15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you are a high school student in Florida, you could consider enrolling in a summer program. Summer programs are more than just a way to fill the break; they can help build skills and provide exposure to your field of interest. These programs are designed specifically for high schoolers, making them a great option for students who want to challenge themselves academically before college.
In Florida, there is a wide variety of summer programs offered by universities, research centres, and respected organisations. These opportunities provide connections with mentors, industry professionals, and peers who share your interests. They are also local programs, which allow you to avoid the cost of long-distance travel. Whether your interest lies in science, entrepreneurship, the arts, technology, or environmental exploration, there’s a program to match your goals.
To make the search easier, we’ve curated a list of the top 15 summer programs in Florida for high school students. Each program on this list offers a combination of learning, mentorship, and industry exposure.
1. Young Scholars Program - Florida State University
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: Fully funded (no tuition or housing fees)
Dates: June 8 - July 19
Eligibility: Florida residents, primarily rising seniors; GPA 3.0+, top 10% math score on a national exam, enrolled in or completed Pre-Calculus
Deadline: February 15
The Young Scholars Program at Florida State University is a 6-week residential experience for high school students who show strong promise in science, math, and related fields. Established in 1983, the program provides advanced coursework and research opportunities in STEM while immersing students in a college setting. You will engage with faculty, collaborate with peers, and gain exposure to the rigour of academic research. Living on campus throughout the program also allows you to experience university life while focusing deeply on scientific learning.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available
Dates: Several 12-15 week cohorts offered year-round, including summer
Eligibility: Open to high school students; AI Fellowship applicants should have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience with AI or Python
Deadline: Rolling, with priority for summer applications by May
Veritas AI provides high school students with virtual learning opportunities focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Its AI Scholars program introduces you to core AI concepts over ten interactive sessions, blending theoretical foundations with practical, project-based work. If you are ready for a deeper challenge, you can join the AI Fellowship, which pairs you with mentors from leading universities to carry out an independent research project. Fellows also receive guidance on preparing and submitting their work to high school research journals. Both programs are designed to strengthen technical knowledge while encouraging exploration of academic and career pathways in AI.
3. Pathways into Healthcare Careers (PiHC) Program
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Free (meals provided; transportation support available)
Dates: July 10-12
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors/seniors, college students, and career changers from Duval County; Students from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged
Deadline: May 15
The Pathways into Healthcare Careers (PiHC) Program at Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences is a 3-day interactive experience for rising high school juniors and seniors, college students, and career changers in the Jacksonville, Florida region. Designed to introduce you to more than 20 allied healthcare professions beyond becoming a doctor, the program highlights educational pathways and career growth opportunities in roles such as pharmacist, nurse anaesthetist, histotechnologist, and surgical technologist. You will engage in simulation-based scenarios, meet students and professionals across healthcare fields, join panels and tours, and take part in personal and professional development activities. The experience also includes networking with peers and learning about educational programs, career ladders, and resources available through Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences!
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies according to program; Full financial aid available
Dates: 12 weeks to 1 year, depending on cohort
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with at least a 3.3 unweighted GPA
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the chance to conduct original academic research under the guidance of a Ph.D.-level mentor. You will choose a topic of interest, design and carry out your own project, and work closely with an expert for individualised support. The program emphasises independent thinking, academic rigour, and the development of a publishable-quality research paper. Disciplines range widely, from STEM fields like physics and computer science to humanities areas such as history and linguistics. Program lengths and start dates vary, allowing flexibility for different schedules.
5. Summer Scholars Program - New College of Florida
Location: New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL
Cost: Free (application and participation)
Dates: June 22-27
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
Deadline: June 1
New College of Florida offers high school students a summer experience in one of five fields: Creative Writing, Marine Biology, Civics, Artificial Intelligence, or Chamber Music Orchestra. You will attend a week-long residential program on the Sarasota campus, engaging in learning and collaborating with experts. Each program includes opportunities for publication, recognition, and merit-based scholarships to New College.
6. Summer Youth Internship Program - Miami Dade College
Location: Miami-Dade County, FL
Cost: Free; students earn up to $1,500 in stipends
Dates: July 1 - August 2
Eligibility: M-DCPS or Miami-Dade charter students, rising 10th-12th graders, ages 15-18, GPA 2.5+
Deadline: May 9
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, along with community sponsors, offers a 5-week Summer Youth Internship Program for high school students to gain workplace experience while earning dual enrollment credit at Miami Dade College. You will work 150 hours with approved employers, build professional skills, and may receive stipends of up to $1,500 deposited into an EdFed Credit Union account. It’s a great program for you if you want to get an early sense of college-level education and real-life working environments.
7. Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)
Location: Jacksonville, FL (Mayo Clinic campus)
Cost: Not specified
Dates: June 3 - December 2
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from Duval or St. Johns counties
Deadline: December 31
The SPARK Research Mentorship Program offers high school juniors and seniors from Duval and St. Johns counties in Florida a chance to work alongside leading scientists at Mayo Clinic’s Jacksonville campus. Over the course of several months, you will immerse yourself in biomedical research, gaining experience in laboratory work, critical thinking, and professional research practices. Many students go on to present award-winning projects at science fairs, pursue further research opportunities, and study at top universities in science and medicine! Research areas span topics such as biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer biology, neuroscience, regenerative sciences, epidemiology, drug development, immunology, and artificial intelligence. Applicants can indicate their preferred focus when applying.
8. Competitive Programming Summer Institute - University of Central Florida
Location: UCF Main Campus, Orlando, FL (Residential)
Cost: $2,750
Dates: July 13 - 25
Eligibility: Grades 9-12, minimum age 15 by start of program
Deadline: March 28
UCF’s Competitive Programming Summer Institute is a 2-week residential program for high school students with a strong background in computer science and an interest in algorithms and programming contests. In this residential program, you will attend lectures on data structures and algorithms, take part in practice competitions, and receive coaching from UCF’s award-winning Programming Team. The program also emphasises community, giving you the chance to connect with peers who share similar skills and ambitions. Past attendees have gone on to become ICPC World Finalists and medalists, as well as top performers in USACO and the International Olympiad in Informatics!
9. Computer Science Summer Institute - University of Central Florida
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Cost: $1,250
Dates: June 9 - 27
Eligibility: Rising 8th-12th graders (must be 13+ at program start)
Deadline: Rolling until full
Computer Science Summer Institute is another intensive 3-week program by UCF that introduces you to the foundations of computer science and technology. Through a mix of programming instruction, game design projects, and a distinguished lecture series led by researchers, you will learn both the practical and broader applications of computing. Everyone joining is placed into levels based on experience, with options ranging from beginner programming in Python to an introduction to competitive programming. Alongside technical learning, students benefit from working with peers who share their interest in computing, often building long-term connections!
10. Florida Youth Institute - University of Florida
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $550 (limited scholarships available)
Dates: Session 1: July 6-1; Session 2: July 13-18
Eligibility: Rising grades 11-12, Florida high school students encouraged
Deadline: March 3
The Florida Youth Institute is a 1-week residential program at UF for rising juniors and seniors who want to explore careers in life sciences, agriculture, and global food security. You will take part in lab exercises, meet faculty and state leaders, and present your own ideas on solving world hunger and sustainability challenges. The experience is designed to build both knowledge and networks, connecting students with peers and professionals who share similar goals. One can also become eligible for scholarships, internships, and recognition as Borlaug Scholars, making this program a strong choice for those serious about future studies in agriculture and biological sciences.
11. STEM Summer Workshops – Florida Atlantic University (CECS)
Location: Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL (and other campuses)
Cost: Not listed (check FAU site when next year's program opens)
Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Deadline: TBA (typically announced early in the year)
Programs hosted by FAU’s College of Engineering & Computer Science offer learning experiences in areas such as computer science, environmental engineering, and ocean engineering. Each workshop is led by FAU faculty and emphasises projects, with students getting a practical introduction to STEM applications while engaging directly with lab activities and problem-solving exercises. These workshops are designed to spark curiosity and help students better understand potential future paths in engineering and technology.
12. Summer Scholars Camp - Florida Prep Academy
Location: Florida Preparatory Academy, Melbourne, FL
Cost: $2,500-$6,000 (varies by courses and packages)
Dates: June 9 - July 18
Eligibility: Students entering grades 8-11
Deadline: June 6
Florida Prep Summer Scholars Camp offers a structured 6-week academic program where high school students can earn credits in core subjects while preparing for college. You can take up to two credit-bearing classes and also join an SAT Prep Bootcamp for additional readiness. With small class sizes and 120 instructional hours per subject, the program emphasises both academic rigour and skill-building for future success!
13. Summer Media Institute - University of Florida
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $999
Dates: June 22 - 27
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders (priority for juniors & seniors)
Deadline: First-come, first-served until full
CJC’s Summer Media Institute (SMI) is an immersive, 6-day workshop where high school students explore journalism and communications at the University of Florida. You can choose from electives such as AI in media, audio storytelling, public relations, screenwriting, and photojournalism, while working with award-winning UF instructors and industry leaders. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gain media experience with state-of-the-art facilities and begin preparing for careers in today’s evolving media landscape.
14. USF Art of Filmmaking Camp
Location: USF Tampa, Fine Arts Building (FAH), FL
Cost: $750
Dates: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
Deadline: Not specified
At USF Tampa’s Art of Filmmaking camp, high school students spend a week immersed in the creative and technical foundations of digital video production. Through projects, you practice storyboarding, cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing while learning to collaborate in a team setting. The camp emphasises both visual storytelling and the interpersonal skills that help filmmakers succeed, making it valuable for students interested in college applications, scholarships, or creative careers. By the end of the week, you will complete and screen your own short films for family and friends, leaving with a digital portfolio and practical filmmaking experience.
15. UM Pre-college Summer Scholars
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: Residential - $9,532; Commuter - $8,144
Dates: June 30 - July 17
Eligibility: Students completing grades 10 or 11
Deadline: Varies
The University of Miami’s Summer Scholars Program offers high school students the chance to earn six college credits in just three weeks. A wide range of courses is offered across five diverse fields, including architecture, business, filmmaking, healthcare and medicine, marine biology, and sports medicine. Classes blend lectures with labs, field trips, guest speakers, and collaborative projects, giving you both academic depth and real-world context. The program is designed for motivated students who want an early taste of college life and study.