High school programs are a great way to explore interests, gain new skills, and experience learning beyond the traditional classroom. They often combine academic study with hands-on projects, giving you the chance to strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Whether you’re curious about STEM, business, healthcare, or the arts, these opportunities help you explore potential career paths while also preparing you for the expectations of college and beyond.
Tallahassee is uniquely positioned as a great hub for these opportunities, with institutions like Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and local government agencies hosting a wide range of initiatives each summer. Opting for a local program in Tallahassee, Florida, can be a financially smart choice, minimising travel and housing expenses while still giving you access to high-calibre faculty, research labs, and mentorship opportunities. Here’s a selection of the top programs for high school students in Tallahassee, Florida, that can help you develop an in-depth skillset and gain meaningful experience.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid is available!
Program dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive academic opportunity that allows high school students to engage in individual research under the guidance of a Ph.D. mentor. Over 12 weeks, you’ll work closely with your assigned mentor to explore a topic of your choice and develop a fully independent research paper. This online summer enrichment program for high school students supports a wide variety of disciplines, including areas like psychology, international relations, economics, chemistry, engineering, physics, and computer science. This structure allows you to dive deep into a subject that aligns with your academic interests while gaining valuable experience in scholarly research and critical thinking. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student’s background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest
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 will be introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, you will get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students 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.
3. Florida State University | Young Scholars Program
Stipend: None
Dates: June 8–July 19
Application Deadline: February 15
Cost: Free (tuition, housing, and meals covered)
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: Florida high school students who have completed 11th grade (exceptionally qualified 10th graders occasionally considered); minimum 3.0 GPA; 90th percentile or higher in math on a standardised test; enrolled in or completed Pre-Calculus; must maintain a permanent residence in Florida
The Young Scholars Program is a six-week intensive in science and mathematics that immerses you in college-level coursework and research at Florida State University. You will engage with advanced STEM topics while conducting independent and group research under faculty mentorship. Through the program, you can expect to refine your analytical reasoning, experimental design, and data interpretation skills across mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computational sciences. The curriculum emphasises both theoretical foundations and hands-on lab techniques, preparing you for future academic research.
4. Florida A&M University | Upward Bound Math & Science Program
Stipend: None
Dates: June 8–July 10
Application Deadline: Not specified (contact program coordinator for details)
Cost: Free
Location: Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) attending FAMU DRS, Godby, Rickards, and Madison County High School
This five-week residential enrichment program immerses you in rigorous STEM coursework and research designed to strengthen college readiness. You will work through advanced mathematics, lab-based science modules, and technology-focused projects while building quantitative reasoning and experimental design skills. The curriculum emphasises analytical thinking, problem-solving, and exposure to STEM applications to prepare you for competitive college pathways in science and engineering. Faculty mentorship and peer collaboration also enhance your ability to approach complex scientific questions.
5. Florida A&M University | Emerging Pharmacists Summer Overnight Camp
Stipend: None
Dates: July 13–16
Application Deadline: July 15
Cost: $650
Location: Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 interested in pharmacy and healthcare careers
This overnight camp provides an introduction to pharmacy as a profession, blending lab experiments with coursework in pharmaceutical sciences. You will explore dosage formulation, basic pharmacokinetics, and patient care while refining presentation and critical thinking skills. Interactive lab sessions led by faculty and pharmacy learners strengthen your understanding of chemistry and biology in drug development. The camp also incorporates mentorship and field trips to expand your perspective on career opportunities in the pharmaceutical and public health sectors.
6. Florida A&M University | Entomology Internship
Stipend: None
Dates: July 22–August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified (contact program coordinator for details)
Cost: Free
Location: Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 interested in biology, ecology, or agricultural sciences.
This ten-day internship introduces you to professional entomology through field research, taxonomy labs, and ecological surveys. You will study insect anatomy, classification, and population dynamics while participating in workshops on pest management and biodiversity conservation. Hands-on fieldwork combined with lab-based microscopy helps you gain research skills used in biological sciences and environmental studies. The internship also integrates community service components, providing opportunities to apply scientific knowledge in outreach and conservation initiatives.
7. Leon County | Summer Youth Training Program
Stipend: $13/hour
Dates: June 23–July 25
Application Deadline: Not specified (applications typically open early spring; check Leon County Volunteer Services)
Cost: Free
Location: Various Leon County Government departments, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: Ages 14–24; Leon County resident; able to commit to 20 hours/week for all five weeks; must attend mandatory Dynamic Futures Training
This five-week employment and training program places you in a Leon County Government department to gain job experience. You will work 20 hours per week while completing CareerSource Capital Region’s Learn, Earn, and Advance Program, which develops practical skills such as goal-setting, budgeting, and customer service. The program emphasises professional workplace conduct and transferable job readiness skills, making it a strong introduction to career pathways in public service and administration. You’ll also gain exposure to workflows inside county government, making it an ideal choice if you’re interested in civic engagement or public sector careers.
8. Challenger Learning Centre of Tallahassee | High School Summer Camps: Be an Engineer
Stipend: None
Dates: July 7–July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Cost: $250 (plus any applicable field trip or tech fees)
Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering & Challenger Learning Centre, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: Students who have completed 9th–11th grade in the previous academic year.
This weeklong engineering-intensive camp immerses you in mechanical, biomedical, electrical, and environmental engineering through projects and fieldwork. Hosted at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, you’ll explore prototyping, systems design, and practical technical skills such as automotive maintenance. Exclusive field trips to active research labs at Innovation Park provide exposure to engineering applications. The camp blends teamwork with technical problem-solving, offering a comprehensive introduction to multiple engineering disciplines and tools relevant to future STEM careers.
9. Florida State University | Upward Bound Classic
Stipend: None
Dates: Six-week summer program (typically mid-June to late July)
Application Deadline: Rolling; check with FSU CARE for deadlines at Gadsden, Jackson, and Madison County schools
Cost: Free (fully funded by the U.S. Department of Education and FSU)
Location: Florida State University campus, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) from Gadsden, Jackson, or Madison counties; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; must meet federal income guidelines or be first-generation college students
This six-week residential program blends academic coursework, college readiness training, and cultural enrichment to prepare you for higher education. You’ll live and learn on FSU’s campus, engaging in project-based instruction in math, science, literature, and foreign language. The curriculum integrates leadership development, career exploration through job shadowing, and college tours to build both academic and professional pathways. The program also emphasises independent living skills and exposure to campus resources, providing a comprehensive bridge between high school and postsecondary education.
10. Florida State University | Summer Seminoles Program
Stipend: None
Dates: One-week sessions; Sunday–Saturday (exact 2025 dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Rolling; early applications prioritised (supplemental materials required)
Cost: Free (housing and meals covered; transportation to/from Tallahassee not included)
Location: Florida State University campus, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from Florida; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; on track to meet university admission academic requirements
This one-week immersive residential program focuses on building college-readiness skills and providing direct exposure to life at Florida State University. You will attend college preparatory workshops, receive individualised guidance on application materials like personal statements and resumes, and gain insight into campus life by living in residence halls and engaging with current students. The program emphasises practical readiness skills, peer networking, and mentorship to help you navigate the transition to higher education. With faculty-led sessions and hands-on college application preparation, it offers a structured pathway to strengthen your competitive edge for admissions.
11. Florida State University | Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS)
Stipend: None
Dates: Six-week summer program; typically mid-June to late July
Application Deadline: Rolling; check with UBMS staff or school counsellors in target counties for exact deadlines
Cost: Free (fully funded by the U.S. Department of Education and FSU)
Location: Florida State University campus, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) from Hamilton and Suwannee Counties; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; must meet federal income guidelines or be first-generation college students
This six-week residential experience combines rigorous STEM coursework with college-readiness training and exposure to research. You’ll live on FSU’s campus, engaging in project-based instruction in math, science, literature, and foreign language, alongside lab and fieldwork aligned with STEM careers. The program integrates leadership development, cultural enrichment excursions, and job shadowing to build both academic and career-oriented skills. With a strong emphasis on quantitative reasoning, scientific problem-solving, and independent learning, UBMS provides a comprehensive pathway for students aspiring to STEM majors and college success.
12. Florida State University College of Medicine | SSTRIDE Summer Institute
Stipend: None
Dates: Session 1: June 8–June 13; Session 2: June 22–June 27; Session 3: July 13–July 18
Application Deadline: January 15
Cost: $1,650 (includes registration, supplies, room, and board); limited scholarships available for Florida residents
Location: Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore or junior year; minimum 3.3 GPA (unweighted); strong performance in math and science; essay and teacher/counsellor recommendations required
This weeklong residential institute immerses you in the medical profession through clinical exposure, faculty-led workshops, and lab experiences. You will shadow physicians, participate in a medical ethics seminar, complete CPR and vital signs training, and tour FSU’s anatomy lab. The program emphasises clinical reasoning, patient interaction, and exposure to rural medicine while providing insight into pre-med pathways and medical school curricula. Team-based research projects and presentations help refine communication and critical thinking, making this a rigorous preparatory experience for aspiring healthcare professionals.
13. Florida State University | iCamp
Stipend: None
Dates Session 1: June 3–6; Session 2: June 10–13; Session 3: June 17–20; Session 4: June 24–27
Application Deadline: Not specified; rolling until filled
Cost: Not specified (contact FSU iCamp)
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders with an interest in technology and computing careers
FSU iCamp provides a weeklong immersion in technology and computing through interactive, hands-on modules. You will explore pathways in information technology, computer science, and computer engineering with themed activities that introduce you to coding, cybersecurity, and systems design. The program emphasises practical technical skills and career exploration, making it an ideal entry point for students considering tech-related majors. Sessions are led by faculty and industry professionals, offering exposure to current trends in computing and digital innovation.
14. Florida State University | Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship Summer Camp
Stipend: None
Dates: June 9–13
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: Not specified (contact program coordinator)
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors interested in business and entrepreneurship
This intensive weeklong camp blends classroom learning with experiential projects to introduce you to entrepreneurship fundamentals. You will engage with successful entrepreneurs, access FSU’s Innovation Hub, and participate in a pitch competition at the end of the program. The curriculum emphasises business ideation, strategic planning, and presentation skills, offering an introduction to launching and sustaining ventures. With mentorship from faculty and local business leaders, the camp provides both foundational business knowledge and practical startup experience.
15. Florida State University | STEM Mavericks Free Summer Camp
Stipend: None
Dates: Session 1: July 9–12; Session 2: July 16–18; Session 3: July 23–25
Application Deadline: Not specified; rolling until filled
Cost: Free
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Eligibility: Grades 7–12 with an interest in STEM and AI
STEM Mavericks is a free summer camp focused on artificial intelligence and applied STEM fields. You will participate in hands-on AI projects, interactive STEM labs, and team-based challenges while hearing from expert guest speakers. The program highlights real-world applications of AI and emerging technologies, combining technical skill-building with collaborative problem-solving. With its emphasis on innovation and critical thinking, it provides a strong introduction to advanced STEM topics and prepares you for future academic or research opportunities in tech and engineering.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Florida State University