Florida is a hub for innovation and opportunity, and its research programs for high school students are pretty solid options to consider if you’re based in the state! If research interests you, these programs give you a great opportunity to explore new fields beyond the classroom. Whether you’re curious about environmental science, passionate about coding, or interested in exploring business strategies, Florida has something to offer.
These programs are designed to give you a hands-on approach to learning. You’ll get the opportunity to conduct real research, work with experts, and explore topics that interest you.
Here’s our curated list of 10 research programs for high school students in Florida, covering a range of fields including medicine, science, engineering, research, neuroscience, technology, economics, and more!
10 Research Programs for High School Students in Florida
1. FSU College of Medicine Summer Institute
Subject Areas: Biomedical research, Medicine.
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: $1,650 (this covers registration, supplies, room, and board on the FSU campus). Need-based scholarships are available for qualified Florida residents.
Application Deadline: January 15
Dates:
- Session 1: June 8–June 13
- Session 2: June 22–June 27
- Session 3: July 13–July 18
Eligibility: Open to students who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA.
The FSU College of Medicine Summer Institute is a one-week residential program for high school students interested in a medical career. You’ll get hands-on experience by shadowing physicians and biomedical researchers and exploring the medical school curriculum. Faculty-led workshops will teach you skills like checking vital signs, performing CPR, and understanding medical ethics. You’ll also learn about college admissions.
During the program, you’ll visit clinical environments, tour rural medicine facilities, and explore an anatomy lab. There’s time for recreational activities, plus a group project on a health-related issue.
2. University of Florida’s Research Explorations (REx) Program
Subject Areas: Biomedical science, environmental science, conservation, toxicology, epidemiology, DNA science, and more.
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $2,400 (covers accommodation, meals, social activities, insurance, staffing, supervision, and program supplies). A non-refundable $35 application fee is required. Limited, need-based scholarships are available for Florida high school students.
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentative)
Dates: July 7–July 19 | July 21–August 2 (tentative)
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors.
The University of Florida’s Research Explorations (REx) program is a great way for students to get introduced to research science. You’ll learn how scientists and engineers work together to solve real-world problems through research, and developing new therapies, technologies, and applications. You’ll get access to active research labs, attend discussions on the latest research at UF, and participate in hands-on activities and experiments with faculty and graduate students.
The “Biomedical Science Track” lets you explore biomedical research, covering clinical therapeutics and techniques like CRISPR and gel electrophoresis. If you choose the “Environmental Science and Toxicology Track,” you’ll investigate how pollutants affect human health and ecosystems, with a focus on conservation and the impact of invasive species and pollution.
3. University of Florida’s Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP)
Subject Areas: Science, medicine, math, computer science, engineering, leadership skills, technical writing, communication, and research.
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $5,200 (covers accommodation, field trips, social and service activities, supervision, insurance, and program supplies).
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: June 9–July 27
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, at least 16 years old by the start of the program.
The University of Florida’s Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP) is a seven-week residential research experience. It is designed for students pursuing careers in science, medicine, math, computer science, or engineering. During the program, you will contribute to ongoing research projects and work for at least 30 hours per week under the guidance of faculty mentors.
You’ll attend daily lectures on current research topics, participate in an honors seminar, and take part in small group discussions led by academic and residential counselors. You’ll also have weekly one-on-one meetings with your faculty mentor to review scientific articles and get feedback on your work.
4. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, research, genetic engineering, histological staining, microbiology, and microscopy.
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns will be paid a stipend of $12.5/hour.
Application Deadline: Applications open in early January.
Dates: June 17–July 26 (tentative)
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors or seniors from high schools in Palm Beach or Martin County who are at least 16 years old and legally authorized to work in the US.
The MPFI Summer Research Internship provides high school students with the opportunity to engage in neuroscience research alongside experienced scientists. You’ll be mentored by MPFI researchers, gaining insights into brain structure, development, and advanced imaging technologies. You’ll contribute directly to research projects and write a scientific abstract based on your findings.
Most of your time will be spent in wet labs, where you’ll learn essential research techniques such as genetic engineering, histological staining, microbiology preparations, and microscopy. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research to peers, scientists, and the wider community.
5. UM Summer Scholars
Subject Areas: Architecture, engineering, technology, business, law, global studies, communication, media, exploration sciences, healthcare, and medicine.
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost:
- Residential: $9,057 (Tuition $6,863 + Fees $2,194)
- Commuter: $7,799 (Tuition $6,863 + Fees $936)
- $75 nonrefundable application fee. Scholarships and waivers are available.
Application Deadline: Not enough information to be asserted
Dates: June 28-July 18, 2025
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
The University of Miami offers a great chance for high school students to get involved in research through its Summer Scholars Program. This three-week, credit-bearing program allows you to learn from top UM faculty in your chosen field. The courses cover areas like architecture, engineering, business, global studies, and healthcare.
One of the courses available is CAE 100: Introduction to Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering (3 Credit Hours). This course introduces you to civil, architectural, and environmental engineering, with sections on Civil, Architectural, Environmental, Structural Engineering, and Research in Engineering.
6. Florida State University’s Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Subject Areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free for all accepted participants. Students with significant financial need may apply for a supplemental stipend.
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 8–July 19
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed 11th grade (10th in some cases) in a Florida high school, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, score in the 90th percentile in math on a standardized exam (e.g., SAT, PSAT, ACT, PLAN), and be enrolled in or have completed Pre-Calculus.
The Florida State University Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a six-week residential summer program for Florida high school students interested in STEM careers. Managed by FSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, the program offers courses in math, science, and computer programming.
You’ll also work on an independent research project with faculty, postdocs, and graduate students, and present your research in a poster session at the end of the program. YSP includes fun activities like movies, beach parties, dances, and day trips. You’ll also have access to recreational activities like fitness, ping pong, and board games in the dormitory. There are mandatory weekend trips too!
7. Pre-College Marine Science Program at Eckerd
Subject Areas: Marine Biology, Marine Geology, Marine Chemistry, and more.
Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: $2,100
Application Deadline: Not enough information to be asserted
Dates: June 8–June 13 | June 15–June 20
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors can apply.
Eckerd College’s Pre-College Marine Science Program offers high school students a hands-on introduction to marine science, ideal for those considering a future in the field. You’ll get involved in lab work and field research along the Gulf of Mexico, gaining experience in marine biology, marine geology, marine chemistry, and more.
You’ll take part in activities like catching and releasing nearshore fish, photographing wild dolphins, deploying hydrophones to capture underwater sounds, and studying shorebirds and their prey. These activities will help you learn research methods, field techniques, and data collection, giving you a real sense of what working in marine science is like.
8. FIU’s Upward Bound Math-Science Program
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: Florida International University, Miami, Florida
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Grades 9-10
The Upward Bound Math-Science (UBMS) program is a federally funded initiative designed to support low-income and first-generation high school students interested in STEM careers. The program provides academic enrichment, mentorship, and hands-on experiences to help you build the skills and confidence needed for success in STEM fields.
You’ll also participate in research opportunities with faculty mentors, gaining practical experience in scientific inquiry. The program includes field trips and lab work, showing you real-world applications of STEM concepts.
9. FCE Research Assistantships for High School Students (RAHSS)
Subject Areas: STEM, Ecology
Location: Florida International University, Florida
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Dates: Varies from cohort to cohort
Eligibility: High school students
If you’re an underrepresented student, the FCE Research Assistantships for High School Students (RAHSS) program offers the chance to engage in social-ecological research. This experience will help you better understand your environment and spark interest in STEM careers. You’ll receive mentoring and research training from FCE graduate students and faculty.
The FCE’s Research Experience for Secondary Students (RESSt) program, which started in 2003, offers similar hands-on research experiences. You’ll work with FCE scientists on real-world projects for 5 to 20 hours a week. You’ll also present your findings in science classes, give presentations at local schools, and showcase your work at science fairs. To learn more, contact Nick Oehm, the education and outreach coordinator at Florida Coastal Everglades.
10. Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)
Subject Areas: Biochemistry, molecular biology, drug development, epidemiology, immunology, cancer biology, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, regenerative sciences.
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL.
Cost/Stipend: Free! You’ll also receive a stipend for your work.
Application Deadline: Early spring each year.
Program Dates: June 3-Dec 2.
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors who are passionate about research and eager to explore science at an advanced level.
The SPARK program at Mayo Clinic is an amazing opportunity to dive into real-world research. You’ll work side-by-side with experienced scientists on projects in fields like neuroscience, cancer biology, or artificial intelligence.
This program is all about hands-on learning. You’ll spend time in labs, run experiments, and learn advanced research techniques. Plus, you’ll get to meet researchers who are tackling some of the biggest challenges in science and medicine today. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings, which is a great way to build confidence and experience in sharing scientific research.
Bonus:
Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies from cohort to cohort
Program Dates: Vary from cohort to cohort for Seminars. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
Image source – Florida State University logo
