Participating in internships can help you gain valuable experience in professional settings while still in high school. They offer an opportunity to utilize your time outside of academics to develop practical skills, explore various fields, and enhance your college applications. Whether your interests lie in science, medicine, law, business, or the arts, internships give you the chance to contribute to real projects and learn directly from people working in those areas.
Why should you participate in internships in Miami?
If you reside in Miami, you will find numerous reputable organizations offering internships for high school students. Many of the city’s universities, hospitals, research centers, media outlets, and public institutions provide programs designed to introduce you to professional work environments. Given Miami’s diverse economy, which includes industries such as marine science, healthcare, climate research, and technology, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of fields that are closely connected to the local community.
To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of 14 internships in Miami for high school students, including both in-person and online options.
14 Internships in Miami for High School Students
1. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship at Miami’s School of Medicine
Location: Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: December 1 – January 31
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Eligibility: Miami and Broward-area current high school juniors in good academic standing
During the program, you will work at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics with researchers, postdoctoral fellows, or faculty members on ongoing research projects. Your tasks may include analyzing genetic data and performing laboratory methods such as PCR and gel electrophoresis. The program centers on studying genes linked to human diseases and introduces you to how genetic research contributes to understanding, diagnosing, and addressing health conditions.
2. City of North Miami’s Youth Opportunity Board Summer Internship Program
Location: Various locations across North Miami, FL
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: April 2 (tentative)
Dates: June 23 – August 1 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Current high school students (16+) who reside in North Miami; Household income and assets will need to be verified
Through this program, you will learn about how local government operates and contribute to daily tasks in different departments, such as administration, finance, information technology, and the public library. If you’re placed in the City Attorney’s Office, your responsibilities may include filing documents, delivering mail, scanning or photocopying materials, and organizing records. In the Finance Department, you might rotate through areas like Utility Billing, Administration, and Pension, where you’ll assist with clerical work such as scanning invoices, filing, faxing, and distributing mail. The program provides an introduction to the structure and routine of local government work.
3. FIU’s Summer Research Internship in Cardiovascular Health
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications open in the spring
Dates: June 12 – August 7
Eligibility: South Florida high school juniors or graduated seniors (16+) committed to attending FIU; Must have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher
At the beginning of the Florida International University Summer Research Internship, you will complete online safety training and be matched with a faculty mentor. During the internship, you will learn to measure and track cardiovascular indicators, such as blood pressure and heart rate, collect and interpret data, and review relevant scientific and clinical materials. You’ll also attend weekly meetings that focus on case studies and research papers related to heart health. The program ends with you submitting a research abstract and presenting your findings at a final session.
4. Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Academic Year Internship Program
Location: Various locations across Miami-Dade (virtual & hybrid options available)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend may be offered
Application Deadline: Varies, depending on the internship
Dates: This program runs during the academic year, typically from August to May
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors attending Miami-Dade County Public Schools; Must have an unweighted GPA of 2.50+
The Miami-Dade County Public Schools Academic Year Internship Program is designed to help you gain practical experience and insight into careers or academic fields you may want to pursue after graduation. Internship hosts share their time and knowledge to help you develop workplace and professional skills. Through the program, you may be placed in settings such as circuit courts, where you can observe judges and learn about the court system and daily operations within a judge’s chambers. Other placements include nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, and law offices. Depending on your assignment, you might assist with administrative tasks, contribute to projects, or learn about organizational processes while building communication and professional skills.
5. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships
Location: Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $4,480
Application Deadline: December – March 1
Dates: June 1 – July 30
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors (16+) enrolled at Palm Beach or Martin County schools with a minimum GPA of 3.0; Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship is a nine-week program focused on biomedical research. It begins with a week of instruction covering fundamental laboratory methods used in biomedical studies. Over the following weeks, you will participate in research projects connected to areas such as biotechnology, drug discovery, and biomedical engineering. The program emphasizes developing practical lab skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and research organization. You will also attend weekly seminars and discussions with scientists to learn about different career paths in research. At the end of the program, you will complete a research project, prepare a written abstract, and present your findings to the group.
6. Zoo Miami: Teen Squad Volunteers
Location: Zoo Miami, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Dates: Multiple sessions in a year, including spring and fall
Eligibility: High school students (14+)
Zoo Miami’s Teen Squad Volunteer Program runs in two six-month sessions each year. As a participant, you will assist zoo staff and interact with visitors in various areas, including Safari Cycle Rentals, Animal Feeding Sites, and Education Stations. Your responsibilities may involve providing information to guests, helping with daily operations, and supporting educational activities. Through this program, you can strengthen your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while gaining experience in a public service environment. Working alongside staff and other volunteers, you’ll also contribute to conservation-focused initiatives within the zoo and the wider community.
7. ArtWorks: Internships in the Arts
Location: MDC’s Koubek Theater, Miami, FL
Stipend: $13/hour
Application Deadline: Opens in the spring
Dates: 6 weeks from June to July
Eligibility: High school students (14+) in Florida who meet I-9 work eligibility requirements
The ArtWorks internship allows you to gain experience in different areas of the arts while developing both creative and professional skills. You can apply to work in fields such as animation, film, creative writing, music production, dance, theater, and other related disciplines. During the program, you will be mentored by a professional artist and supported by an Arts for Learning staff member. In addition to completing practical projects, you will have opportunities to connect with other interns and professionals working in the arts community.
7. FIU-CTS: High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: April 8 (tentative)
Dates: June 9 – July 10 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from St. Lucie County
During the High School Summer Internship Program at Florida International University’s Center, you will work in laboratories focused on areas such as neuroscience, aging, drug development, and general health research. Your work may involve conducting experiments, recording data, and learning how laboratory findings contribute to larger medical studies. You will also create a scientific poster that summarizes your project and present it at the program’s conclusion. Throughout the internship, you will interact with research staff and gain an understanding of how different areas of biomedical research connect. After completing the program, you will receive a certificate, a letter from the Program Director, and verification of more than 100 volunteer hours.
9. Bank of America Student Leaders
Location: Various U.S. locations, including Miami, FL
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 15
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; More info here
As a participant in the Bank of America Student Leaders program, you will work with nonprofit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. The program is designed to help you understand how nonprofits, government offices, and local businesses collaborate to address community needs. During the internship, you will take part in ongoing projects that may involve financial analysis, community outreach, or organizational support, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in school to real-world work settings. The program also includes a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will attend workshops and discussions on civic engagement and leadership.
10. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Teen Academic Year Program
Location: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL (virtual & hybrid options offered)
Cost/Stipend: None; Students may earn academic credit
Application Deadline: Varies by school; Applications are managed by M‑DCPS
Dates: August – May (academic year)
Eligibility: M-DCPS high school juniors or seniors with a minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA and good attendance
In partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital offers an academic year internship for high school juniors and seniors interested in healthcare administration. The program offers flexible scheduling and mentorship from hospital professionals. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to earn academic credit while gaining experience in administrative tasks and projects in healthcare. Throughout the internship, you will develop skills in project management, data organization, and professional communication, all of which are valuable for a future career in healthcare or related fields.
11. Miami-Dade College Dual Enrollment Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP)
Location: Various locations across Miami-Dade County
Stipend: $1,500
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: July 1 – August 2 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders (15-18) enrolled in M-DCPS public or charter schools and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
The program allows you to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, helping you build practical skills and a clearer understanding of your chosen career path. To participate, you will complete an online course focused on soft skills and then be matched with a local organization based on your interests and strengths. Placement options include hospitals, tech startups, nonprofits, and government offices. You can earn dual enrollment credit through Miami Dade College in areas such as Computer Information Systems, Engineering, or General Business Internships.
12. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Various locations across the U.S. (including Miami)
Stipend: $3,000
Application Deadline: November 21 – January 25
Dates: 8 weeks (flexible dates)
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders (16+)
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS), offers you the opportunity to explore careers in fisheries, aquatic science, and environmental studies. As a participant, you will gain practical experience working with fisheries professionals in a variety of settings, which may include fieldwork, laboratory work, office tasks, or time on a research vessel. Throughout the internship, you will be paired with a mentor who may be located anywhere in the country (but usually within 45 minutes of you). Your responsibilities could include testing water quality, conducting fish population surveys, examining specimens under a microscope, analyzing data, and performing other related tasks, giving you hands-on exposure to the field.
13. Cleveland Clinic: Summer Scholars Program
Location: Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL
Cost/Stipend: $100 onboarding fee; No stipend offered
Application Deadline: March 30 (tentatively)
Dates: June 16 – July 4; July 2 – 25 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.6 or higher
If you are a rising high school student interested in medicine, the Summer Scholar Program at the Cleveland Clinic provides an opportunity to observe healthcare in both hospital and outpatient settings. During the program, you will shadow healthcare professionals in areas such as Radiology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Emergency Medicine. This allows you to gain insight into different medical specialties and understand what daily work in a clinical environment involves. The program is designed to help you explore your interest in healthcare and learn more about the roles and responsibilities of medical professionals.
14. Max Planck Florida Institute of Neuroscience High School Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $13/hour
Application Deadline: March 4
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school students entering their junior or senior year (16+) from Palm Beach or Martin County
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience offers six-week internships for high school juniors and seniors interested in neuroscience and medicine. During the program, you will explore the brain’s structure, function, and development, while learning imaging techniques commonly used in neuroscience research. You can focus on one of three areas: neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering. Throughout the internship, you will work alongside researchers on active projects, gaining hands-on lab experience and insight into how research informs medical science. The program concludes with the preparation of a scientific abstract and a short presentation of your findings.
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!
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