Data science is becoming relevant across most of the fields, from finance to healthcare to technology. If you are in high school and want to understand how data is used in these areas, a structured program can help you get started.
You might spend time working with data, learning basic coding, or exploring how trends are identified. Some programs also include projects where you analyze real-world information and draw conclusions. This helps you understand how the field operates in practice.
Why should you choose a program in Florida?
Florida provides access to institutions that offer data science and related programs for high school students. Many of these are connected to universities and research environments.
Choosing a program in Florida can also reduce extra costs and make participation easier. At the same time, it gives you exposure to local opportunities and helps you build experience that supports your academic profile.
With that, here are 15 data science programs for high school students in Florida! You can also consider these data science internships and these research programs to explore the different types of options out there!
15 Data Science Programs for High School Students in Florida
1. University of Miami’s Innovation Data Lab
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: $5,911 for residents, $4,846 for commuters
Program dates: June 27 – July 10
Application deadline: April 1, although it is recommended to submit an application before the Early Action deadline on December 31
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11
The University of Miami offers UM Academies, a two-week program through which high school students can dive into an advanced course while experiencing campus life. One of these courses is The Innovation Data Lab: From Raw Data to Social Action, which focuses on design thinking and systems thinking frameworks. During the course, you will understand the full data life cycle and work in teams to develop a solution to a problem, learning how to analyze statistics, code qualitative data, and visualize hidden patterns in the process. This culminates in a pitch competition.
2. FAMU Prefreshman Enrichment Program
Location: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: Free
Program dates: Starts June 10
Application deadline: April 5
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 7-9, who have a B or better overall average in their academic courses (7th-grade students must have an A)
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s Prefreshman Enrichment Program is a six-week, pre-college program that focuses on STEM, data science, and artificial intelligence. You can attend this program over four years, with the curriculum getting more advanced each year. To start with, you will dive into mathematical rules of logic, Newton’s laws projects, website development with Python, and an introduction to data science. Over the following years, you will learn more advanced topics like data visualization, algebraic structures, set theory, statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
3. University of Southern Florida – AI & Machine Learning Intensive
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cost: $795, an additional $1,395 is required if you want a residential experience
Program dates: July 13 – 17
Application deadline: Registration for all summer programs opens February 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12
University of Southern Florida’s AI & Machine Learning Intensive is a 5-day program that dives into artificial intelligence. Data foundations are a key part of this program, during which you will learn how to code with Python, structure complex datasets using Pandas, and use platforms like Scikit-Learn to interpret data. You will then move on to working with Large Language Models and APIs, using that knowledge to build prototype generative AI applications. The program ends with an Innovation Fair where you will present your work alongside an elevator pitch.
4. Florida Atlantic University’s Dual Enrollment Program
Location: Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Cost: Tuition, registration, and lab fees are waived, but you are still responsible for the one-time Owl Card fee ($10) and the recurring Transportation Access Fee
Program dates: Vary by session
Application deadline: April 3 for the summer session, June 5 for the fall session, November 6 for spring
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12 with a minimum 3.5 GPA (students in grades 10-12 must have a minimum 3.0 GPA)
Florida Atlantic University’s Dual Enrollment Program allows high school students to attend university classes and earn college credit in the process. For students interested in data science, the program offers two courses: “Intro to Data Science” and “Intro to Data Science and Analytics”. The former covers the fundamentals of the field, including computational data analysis, statistics, and machine learning. You will also work with a variety of datasets as you dive into these topics. The latter focuses on statistical analysis of data, measurement tools, machine learning methods, and classification and prediction methods.
5. University of Florida’s Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships
Location: Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $4,480
Program dates: June 5 – July 31
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in Palm Beach and Martin counties, who are US citizens or permanent residents, at least 14 years of age, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships is a paid opportunity for high school students to take part in hands-on biological and chemical research under the guidance of experienced scientists. While this is not strictly a data science program, the focus is on scientific research, which involves a significant amount of data analysis. You will engage in the entire research cycle, from planning to bench experience and experimental design. You will spend 40 hours per week in the lab, culminating your work in a scientific abstract, poster, and oral presentation, which you will present at the end of the program.
6. University of Florida’s Dual Enrollment Program
Location: Online
Cost: Free. All tuition and textbook charges will be covered by your school district according to this guide.
Program dates: January 12 – May 1 for the spring session, the fall session begins on August 20
Application deadline: February 6 for the spring session, April 27 for the fall session
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors from one of the participating counties who have a minimum 3.6 GPA and meet the course-specific requirements
The University of Florida offers this online program for high school students looking to enhance their knowledge, allowing you to take up to 2 college-level courses per semester. You can opt for the Data Structures and Algorithms course, which covers the fundamentals of both topics – program structures, program designs, linked linear lists, arrays, stacks, queues, and string processing. You will learn how to manipulate and interpret data to solve a given problem and how to choose an algorithm for a problem, based on its computational complexity. The program is run using a combination of hands-on coding exercises, quizzes, exams, assignments, and project work.
7. Florida State University’s Dual Enrollment Program
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: Free
Program dates: Fall and summer sessions are available, but the dates have not been specified
Application deadline: April 3
Eligibility: High school students who have a minimum 3.9 GPA, attend a school in one of the listed counties, and meet the requirements for standardized test scores. More details here.
Florida State University’s Dual Enrollment Program is another acceleration program that gives students the chance to attend postsecondary coursework while still in high school. As someone pursuing data science, you can opt for the Statistics Through Example course, through which you will learn how to collect, organize, and draw conclusions from data. In the process, you will dive into concepts like central tendency, correlation versus causation, line of best fit, and estimation of proportions. You can also consider the Business Through Statistics or Introduction to Applied Statistics courses. Go through the full list of courses here.
8. Miami Dade College’s Dual Enrollment Program
Location: Miami Dade College, Miami, FL
Cost: Free
Program dates: Spring, summer, and fall sessions are available
Application deadline: Not specified. Applications may be accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12 who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and are enrolled in Miami-Dade County public schools, participating private and charter schools, or home school
Miami Dade College’s Dual Enrollment Program is a free program that allows high school students to enroll in college courses and earn credits that can be applied to their high school diploma or to a future college degree. Alongside the academic component, you will also receive career guidance and experience life on a college campus. There are several data science-centric courses to choose from, like Data Entry Applications, Database Security, Database Management, and Data Forensics. Another option is selecting a course that combines data science applications with another field, like healthcare, aerospace engineering, or business. You can go through all the available courses here.
9. University of Florida’s Gator Artificial Intelligence Camp
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $25 application fee, $1,800 program fees. Need-based scholarships are available.
Program dates: July 19 – 31
Application deadline: 25 February
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 111th-graderswho reside and attend school in Florida
University of Florida’s Gator Artificial Intelligence Camp is a two-week, residential program that focuses on programming and artificial intelligence. During the camp, you will learn the basics of Python, use AI tools, analyze datasets, and create digital objects, which will cover skills used in data science as well. The program also includes campus tours and field trips to research centers like the UF Data Center. You can also expect presentations and panel discussions from UF faculty that dive into the role of AI in research, its application in various industries, and its impact on society.
10. University of Florida’s Student Science Training Program
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $50 application fee, $5,500 program fee
Program dates: June 7 – July 25
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders who will be 16 years of age or older by the start of the program. Only a few spots are reserved for students from non-Florida schools.
The University of Florida’s Student Science Training Program is a 7-week research program that provides high school students with practical research experience. During the program, you will work with a research team and faculty mentors, contributing to one of the ongoing research projects. You can expect plenty of hands-on work and activities like conducting lab procedures, developing a research paper, and presenting a research poster. You will also attend lectures on current research topics and a UF honors seminar class, both of which are significant components of the program alongside the research work. This program offers projects across various disciplines and generally tries to place students in labs that match their interests, which suggests that you can be assigned to a lab that uses data science. On the other hand, research projects in other STEM fields will also offer experience in data collection and analysis.
11. Florida International University’s Dual Enrollment Program
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL (or one of the program’s partner schools)
Cost: Free
Program dates: Summer sessions run from May to July, fall sessions from August to December, and spring sessions from January to April
Application deadline: April 24 for the summer sessions, June 4 for the fall sessions, and December 5 for the spring session
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a partner Florida public, charter, or private school or home school course of study who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet the given prerequisites
Florida International University’s Dual Enrollment Program gives high school students the chance to take university classes and earn college credit, all at no cost. This free program will allow you to enroll in 12-15 credits per semester, explore career pathways, and experience life on campus. Computer Data Analysis is one of the available courses that focuses on analyzing data and creating visualizations using mathematical and computational models. You will learn about Boolean algebra, logic, statistical functions, and other techniques to solve equations. Other course options include Introduction to Computer Programming, Computer Science for Everyone, and Statistics for Behavioral and Social Sciences.
12. University of West Florida’s GenCyber Camps
Location: University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL
Cost: Free
Program dates: Basic camp from June 2 – 6, Advanced camp from June 9 – 13
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 6-9
University of West Florida’s GenCyber Summer Camp offers high school students basic cybersecurity training. Through lessons, games, activities, challenges, and other hands-on activities, you will learn the fundamental concepts of the field. This is a great introductory course for students who have no experience in the field. If you already have experience in the field, you can apply to the advanced camp, which dives into tougher challenges and advanced topics like programming, cryptography, open source intelligence, and more. Either way, you will pick up skills that are key to data science, such as pattern recognition, programming, and data analysis.
13. Eckerd College’s AI, Ethics, and Technology Program
Location: Eckerd College, St Petersburg, FL
Cost: $25 processing fee, $1,900 program fees
Program dates: June 21 – 26
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the fall
The AI, Ethics, and Technology program encourages high school students to learn about AI while also considering the role it plays in the larger society. As a participant, you will study the role of AI in various fields like media, marketing, computer science, game development, cybersecurity, and more. You will meet with a cybersecurity firm, debate the ethics of AI, and engage in hands-on activities like developing an online game, creating an eye-tracking program, and experimenting with VR headsets and drones. You can find a sample schedule here.
14. FAU I-DeepLearn Summer Workshop
Location: Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Cost: Free
Program dates: One week in late June/early July
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 10, 11, and 12 who have a minimum 3.25 GPA, have completed pre-calculus, and have basic programming knowledge (CS I or equivalent)
Florida Atlantic University’s I-DeepLearn Summer Workshop is a free, one-week program that introduces high school students to machine learning and deep learning, specifically through the lens of healthcare applications. Directed by Dr. Behnaz Ghoraani and supported by the National Science Foundation, the workshop combines hands-on Python programming with interactive discussions on topics like neural networks, perceptron learning, and gradient descent. You will work through real-world AI problems, including disease detection and prosthetics development, giving you a clear picture of how data science is applied in medical research. The program accepts a small cohort each year, meaning you will get direct mentorship from FAU researchers and the chance to connect with peers who share your interests.
15. Kode With Klossy’s Summer Camps
Location: Online and in-person camps available in various cities
Cost: Free
Program dates: Session 1 from June 1 – 12, Session 2 from July 6 – 17, Session 3 from July 20 – 31, Session 4 from August 3 – 14
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Women and gender expansive teens between the ages of 13 and 18
Kode With Klossy’s flagship summer program is a free, two-week camp that dives into computer science and coding. The program offers three different tracks: artificial intelligence, web development, and data science. The latter focuses on being able to collect data and draw meaningful interpretations by using SQL, Python, and data visualization tools. After learning the basics of the field through lessons, guest speaker lectures, and hands-on activities, you will end the program by using data and building a visualization of a topic that you are passionate about.
One more option—Horizon Academic Research Program
If you are looking for a competitive mentored research program in data science, information technology, and analytics, you can consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! It is a selective virtual research program that allows you to engage in advanced research and come up with a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students so far, offering 600+ research specializations to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source: University of South Florida