Math research programs can be a worthwhile way to explore the field of Mathematics in depth. Math research programs provide high school students like you with opportunities to combine the study of advanced mathematics with hands-on problem solving, pushing you to think critically and develop analytical skills beyond what’s possible within the typical classroom instruction.
Why choose Florida for a math program?
For Florida-based high school students, choosing local math research programs in Florida offers significant financial advantages, as residential programs eliminate costly travel expenses and allow you to maintain your summer schedules more flexibly. These programs are administered by some of the state’s most prestigious institutions, including the University of Florida, Florida State University, and several other renowned research universities, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship. You will benefit from world-class facilities and connect with peers and mentors who share your passion for mathematics.
Here are two more blogs related to math programs for high school students that you may find helpful: 10 Research Programs For High School Students in Florida and 16 Awesome Math Programs for High School Students.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled 15 math research programs for high school students in Florida.
15 Math Research Programs for High School Students in Florida
1. Young Scholars Program
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free (program is entirely funded); residential accommodations included
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort size (exact numbers not specified)
Dates: June 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Completed 11th grade (exceptionally qualified 10th graders considered); minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA; 90th percentile or above in mathematics on SAT, PSAT, ACT, or PLAN; completed or currently enrolled in Pre-Calculus; permanent Florida resident
You will immerse yourself in a six-week residential program specifically designed to cultivate advanced mathematical and scientific thinking among Florida’s most talented high school students. During your time at FSU’s Young Scholars Program, you will tackle sophisticated mathematical concepts and conduct inquiry-based science investigations that mirror the work of professional researchers. The curriculum emphasizes abstract mathematical reasoning and proof-based problem-solving, enabling you to develop the rigorous analytical skills demanded in higher mathematics. You will live on campus with fellow mathematics enthusiasts, participate in seminars led by university faculty, and engage in collaborative research projects that showcase genuine mathematical discovery.
2. LSU Virtual Math Circle Research Program
Location: Online
Cost: Not specified; Need-based aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 40-60 students selected nationally
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Open until research groups are filled
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders
The Virtual Math Research Circle (VMRC) is a selective research enrichment program for advanced high school students who want to explore university-level mathematics in a supportive, collaborative environment. Participants work in small groups on open-ended research problems guided by LSU mathematics faculty and researchers. VMRC is entirely online and open to motivated students worldwide. The program emphasizes problem-solving, mathematical communication, and conducting real research. Students present their work publicly at the end of the program, and many continue with independent or extended projects.
3. Research Immersion in Science and Engineering (RISE)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost/Stipend: $1,200 (includes room, board, program supplies, and field trip transportation) + $20 application fee; limited need-based scholarships available for Florida high school students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by session
Dates: June 7 – 12 (Session 1); July 12 – 17 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: Applications open January 5
Eligibility: Students entering 10th grade; Florida high school attendees prioritized; applications reviewed on a rolling basis
You will engage in a dynamic one-week residential experience exploring the intersections of technology, engineering, and science through hands-on laboratory experiments and collaborative problem-solving. Your daily activities include discussions with UF faculty and graduate students, case studies analyzing real-world engineering challenges, and field trips to research facilities showcasing cutting-edge innovations. You will participate in both theoretical instruction and practical experimentation, gaining exposure to how research scientists and engineers approach contemporary problems in multiple disciplines. The program emphasizes creative thinking and iterative design, enabling you to see how mathematical modeling and computational approaches drive engineering solutions.
4. Student Science Training Program (SSTP)
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost/Stipend: $5,500 + $50 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort per session
Dates: June 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: typically January – February
Eligibility: Students entering 12th grade and at least 16 years old
You will experience seven weeks of immersive university research, working alongside faculty mentors on active research projects in fields ranging from biology and medicine to computer science and engineering. The program combines rigorous academic instruction through college-level courses with hands-on laboratory work, where you contribute meaningfully to ongoing research initiatives. Your daily lectures cover advanced scientific topics while research seminars teach you how to read, interpret, and discuss technical literature like professional scientists. You will develop proficiency in data analysis, computational methods, and scientific communication through writing assignments and formal presentations.
5. MIT PRIMES-USA
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Year-round program consisting of four distinct phases
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and sophomores (including home-schooled students) outside the Greater Boston area
PRIMES-USA is a year-long mathematics research program where you’ll conduct original research under the mentorship of MIT faculty and graduate students. The program progresses through four phases: Phase I focuses on advanced readings and building foundational knowledge in your area of interest, Phase II (beginning in March) transitions you into active research on original mathematical problems, Phase III offers flexible summer independent study to maintain momentum, and Phase IV involves finalizing your research paper and presenting your findings at the Fall-Term PRIMES conference.
6. University of South Florida (USF) STEM for Scholars Summer School
Location: Manougian STEM Education Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free for some qualified applicants + winners of the Hillsborough County Math Bowl; $500/week otherwise
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Not yet announced
Application Deadline: Not available
Eligibility: High school students
This summer school immerses you in STEM topics with a strong mathematical component, including quantum information, nanotechnology, epidemiological modeling, machine learning, and bioinformatics. You’ll spend your days unpacking how mathematical models underpin research in these fields, often working through differential equations, probability, and linear algebra in applied contexts. You can expect to use tools such as basic Python or other computational environments when working with real datasets or simulating systems. You’ll also work through structured projects that can grow into competition submissions or research-style writeups, which means lots of practice formalizing conjectures and justifying them. Site visits, faculty talks, and college-readiness workshops round out the experience so you can see how advanced mathematics feeds into real labs and STEM careers.
7. Upward Bound Math/Science Program (FAU)
Location: Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL (serves five targeted high schools)
Cost/Stipend: Completely free; a monthly stipend is provided during the academic year and summer, with active participation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective for targeted high schools; limited enrollment
Dates: Year-round program; six-week summer enrichment residential component; approximately June-July timeframe
Application Deadline: Contact high school guidance counselor for enrollment information; ongoing recruitment
Eligibility: Students attending Blanche Ely, Hallandale, McArthur, Northeast, or South Broward high schools; demonstrated potential in mathematics and science; first-generation or low-income status prioritized
You will participate in comprehensive support services, including weekly after-school enrichment, peer mentoring, college-preparatory workshops, and a six-week summer residential component that immerses you in mathematics and science coursework. The program combines weekly tutoring and academic support with enriching field trips to research facilities, college campuses, and cultural institutions that showcase career possibilities in STEM. Summer enrichment includes one week of residential programming on a university campus, providing your first experience in college dormitory life and intensive academic study. You will develop test-taking strategies for college entrance exams, receive assistance with scholarship applications, and build relationships with peers and mentors who understand the unique challenges of first-generation college attendance.
8. Upward Bound Math/Science Program (FIU)
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL (serves specific North Miami-area schools)
Cost/Stipend: Completely free; a monthly stipend during the academic year and summer for active participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective for targeted schools; limited cohort size
Dates: Year-round with a six-week residential summer component; academic year plus summer
Application Deadline: Enrollment through school guidance counselors (ongoing recruitment)
Eligibility: Enter as a 9th or 10th grader from North Miami, Miami Central, Miami Northwestern, North Miami Beach, Miami Norland, and Miami Carol City schools; minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA; first-generation college student criteria
You will receive year-round academic support, along with a residential summer experience in which you live on campus and participate in intensive mathematics and science coursework. The program emphasizes real-world applications of STEM concepts through research experiences, site visits to scientific facilities, and collaboration with professional scientists and engineers. Academic-year components include tutoring, workshops, test preparation, and group projects that highlight how mathematics and science solve contemporary problems. You will receive personalized college guidance, assistance with financial aid applications, and mentorship from individuals who have successfully navigated similar educational pathways.
9. CrowdMath (Collaborative Online Math Research)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Year-long collaborative project
Application Deadline: Not applicable
Eligibility: High school students
CrowdMath is a collaborative online research project by MIT PRIMES and Art of Problem Solving, where you’ll work on open mathematical problems alongside students worldwide. You’ll tackle problems posed by research mathematicians, making progress through your own explorations while learning from thousands of other student contributors’ discoveries and approaches. This collaborative structure exposes you to diverse problem-solving strategies and mathematical perspectives from peers worldwide.
10. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual opportunities available for students in Florida
Cost/Stipend: $1299 for three college course credits
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old before the start of the program
ASSIP pairs you with research mentors across fields such as mathematics, statistics, and computational and data sciences. You might work on projects involving mathematical modeling, algorithm development, or data analysis, often in interdisciplinary contexts like epidemiology or engineering. Mentors expect you to work with real code and real datasets to write scripts, debug numerical issues, and interpret outputs in light of the underlying mathematics. The program culminates in a research symposium, so you’ll practice writing an extended abstract, preparing scientific figures, and delivering a short talk. This program is well-suited for a Florida student who needs to work remotely and engage in a math-heavy research program.
11. University of Florida Pre-College Scholars
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost/Stipend: $200 per course
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Upto 24 students per course
Dates: Session 1 & 2 dates yet to be announced
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: High school students
Pre-College Scholars lets you sample university-style math and computing without worrying about grades. You might choose a course like “Introductory Python: Hands-on Problem Solving with Data Structures and Algorithms,” where you implement algorithms, analyze their runtime, and manipulate data structures like graphs and trees. From a math-research perspective, you’re learning how to turn abstract ideas like graphs, recurrences, and probability distributions into functioning code you can test empirically. Coursework typically involves problem sets, small projects, and discussions where you justify design choices or complexity claims. This kind of exposure is particularly useful if you want to blend mathematics with computer science, data science, or algorithmic research later on.
12. PROMYS Pathways Math Circle
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: High school students (ages 14-18) who have completed at least 9th grade
You’ll engage in collaborative mathematical exploration through PROMYS Pathways Math Circles, which offer both in-person sessions across Massachusetts and virtual meetings on Discord. The program connects you with other students who enjoy working through challenging math problems in a supportive, enrichment-focused environment. You’ll participate in sessions designed to deepen your mathematical thinking beyond what’s typically covered in classroom settings, exploring problems that emphasize creativity and discovery. If there isn’t a Math Circle near you, PROMYS Pathways can help start one at your school, working with teachers and providing resources to bring this experience to your community. Through regular participation during the academic year, you’ll develop problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning in a collaborative setting with peers who share your interest in mathematics.
13. MathQuantum High School Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 25 – August 6 (based on previous years)
Application Deadline: February 14 (based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students interested in mathematics, computer science, physics, or quantum science
MathQuantum is a two-week NSF-funded online summer program for high school students passionate about pure mathematics, covering linear algebra, quantum mechanics, and cryptography. You’ll participate in hands-on coding labs, guided discussions with PhD mentors, and work on a mini-project while exploring the ethical implications of quantum information science. The program includes optional participation in the Qubit by Qubit summer camp and provides academic and career-planning sessions.
14. AwesomeMath Summer Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Between $1,275 – $1,575
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohorts divided by level and track
Dates: June 8 – 26 (Session 1); June 29 – July 17 (Session 2); July 20 – August 7 (Session 3)
Application Deadline: May 26 (final deadline)
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (ages 12-18)
At AwesomeMath, you’ll spend weeks working through problems that require multi-step reasoning, invariants, and clever constructions, all documented in fully written solutions. This is effectively “research training” on problem sets. You’ll explore multiple false starts, refine conjectures, and learn to re-frame problems in ways that reveal hidden structure. While there are no formal research projects, the mental habits learned here are precisely those needed when you later tackle open questions or independent study in pure math.
15. Mathematical Exploration Summer Institute
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Cost/Stipend: $275 program fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; exact cohort sizes not specified
Dates: Check website for 2026 dates (typically one week in summer)
Application Deadline: Mid-February (rolling admissions)
Eligibility: Rising junior and senior high school students; interested in mathematics beyond the standard high school curriculum
This one-week intensive day program introduces you to mathematical exploration that transcends conventional high school coursework, allowing you to investigate advanced topics through problem-solving and discovery-based learning. You will work with experienced mathematics instructors who guide you through challenging problems designed to develop your mathematical maturity and abstract reasoning capabilities. The curriculum integrates multiple mathematical disciplines and encourages creative approaches to complex problems, building confidence in mathematical exploration. You will collaborate with fellow mathematically-minded students to create an intellectually stimulating environment where ideas are shared and defended through rigorous mathematical argumentation.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, probability theory, and mathematical modeling, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This selective virtual research program enables you to conduct advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choice. 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 – Florida International University