If you’re a high school student, programs can be a great way to try out new subjects, build practical skills, and get a taste of college-level learning. Whether you’re curious about science, technology, the arts, or public service, these programs give you hands-on experience that goes beyond what you learn in class.
If you’re based in and around Gainesville, Florida, you’re in a particularly good spot to explore these opportunities. With the University of Florida and several research institutions right in the city, local programs range from internships and research mentorships to pre-college courses. Staying close to home also makes them more affordable while still giving you meaningful exposure to advanced topics.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 13 summer programs in Gainesville for high school students.
1. AIM Summer Camp
Location: Gainesville, FL
Program Dates: June 4 – June 27; July 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising 6th graders through high school students
This day camp includes a variety of enrichment activities such as weekly tennis lessons, art, STEM projects, archery, swimming, and college tours. Participants will follow a structured schedule from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with options for early drop-off and late pickup. Attendance requires full session participation and active involvement in all activities. To maintain quality engagement and supervision, enrollment is capped at 27 students.
2. Precollege Scholars (Online Summer Courses)
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Session 1: June 9 – June 27; Session 2: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: Session 1: May 30 or until classes reach capacity; Session 2: June 20 or until classes reach capacity
Cost: $200 per course
Eligibility: High school students interested in exploring college-level courses across STEM, humanities, and other fields
The Precollege Scholars program offers non-credit, online courses taught by graduate students from the University of Florida. You will experience college-level learning without formal grades, allowing you to engage deeply in your chosen subjects. Courses typically include 8 to 24 students and span various disciplines. You can enroll in multiple classes as long as their schedules do not conflict. Classes with low enrollment may be canceled.
3. PALS at the University of Florida
Location: Gainesville, FL
Program Dates: June 15 – June 20
Application Deadline: Early bird by May 31; Regular deadline varies
Cost: $1,300 (early bird); $1,500 (regular)
Eligibility: High school students interested in leadership, business, and entrepreneurship
This one-week residential program offers immersive leadership and entrepreneurial training through interactive workshops, team projects, and hands-on activities. Participants will enhance their abilities in problem-solving, public speaking, project management, and core business areas like marketing and financial literacy. Support from UF professors and peer counselors fosters growth in communication, teamwork, and college readiness. The program also includes community service projects that award 50 service hours and eligibility for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
4. Gator Vet Camp
Location: Gainesville, FL (Sessions 1 & 2); South Florida (Session 3)
Program Dates: Session 1: June 8 – June 13 (rising 10th & 11th graders), Session 2: June 22 – June 27 (rising 12th graders), Session 3 (Mini Vet Camp, South Florida): July 6 – July 9
Application Deadline: March 3
Cost: Sessions 1 & 2: $1,200; Session 3: $800
Eligibility: Florida residents; rising 10th–12th graders; Session 3 limited to specified South Florida counties
This residential program provides a rigorous introduction to veterinary medicine through hands-on activities and academic exposure. You will explore animal health careers, gain insights into veterinary college readiness, and participate in collaborative exercises. The camp is designed for students with minimal previous veterinary experience, including first-generation and low-income students. Sessions 1 and 2 are held in Gainesville, whereas the shorter Session 3 occurs in South Florida. The program focuses on practical skills like animal handling, medical observation, and teamwork in a college campus setting.
5. Florida Youth Institute
Location: Gainesville, FL
Program Dates: Session 1: July 6 – July 11; Session 2: July 13 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 3
Cost: $550
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in Florida high schools
This one-week residential program introduces you to college majors and careers in life sciences, biological engineering, natural resources, and agriculture. You will engage with faculty, industry professionals, and peers while participating in laboratory activities and discussions on food security. The program aims to promote understanding of applied science and policy issues related to Florida’s agriculture and environment. Full attendance is mandatory.
6. Gator Artificial Intelligence Camp
Location: Gainesville, FL
Program Dates: July 13 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 3
Cost: $2,400
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th graders; Florida residents only
This two-week residential camp introduces students to Python programming and practical AI tool usage, catering to those with little to no prior coding experience. You will analyze datasets, create digital objects, and explore AI’s impact on social and physical sciences through lectures and lab sessions led by UF faculty and staff. The program includes tours of cutting-edge facilities such as the UF Data Center (HiPerGator supercomputer) and opportunities to interact with STEM undergraduates. Full attendance and participation are required.
7. Gator Pharmacy Exploration Camp
Location: Gainesville, FL
Program Dates: June 8 – June 14
Application Deadline: March 17
Cost: $20 application fee
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are Florida residents; priority to students from medically underserved areas, Title 1 schools, or facing socioeconomic challenges
This one-week residential program introduces you to the pharmacy profession through interactive activities and expert presentations. You will explore pharmaceutical sciences, clinical practice, and career pathways, while gaining exposure to college life. The camp emphasizes inclusivity and support for students with limited access to healthcare education resources. Full attendance is required.
8. Project YouthBuild
Location: Gainesville, FL
Program Dates: 9-month program; application cycles vary
Application Deadline: Varies by intake
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Young people ages 16–24 who have dropped out of high school and come from low-income households
Project YouthBuild provides an intensive 9-month program focused on education and leadership for young adults who haven’t finished high school. Participants divide their time between earning their diploma, rehabilitating affordable housing, and engaging in leadership activities. The program also offers chances to obtain construction or CNA certifications and access post-secondary scholarships. Many participants have faced homelessness, food insecurity, and family challenges, but over 90% graduate with their diploma, with most entering college or the workforce immediately after. You will also earn the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and contribute extensive community service hours.
9. Teen Midnight Basketball
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center, Gainesville, FL
Program Dates: First Friday of each month, April – August
Application Deadline: Ongoing; register before each event
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Youth ages 11–18
This monthly coed 3-on-3 basketball program features supervised sports and enrichment activities during late-night weekend hours. Participants can join basketball games and interact with community leaders offering workshops and motivational sessions centered on teen success. Events take place from 8 p.m. to midnight, with slight variations in start times. Registration is required, including a signed form for participants under 18.
10. Junior Grillers Culinary Arts Program
Location: Eastside Community Center, Gainesville, FL
Program Dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27
Application Deadline: Registration open until filled
Cost: $35 (residents), $43.75 (non-residents)
Eligibility: Youth ages 10–12
This four-session program teaches essential grilling and cooking techniques in a group setting. You will learn kitchen safety, prepare quick and easy meals, and develop culinary skills through hands-on practice. The program highlights creativity and teamwork within a friendly and inclusive setting. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with waiting lists in place if sessions fill up.
11. Student Science Training Program (SSTP)
Location: Gainesville, FL
Program Dates: June 8 – July 26
Application Deadline: Out-of-State/International High School Student Deadline: April 1; Florida High School Student Deadline: April 15
Cost: $5,500
Eligibility: Rising seniors enrolled in Florida high schools; minimum age 16
This intensive seven-week residential program connects you with a UF faculty research scientist and their team for 30 hours each week. You’ll engage in hands-on research across fields like science, medicine, math, computer science, or engineering. The program includes daily lectures, honors seminars, and activities designed to build leadership, communication, and organizational skills through both academic and social experiences. Florida high school students can earn dual enrollment credit. A full commitment to the schedule, including weekend events, is required.
12. Research Immersion in Science and Engineering (RISE)
Location: Gainesville, FL
Program Dates: June 8 – June 13 or June 22 – June 27
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: $1,200
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders enrolled in Florida high schools
This one-week residential STEM program offers hands-on activities, lab experiments, field trips, and guest lectures focused on technology, engineering, and science. You will participate in collaborative research projects, enhance your critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, and join recreational activities. The program promotes innovation and scientific inquiry through direct engagement with UF faculty and graduate students. Attendance is mandatory.
13. Sustainability Exploration Program
Location: Gainesville, FL
Program Dates: June 15 – June 29
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: $2,250
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors interested in sustainability and environmental design
This two-week pre-college program centers on sustainability in the built environment, emphasizing hands-on learning, field trips, and engagement with faculty and industry experts. Participants will explore UF’s LEED-certified buildings, visit coastal locations in St. Augustine to study sea level rise, and analyze sustainability practices at Disney World. The curriculum combines design, construction, and environmental planning within a multidisciplinary approach. Applicants must fully participate and submit a transcript along with a personal statement.
Image source – AIM