15 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
Summer is the perfect time to turn your curiosity in science and technology into practical learning. STEM programs in the summer give you the chance to explore those interests in structured settings, whether that’s in a university lab, out in the field, or through immersive projects that challenge you to think like a scientist or engineer. These programs go beyond classroom lessons, introducing you to the methods and tools professionals use to solve problems in biomedicine, computing, environmental science, and other STEM fields.
Why should you attend a program in Florida?
From coding challenges to marine research and biomedical exploration, Florida offers a wide range of opportunities hosted by universities and organizations. You will meet mentors, experiment with new technologies, and gain practical experience that can shape your future studies or career goals. If you live in Florida or are planning to spend your summer here, the state offers various programs that help you build practical skills and develop your profile for future opportunities.
In this blog, you will find 15 STEM summer programs for high school students in Florida.
If you are looking for internships in Florida, check out our blog here.
1. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships
Location: Palm Beach State College at Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $4,480
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~15–20 students
Dates: June 1 – July 30
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA; applicants must be 16 or older and U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
If you are curious about biomedical research, this STEM summer program for high school students in Florida offers a full-time lab experience alongside professional scientists. You will start the program with a week of biotechnology training, then move into research labs at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute to assist with projects in areas like drug discovery, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Daily lab work will help you build technical precision, experimental design skills, and a deeper understanding of the scientific process. You will also attend seminars and present your own findings through written and oral formats, gaining insight into how research is shared in academic and professional settings.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts each year, including summer sessions
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; you can apply to the program here
Eligibility: High school students; the AI Fellowship requires completion of the AI Scholars or prior experience with Python
Veritas AI offers various learning experiences to help students explore artificial intelligence through structured learning and mentorship. In the AI Scholars track, you will collaborate in small groups to build real-world projects that apply key principles of AI and data science. The curriculum covers foundational concepts such as supervised learning, neural networks, and model evaluation while offering access to guidance from researchers and practitioners. If you are ready to dive deeper, the AI Fellowship pairs you one-on-one with mentors to develop a specialized AI model from scratch. Along with exploring technical concepts and skills, you will also learn to communicate findings clearly and explore ways to publish or present your work.
3. M-DCPS Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Various locations across Miami-Dade County, FL
Stipend: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 1 – August 2
Application deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders who are 15–18 years old, enrolled in Miami-Dade County Public Schools or Charter Schools, and have completed the online pre-internship course
This program blends classroom learning with hands-on experience by placing you directly into professional work environments across Miami-Dade County. Over five weeks, you will apply academic skills in business, engineering, technology, or hospitality settings while earning school credit. Each placement emphasizes real-world problem-solving, workplace communication, and time management. You will also connect classroom theory to practical outcomes through reflective assignments and supervisor feedback. This can be a structured introduction to how academic knowledge functions in an actual work environment, giving you a clearer sense of your strengths and career interests.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: STEM Tracks
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; financial assistance is available on a need-based system.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round, including summer sessions
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a virtual opportunity to work one-on-one with a Ph.D. researcher to design and carry out an independent research project. Over 12 weeks or more, depending on the format you choose, you will explore the full research process, from topic selection and literature review to data analysis, academic writing, and a complete research paper under the guidance of a mentor. The program spans a wide range of STEM fields like biology, data science, physics, chemistry, engineering, and more, offering you the flexibility to pursue a topic of your choice. Each stage of the process introduces you to real-world research processes: forming research questions, developing hypotheses, and presenting findings in a structured, scholarly format. Weekly mentor meetings will provide consistent feedback to help you strengthen your technical and analytical abilities.
5. Florida State University Young Scholars Program
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; supplemental stipend available for those with financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40 students
Dates: June 8 – July 19
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising seniors who live and attend high school in Florida, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, hold a score in the 90th percentile or better in math on a nationally standardized exam, and who are currently enrolled in or have finished pre-calculus
The Young Scholars Program at Florida State University is a six-week residential experience focused on mathematics, science, and computer programming. Here, you will take three specialized courses and explore subjects such as game theory, molecular biology, quantum computing, and design engineering. You will also complete an independent research project under the mentorship of FSU faculty, gaining insight into active research environments across multiple disciplines. The program’s structure is designed to encourage you to develop both technical knowledge and scientific reasoning through intensive coursework and guided research. At the end of the program, you will present your work through a formal paper and poster session, gaining experience in academic research.
6. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop
Location: Florida Atlantic University-SeaTech, Dania Beach, FL
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30–40 participants
Dates: TBA; typically, one week in June
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students, ages 14–17
The FAU Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop is a STEM summer program for high school students in Florida that offers direct exposure to ocean and mechanical engineering through applied design and experimentation. You will spend time at the SeaTech Ocean Engineering Research Facility learning how ocean systems and fluid mechanics shape real-world engineering challenges. Guided by faculty and researchers, you will explore programming and robotics by building small autonomous vehicles, then test your designs through collaborative projects. The workshop also offers an introduction to Naval Architecture, allowing you to design and race model boats using engineering principles you’ve learned. In the process, you will develop programming, teamwork, and problem-solving skills grounded in practical experimentation.
7. Florida International University (FIU) Upward Bound Math-Science
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round with a summer residential program
Application deadline: Not provided
Eligibility: 9th or 10th graders with a minimum unweighted 3.3 GPA and interest in higher education in STEM, who attend North Miami, Miami Central, Miami Northwestern, North Miami Beach, Miami Norland, and Miami Carol City schools, and meet federal low-income/first-generation guidelines
Florida International University’s Upward Bound Math-Science program offers academic and enrichment opportunities designed to help you strengthen your foundation in science, math, and technology. The year-round initiative includes a summer residential experience where you will live on campus, attend classes, and build academic confidence and career awareness. During the academic year, you will take part in tutoring, engage in workshops, test preparation, and group projects that highlight real-world applications of STEM concepts. Activities such as QuickTalks, college tours, and research experiences encourage you to connect what you learn with your goals beyond high school. You will also receive personalized guidance on college readiness and scientific exploration.
8. University of Central Florida (UCF) Health Leaders Summer Academy (HLSA)
Location: UCF College of Medicine, Orlando, FL
Cost: $450; full scholarships available for students with demonstrated financial need.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: 10th to 12th graders
The Health Leaders Summer Academy at UCF is an opportunity to explore healthcare careers through immersive, experience-based learning. Over the course of the five-day program, you will meet healthcare professionals, explore clinical facilities, and participate in activities that mirror real medical training environments. The curriculum combines academic exploration with practical exposure, offering access to workshops, campus tours, and discussions about health education pathways. You will also gain insight into the social aspects of healthcare by hearing from professionals across diverse fields and backgrounds.
9. University of Florida Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $50 application fee + $5,500; need-based scholarships available for Florida high school students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 90 students/summer
Dates: June 8 – July 26
Application deadline: April 1 for non-Florida students | April 15 for Florida students; rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Students entering their senior year of high school who are at least 16 by the start of the program
At SSTP, you will spend seven weeks immersed in active university research. As part of a faculty-led team, you will contribute to ongoing projects in fields like biology, medicine, computer science, and engineering while learning how research is designed, executed, and communicated. Daily lectures and seminars will cover current scientific topics and help you refine your ability to read and interpret technical papers. The program also emphasizes professional communication and leadership through presentations, small-group discussions, and written assignments. By the end of this STEM summer program for high school students in Florida, you will have delivered a full research paper and presentation.
10. University of Florida’s Florida Youth Institute
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $20 application fee + $550 (can vary by year); need–based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 11; Session 2: July 13 – 18
Application deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
The Florida Youth Institute introduces you to the connections between science, agriculture, and global sustainability. During this weeklong program, you will engage in discussions about food security, biological engineering, and environmental challenges while exploring labs and facilities at the University of Florida. You will present your own research ideas addressing world issues, gaining experience in both scientific communication and policy thinking. Collaboration with faculty, state leaders, and other students will help you build an understanding of how life sciences shape communities and industries. The program is also a deep dive into applied biology and real-world problem-solving, designed for students who want to see science in action.
11. Eckerd College Sharks & Rays Pre-College Program
Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: $2,250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 7 – 12
Application deadline: Not specified; Registration opens in early January.
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders; students need to pass a swim test to be aboard the vessels without a life vest throughout the program.
This STEM summer program for high school students in Florida offers the opportunity to explore the world of sharks and rays through both lab and field work. You will spend a week alternating between lab identification work and diving into marine research. Under the guidance of scientists, you will study preserved specimens to understand the animals’ anatomy and adaptations, then head into the field to observe them in their natural habitats. Lectures and hands-on sessions will introduce you to key research methods used in marine biology and ecology. By collecting and analyzing real samples, you will learn how scientists study behavior, diversity, and conservation of elasmobranch species.
12. University of South Florida (USF) High School CyberCon
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cost: TBA
Cohort size: 100 students
Dates: One week in June/July
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
The University of South Florida’s CyberCon is designed to help you explore cybersecurity through a hands-on approach. Structured like a professional conference, this five-day camp offers a range of workshops on topics including ethical hacking, network security, and artificial intelligence applications. You will also explore topics like operating systems, networks, vulnerabilities, open-source intelligence, and critical infrastructure. You will participate in live exercises that simulate real cybersecurity scenarios, guided by experts from organizations like Cisco, the FBI, and the Secret Service. The program also includes a Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, where you will test your new skills through collaborative problem-solving challenges.
13. Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine Summer Institute
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: $1,650; scholarships available for Florida residents.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students/session
Dates: Session 1: June 8 – 13 | Session 2: June 22 – 27 | Session 3: July 13 – 18
Application deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA and strong academic performance in math and science
This STEM summer program for high school students in Florida lets you explore what it’s like to study and practice medicine. The program introduces you to the realities of medical school and clinical work through workshops, faculty-led lectures, and lab experiences. You will shadow physicians, practice CPR and vital sign assessments, and participate in discussions on medical ethics and patient care. Group research projects and presentations will help you develop teamwork and communication skills essential to healthcare environments. You will also find opportunities to interact with medical students and learn about pre-health pathways in college.
14. University of Central Florida Computer Science Summer Institute
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Cost: $1,250; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 35 students
Dates: June 1 – 19
Application deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 – 11 who are at least 13 years old and have a minimum 3.0 GPA; completion of Algebra I is preferred.
UCF’s Computer Science Summer Institute is a three-week deep dive into computing fundamentals and modern technology. Through hands-on coding exercises, lectures, and collaborative projects, you will strengthen your programming skills while learning how computing applies to fields like game design, software development, and data science. The program’s structure adapts to different experience levels, with courses ranging from introductory programming to competitive problem-solving. You will also attend talks from university researchers who will share insights on academic and real-world computing challenges. This STEM summer program for high school students can help you build foundational computing skills and gain exposure to higher-level computer science topics.
15. University of Miami Pre-College Academies
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: $75 application fee + $5,494 (residential) | $4,605 (commuter); limited scholarships are available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 27 – July 10
Application deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The UM Academies combine university-level learning with practical exploration across multiple disciplines. Each two-week course immerses you in a single field of choice, with options ranging from entrepreneurship to forensic science and marine biology, through labs, simulations, and expert-led discussions. In programs like the Shark Research and Conservation Academy, you will collect and analyze data in the field, while courses in crime scene investigation will introduce you to forensic analysis and evidence processing. Other options focus on communication, business innovation, or English language development. Whichever track you choose, the program format emphasizes active participation and skill-building in real-world contexts, helping you experience what studying that field at a university level might be like.
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