15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Florida
As a high school student, summer internships allow you to step into real-world environments, apply classroom knowledge, and gain practical experience across a wide range of industries. Whether you’re interested in science, public policy, or healthcare, internships offer the chance to develop technical and soft skills, connect with professionals, and get a clearer sense of potential college or career paths. These programs also help build confidence, communication abilities, and problem-solving skills.
Florida is well-positioned to offer various internship experiences across industries during the summer break. With major research universities, government agencies, and clinics across the state, you can explore a variety of interests. Florida residents can save on long-distance travel with local internships, while some internships are also available for out-of-state students who want to explore professional opportunities in the state. These opportunities are designed to help you develop meaningful skills, receive early professional exposure, and make the most of your summer break.
Below, we’ve curated 15 summer internships for high school students in Florida
15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Florida
1. UCF PREM Center for Quantum Materials Innovation and Education Excellence (CQ-MIEE)’s High School Summer Internship Program
Location: UCF Main Campus & UCF Medical Campus, Orlando, FL
Cost | Stipend: None | $1,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
This summer internship for high school students gives you the chance to explore how atomic-scale materials can address challenges in energy, computing, and medicine. The program places you in one of ten PREM research labs at the University of Central Florida, where you’ll work alongside scientists and engineers studying quantum materials at the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Possible research areas include Electronic structure and light matter interaction in layered quantum materials, Catalysis on Topological Materials, and Quantum Material – Biological Material Interfaces. You’ll gain first-hand experience investigating different quantum materials in a university lab setting, while also strengthening your college applications.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). 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 run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. High School Student Internship Program in Integrated Mathematical Oncology (HIP IMO)
Location: Stabile Research Building at Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida campus, Tampa, FL
Cost | Stipend: None | $1,000 scholarship awarded to participants
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~12 students per year
Program Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above
HIP IMO is an eight-week, mentored research experience that introduces you to the interdisciplinary field of mathematical oncology. Working under the guidance of a faculty or scientist mentor from the Integrated Mathematical Oncology department, you’ll design and carry out an individual research project, attend lab meetings, and learn how mathematical models are applied to cancer research. You will also be expected to complete an online orientation and attend a Laboratory Research Operations Orientation at the beginning of the program. You’ll present your findings in a final 15-minute presentation and submit a three-page research report at the end of the program. Selected students receive a $1,000 scholarship.
4. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: approximately 10%
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer cohorts
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can work for up to 10 hours/week, for 8 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program is an eight-week, project-based experience that places you with a startup or nonprofit aligned with your academic and career interests. Conducted virtually, the program connects you with venture capital–backed companies and high-growth organizations in fields such as software engineering, finance, journalism, and environmental science. You’ll work under the guidance of both a company mentor and a dedicated Ladder Coach, completing projects that address real business challenges. Regular mentorship sessions help you refine your work, learn industry-relevant skills, and understand how startups operate in a professional environment. At the end of the internship, you’ll present your completed project to your host company, showcasing your contributions and the practical experience you’ve gained.
5. Miami Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Virtual, hybrid, or in-person at organizations across Miami-Dade County, FL
Cost | Stipend: None | $1,500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Each organization can hire up to 10 interns
Program Dates: July 1 – August 2 (tentative, subject to change)
Application Deadline: Students must complete the online pre-internship course and submit all required documentation by May 9
Eligibility: Miami Dade County Public School students in grades 10 and above | 15–18 years old | Miami Dade County residents who are eligible to work in the U.S. | Required minimum weighted GPA is 2.5 | Click here for more information regarding the eligibility criteria
The M-DCPS Summer Youth Internship Program is a five-week work-based learning experience that connects you with businesses and organizations across Miami-Dade County. The program offers an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, exposing you to diverse career paths like business, engineering, computer information systems, hospitality, and education. Before beginning your internship, you’ll complete online training modules focused on soft skills, digital literacy, and employability, helping you prepare for the professional environment. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with supervisors and mentors, develop practical workplace skills, and explore your future academic or career interests.
6. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience High School Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost | Stipend: Free | $13/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 4.19% | Around 7 students are typically selected each year
Program Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from Palm Beach or Martin County (residents of other counties are not eligible to apply) | 16 years and above | Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
If you’re interested in neuroscience, the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) offers a summer research internship for high school students in Florida. This six-week program lets you take part in hands-on lab work, data analysis, and technical projects in areas like Neuroscience, Scientific Programming, or Mechanical Engineering. Depending on your chosen track, you may gain firsthand experience in genetic engineering and microscopy techniques, develop software tools for data analysis, or design mechanical components using CAD software. You’ll also collaborate with mentors and scientists who guide you through each stage of your project, from concept to execution. At the end of the summer, you’ll prepare a scientific abstract and deliver a presentation summarizing your research experience to peers and MPFI staff.
7. Cleveland Clinic’s Florida Education High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Cleveland Clinic Florida’s campuses at Martin North, Martin South, and Tradition, FL
Cost | Stipend: None | $15/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 2 – July 29
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who demonstrate a strong interest in nonclinical healthcare careers | 16 years and older | Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5/4.0 | U.S. citizen, noncitizen national, or legal permanent resident living in Martin or St. Lucie counties in Florida
The Florida Education High School Summer Internship Program at the Cleveland Clinic gives you the chance to explore nonclinical healthcare careers through a structured, paid summer experience. Open to students from Florida’s Treasure Coast, the program places you at the Cleveland Clinic’s Martin North, Martin South, and Tradition campuses, where you’ll work with professionals in areas such as administration, marketing, human resources, and finance. Over the course of this summer internship for high school students in Florida you’ll gain practical experience in project management, digital literacy, professional communication, and teamwork. You’ll also have opportunities to connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications within one of the nation’s top healthcare systems.
8. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship
Location: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
Cost | Stipend: Free | Paid program, but the exact amount is not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8 (tentative, subject to change)
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High-achieving high school juniors from Miami and Broward-area high schools | Strong background in biological and/or computational sciences | Must have completed or be enrolled in at least one AP or honors science course | Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
The JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship in the Biological and Computational Sciences allows you to contribute to active research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. This paid, eight-week summer internship for high school students in Florida allows you to work alongside faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students on projects involving genetics, genomics, and data analysis, gaining exposure to both laboratory and computational methods. Each student is paired with a mentor, ensuring close guidance throughout the research process. You’ll learn how to collect, compute, and analyze biological data while observing how scientific research is conducted in a professional lab. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research findings to faculty, peers, and family members.
9. FIU College of Arts, Science, & Education (CASE) Summer Research Internship
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost | Stipend: None | Participating students might get an award of $1,200
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 12 – August 7
Application Deadline: May 2 (tentative, subject to change)
Eligibility: High school juniors or graduating seniors who will be attending FIU in the Fall or accepted FIU transfer students | 16 years or older | Required minimum unweighted GPA is 3.0
The FIU Summer Research Internship program is an eight-week experience that introduces you to cardiovascular health research with the help of a structured curriculum and hands-on lab work. You’ll attend workshops, journal clubs, and case study discussions led by FIU faculty and professionals while spending at least 15 hours a week conducting research in interdisciplinary labs that connect basic science with cardiovascular studies. Before starting, you’ll complete lab safety training and be matched with a faculty mentor who guides your research. Throughout the program, you’ll also take part in seminars on responsible research conduct and professional development sessions. The internship concludes with a formal presentation of your research findings, where top presenters are recognized and invited to share their work at the MARC U*STAR symposium.
10. Redefining Internships for Student Empowerment (RISE) Program
Location: Hillsborough County Government Departments, FL
Cost | Stipend: None | Interns receive a competitive hourly wage (exact amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 2 – August 1 (for Parks & Recreation interns) | June 9 – August 1 (for all other participating departments)
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Hillsborough County residents who currently attend a Hillsborough County Public School (juniors and graduating seniors) | At least 16 years old | Minimum required GPA is 2.0
Through Hillsborough County’s RISE Program, you’ll spend eight weeks gaining firsthand experience in how the local government operates across departments such as Fire Rescue, Human Resources, or Parks and Recreation. You’ll be assigned a department and supervisor who will guide you through daily responsibilities, mentor you on workplace expectations, and help you develop professional skills relevant to your assigned role. Alongside your on-the-job training, you’ll complete a series of career-readiness courses covering interviewing skills, resume development, professionalism, and personal finance. You’ll also have opportunities to shadow county employees, attend workshops, and build tangible, real-world workplace experience for your resume.
11. Florida International University Center for Translational Science (FIU-CTS) High School Summer Internship Program
Location: FIU-CTS, Port St. Lucie, FL
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 9 – July 10
Application Deadline: April 8 (tentative, subject to change)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from St. Lucie County
The FIU-CTS High School Summer Internship Program introduces you to biomedical research through a five-week, lab-based experience in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Guided by FIU scientists, you’ll explore research areas such as neuroscience, drug discovery, aging and wellness, and heart and pulmonary physiology. You’ll gain exposure to state-of-the-art laboratory techniques and professional research environments. You’ll also learn how to apply the scientific method to real research problems, investigate hypotheses, and communicate research findings effectively. The program also includes opportunities to present your work at the CTS Internship Luncheon, where outstanding projects are recognized with awards.
12. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships
Location: Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens and the Wertheim UF Scripps Institute campus in Jupiter, FL
Cost | Stipend: None | $4,480
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive | Around 15 students
Program Dates: June 1 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors from Palm Beach or Martin County high schools | Minimum GPA of 3.0 | 16 years or older
The Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute in Jupiter, Florida, offers a nine-week paid experience designed to immerse you in biomedical research. The program begins with a weeklong biotechnology training course at Palm Beach State College, where you’ll learn essential lab techniques and research methods. For the remaining eight weeks, you’ll work full-time in a UF Scripps laboratory, conducting experiments and analyzing data under the mentorship of leading scientists. Throughout the summer internship, you’ll attend weekly seminars, interact with researchers across disciplines, and gain insight into fields like drug discovery, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering. This experience culminates in a written abstract, poster, and oral presentation showcasing your summer research.
13. MarineLab High School Student Summer Internship
Location: MarineLab, Key Largo, FL
Cost | Stipend: None | $15/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from Monroe County with the ability to travel to and from MarineLab | Must be a strong swimmer/snorkeler, like working with children, and be interested in the marine science field | U.S. citizen or legal resident with the ability to legally work in the U.S.
The MarineLab High School Student Summer Internship is a hands-on program that introduces you to the field of marine science education through direct experience in teaching, fieldwork, and environmental engagement. Over the summer, you’ll assist MarineLab instructors with snorkel field trips, lab activities, maintenance tasks, and summer camp programs. Much of your time will be spent supporting MarineLab’s summer camp, where you will help young participants explore marine ecosystems. You’ll also shadow professional marine science educators, gaining insight into how they design and deliver environmental education programs. Depending on your interests and initiative, there may be opportunities to contribute to ongoing projects or develop educational materials that support future camps.
14. CareerSource Central Florida Summer Youth Program
Location: Various organizations across Central Florida counties
Cost | Stipend: None | Up to $1,200 or $15/hour, depending on the program track
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Varies by internship and program track; typically 4–5 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Early spring
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–19 from Central Florida
The CareerSource Central Florida Summer Youth Program is a 4–5 week paid experience that helps you explore career paths while developing essential job and life skills. Depending on your age and goals, you’ll join one of three tracks: students ages 14–15 explore career options, college life, and financial literacy; those 15–16 focus on job readiness and portfolio development; and participants 17–19 take part in paid internships earning $15 per hour after a week of job skills training. Depending on your track and interests, you could work in industries such as hospitality, law, public safety, HVAC, or manufacturing while developing practical workplace and communication skills. Some students also have the opportunity to extend their work experience beyond the summer, allowing for continued growth and mentorship.
15. The Florida Aquarium Junior Camp Counselor Volunteer
Location: The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL
Cost | Stipend: $30 registration fee, which will cover the cost of your uniform, access badge, nametag, and other materials (Note: If a volunteer is unable to pay the fee, they can work out other details for payment) | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive, with only a limited number of positions available
Program Dates: June 2 – August 1 (additional training dates are on April 30, May 17, May 24 (optional), and June 28)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–17
The Florida Aquarium Junior Camp Counselor Volunteer Program offers high school students aged 14–17 the chance to assist with the Aquarium’s AquaCamps program throughout the summer. As a Junior Camp Counselor, you’ll work alongside instructors to support classroom management, deliver educational activities, assist campers, and help create a positive learning environment for children in kindergarten through third grade. The program also includes opportunities to design and lead your own activity or project to enhance the camper experience.
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