12 Summer Programs for High School Students in Miami
Miami offers a range of summer programs for high school students that go beyond textbooks and into professional experience. These opportunities allow you to explore potential careers, build technical and creative skills, and connect with mentors. Participating in a summer program can also enhance your college applications by showing admissions officers that you’re intellectually curious.
Here’s a carefully curated list of 12 summer programs in Miami for high school students:
1. Miami Dade College - Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Miami-Dade County, FL
Cost: Free; students receive up to $1,500 in stipends
Dates: July 1 - August 2
Eligibility: Open to MDCPS students in grades 10–12 (ages 15-18) with a minimum 2.5 weighted GPA
Application Deadline: May 9
In collaboration with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), the Summer Youth Internship Program connects high school students with work experiences across various industries. Through this 5-week paid internship, you will explore potential career paths, develop professional skills, and build networks. Eligible students may also earn dual enrollment credit at Miami Dade College in fields such as business, engineering, hospitality, education, and information technology.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. 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. Barry University - Summer Scholars Program
Location: Barry University, Miami Shores, FL
Cost: Free (includes tuition, housing, and campus activities)
Dates: June 21 - August 8
Eligibility: Incoming first-year students at Barry University; Pell Grant eligible; Must require at least one developmental course in Math or English; Must submit official SAT/ACT scores or take Barry’s placement tests
Application Deadline: Rolling, until spaces are filled
This selective, 7-week summer bridge program helps incoming Barry students begin their academic journey early, at no cost. You will enroll in two for-credit courses in subjects like math, English, digital literacy, or art, while receiving guidance from peer mentors and faculty. With small class sizes, daily community-building activities, and on-campus housing included, the program is designed to support a smooth and confident transition to college life!
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote - you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement.
Cost: Full financial aid is available! Varies depending on program type
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides research opportunities for high school students across many subjects you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. University of Miami - Summer Scholars
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: Residential Program: $9,532 (Tuition $7,137 + Program Fees $2,395); Commuter Program: $8,144 (Tuition $7,137 + Program Fees $1,007)
Dates: June 30 - July 17
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: March 1
The Summer Scholars Program at the University of Miami offers high-achieving high school sophomores and juniors a chance to earn six college credits in just three weeks. You will choose from a wide range of academic specialties, including engineering, architecture, biomedical sciences, and media studies. Courses are taught by UM faculty and mirror the rigor of college-level academics, preparing you for life on campus and beyond. The program offers both residential and commuter formats, with classes running full days Monday through Friday.
6. Istituto Marangoni Miami - Fashion Pre-College Program
Location: Istituto Marangoni Miami, Design District, Miami, FL
Cost: $2,500 (Domestic); $3,000 (International)
Dates: Various 2-week cohorts between June - August
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+
Application Deadline: August 7
This 2 week summer program is designed for high school students who want a serious head start in the fashion world. Whether you're drawn to design, styling, or the business side of fashion, you'll work closely with industry professionals, develop a portfolio, and get experience in areas like illustration, branding, and garment construction. Courses emphasize practical skills like sketching, digital print design, and upcycling, while also introducing students to the business of fashion through entrepreneurship, trend forecasting, and fashion show production. The program culminates in a final project, such as an upcycled garment or professional portfolio piece, equipping students with work they can include in college applications.
7. NSLC - Marine Biology Summer Program
Location: University of Miami, FL, or University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Cost: $4,295 (residential, includes tuition, housing, and meals)
Dates:Vancouver: July 14 - 22 and July 26 - August 3; Miami: June 17 - 25 and June 29- July 7
Eligibility: High school students (typically grades 9-12)
Application Deadline: Seasonal deadlines, however, NSLC will continue to accept applications if space is available in a program or on a program’s waitlist
This program is built for high schoolers curious about life below water — and what it takes to protect it. The Marine Biology program at NSLC is a designed program that lets you explore marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and ocean conservation through lab simulations, dissection workshops, and field visits in coastal settings. The curriculum is led by professionals in the field and includes leadership training to help students build confidence and communication skills. Students can also opt into an online college credit course through American University.
8. University of Miami - iD Tech Summer Coding & STEM Camps
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: Starting at $1,099 (payment plans available)
Dates: Weekly sessions from June 9 - August 1
Eligibility: Students aged 7-17 (Beginner to Advanced)
Application Deadline: Rolling (early registration recommended)
These 1 week day camps blend serious STEM skills with summer fun. You will dive into coding, robotics, game development, and 3D printing, all while being guided by instructors from top universities. Between sessions, students unwind with campus games like ultimate frisbee, capture the flag, and creative competitions. Whether you’re into building AI bots or designing video games, this program offers an energetic, personalized entry into the world of tech, set on a real college campus.
9. Shorelight Pre-college Summer Program
Location: Florida International University (FIU), Miami, FL
Cost: $4,500 (includes housing, meals, local outings, airport transportation, and insurance)
Dates: July 13 - July 26
Eligibility: Ages 14-18; Must be currently enrolled in high school; Minimum English proficiency: 5.5 IELTS (no sub-score below 5); International Students must obtain a B-type Tourist Visa for entry into the U.S.
Application Deadline: June 13
This two-week summer experience introduces international high school students to college life in the U.S. through a mix of classroom learning, leadership sessions, and exposure. You will explore different majors and career paths, build college application skills, and visit leading universities and company headquarters in Miami. The program also includes cultural outings and activities that make the most of the city’s vibrant setting!
10. Ransom Everglades School - Leaders in Training (LIT) Program
Location: Ransom Everglades School, Miami, FL
Cost: $600 (includes lunch, materials, and 4+ weeks of participation)
Dates: June 11 - July 25 (includes orientation + at least 4 weeks of camp)
Eligibility: Rising 9th and 10th grade students
Application Deadline: April 7 (rolling afterward, based on availability)
Ransom Everglades’ Leaders in Training (LIT) program is designed for rising 9th and 10th-graders ready to grow into future counselors. You will develop leadership and communication skills by supporting Camp by the Bay’s younger campers alongside experienced staff. The program includes orientation, active involvement in daily camp activities, and leadership workshops. LITs receive structured guidance while gaining real experience leading games, assisting with major camp events, and building confidence in a supportive environment. After successful completion, students become eligible to apply as junior counselors in 11th and 12th grade!
11. Florida International University - Pre-collegiate Programs
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost: Not specified
Dates: June 15 - 21
Eligibility: Must be a current 9th-grade student; Must be enrolled in FIU’s College Reach-Out Program (CROP)
Application Deadline: Rolling (until spots are filled)
This 7-day residential program helps current 9th graders strengthen their math and science foundation while experiencing life on a university campus. Through a focused curriculum in mathematics, biology, and chemistry - aligned with Florida’s academic standards - you will receive intensive instruction in small groups. The program also includes research skill-building, career exploration, personal goal setting, and early preparation for AP and dual enrollment coursework. Only 20 students will be selected to ensure personalized attention and academic growth!
12. Gulliver Preparatory School - Upper School Summer Studies
Location: Gulliver Preparatory School, Miami, FL
Cost: $850-$2,950 per course. Check this page for course-specific costs and dates.
Dates: June 2 - July 11 (varies by session)
Eligibility: High school students (rising 9th-12th grade; some courses have specific grade prerequisites)
Application Deadline: Not listed; early registration recommended
Upper School Summer Studies at Gulliver Prep is designed for high school students looking to stay sharp, get ahead, or explore new academic interests in a focused environment. With offerings across English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Visual Arts, and more, you can choose from credit-bearing, readiness, or enrichment courses that match their goals. Whether you’re building your portfolio, recovering a grade, or trying something new, the flexible format lets you tailor your summer to what matters most!