15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Jacksonville, FL
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 23
- 9 min read
If you’re a high school student in Jacksonville, FL, looking to spend your summer in a productive way, a structured summer program could be a smart choice. The right program lets you explore different career paths, build hands-on experience, and strengthen your college application, without having to travel far or pay high fees.
Many of these programs are free or offer stipends, making them accessible no matter your background. You’ll find options in healthcare, STEM, business, the arts, and public service, most designed to help you develop new skills, grow your network, and figure out what you want to do after high school.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the 15 best summer programs for high school students in Jacksonville!
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week online research program where you work one-on-one with a PhD mentor from a top university. You’ll choose a subject area such as psychology, economics, data science, physics, engineering, or international relations, and develop an independent research project under expert guidance.
You’ll meet weekly with your mentor to build your research topic, conduct analysis, and write a college-level research paper. You also get support from a dedicated program manager and two sessions with a writing coach to improve your structure and clarity.
2. Veritas AI
Cost: $2,490
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple start dates are available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. The summer (II) application deadline is June 22
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI with a coding background
Veritas AI runs programs for high school students who want to explore artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars Program is a short boot camp made up of 10 sessions where you’ll learn the basics of AI, machine learning, and data science through guided lessons and projects.
If you already have some experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase gives you the chance to work one-on-one with mentors to develop a specialized AI project. You also get help from Veritas’s publication team to submit your work to high school research journals.
You can apply AI to topics like finance or environmental science, and view past project examples through their website. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
Cost: Free (unpaid)
Location: GlobalJax, Jacksonville, FL
Dates: Flexible; based on the student’s academic calendar
Application Deadline: Rolling; 2 seats available in summer, 1 during fall, and spring
Eligibility: High school students from public or private schools; both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens may apply
The GlobalJax High School Internship Program is for students interested in international relations, nonprofit work, or diplomacy. As an intern, you help the GlobalJax team organize international education programs and coordinate visitor exchanges.
Depending on your interests and skills, you might also support event planning, social media, fundraising, or public policy projects. You get full membership access to GlobalJax events, which gives you a chance to network with local and international professionals.
Cost: Free
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Dates: June 3 – December 2
Application Deadline: December 31 (application opens November 1)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors enrolled in Duval or St. Johns County schools; minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA required
The SPARK Research Mentorship Program at Mayo Clinic gives high school students in Jacksonville a chance to do hands-on research in biomedical science labs. You’ll spend at least 25 hours a week during the summer working on a project in areas like neuroscience, immunology, cancer biology, or artificial intelligence.
You’ll also attend “Lunch and Learn” sessions, join lab meetings, and meet regularly with your research mentor. The program extends into the school year, so you can finish your project and prepare for science fairs.
Cost: Free (includes a $1,500 stipend)
Location: Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Dates: Summer (after high school graduation)
Application Deadline: Rolling; An interest form is required to receive the application
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors from the greater Jacksonville area, especially those from low-income, high-need schools
The Stepping Stones Program at FSCJ is for recent high school graduates who want to explore career options through short-term training. You can choose from fields like healthcare (CNA, phlebotomy, medical admin), IT, manufacturing, low voltage systems, or entrepreneurship.
You’ll get hands-on technical training, develop soft skills like time management and financial literacy, and receive mentorship from faculty and industry professionals. The program includes a $1,500 stipend, academic support, and help with job placement or continuing education.
Cost: Free (includes paid internship)
Location: Various partner sites across Jacksonville, FL
Dates: Summer and year-round sessions available
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 16–21 enrolled in a high school, GED program, technical school, college, or university in Duval County
The Mayor’s Youth at Work Partnership offers paid internships (up to 25 hours/week in summer or 15 hours/week during spring/fall) to Duval County students ages 16–21 who are enrolled in high school, GED, technical school, or college.
You’ll be matched with a local employer and supported by a personal job coach from Goodwill/Kids Hope Alliance. Your coach guides you through onboarding, on-the-job training, and coordinates with both you and your supervisor.
Through the program, you receive career-readiness training, including financial literacy (help setting up a VyStar bank account and direct deposit), professional communication, workplace norms, and more.
Cost: Free (paid internship)
Location: Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Jacksonville, FL
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 1 (applications open December 15)
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, and college students in the Jacksonville area
The JTA Summer Internship Program is a 10-week paid internship for high school students in Jacksonville. You will be placed in departments such as Finance, Engineering, IT, Marketing, or Human Resources and work on real transit-related projects.
The program includes professional development workshops, mentorship from JTA staff, and networking events with local professionals. You will also attend meetings, contribute to daily tasks, and present your final project at the end of the program.
Cost: Free (includes paid internship)
Location: Jacksonville, FL (various local businesses and organizations)
Dates: Summer (exact dates provided upon acceptance)
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors living in Duval or surrounding counties; minimum 2.0 GPA
The AnnieRuth Foundation’s Summer Internship Program offers paid internships for high school students in Jacksonville. You are matched with local businesses and organizations based on your career interests and work 20 hours per week in a professional setting.
The program includes weekly business seminars on topics like financial literacy, communication, leadership, and time management. You are required to submit a 1,000-word essay as part of the application and participate in “The Royal Treatment” group fundraiser.
Cost: Free (unpaid)
Location: Jimerson Birr, P.A., Jacksonville, FL
Dates: 4–6 weeks during summer (exact dates provided upon acceptance)
Application Deadline: Not specified; interested students should contact the firm directly
Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year; applicants should be motivated and interested in law, business, or related fields
Jimerson Birr’s Summer Internship Program gives high school students direct exposure to a Jacksonville-based business law firm. During the 4 to 6-week internship, you’ll rotate through key departments including legal services, marketing, accounting, IT, and communications.
You’ll take on real tasks, not just observe, and work under the guidance of staff members to learn about firm operations. The program is structured to help you develop core workplace skills such as communication, time management, and project planning.
Cost: Free
Location: Primarily FSCJ Kent Campus, Jacksonville, FL (with some sessions at other FSCJ campuses)
Dates: Begins annually during the summer.
Application Deadline: Not specified; interested students should contact FSCJ CARES
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 who meet academic and economic criteria
The GRADS Program is designed to help Duval County high school students connect academics with future college and career goals. As a participant, you’ll get access to SAT and ACT prep courses, guided college and university campus tours, and job readiness workshops that include resume writing, interview prep, and financial literacy.
The program also offers summer internships and year-round academic support. You’ll attend sessions on scholarships, FAFSA, and financial aid planning. GRADS is run in partnership with the Florida Department of Education and Duval County Public Schools, and connects you with local employers, mentors, and postsecondary pathways.
Cost: Free (unpaid volunteer program)
Location: Museum of Science and History (MOSH), Jacksonville, FL
Dates: Year-round; summer session requires at least 5 full volunteer days
Application Deadline: Varies; applications for spring and summer typically close in early spring
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18; must be enrolled and earning at least 8 service hours per school quarter and 100 hours annually
The MOSH Teen Volunteer Program gives high school students the chance to assist with summer Discovery Camps for K–6 students or engage with visitors through STEAM and history-based activities. As a volunteer, you’ll help prepare materials, run experiments, and lead interactive sessions in galleries or classrooms.
You’ll choose between the Innovation Volunteer Team, which works directly with the public, and the Camp Team, which supports camp instructors. All volunteers complete orientation and training before beginning.
Cost: $150–$250 per program (some include optional $50 lunch add-on)
Location: Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL
Dates: May 27 – July 25 (varies by program)
Application Deadline: Varies by session (earliest: May 22; latest: July 14)
Eligibility: Students ages 8–18, depending on the program
The Gamecock Arts Summer Program (GASP) at Jacksonville State University offers one-week intensive workshops for high school students focused on creative fields like visual art, filmmaking, theatre, game design, and creative writing. Each workshop is led by JSU faculty, staff, or community artists and includes hands-on studio work, group projects, and final presentations or performances.
You can choose from tracks such as film production, monologue and acting, game development, or creative writing. In past years, students have created short films, written and staged original plays, built playable game demos, and participated in public showcases.
Cost: Free (meals provided; transportation assistance available upon request)
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Dates: July 10–12
Application Deadline: May 15 (applications open March 1)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, college students, or adult career changers in Duval County; must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Pathways into Healthcare Careers (PiHC) Program is a free three-day summer experience hosted by the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in Jacksonville. It’s designed for high school students exploring healthcare careers beyond medicine.
You’ll take part in hands-on clinical simulations, learn from working professionals, and discover over 20 allied health fields, including surgical technology, radiography, respiratory therapy, nuclear medicine, physical therapy, and more. Sessions are held in the Mayo Clinic’s state-of-the-art Simulation Center.
Cost: Free (paid internship)
Location: Carnival Cruise Port, Jacksonville, FL
Dates: Late June – Early August (6–8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Not specified; varies by location
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors; minimum 2.0 GPA; must be at least 17 years old
Carnival Cruise Line’s Summer Fun-ternship is a paid internship program for high school students in Jacksonville interested in hospitality, travel, and customer service. You’ll work at the JAXPORT cruise terminal in roles like Directional Agent, Zone Supervisor, or EZ Board Agent, helping manage guest check-in, boarding, and port logistics.
The internship runs on embarkation days (typically Saturdays or Sundays) and offers flexible scheduling to fit around other summer plans. You’ll receive training, a uniform, and port credentials. The application requires a resume, cover letter, letter of good standing from your school, and an interview.
Cost: Free (includes paid internship and all expenses for national summit)
Location: Jacksonville, FL (local nonprofit placement) + Washington, D.C. (Student Leaders Summit)
Dates: 8-week program (includes week-long summit July 21–26)
Application Deadline: January 15 (application opens October 14)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors; must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, authorized to work through September, and reside in an eligible Florida county (including Duval and St. Johns)
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a paid eight-week summer internship for high school students interested in community service and leadership. If selected, you’ll be placed at a Jacksonville-based nonprofit, working 35 hours per week on service projects and community initiatives.
You’ll also take part in professional development and leadership training throughout the summer. The experience ends with a fully funded, week-long summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll connect with students from across the country and learn how public, private, and nonprofit sectors tackle social challenges.
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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