15 Free Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
- Stephen Turban
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
Many students wait until college to explore medicine, but starting earlier can shape both your resume and skillset, setting you apart from other applicants. If you’re based In Florida, there are multiple free and fully funded medical summer programs that offer you this opportunity in an accessible manner. These programs open the door to hospitals, labs, and clinics, where you can observe real procedures, take part in health workshops, and shadow professionals on the job.Â
If you already know you are interested in healthcare, joining one of these programs can help you take that interest further. Colleges look for students who follow through on their goals, and participating in a selective, tuition-free program shows you are serious. These experiences go beyond the classroom and add real weight to your academic profile.
To help you explore what is available, here is a list of 15 free medical summer programs for high school students in Florida!
15 Free Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
The Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute is a nine-week program for rising juniors and seniors from Palm Beach and Martin counties. During the internship, you’ll take part in hands-on research in areas such as biotechnology, drug discovery, biomedical engineering, and academic science. The experience begins with a one-week introductory course on core biomedical research techniques.Â
As the program continues, you’ll develop lab skills through tasks like experimental design, data analysis, and research planning. Weekly seminars and regular interaction with scientists provide insight into various career paths in science and medicine. You’ll also work on a research project, submit a scientific abstract, and present your findings at the end of the program.
Location:Â Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, FL. Housing or transportation is not provided.
Cost: None. Students will receive a total stipend of $4,480, which will be paid biweekly during the program.
Application Deadline: March 2
Dates: June 2 — August 1
Eligibility:Â Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aged 16 or older, who will be juniors or seniors at a Palm Beach or Martin County high school in the fall, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and must be available for the full internship duration.
The Florida International University Summer Research Internship is an eight-week program for local high school students and FIU transfer students interested in cardiovascular health research. You’ll be matched with a faculty mentor and start the program with required online safety training. You’ll learn medical research methods such as measuring blood pressure, monitoring heart rate, and collecting data related to cardiovascular function.Â
You’ll also practice reading medical literature, interpreting clinical data, and documenting research results. Weekly meetings include journal clubs and case studies focused on cardiovascular health. By the end of the program, you’ll write a research abstract and present your findings at a final awards event.
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost: None.
Application Deadline: Not available. Check here for updates.
Dates: June 13 - August 8
Eligibility:Â Rising high school seniors can apply. Those applying must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program, and hold an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship is an eight-week program for high school juniors from Miami and Broward counties who are interested in biological and computational sciences. If selected, you’ll work at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics (HIHG) alongside researchers, postdoctoral fellows, or faculty members.
During the internship, you’ll analyze genetic data and use lab technologies such as PCR and gel electrophoresis to support ongoing research. The program focuses on studying genes linked to human diseases, with an emphasis on how genetic information can help with diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Location:Â Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Cost: None. A stipend will be provided.
Application Deadline: January 31
Dates: June 16 - August 8
Eligibility:Â Current high school juniors who have the right to work in the US can apply.
If you're a rising high school student exploring a career in medicine, the Summer Scholar Program at Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida, offers you hands-on exposure to both hospital and outpatient settings. This full-time program runs Monday through Friday for about eight hours a day, with schedules varying depending on the rotation.
You’ll observe healthcare professionals in specialties like Radiology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Emergency Medicine. This experience gives you a clearer view of the medical field and the different career paths it offers. It’s a practical way for you to explore your interest in healthcare and see what working in a clinical environment is really like.
Location: Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, Weston, FL
Cost: None.
Application Deadline: March 30
Dates: June 16 —  July 4 | July 2 — 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.6 or higher can apply.
If you’re a high school junior or senior in Duval or St. Johns Counties and interested in medicine or biomedical sciences, the SPARK Research Mentorship Program at Mayo Clinic’s Jacksonville campus gives you the chance to work directly with researchers in lab settings. You’ll learn how to use research tools, follow lab procedures, and contribute to projects focused on medical science.
Your work may include topics like biochemistry, molecular biology, drug development, epidemiology, immunology, cancer biology, neuroscience, regenerative sciences, and the use of artificial intelligence in medicine. The program requires at least 25 hours per week during the summer and continued involvement during the school year.Â
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost:Â None
Application Deadline: Dec 31
Dates: June 3 — Dec 2
Eligibility:Â High school juniors and seniors in participating Florida school districts with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA can apply.
The Baptist Health Academics’ Observer Program gives high school students a chance to explore medical careers by shadowing healthcare professionals in a clinical setting. You’ll observe physicians and other staff during their regular patient care routines, which may include medical rounds, procedures, and teaching conferences.
The program helps you understand how different roles function within a hospital and what daily clinical work looks like. The observation period is coordinated with your assigned clinician and can last up to four weeks. This experience offers direct exposure to patient care and is useful if you’re considering a future in medicine.
Location: Baptist Health, South Florida, FL
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round.
Dates: This will be decided by the clinician you’re paired with, and can extend up to 4 weeks.
Eligibility: Participants must be at least 16 years old at the start of the program.
The High School Summer Internship Program at Florida International University’s Center for Translational Science is a five-week program for high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical research and healthcare. You’ll work in research labs focused on neuroscience, aging, wellness, and drug discovery.
During the program, you’ll conduct experiments, record and analyze data, and observe how lab work connects to medical research. You’ll also create a scientific poster, present your findings at a final event, and interact with researchers throughout the program. After completing the internship, you’ll receive a certificate, a letter from the Program Director, and credit for over 100 volunteer hours.
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost: None
Application Deadline: April 8
Dates: June 9 — July 10
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in St. Lucie County can apply.
The six-week internship at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience is for high school juniors and seniors from Palm Beach and Martin counties who are interested in medicine and neuroscience. You’ll study brain structure, function, and development and receive training in imaging techniques used in neuroscience research.
You can choose one of three tracks: neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering. You’ll work with researchers on current projects, gain experience in lab work, and learn how research supports medical science. The program includes writing a scientific abstract and giving a short presentation on your work.Â
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost: None. Students will be paid a stipend of $13 per hour
Internship Dates: June 16 — July 25
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Applicants must be entering their junior or senior year, be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program, and attend a high school in Palm Beach or Martin County.
The Gator Pharmacy Exploration Camp is a one-week residential program for high school students interested in healthcare, specifically pharmacy. You’ll explore the pharmacy profession through presentations, skills labs, group discussions, and hands-on activities. The program will introduce you to various pharmacy practice settings and show you how pharmacists play a key role in patient care and public health.
Guided by pre-pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy students, as well as licensed pharmacists, you’ll work on a group project focused on public health topics. The program also includes sessions on pharmacy school pathways, like the UF Pharmacy Early Assurance Program, helping you start planning your career if you’re considering pharmacy or medicine.
Location:Â University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: No program fee, just a $20 application fee. Includes room, board, meals, transportation, resources, and activities.
Application Deadline: March 17
Dates: June 8 — 14
Eligibility: Rising seniors can apply.
The FIU Junior Doctors of Tomorrow (JDOT) Summer Program is a one-week enrichment experience for high school students interested in a career in medicine. You’ll participate in clinical workshops and interactive sessions that cover key skills and concepts used in healthcare.Â
JDOT is limited to 30 students per session, offering more personalized instruction and engagement. You’ll explore various aspects of medical practice in a structured setting and gain a better understanding of what to expect from a healthcare career.Â
Location:Â FIU Modesto Maidique Campus, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost: None
Application Deadline: May 26
Dates: June 23–27
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA can apply.
The Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Pathways into Healthcare Careers (PiHC) program is a three-day experience for high school juniors and seniors in Duval County interested in healthcare careers beyond becoming a doctor. You’ll engage in simulation-based scenarios, attend panels, and take tours while connecting with students and professionals across more than 20 healthcare roles, including nurse anesthetist, pharmacist, and surgical technologist. The program also explores various educational pathways, from certificates to fellowships, and offers resources for career planning and professional development.
Location:Â Jacksonville, FL
Cost: None
Application Deadline: May 15
Dates: July 10–12
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors can apply.
If you're a rising 10th to 12th grader enrolled in a Miami-Dade public school and interested in healthcare, the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Summer Youth Internship Program offers a hands-on opportunity to develop practical skills in a medical setting. Over five weeks, you'll work 30 hours a week under the guidance of mentors and supervisors, learning how to apply medical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Throughout the program, you’ll gain experience in medical tasks such as assisting with patient care, observing clinical procedures, and participating in health-related projects. You’ll refine communication skills while interacting with healthcare professionals and patients, as well as develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Location: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL
Cost: None. In the previous year’s program, students received a stipend.
Application Deadline: Complete the online course and submit documents here. Last year’s deadlines were May 17 (course) and May 24 (documents).
Dates: July 1 — August 2
Eligibility: Rising 10–12 grade high school students between the ages of 15–18 enrolled in a Miami-Dade County Public School can apply.
For high school students in Miami-Dade County with an interest in healthcare, the Summer Youth Internship Program with Baptist Health offers a paid, hands-on introduction to the medical field. Through a partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the program places you in a hospital or clinical setting where you’ll work alongside healthcare professionals and gain exposure to a variety of roles.
You can expect to observe different departments, from patient care to administrative functions, and learn how teams collaborate to support daily operations. The internship also emphasizes skill-building and professionalism, helping you develop habits and insights useful for both college and future careers. It’s a structured way to explore healthcare while gaining practical experience in a supportive, real-world environment.
Location: Various locations across Florida, including Baptist Health in South Florida. Online options are available as well.
Application Deadline: These internships require an online pre-internship course, which must be completed no later than May 9. All eligibility documents must also be submitted by May 9.Â
Dates: July 1 — August 2
Eligibility: Rising 10–12 grade students between the ages of 15–18 that are currently enrolled in Miami-Dale public schools or charter schools can apply.
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 medicine, neuroscience, health science, life sciences, and more. More details here.
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16–20 weeks). Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer Cohort I application deadline is April 13!
Program Dates: Summer: June — August, fall: September — December, winter: December — February, spring: March — June.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA.
The AI + Medicine track from Veritas AI gives high school students a chance to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the healthcare industry. In this program, you'll explore areas like AI-driven diagnostics, medical image interpretation, and data-based prediction models.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with real-world tools and learn how AI technologies are developed and applied in clinical settings. This track provides a strong foundation in both technical and medical knowledge, preparing you for future studies and careers where healthcare and advanced technology intersect. Here is the program brochure and the application form!
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290
Application deadline: February 23 for the Spring cohort. The summer cohort's regular decision deadline is April 27.
Program dates: March 16 — May 18 (for the Spring Cohort).
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior Python experience can apply.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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