience by presenting your findings at a formal symposium and attending an awards ceremony. This internship can help you develop essential lab, data analysis, and presentation skills while exploring interdisciplinary research within a university setting.
11. Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK) – Mayo Clinic
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
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
Cost/Stipend: Free
The SPARK Research Mentorship Program at Mayo Clinic gives you the chance to work on real biomedical research alongside professional scientists. Over several months, you’ll contribute to projects in biochemistry, immunology, neuroscience, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. You’ll spend about 25 hours per week in labs during the summer and continue your project into the school year. The program concludes with a symposium where you’ll present your research findings to peers and faculty. This immersive experience can help you strengthen your technical lab skills and understand how biomedical discoveries are translated into clinical applications.
12. Student Science Training Program (SSTP)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective; limited by mentor availability
Dates: June 8 – July 26
Application Deadline: Out-of-State/International Students: April 1 | Florida High School Students: April 15
Eligibility: Rising seniors enrolled in Florida high schools; minimum age 16
Cost: $5,500
The Student Science Training Program (SSTP) at the University of Florida is an intensive seven-week residential research program that immerses you in advanced science and engineering research. You’ll join a UF faculty mentor and their research team, contributing approximately 30 hours per week to active lab work. You’ll participate in daily lectures, honors seminars, and workshops that build your communication, leadership, and collaboration skills. The program covers a wide range of disciplines from biomedical sciences to computer engineering, and Florida students may also earn dual-enrollment credit.
13. Research Immersion in Science and Engineering (RISE)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: No information available
Dates: June 8 – June 13 | June 22 – June 27
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders enrolled in Florida high schools
Cost: $1,200
The Research Immersion in Science and Engineering (RISE) program introduces you to research methods in physics, biology, engineering, and technology through a week-long residential experience at UF. You’ll conduct lab experiments, attend faculty-led lectures, and explore scientific innovation through field trips and demonstrations. Working in small research teams, you’ll strengthen your analytical and creative problem-solving skills while experiencing what STEM research looks like in a university environment.
14. Sustainability Exploration Program
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: No information available
Dates: June 15 – June 29
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors interested in sustainability and environmental design
Cost: $2,250
In the Sustainability Exploration Program at the University of Florida, you’ll examine how design, construction, and environmental planning intersect to create sustainable communities. Over two weeks, you’ll take part in field trips, workshops, and guided site visits to explore real-world examples of sustainable design. You’ll tour UF’s LEED-certified buildings, visit St. Augustine to study coastal erosion and sea level rise, and analyze sustainability initiatives at Disney World. Its sustainability and environmental-design projects give students hands-on exposure to inquiry-based learning that aligns with early research skill-building.
Image source - Lumiere Logo