Are you a high school student in Jacksonville, Florida, looking to gain hands-on experience and develop specialized skills? Summer programs allow you to explore diverse fields such as STEM, arts, sports, and leadership while building valuable skills and experiences for your future.
Jacksonville provides various summer programs designed to deepen your expertise and help you tackle real-world challenges. These programs include workshops, field studies, creative projects, and leadership development exercises that equip you with problem-solving, technical, and teamwork skills.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 10 summer programs for high school students in Jacksonville, Florida. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
10 Great Summer Programs for High School Students in Jacksonville, FL
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
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.
2. Summer Internships with the Annie Ruth Foundation
The AnnieRuth Foundation’s Summer Internship Program is designed for high school juniors and seniors in Jacksonville who want to explore their career interests while gaining valuable experience. Through this program, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a professional setting aligned with your career goals, earn a stipend, and build skills that prepare you for the workforce and college.
You’ll be connected with local professionals in fields such as healthcare, business, and technology, who provide mentoring and guidance to help you succeed. The program also includes workshops on professional development, such as resume building, interview techniques, and time management. By participating, you’ll not only gain hands-on experience but also expand your network and strengthen the skills needed for your future.
Subject Areas: Medicine, Mechanical Engineering, Neuroscience, Healthcare, Architecture, Construction, Orthopedics, AI, and more. In your application form, you may specify your field of interest to be assigned a relevant internship.
Location: Depends on your internship site. The foundation is based in Jacksonville and collaborates with local businesses to connect them with interns.
Cost: No cost. Stipend provided.
Application Deadline: Aug 31
Program Dates: Variable based on the internship assigned. Internships are available in the summer.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors with a 2.0+ GPA, a 1,000-word original essay, monthly seminar attendance, and participation in the fundraiser event.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program invites you to explore research in the humanities, social sciences, and STEM. Developed by Harvard and Oxford scholars, Lumiere provides a structured environment to tackle complex topics and improve your research skills.
This selective online program, which recently admitted approximately 500 of over 4,000 applicants, connects you with a Ph.D.-level mentor who will support you in creating a university-standard research paper on a topic you’re passionate about. You can access the application form here. For talented students from low-income backgrounds, the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation helps provide access to this enriching program.
Subject areas: Arts, economics, sociology, STEM fields, including computer science, aerospace engineering, environmental science, and many more
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990
Application deadline: Four cohorts in a year — Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall. For the summer cohort, applications open in January and typically close in May.
Program dates: Individual Research Program lasts 12 weeks | Premium Research & Publication Program runs for 16–20 weeks | Research Fellowship runs for 6–12 months.
Eligibility: High school students can apply.
4. Volunteer at the Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
As a Teen Volunteer at the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) in Northeast Florida, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting educational programs and activities. Open to students ages 14–18 in or near Jacksonville, the program requires a commitment of at least 8 service hours per school quarter, five full days over the summer, and a minimum of 100 hours annually.
Volunteer roles include:
- Discovery Camp Volunteer (16+): Assist with K–8 camp activities, prepare lesson materials, supervise projects, and support extended care.
- Innovation Volunteer (14+): Engage visitors in STEAM and history activities, assist with exhibit setup and cleanup, and prepare materials for events and camps.
Subject Areas: Assistance with camps, organizing and managing the museum’s special events, educational programming
Location: Museum of Science and History, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: No cost or stipend
Application Deadline: Applications for summer will reopen in the spring.
Program Dates: Duration and specific dates are TBA for summer.
Eligibility: Must be 14–18 years old and in high school, commit to at least 8 service hours per school quarter, complete at least 5 full days of service during summer, and achieve a minimum of 100 service hours per year.
5. Jimerson Birr’s Business Law High School Summer Internship
Jimerson Birr, a Florida-based law firm recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Law Firms in America, offers a 4–6 week internship program aimed at providing high school students with exposure to the business law environment. During the program, you’ll have the opportunity to work within various departments ranging from accounting to legal services alongside experienced professionals. This internship emphasizes strategic thinking, attention to detail, and proactive problem-solving, aligning with the firm’s client-focused approach to legal services. It’s a practical introduction to the skills and mindset required in the legal field.
Subject Areas: Accounting, communications and marketing, legal services, information technology
Location: Jimerson Birr, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Information regarding this was not available on the website.
Application Deadline: TBA.
Program Dates: 4–6 weeks in the summer. Specific dates are unspecified.
Eligibility: Must be a high school student able to work at the Jacksonville, Florida, office.
6. Mayo Clinic’s Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK)
If you’re a high school junior or senior in Duval or St. Johns Counties with a passion for biomedical sciences, the SPARK Research Mentorship Program offers a unique chance to gain hands-on research experience at Mayo Clinic’s Jacksonville campus. Working with top researchers in advanced labs, SPARK scholars dive into basic science, research techniques, and critical thinking, while also developing projects for science fairs.
This program requires a commitment of at least 25 hours per week during the summer and additional time throughout the school year, giving you a real-world glimpse into scientific inquiry.
Subject Areas: Biochemistry and molecular biology, drug development, epidemiology, immunology, cancer biology, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, regenerative sciences
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: Dec 31
Program Dates: June 3-Dec 2
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in participating Florida school districts with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA can apply.
7. University of North Florida CCEC Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student in Jacksonville interested in computing, engineering, or construction, UNF’s College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction (CCEC) offers two summer programs for you. The Women in Information Technology (CITI) program introduces you to computer science careers. You’ll learn about IT roles, salary expectations, and education paths, with interactive sessions on topics like project management and graphic design. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for a paid, week-long internship at CITI, gaining experience in the software development lifecycle.
The ACE Mentor Program lets you explore careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. Over 16 weeks, you’ll work on real-world projects with industry mentors and present your work at an awards banquet. Top teams may even have the chance to compete nationally in Washington, D.C. Each program provides an opportunity to gain practical skills, connect with mentors, and get a head start on future career paths.
Subject Areas: Architecture, Construction, Computer Science, Engineering
Location: Variable based on selected program
Cost: Variable based on selected program
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Program Dates: 16 weeks for ACE mentorship (Contact here for specific dates). Unspecified for the Women in Technology Program.
Eligibility: Both programs are open to high school students.
8. Florida State College GRADS Program
The GRADS initiative by Florida State University helps high school students in Jacksonville prepare for life after graduation. This program prepares you for both college and career paths by focusing on academic skill-building, college entrance exam preparation, and tours of local businesses and industries.
Through GRADS, you’ll learn about college entrance procedures and how your education connects to career options. The program also offers support to help you reach your personal and educational goals. It is a collaboration between the Florida Department of Education, Duval County School Board, and local businesses.
Subject Areas: SAT/ACT preparation classes, Summer internships, Academic enrichment classes, University field trips, Workforce Readiness Workshops
Location: Florida State College, Kent Campus, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Information on this has not been made available on the website directly.
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: Set to begin in summer.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 who meet academic and economic criteria can attend!
9. Jacksonville State University’s Gamecock Arts Summer Program
The Gamecock Arts Summer Program (GASP) offers high school students the chance to engage in college-level art and performance activities. Geared toward students serious about advancing their Arts and Humanities education, the program includes workshops and classes led by faculty, staff, and students from the Art & Design, Film & Theatre, Music, and English departments. In addition to participating in artistic workshops, performances, and art shows, you’ll also have time for recreational activities. This program provides an opportunity to develop your artistic skills while experiencing college life.
Subject Areas: Visual arts, design, musical theater, film, creative writing
Location: Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Information on this has not been made available on the website directly. Check for new camp updates here.
Application Deadline: May 24
Program Dates: June 3–7
Eligibility: High school students are eligible for these camps.
10. The Bolles School Summer Sports Camps
The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a variety of summer programs for students, educators, and children to learn and grow together. Known for its college preparatory curriculum, the school provides both boarding opportunities and day camps, with a focus on sports and fitness.
Previously, the Bolles Crew Camp is available for grades 4–12, running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Activities include rowing, weight training, swimming, and erging for a balanced fitness experience. For more specialized training, the Bolles Half Day Special Camps offer sports like basketball, baseball, and football in morning or afternoon sessions for grades K–12.
High school swimmers can join the Bolles Swim Camp, which offers intensive training and overnight accommodations. The JTCC/Bolles Tennis Camp is open to students from PreK to grade 12, with schedules tailored to specific age groups. These programs provide high school students with opportunities to enhance their athletic skills in a structured and supportive environment.
Subject Areas: Sports including swimming, tennis, rowing, weight training, basketball, baseball, football, and more.
Location: The Bolles School, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: Half-day special camps start at $200. One-day camp starts at $300 a week, and Adventure Camps run for $325 per week.
Application Deadline: TBA. Swim camp registration begins on Dec 1.
Program Dates: Variable based on the camp selected.
Eligibility: All camps mentioned are open to high school students.
Image Source – Horizon Logo
