14 Tech Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you’re a high school student curious about technology, summer programs are a great way to explore the field. These programs give you the chance to experiment with coding, robotics, and engineering, and develop analytical and critical-thinking skills. Hosted by universities and organizations, these programs also connect you with mentors and peers who can guide your growth and help you build a strong foundation for future academic and professional opportunities.
Why should you attend a program in Florida?
In Florida, various universities like the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida offer tech programs during the summer, where you can work with instructors, researchers, and peers who share your interests. Many of these programs include collaborative projects, workshops, and lab-based sessions that allow you to explore various aspects of technology. Whether you’re based in Florida or visiting from elsewhere, these opportunities can help you gain valuable academic experience and develop your profile.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 14 tech summer programs for high school students in Florida.
If you are looking for internships in Florida, check out our blog here.
1. Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop
Location: Florida Atlantic University-SeaTech, Dania Beach, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free of cost
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Dates: June
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 to 17
In the Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop, you will take part in research projects at the SeaTech Ocean Engineering Research Facility. Through these projects, you will explore how fluid mechanics affects everyday life. The program also introduces basic programming skills, which you can use to operate robots or drones. Additionally, you will learn principles of naval architecture and apply them by building small boats for a group race activity.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here
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, you 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, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that you 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 and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Building Futures Summer Workshop
Location: Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free of cost
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Dates: July 28 – 31
Eligibility: 9th to 12th graders
At the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geomatics Engineering at FAU, you will explore civil and environmental engineering through hands-on activities. The program introduces you to the challenges environmental engineers encounter and the approaches used to address them. Topics include solid waste management, environmental problem-solving, concrete technologies, and 3D printing. You will also learn about potential career paths related to the subjects covered in the program.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Tech Track
Location: Remote, you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that 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 subjects such as physics, data science, computer science, engineering, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here.
5. ITWomen’s Summer Robotics Camp for Girls
Location: Hialeah Gardens Senior High School, Hialeah, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free of cost
Application Deadline: March
Dates: July 7 – 11
Eligibility: All middle school and high school girls
The ITWomen organization offers a robotics-focused camp designed to engage students in technology. During the program, you will learn foundational concepts in robotics and take part in robotics projects among a community of tech enthusiasts. You will also have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and other students interested in tech, while gaining practical guidance on education and potential career paths.
6. Miami Dade College’s AI Tools Summer Camp
Location: Miami Dade College’s Kendall, North, and Wolfson campuses, FL
Cost: Free of cost
Application deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Dates: June 9 – 13
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14–17
The AI Tools Summer Camp introduces you to modern artificial intelligence through hands-on projects, interactive demonstrations, and guided activities. You will explore how AI tools are used to support creative and practical tasks, with instruction that connects theoretical concepts to practical applications. During the program, you will learn about different AI-powered applications and apply your knowledge to develop your own projects. The camp provides an opportunity to build technical skills while gaining a better understanding of AI technologies.
7. New College of Florida Summer Scholars Program: Artificial Intelligence Track
Location: New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL
Cost: None
Application Deadline: June 1
Dates: June 22 – 27
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders
New College’s Summer Scholars program offers high school students the opportunity to study one of five fields, including AI. Over the course of a week, you will learn about machine learning, generative AI, and prompt engineering. The curriculum uses practical examples, such as recommendation systems on platforms like Netflix and Meta, as well as applications like spam filters and chatbots. Through this program, you can develop a deeper understanding of how AI works and its applications in everyday technology.
8. STEM for Scholars Summer School
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cost: $500 per week; free for some highly talented students
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted all year-round
Dates: June 16 – July 3
Eligibility: All high school students
In the STEM for Scholars Summer School, you will explore various STEM concepts through hands-on activities. The program introduces you to different areas of research, including quantum information, machine learning, nanotechnology, epidemiology modeling, and bioinformatics. You will also work on skills that support college preparation, such as standardized test strategies, essay writing, and conducting undergraduate-level research.
9. USF High School Robotics Camp
Location: University of South Florida — DFX Lab, Tampa, FL
Cost: To be announced
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders
If you are a high school student interested in robotics, this camp provides an opportunity to explore the field in detail. You will design, build, and program an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) while learning to use tools such as Raspberry Pis and 3D printers, and studying sensors and actuators. The program also offers hands-on experience with industrial robotics. After the camp, you will have access to key program files, allowing you to continue practicing and building on what you learned.
10. USF High School CyberCon
Location: University of South Florida — Muma College of Business, Tampa, FL
Cost: To be announced
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders
The CyberCon camp provides a comprehensive introduction to cybersecurity. Structured like a conference, it combines workshops, panels, and hands-on activities covering various aspects of the field. You will attend lectures led by industry professionals and have opportunities to network with experts and peers interested in technology. Over five days, you will explore topics such as ethical hacking, data protection, and network security. By participating in these sessions, you will gain a clearer understanding of cybersecurity concepts and be able to evaluate whether a career in the field aligns with your interests.
11. Florida Tech’s STEM Summer Academy
Location: Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
Cost: $1,500 for commuters and $2,000 if staying on campus
Application Deadline: Open in June
Dates: June 16 – 20
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders
This one-week program offers an introduction to a range of STEM topics through hands-on experiments. You will explore areas such as artificial intelligence, forensic psychology, marine science, aviation human factors, and meteorology. During the program, you will work alongside peers with similar interests and connect with students and staff from Florida Tech, who can guide academic and career options. You will also have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, particularly in aviation, to gain insight into real-world applications of STEM concepts.
12. Drones for Girls Summer Tech Camp
Location: HCC Brandon Campus, Tampa, FL
Cost: $399
Application Deadline: Registration form is available all year-round and has to be filled out and mailed to the address mentioned in the form
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 10
This program is designed for students interested in drones and how they function. Throughout the camp, you will develop skills such as problem-solving, coding, creativity, communication, and teamwork, while gaining experience working with advanced technology. The program includes hands-on sessions where you learn to navigate drones through obstacles, giving you practical experience in controlling and managing them. By the end of the camp, you will have the knowledge and skills to operate drones in both personal projects and industrial applications.
13. Gulf Coast State College — UVS STEM Camp
Location: Gulf Coast State College Charles Hilton Center, Panama City, FL
Cost: $100
Application Deadline: Applications close five days before the start date
Program Dates: July 7 – 10; July 14 – 17
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7th-10th can apply
At Gulf Coast State College’s Unmanned Vehicle System (UVS) Youth Summer Camp, you will apply STEM concepts through hands-on projects. You will work with a team to design, build, and program a terrestrial unmanned vehicle, developing skills in CAD, 3D printing, electronics, programming, mathematics, and data analysis. The camp concludes with a challenge where you test your vehicle against real-world scenarios. In addition to technical knowledge, the program emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.
14. Computer Science Summer Institute — University of Central Florida
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Cost: $1,250
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Dates: June 1 – 19
Eligibility: Rising 8th-12th graders (must be 13+ at program start)
The Computer Science Summer Institute at UCF is a three-week program that introduces you to the fundamentals of computer science and technology. You will engage in programming lessons, work on game design projects, and attend lectures led by researchers, giving you insight into both practical skills and broader applications of computing. You are grouped by experience, with options ranging from beginner Python programming to an introduction to competitive programming. The program also provides opportunities to collaborate with peers who share your interest in computing, allowing you to build connections while developing your skills.
Image source - Veritas AI Logo