15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
- Stephen Turban
- Sep 17
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 13
If you are a high school student looking for a way to make the most of your summer break, a program in your field of choice is worth considering! This can be an opportunity to build new skills and prepare for college.
These programs combine practical learning, mentorship, and exposure to new fields, helping you grow beyond the classroom. Students can explore different interests while developing practical and transferable skills. Along the way, you’ll connect with peers and mentors who can inspire your future path.
Florida is home to a wide range of universities, institutes, and organizations that host high-quality summer programs, giving local students affordable opportunities close to home. From STEM and medicine to arts and leadership, Florida offers a wide range of completely free summer programs, making them accessible opportunities to explore. Whether you’re hoping to conduct research, explore career pathways, or connect with like-minded peers, you can find a program that matches your goals.
These programs help you deepen your academic and extracurricular interests.
Location: Virtual
Program dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Application deadline: Summer cohort closes in May/June; spring, fall, and winter cohorts also available
Eligibility: High school students demonstrating high academic achievement and financial hardship
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is a non-profit research initiative designed for academically gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, known for its one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost. The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In this program, you will work with a Ph.D. mentor one-on-one on an independent research project. At the end of the program, you will have your own research paper. You can choose topics from disciplines like psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and many more. You can learn about the available subject areas and the application here.
Location: Mayo Clinic campus, Jacksonville, FL
Program dates: June 3 – December 2
Application deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in Duval and St. Johns counties, FL
The SPARK Research Mentorship Program offers high school students research experience at the Mayo Clinic’s Jacksonville campus. Here, you will spend at least 25 hours each week in mentor laboratories during the summer, with additional work continuing into the school year. During the program, you will gain hands-on exposure to scientific inquiry while developing critical thinking skills, professional conduct, and an understanding of biomedical research. Research opportunities span biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer biology, neuroscience, immunology, drug development, epidemiology, regenerative sciences, and artificial intelligence. SPARK participants often go on to present their projects at science fairs and have earned state and regional awards.
Location: Fully online Cost: Varies; financial aid available Dates: Multiple cohorts scheduled throughout the year, including summer sessions
Application deadline: May/June deadlines for summer cohorts
Eligibility: High school students; to participate in the AI Fellowship program, you need to have been an AI Scholars participant or have some experience working with Python Program
Veritas AI provides several program options tailored to different experience levels. The AI Scholars program is a 10-session introduction to artificial intelligence, where you gain exposure to core AI principles while working on beginner-friendly projects using Python and machine learning. For those ready to learn advanced AI concepts, the AI Fellowship pairs you one-on-one with a mentor to design and execute an independent AI project focusing on practical AI applications. The program also offers support for submitting your work to research journals. Alternatively, you can opt for Deep Dive: AI + Medicine, a specialized 10-week course focusing on the application of AI in healthcare.
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Program dates: June 8 – July 19
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are Florida residents, have a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA, scored in the 90th percentile or higher in math on a national standardized exam, and are enrolled in or have completed pre-calculus
YSP at Florida State University is a fully funded summer research and academic experience designed for talented high school students with strong interests in STEM. If selected, you will receive a full scholarship that covers tuition, room, and board during your participation. Over six weeks, you will engage in three advanced courses in mathematics, science, and computer programming. Coursework emphasizes active participation, problem-solving, presentations, and collaborative projects. In addition to classes, you will work on an independent research project under faculty guidance and enjoy a dynamic residential experience with dorm life and extracurricular activities.
Location: Miami Dade College, Homestead, FL
Program dates: June 23 – August 1
Application deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11; courses have varying academic prerequisites
The STEM Wave Summer Institute is a free, six-week program that offers college-level coursework, hands-on learning opportunities, and leadership development to high school students. You will enroll in one or two dual-enrollment classes to earn college credit while still in high school. You can choose from courses like Energy in the Natural Environment, General Education Biology, Descriptive Astronomy, and Artificial Intelligence Thinking. Beyond academics, you will take part in experiential learning trips to leading STEM institutions and sites, including the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Patricia & Phillip Frost Science Museum, AI Center at Miami Dade College, etc. The program also offers workshops on SAT preparation, leadership development, and wellness.
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Program dates: June 13 – August 8
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors, recent graduates committed to FIU, and accepted FIU transfer students; must be at least 16 with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher
The Summer Research Internship Program at FIU is an eight-week opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in cardiovascular health research. The program blends structured curriculum sessions with flexible research hours under the guidance of faculty mentors. You will explore interdisciplinary labs, engage in case studies, journal clubs, and workshops, and learn core skills in experimental design, critical thinking, and scientific communication.
To ensure lab readiness, you will complete online safety training and orientation before joining the labs. Throughout the summer, you will also take part in professional development seminars, including a Responsible Conduct in Research workshop, and present your work at a closing symposium. Awards are given to top presenters, with winners invited to share their research at the MARC U*STAR symposium in December.
Location: FAMU, Tallahassee, FL
Program dates: Six-week summer residential program
Application deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 enrolled at James S. Rickards High School, Amos P. Godby High School, FAMU Developmental Research School, or Madison County High School; must be low-income or first-generation college students
The Upward Bound Math Science Program at Florida A&M University is a federally funded initiative that supports high school students in becoming college-ready. Here, you will live on campus and participate in academic enrichment, tutoring, and college preparation activities. The program provides ACT/SAT test prep, financial aid guidance, and career exploration opportunities. You will also participate in field trips, leadership-building activities, and receive a stipend for your participation.
Location: Multiple schools with established programs
Program dates: Summer and academic year support; dates not specified
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12 at participating schools who meet one or more academic and economic requirements here
The College Reach-Out Program (CROP) is a grant-funded initiative in Florida that is designed to help low-income middle and high school students prepare for postsecondary education. The program provides free academic support, mentoring, and enrichment to eligible students. During the school year, you will have access to ACT/SAT boot camps, tutoring, academic counseling, and enrichment workshops. In the summer, you will get college and career exploration opportunities through campus tours, “College for a Day” workshops, and career development programs. CROP is led by teachers and staff who meet with students regularly, track progress, and guide them toward high school graduation and higher education.
Location: Various sites in Central Florida
Program dates: Session A: June 9 – July 6 | Session B: July 7 – August 3
Application deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14–19
The Career Source Central Florida Summer Youth Program offers college tours, career readiness workshops, and hands-on experience in professional environments, all at no cost to students. You may also be able to earn at least $1,200 over the summer while engaging in career exploration, training, and paid internships. The program offers three tracks: career exploration for 14–15 year olds, career training for ages 15–16 year olds, and paid internships for students who are 17–19 years old. Before starting with internships, you will complete a one-week Power Skills Academy to prepare for success in the workplace.
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Program dates: July 10 – 12
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors, and college students
The Pathways into Healthcare Careers program at Mayo Clinic is a three-day event designed for high school students interested in exploring healthcare careers. During the program, you will participate in simulation exercises, panel discussions, and tours to explore more than 20 different healthcare roles like nurse anesthetist, pharmacist, and surgical technologist. The program also offers an introduction to various educational opportunities, including certificates and fellowships. It also offers information on career pathways and professional development opportunities.
Location: New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL
Program dates: June 22 – 27
Application deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade high school students
The Summer Scholars Program at New College of Florida is an opportunity to spend a week diving into one of five fields: Creative Writing, Marine Biology, Civics Writing, Chamber Music Orchestra, and Artificial Intelligence. Each track offers instruction, hands-on learning, and opportunities to collaborate with faculty experts. You will engage in exercises, discussions, and collaborative sessions to build new skills and explore your chosen track. You also get the chance to secure scholarships to New College. Select participant contributions get published or formal recognition.
Location: FAU SeaTech Campus, Dania Beach, FL
Program dates: June 9 – July 2
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students, age 14–17
The Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop, hosted by the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, introduces students to ongoing research at FAU’s SeaTech Ocean Engineering Research Facility. During the program, you will explore the role of fluid mechanics in everyday life and learn basic programming. You will also assemble and program robotic carts and drones, allowing them to carry out autonomous tasks. You will also gain exposure to naval architecture while designing and constructing miniature boats for a team-based race.
Location: Florida International University, Biscayne Bay Campus, North Miami, FL
Program dates: June 23 – July 3
Application deadline: June 13
Eligibility: High school students from Miami-Dade and Broward counties
FIU’s Journalism Jumpstart is a free, two-week summer workshop that provides high school students with the opportunity to learn from media professionals, instructors, and college mentors. You will produce articles, multimedia projects, and graphics that are published in the Jumpstart Journal. You will learn how to research, interview, write, and collaborate with peers while developing professional reporting skills. You will also work with writing coaches, contribute to FIU’s award-winning live news show Caplin News, and compete for scholarships from the Dow Jones News Fund.
Location: Gainesville, FL
Program dates: June 4 – 27 | July 9 – August 1
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Middle and high school students enrolled in schools within Alachua County
Aces in Motion (AIM) is a free sports-based enrichment program that combines tennis with life skills, academics, and wellness. The program is designed to offer support for academic achievement, physical health, and personal development. At camp, you will get access to academic tutoring, nutrition lessons, college preparation, and leadership-building activities, alongside tennis training. You will also engage in other activities like art, STEM projects, archery, swimming, and college tours at camp.
Location: Virtual
Program dates: July 7 – 25
Application deadline: TBA; subscribe to the program’s mailing list for updates
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11
SPINWIP is a free three-week summer outreach program designed to inspire high school students to explore physics while building technical and academic confidence. Here, you will explore advanced topics such as quantum physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and quantum computing, while also learning Python programming to apply in physics-based projects. The program combines lectures by Stanford professors, small-group work led by undergraduate mentors, and career development workshops, offering you research exposure and mentorship. Beyond technical learning, SPINWIP emphasizes community building and college preparation, providing a strong foundation for those considering future studies in STEM.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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