If you’re a high school student living in Florida, summer is a great time to explore your academic interests, engage in hands-on research, and get a head start on college preparation without having to step out of the state! Whether you’re thinking about a future in healthcare or tech, or you’re just curious about college-level work, Florida is home to multiple programs that offer valuable experiences – helping you boost your college applications and build real skills. More than looking attractive on your resume, they’re legit experiences for students who like diving into things and figuring stuff out.
In this list, you’ll find 13 free summer college programs for high school students in Florida. Some are highly selective, while others are designed to support first-generation or underserved students; however, every single one is free.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program type; generous financial aid available
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines based on cohort
Program Dates: Cohorts run year-round. Summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June)
Eligibility: High school students (recommended GPA 3.3 or higher)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; generous financial aid available
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide; Fellowship applicants must have prior AI experience or completed the Scholars program
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Young Scholars Program
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 8 – July 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors living in Florida who have finished Pre-Calculus and have a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA and a score in the top 90th percentile in standardized math/science exams
If you’re a Florida junior who’s already deep into STEM, this six-week program at FSU gives you the chance to study and research at a college level. You will enroll in three advanced courses, such as molecular biology, mathematical modeling, and computer science. Additionally, you will dedicate two days each week to working on a research project with FSU faculty. At the end of the program, you will showcase your work at a formal poster session. If you are targeting a competitive STEM college pathway, this is one of the most challenging and highly regarded options in Florida.
4. SPARK Research Mentorship Program
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: December 31
Program Dates: June 3 – December 2
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in Duval or St. Johns counties in Florida with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
SPARK is a selective research mentorship program where you’ll work in a Mayo Clinic lab for at least 25 hours per week over the summer and continue through the fall. If you’re interested in biomedical science, neuroscience, AI in medicine, or drug development, this is an opportunity to get serious lab time while being mentored by a professional researcher. You’ll learn core techniques in molecular biology, critical thinking, and scientific writing, and finish the program by presenting your findings. It’s a big-time commitment, but a standout opportunity if you’re considering a future in medicine or research.
5. Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop
Location: Florida Atlantic University SeaTech Campus, Dania Beach, FL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Program Dates: June 9 – June 12
Eligibility: High schoolers ages 14 – 17
This 4-day summer workshop provides a hands-on, engaging introduction to marine engineering. It blends practical science and technology, allowing you to explore the basics of fluid mechanics, naval architecture, and programming. You’ll then apply your knowledge by designing and programming robotic carts and drones. You’ll also get to interact with researchers working on actual ocean engineering projects, giving you insight into what this field looks like beyond textbooks. If you’re interested in mechanical engineering, robotics, or environmental design, this is a high-impact opportunity to explore them early.
6. FGCU STEM Academy
Location: Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Application Deadline: April 14
Program Dates: June 15 – June 27
Eligibility: 9th–11th grade students from Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades, or Charlotte counties with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Algebra I completion required
The FGCU STEM Academy is a two-week, residential summer program designed for students from underrepresented or first-generation college-bound backgrounds to explore real-world STEM challenges. The curriculum includes practical projects across engineering, biology, and data science. Students will hear from STEM professionals and take part in career exploration workshops. You will engage in problem-solving and teamwork in real-world situations while exploring topics like robotics, environmental science, and health technology. The program also focuses on academic readiness, offering support for students preparing for college applications and considering STEM majors.
7. New College of Florida Summer Scholars
Location: New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: June 1
Program Dates: June 22 – June 27
Eligibility: Rising 10th – 12th graders
This fully funded, week-long summer experience allows you to dive deep into a topic you care about, from marine biology to AI, creative writing, civics, or music performance. You’ll join a small, motivated cohort on New College’s Sarasota campus for seminar-style learning, hands-on work, and close collaboration with faculty. You stay on campus, work on projects, and bounce ideas around with other students. Standout participants can qualify for merit-based scholarships to New College, and select projects are eligible for publication or formal recognition.
8. Building Futures Summer Workshop
Location: FAU Boca Raton Campus, Boca Raton, FL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Program Dates: July 28 – July 31
Eligibility: Rising 9th–11th grade students
This 4-day workshop at FAU is an excellent opportunity to explore the work of civil and environmental engineers. You’ll tackle real-world challenges, such as managing solid waste and designing concrete structures, with the chance to experiment with emerging technologies like 3D printing in construction. You will also gain hands-on learning experience and spend your time solving environmental problems while thinking through how cities are built and sustained. With only 30 spots available, the program is selective, so it’s a great addition to your resume if you’re thinking about sustainability, engineering, or urban design as a future path.
9. CodeBreakHERS Cybersecurity Camp
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Program Dates: June 23 – June 27
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12
CodeBreakHERS is a free cybersecurity camp hosted at the University of South Florida, open to all students in grades 8 through 12. For a week, you’ll dive into core cybersecurity topics like cryptography, blockchain, hardware security, and more. Anticipate numerous interactive activities, coding workshops, and engaging sessions led by USF faculty and cybersecurity experts. No prior experience is necessary; whether you’re already coding or just starting to explore technology, this provides a practical introduction to cybersecurity.
10. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Summer Research Internship
Location: Jupiter, FL
Cost: Free; participants are paid a stipend of $13/hour
Application Deadline: March 4
Program Dates: Typically June – July; exact dates announced each January
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (16+ years old) from Palm Beach or Martin County
If you want to do real research in neuroscience before you’ve even applied to college, this six-week internship at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience gives you just that opportunity. You’ll spend your summer working side-by-side with scientists in a professional lab setting. Depending on your interests, you may explore brain imaging, laboratory experiments, or software development and design. There are multiple tracks: neuroscience, scientific programming, and mechanical engineering, so there’s space for a range of STEM passions. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work in a research presentation, giving you experience that’s both resume-worthy and confidence-boosting.
11. Summer of Success (SOS) Program
Location: St. Petersburg College, Pinellas County, FL
Cost: Free; includes tuition, lab fees, textbooks, and application fee
Application Deadline: Typically in early spring; space is limited
Program Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from Pinellas County high schools
The Summer of Success (SOS) Program gives high school seniors a jumpstart on college by offering a 6-week, scholarship-supported experience that includes credit-earning courses, academic orientation, and college prep workshops. Students take classes such as Intro to Speech and Computer Literacy, complete the First-Time Titan orientation, and receive personalized support with financial aid and fall registration. In addition to building a college transcript before fall, students also get to know SPC’s campus, meet new peers, and build confidence in navigating college life.
12. FIU Center for Translational Science High School Internship
Location: Center for Translational Science, Port St. Lucie, FL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Typically in early April (check yearly updates)
Program Dates: July 9 – July 10
Eligibility: Florida high school juniors and seniors from St. Lucie County
The FIU-CTS Summer Internship immerses high school juniors and seniors in biomedical research over five weeks, training in areas like neuroscience, aging, immunology, drug delivery, and pulmonary physiology. Guided directly by FIU translational science researchers, you’ll conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, and engage in professional lab meetings and research discussions. The program also features weekly journal clubs and workshops that cover experimental design, scientific writing, and research ethics. Interns conclude with a poster presentation of their research findings to faculty, peers, and community stakeholders.
13. College Prep Camp at Eckerd
Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: Free for qualifying students; fully funded by program sponsors
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Program Dates: June 22 – June 27
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from the St. Petersburg area
If you’re a rising junior or senior seeking a genuine experience of college life, College Prep at Eckerd offers a fully funded, week-long program focused on liberal arts and personal growth. You’ll live in dorms, take accelerated seminars with Eckerd faculty, and start building key college-ready skills like time management, academic writing, and self-assessment. You’ll get support drafting your college application and essay, explore financial and academic resources, and join group discussions that help you reflect on your strengths and goals. There are also opportunities for leisure, including evening socials, field trips, and campus activities.
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!
Image source – Eckerd College