Spending your summer in a university program can be a great way to explore new subjects, get a feel for college life, and meet other students who share your interests—and if you’re based in Miami, there are plenty of options close to home. Local institutions like the University of Miami, Florida International University, and Miami Dade College offer a variety of summer programs tailored for high school students. These programs often include hands-on projects, group work, lectures, and in some cases, the chance to earn college credit.
Participating in a university program can help you deepen your understanding of subjects you’re curious about and start thinking more seriously about your future career or college major. Staying local also makes things a little easier on the budget—you can skip the travel and housing costs while still gaining valuable experience.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 university summer programs for high school students in Miami. You’ll find programs in areas like construction, medicine, fashion design, forensic science, history, art, and more. We’ve also included a few virtual options that are open to Miami students.
15 University Summer Programs for High School Students in Miami
1. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine
Location: Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free | Approximately $15 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 12 students
Dates: June 16 – August 8 (Tentative)
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High school juniors from Miami and Broward-area schools who are academically performing well | Legally authorized to work in the U.S. More details about eligibility and the program here.
The JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship is an 8-week research program held at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics (HIHG) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. As an intern, you’ll be matched with a mentor, either a faculty member, staff researcher, or postdoc, and get hands-on lab experience. You’ll work with real-world research tools, improve your research and presentation skills, and explore topics related to human genetics. The HIHG focuses on understanding the genes behind human diseases and finding ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent them. At the end of the program, you’ll give a short presentation about your summer research.
2. University of Miami’s Pre-College Summer Scholars Program
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost/Stipend: $9,532 (Residential) | $8,144 (Commuter) + a $75 non-refundable application fee; some courses may incur additional fees. Limited scholarships are available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: High acceptance rate
Dates: June 28 – July 18
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors | Minimum 3.0 GPA (based on a 4.0 scale)
The University of Miami’s Pre-College Summer Scholars Program allows high school students to explore a subject they’re interested in while earning six college credits in just three weeks. You’ll pick one academic specialty from one of UM’s schools or colleges. Each specialty includes two courses (totaling six credits) that combine classroom learning with hands-on activities, such as labs, discussions, guest speakers, and field trips. Subjects include Architecture, Engineering, Technology, Business, Law, Global Studies, Communication and Media, Exploration Sciences, and Healthcare and Medicine. You’ll be learning from UM faculty in a program that mixes academic concepts with practical experience. Classes are held in person and run Monday through Friday.
3. Florida International University Center for Translational Science (FIU-CTS) High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free | Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: June 9 – July 10
Application Deadline: April 8
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in St. Lucie County
In this program, you’ll work in modern labs, run experiments, analyze data, and learn how research is done, from forming a hypothesis to interpreting results. Guided by experienced scientists in areas like neuroscience, brain and spinal cord injury, aging, heart and lung health, metabolism, immunity, and drug discovery, you’ll get hands-on experience and insight into different fields. You will create a scientific poster that you can use for future competitions and presentations. You will receive a participation certificate, earn over 100 volunteer hours, and a letter signed by the Program Director. You’ll also present your work at the CTS High School Summer Internship Luncheon and meet professionals working in science.
4. Miami Dade College’s SAT Bootcamp
Location: Miami Dade College West Campus, Doral, FL
Cost/Stipend: $250 | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Dates: July 7–11
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 14–17
Miami Dade College’s SAT Bootcamp offers an opportunity for ambitious students to improve their SAT scores and get ready for college. This one-week intensive program focuses on developing the skills necessary to excel on the SAT. You’ll go over important subjects, work on real SAT questions, and learn strategies to tackle the test with more confidence. Throughout the camp, you’ll work on problem-solving, time management, and critical thinking, all of which are important for performing well on test day. The camp provides a hands-on, focused environment to help boost your confidence and improve your overall test performance. Classes are held from 8:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.
5. Florida International University’s Summer Research Internship in Cardiovascular Health
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive | Around 26 students
Dates: June 13 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: South Florida high school juniors, committed FIU-bound graduated seniors or accepted FIU transfer students | At least 16 years old by the program start date | Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
In this program, you’ll gain hands-on research experience while developing skills in analysis, writing, and presentation. The program includes curriculum sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, featuring case studies, journal clubs, and workshops, as well as at least 15 flexible research hours each week scheduled with your faculty mentor. Before starting, you’ll be matched with a mentor, complete five online safety training sessions, submit HR paperwork, and enroll in an internship course. You’ll also attend weekly workshops and intern meetings. At the end, you’ll submit a research abstract and give a PowerPoint presentation. The top three presenters receive awards and an invitation to present at the MARC U*STAR symposium in December.
6. CROP Switch-On Math & Science
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: $30 non-refundable application fee | Not specified
Application Rate/Cohort Size: 20 students
Dates: June 15–21
Application Deadline: Applications open on February 24 and close when all spots are filled
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students
The CROP Switch-On Math & Science program is a 7-day residential academic enrichment experience for high school freshmen. It’s designed to strengthen your academic skills and provide an early glimpse into college life while also preparing you for advanced placement and dual enrollment courses. To apply, you must first apply to the College Reachout Program (CROP). You’ll take classes in math, biology, and chemistry, all based on the Florida Department of Education’s Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. The program also includes activities that build your research skills, offer career exploration, help you set personal goals, and make you ready for the college application process.
7. Miami Dade College’s Digital Marketing Summer Camp
Location: Miami Dade College Hialeah Campus, FL
Cost/Stipend: $30 | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Dates: June 16 – 20
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 15 and 17
Miami Dade College’s Digital Marketing Summer Camp offers an opportunity for students to explore the fast-paced world of digital marketing over the summer. You’ll get hands-on experience and learn directly from professionals in the field. The camp covers key tools and strategies used in today’s digital space. Throughout the camp, you’ll learn how to build and grow online businesses, create effective organic social media strategies, and develop paid media campaigns that are backed by data. Along the way, you’ll also pick up useful business knowledge that can help you prepare for future opportunities. Classes are held from 8:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.
8. University of Miami’s Pre-College UM Academies
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost/Stipend: $5,494 (Residential) | $4,605 (Commuter) + a $75 nonrefundable application fee; some courses may incur additional fees | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: High acceptance rate
Dates: June 30 – July 10
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who have a minimum 3.0 GPA (based on a 4.0 scale)
University of Miami’s Pre-College UM Academies offer hands-on academic programs for high school students, where you’ll choose one non-credit course to focus on during a two-week session. Classes take place in person, Monday through Friday, with morning sessions from 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and afternoon sessions from 1:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., all in an interactive, experience-based setting. You’ll take part in activities that make the material more engaging during both sessions. Course options include Entrepreneurship, Atmospheric Science and Research, Spanish, Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Science, and Shark Research and Conservation. You’ll also work on projects during the evenings and weekends.
9. Fashion Summer Camp at The Miami School of Fashion & Design
Location: Istituto Marangoni, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: $2,500: Domestic Students; $3,000: International Students | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small class sizes
Dates: June 2 – June 13 | June 16 – June 27 | June 30 – July 11 | July 14 – July 25 | July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: July 10
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18
Istituto Marangoni’s Fashion Summer Camp covers areas such as fashion trends, textile choices, garment construction, marketing, branding, and portfolio development. You’ll learn hands-on skills such as draping, designing, sewing, and embellishing and explore sustainability through upcycling and fabric innovation. Interactive sessions include working with mannequins, experimenting with textiles, and using sewing machines to create pieces with zippers, buttons, and pockets. You’ll also explore digital tools like Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator and develop your visual storytelling skills to build a strong fashion portfolio. Course topics include fashion photography, streetwear, branding, trend forecasting, illustration, upcycling, garment deconstruction, social media management, digital portfolios, and more.
10. Florida International University’s Partners in Progress Program
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free; scholarships are available to cover tuition, course fees, and test preparation | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 30 – July 18 (PIP 1) | June 23 – August 1 (PIP 2)
Application Deadline: June 6 (PIP 1) | April 28 (PIP 2)
Eligibility:
PIP 1: Current 9th and 10th graders | Weighted GPA of 2.0 or higher | Grade of C or better in Pre-Algebra or Algebra I
PIP 2: Rising 11th and 12th-graders who meet the test score requirements.
Both programs: All applicants must apply to the College Reachout Program (CROP) before applying to the summer program.
The Partners in Progress 1 (PIP1) program focuses on helping students improve their SAT scores through intensive prep and weekly practice tests. Partners in Progress 2 (PIP2) is designed for rising 11th and 12th graders to prepare for college and build their academic skills. You’ll take two dual-enrollment courses (worth six credits) to help you transition from high school to college. Through the program, you’ll experience college life, use FIU’s resources, take courses that may boost your GPA, and join group research projects. You’ll also get extra academic support, attend workshops on college planning, and receive guidance on financial aid and scholarships.
11. Miami Dade College’s Build Beyond MDC Summer Camp
Location: Miami Dade College Homestead Campus, FL
Cost/Stipend: $550 | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – 18 | Session 2: July 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 14–17
Miami Dade College’s Build Beyond MDC Summer Camp offers an opportunity for students to gain practical experience in the field of construction through a two-week Construction Summer Camp for teenagers. Designed for students who are interested in building and design, this camp combines practical skills, teamwork, and project-based learning. Throughout the camp, you’ll dive into the basics of construction, covering topics such as reading blueprints, basic electrical work, carpentry, and safety practices. Through real-world projects, you’ll get to apply what you’ve learned, use tools, and work with other students to build your skills. Classes take place from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
12. Florida International University’s Upward Bound Summer Residential Program
Location: Florida International University, Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free | Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: Applications open on February 17 and close when all slots are filled
Eligibility: High school juniors with a GPA of at least 2.7 and qualifying test scores on the PERT, SAT, ACT, or Accuplacer
The FIU Upward Bound Summer Residential Program focuses on academics and mentoring, where you will attend classes to strengthen your skills in various subjects, including English, physics, math, chemistry, Spanish, and test preparation across 6 weeks. You will participate in various activities, including sports, fine arts, field trips, and group events. Along the way, you’ll get academic advising, attend lectures and seminars on social and cultural topics, take part in community service, and have the chance to enroll in 3 to 6 college-level courses for credit. To apply for the summer program, you must first be enrolled in the year-round Upward Bound program.
13. Nova Southeastern University’s Achieve In Medicine (AIM-High) Day Camp
Location: NSU Davie/Fort Lauderdale Campus, 30 miles from Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: $1,600 + $50 non-refundable application fee; need-based scholarships are available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 50 students per session
Dates: July 7 – 11 | July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors | Minimum 3.2 GPA
The Achieve in Medicine (AIM-High) is a five-day medical camp that explores different medical fields, including preventive medicine, pediatrics, neuroscience, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, and public health. You’ll participate in hands-on sessions covering topics such as pharmacy, suturing, sports medicine, dissection, and cancer detection and connect with NSU medical students through social events. You’ll also learn about new technologies like natural language processing, 3D modeling, and augmented reality. Along the way, you’ll practice medical procedures, earn CPR and first aid certification, explore how technology supports community health, and participate in disaster medicine training with Sunrise Fire and Rescue.
14. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 10–25%
Dates: The summer cohort typically runs for 12 weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale are encouraged to apply
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program allows high school students to undertake an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD mentor. You can choose from subjects in STEM, social sciences, or humanities. The program includes research method workshops and help with writing a full-length research paper. You’ll also get guidance from a writing coach to help shape your research topic. If your area of interest isn’t listed, you can work with your mentor to create a custom topic. Even though the program isn’t run by a university, completing it may make you eligible to receive UCSD credit. Application information is available here.
15. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid available | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 42.5% | AI Scholars: 5:1 student/mentor ratio, AI Fellowship: 1:1 student/mentor ratio
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary according to cohorts Summer I: May 25 | Summer II: June 22
Eligibility: AI Scholars is open to all high school students. The AI Fellowship is for students who either have prior experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program.
Veritas AI offers programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. Founded by Harvard researchers, the programs are taught by instructors from institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton. The AI Scholars program is a beginner-friendly, 10-session course that covers AI, machine learning, and data science through hands-on projects using real-world examples. If you already have some programming experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a more advanced option. You’ll work one-on-one with a university mentor to create a research project and get help preparing it for publication. You can see past student projects here and apply here.
Image source – Nova Southeastern University