15 Science Internships for High School Students in Florida
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 7, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 11, 2025
If you are a high school student in Florida with a passion for science, an internship in the state can be a great way to get some local hands-on experience and explore potential career paths.
Science internships offer opportunities to work with and learn from professionals in fields such as neuroscience, marine biology, environmental science, and biomedical research. Internships also allow you to work on real-world scientific projects that can help you develop practical skills, build upon your understanding of scientific concepts, and build connections within the scientific community.
Florida is home to various universities and organizations offering science-based internships that can help you strengthen your college applications and assess your academic and career interests. Whether it's conducting research in a laboratory, participating in fieldwork, or collaborating on innovative projects, these internships offer a glimpse into the daily lives of scientists and researchers.
To help you find the right opportunity, we have compiled a list of 15 science internships for high school students in Florida.
15 Science Internships for High School Students in Florida
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial assistance is available
Dates: Vary based on the cohort you choose. Multiple cohorts run every year, including summer, spring, fall, and winter.
Application deadline: Varies depending on the chosen cohort; the upcoming summer session’s application window closes on June 23.
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10 to 20 hours/week for 8 to 12 weeks
The Ladder Internship STEM Track offers virtual eight-week internships, where high school students collaborate with high-growth startups in fields like environmental science, healthcare and medicine, software engineering, AI/ML, and deep tech. If selected, you will work on real-world projects under the guidance of a company manager and a Ladder Coach, gaining some exposure to startup environments and emerging technologies. Along the way, you will find opportunities to develop skills in research, data analysis, communication, and project management. The program emphasizes mentorship and professional development, with the internship experience culminating in a final presentation to the company. By offering internships with startups that have typically raised over a million dollars, the program can offer you a firsthand look at fast-paced innovation in STEM fields. You can learn about the available program formats and internship areas on the application form.
Location: Various NASA centers in the country, including virtual internships. You can find opportunities here.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns receive a stipend based on the academic level and session duration
Dates: Vary based on the opportunity. Summer Sessions: 10 weeks from late May or early June to August | Fall Session: 16 weeks from late August/early September to mid-December | Spring Session: 16 weeks from mid-January to early May
Application deadline: Summer: February 27 | Fall 2026: May 22 | Spring: September 12
Eligibility: High school students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0, are U.S. citizens, and are 16 or older
The NASA OSTEM High School Internships are paid opportunities for students interested in space exploration, mechanical engineering, and advanced technology. As an intern, you will work with NASA scientists, engineers, and professionals on real-world projects related to aerospace, robotics, and satellite communication. These internships offer hands-on exposure to cutting-edge research and technology while helping you build problem-solving and technical skills. You will also get insights into NASA’s mission and career pathways through mentorship and collaboration with experts in the field. You can choose from virtual, in-person, full-time, and part-time internships.
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience in Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: No participation cost; stipends of $13/hour offered
Dates: Six weeks in the summer; dates TBA
Application deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16, entering junior or senior year, and enrolled in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school
The Summer Research Internships at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience are six-week summer research experiences for high schoolers interested in neuroscience and related fields. If selected, you will work with scientists in state-of-the-art labs, contributing to projects focused on brain structure, function, and development using advanced imaging techniques. You can choose from three tracks: Neuroscience, Scientific Programming, and Mechanical Engineering. During the program, you will gain hands-on experience with lab techniques, coding for data analysis, or CAD-based part design, based on the track you choose. You will also get to present your research at the end of the summer. This program offers professional development workshops to help you build key skills in scientific communication and career planning, making it one of the more comprehensive science internships for high school students in Florida.
Location: Florida International University Center for Translational Science, Port St. Lucie, Florida
Cost/Stipend: Not specified; specific information available via public schools in St. Lucie County
Dates: June 9 – July 10
Application deadline: Not specified; information can be accessed via public schools in St. Lucie County
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in St. Lucie County.
The High School Summer Internship Program at Florida International University’s Center for Translational Science is a five-week research experience for students interested in biomedical science. Here, you will work alongside scientists in fields such as neuroscience, aging and wellness, drug discovery, and immunology, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and applying the scientific method. The program offers mentorship, hands-on lab experiences, and networking opportunities with professionals. You will also get to present your findings and poster at a final luncheon. You will also have access to the poster at the end of the program and can choose to use it for future competitions. You will earn over 100 volunteer hours, a certificate of completion, and a letter from the Program Director, which can be valuable additions to any college or scholarship application.
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S., including various sites in Florida. You can check all labs here.
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants and $4,500 for returning participants
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; exact internship dates vary depending on the lab you choose
Application deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High schoolers who have completed Grade 9, are U.S. citizens, and are at least 16 years old
SEAP offers high school students eight-week, paid internships at the Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories. The program offers approximately 300 placements across more than 38 labs in the country. As a participant, you will work with Navy scientists and engineers on real research projects in areas like robotics, aerospace, and cybersecurity. The program offers mentorship and technical skill development opportunities as well as exposure to advanced research environments and potential STEM careers in naval science and engineering. At Florida labs, you will get to learn about aircraft maintenance and repair, shadow researchers, write technical reports, and present technical information.
Location: University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
Stipend: ~$15/hour
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current juniors in Miami and Broward-area high schools with strong academic performance in biological and/or computational sciences
The JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship conducted at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine is an eight-week research experience for high school juniors. The program is selective, typically accepting 12 students out of 100+ applications. If selected, you will be paired with a mentor and work on a project in human genetics, getting some hands-on exposure to biological and computational sciences. The program can help you develop skills crucial for conducting and communicating scientific research, including data analysis and presentation. You will also get insights into how genetic factors contribute to human disease. During the program, you will attend seminars and workshops on genomics and research techniques. The internship concludes with a final presentation, giving you the chance to share your work with peers and professionals.
Location: Remote options available for Florida students
Cost/Stipend: No cost apart from a $25 application fee, which can be waived based on applicants’ financial need
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 or older
ASSIP provides high school students with hands-on research experience in STEM areas like engineering, biology, computer science, chemistry, neuroscience, bioengineering, physics, and environmental science. Over the course of the program, you will work one-on-one with faculty on real research projects, learning about lab and analysis techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy. You may also learn how to analyze data with tools like Python and R and develop skills in experiment design and statistical modeling. The program offers training in scientific writing and communication, culminating in a formal presentation of your work. Along the way, you will explore STEM career paths through seminars and discussions with researchers.
Location: Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens, FL + the Wertheim UF Scripps Institute campus in Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $4,480
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Application deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Students set to begin their junior or senior years in Palm Beach or Martin County high schools in the fall; applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be at least 16 years of age, and be US citizens or permanent residents
The Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship offers rigorous eight-week experiences to students interested in biomedical research. You will begin with a preparatory course that introduces you to essential lab techniques and research methodologies. Following this, under the mentorship of a UF Scripps scientist, you will work full-time on research projects that emphasize experimental design, data analysis, and the scientific process. Throughout the program, you will attend weekly scientific seminars covering a wide range of biomedical topics. The internship ends with a written scientific abstract and both an oral and a poster presentation, helping you practice scientific communication.
Location: Florida International University (FIU) campus, Miami, FL
Stipend: A stipend will be provided; exact information not available.
Dates: June 13 – August 8
Application deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: South Florida high school juniors, graduated seniors set to attend FIU, and accepted FIU transfer students who are 16 or older
The Summer Research Internship at FIU offers rising high school seniors an in-person eight-week experience focused on cardiovascular health research. The program combines hands-on research with a structured curriculum that includes case studies, journal clubs, and weekly professional development workshops. You will work at least 15 hours per week in FIU research labs under the guidance of a faculty mentor, gaining skills in experimental design, critical thinking, and scientific communication. Before research begins, you will complete safety training and orientation. The program ends with a formal presentation of research findings, with top students earning awards and invitations to present at a university symposium.
Location: Various program sites across the U.S., including the University of Florida campus, Gainesville, FL
Stipend: Varies based on projects
Dates: 6 – 10 weeks in the May–August period; dates vary
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens/permanent legal residents
AEOP High School Internships are paid, full-time summer research opportunities at the U.S. Army Research Laboratories and its partner university research centers. This commuter program offers opportunities to participate in hands-on research in fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, and military technologies. As an AEOP intern, you will work with scientists and engineers, gaining exposure to high-tech lab environments and learning the pace and culture of scientific research. You will also receive formal mentorship, participate in virtual sessions with peers and near-peer mentors, and submit a research abstract for publication in the program’s research journal.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend
Dates: 5 weeks from July to August
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in North America
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a free, five-week virtual research program for high schoolers interested in neuroscience and biomedical research. Here, you will explore the field of neuroscience through research projects, seminars, and mentorship from Johns Hopkins scientists. You will also learn lab techniques like electrophysiology and imaging, practice data analysis, and develop your scientific writing skills. The curriculum covers topics such as neuroanatomy, cognitive neuroscience, and experimental design. In addition to research training, the program includes professional development workshops focused on research ethics and STEM careers.
Location: Several locations across the U.S., including Eglin AFB in Florida
Stipend: Offered; amount is based on the education level and the location. You can check the exact amount here.
Dates: Internships are mainly available in the summer, with a few options in spring and fall. Start dates vary based on the sites and/or projects, with a minimum of an eight-week commitment.
Application deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Upper-level high schoolers who are U.S. citizens; a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferable.
The AFRL Scholars Program offers paid summer internships to upper-level high school students and college students interested in STEM fields and the aviation industry. You will work directly with scientists and engineers at the assigned Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), getting hands-on experience through work on advanced research projects in fields like aerospace, cybersecurity, and materials science. The program offers opportunities for technical skill-building, professional development, and making contributions to real-world innovations. Some AFRL sites also support students interested in education-focused careers. This is a competitive opportunity, meant for those looking to explore STEM careers while working in a professional research environment.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + application fee of $40; fee waiver and scholarships available
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students older than 14 who have worked on a healthcare project or have strong programming or math abilities; applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals with valid visa status
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a free, two-week virtual program for high school students interested in the link between AI and medicine/healthcare. You will attend technical lectures on AI fundamentals, engage in hands-on group research projects, and receive mentorship from Stanford researchers and students. The program also features career talks with professionals from academia, industry, and government. It offers an optional extended research opportunity for those who complete the initial program. You will get a Certificate of Completion at the end of the session.
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Stipend: $3,000
Dates: Start and end dates are flexible and determined by selected students and their mentors
Application deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week summer internship for high school students interested in fisheries science and aquatic ecosystems. Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, the program pairs students with professional mentors for hands-on experience in lab and field settings. Program activities may include fish population surveys, electrofishing, water quality testing, specimen examination, and data analysis. You will work in diverse environments such as labs, offices, rivers, or boats, depending on their placement. You will also attend the fully funded Hutton Scholars Summit, where you will present their work and engage with experts in the field. The program can offer valuable insights into fisheries, biology, and related careers.
Location: Online classes
Cost: $300 as a donation to be paid to cover the costs associated with the Cell-Science Internship program.
Dates: June 16 – August 10
Application deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Students who have completed their junior year of high school
Through the Cell-Science Summer Internship Program, the non-profit Science Gurus offers virtual eight-week hands-on experiences to rising high school seniors interested in exploring biotechnology and rational drug design. As an intern, you will work on bioinformatics-based research projects focused on drug discovery under the guidance of scientists and industry professionals. The program covers topics like cancer biology, immunotherapy, and stem cell therapies, and provides hands-on experience in using bioinformatics tools. You will also attend guest lectures and career development workshops led by professionals in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. The program culminates in oral presentations and detailed project reports, giving you the chance to showcase your findings. A visit to a local biotech company is also part of the experience, providing you with some real-world context for all the lab-based learning.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you want to pursue research, consider applying to Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective high school programs founded in partnership with Harvard and Oxford researchers. Last year, 4,000+ students applied for just 500 spots in the research program. You can learn about the application and available programs on the application form here.
Also, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.
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 research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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