STEM programs can give you hands-on exposure to how science, engineering, and technology actually work in research labs, industry settings, and applied problem-solving environments as a high school student. You get to work with real datasets, hardware, simulations, and software tools, often the same ones used by professionals. These programs also help you figure out whether you enjoy research, engineering design, coding, or applied science before committing to a college major. Just as importantly, they teach you how to think like a scientist or engineer: forming hypotheses, debugging systems, running experiments, and documenting results.
If you’re also exploring other pathways, you might want to check out Horizon’s blogs on STEM programs for high school students, which dive deeper into long-term research and industry exposure.
Why Orlando, Florida, Is a Great Place for STEM Programs?
Orlando isn’t just a tourism hub; it’s a growing centre for aerospace, simulation technology, biomedical research, and engineering. With institutions like the University of Central Florida, one of the largest research universities in the U.S., and strong ties to NASA, defence simulation, and healthcare technology, Orlando offers you access to serious STEM infrastructure. Many local programs emphasize applied learning, from robotics and aerospace engineering to biomedical sciences and computer modelling. If you’re looking for STEM programs that balance research, real-world tools, and academic rigor, Orlando is a strong place to start.
Here is a list of 15 STEM programs for high school students in Orlando, Florida.
1. UCF Summer Engineering Academy
Location: University of Central Florida
Cost: Unavailable
Program Dates: Computer Science: June 1–19; AI, Robotics, and Entrepreneurship: June 8–12; Mathematical Exploration: July 27–31,
Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (varies by track; some programs limited to rising juniors and seniors)
The UCF Summer Institute offers STEM-focused summer tracks designed to provide structured, hands-on academic experiences for middle and high school students. Each program emphasizes applied learning through individualized instruction and project-based activities. You can choose from focused tracks such as Computer Science, AI and Robotics, Entrepreneurship, or Mathematical Exploration beyond the standard high school curriculum. Programs range from one to three weeks and operate as intensive day experiences. Instruction centers on building conceptual understanding while developing practical skills through guided exercises and collaborative problem-solving. Overall, the institute provides early exposure to advanced STEM topics in a university setting, helping you explore academic interests beyond the traditional classroom.
2. UCF LEAD Scholars – STEM Track
Location: University of Central Florida
Cost: No cost; $200 fellowship per semester for students in good standing
Program Dates: Single-semester programs (varies by term)
Deadline: January 13 (Spring 2026)
Eligibility: Upperclassmen and transfer students with 60+ credits and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
U-LEAD is a selective, single-semester leadership development program within UCF’s LEAD Scholars Academy designed for upper-division and transfer students interested in service and civic engagement. You’ll choose from focused pathways such as Civic Engagement, Global Leadership, Latinx Leadership, or the Leadership Laboratory Program, each centered on applied leadership development. Coursework combines service hours, structured reflection, discussion-based seminars, and participation in LEAD Impact events. Some options include independent research projects and poster presentations. The program emphasizes community involvement, identity exploration, and advanced leadership practice within student or professional organizations.
3. UCF Summer Institute – Computer Science
Location: University of Central Florida (non-residential, Orlando, FL)
Cost: $1,250 (scholarships available)
Program Dates: June 1–19, 2026 (Weekdays, 9:00 am–4:30 pm)
Deadline: March 28 (early), April 18 (final)
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 7–11; minimum age 13 by program start
The UCF Computer Science Summer Institute is a three-week intensive programme designed to build foundational and advanced programming skills through structured, interactive instruction. You’ll be placed into one of three levels based on experience, ranging from beginner programming and game design in Python to object-oriented programming with PyGame and an introduction to competitive programming. Alongside hands-on coding projects, the programme includes a distinguished lecture series where researchers discuss computing from academic and practical perspectives. Class sizes are capped to maintain focused instruction, and collaborative projects encourage peer learning. The institute emphasizes applied problem-solving, algorithmic thinking, and structured software development in a university lab setting.
4. Max Planck Florida Institute Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost: Paid ($14/hour)
Program Dates: June 22 – July 31, 2026 (6 weeks, full-time)
Deadline: February 8, 2026 (2026 cycle closed)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (age 16+) residing in Palm Beach or Martin County and legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The Max Planck Florida Institute Summer Research Internship offers a six-week, full-time laboratory experience for high school students interested in neuroscience and related technical fields. You’ll work alongside MPFI scientists on active research projects, gaining hands-on experience in one of several tracks, including neuroscience wet lab research, scientific programming, mechanical engineering, or public engagement coding. As an intern, you contribute to ongoing investigations using advanced tools and techniques, ranging from microscopy and genetic engineering to software development and CAD-based design. Throughout the program, you’ll prepare a written scientific abstract and deliver a formal presentation summarizing your research. The internship emphasizes independent thinking, structured problem-solving, and immersion in a professional research environment.
5. Tech Revolution STEM Summer Camp – Rollins College
Location: Rollins College, Winter Park, FL
Cost: Paid (varies by week; registration fee applies)
Program Dates: June 1 – July 24, 2026 (weekly sessions)
Deadline: Rolling enrollment; early discount deadline February 15, 2026
Eligibility: Students ages 6–14
Tech Revolution at Rollins College is a weekly STEM-focused day camp offering hands-on instruction across topics such as robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, game design, digital art, and content creation. You’ll participate in structured, project-based activities designed to build technical skills at beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, collaborative problem-solving, and skill progression within small-group settings. As a camper, you’ll engage in practical applications of emerging technologies while working in dedicated STEM learning spaces on campus. The programme operates weekdays and provides optional extended-day services. Through interactive workshops and guided instruction, you develop foundational skills in technology and creative computing within a structured campus environment.
6. University Medical Summer – High School Program
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Cost: Paid (varies by course; housing available)
Program Dates: June 1 – July 31, 2026 (individual one-week courses)
Deadline: Selective admission; application required
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12
University Medical Summer is a selective, physician-led summer programme designed for high school students exploring careers in medicine and healthcare. You’ll participate in intensive, hands-on clinical courses such as Trauma & Surgical Skills, Cardiology & Resuscitation, Neurology, Psychiatry, Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, and Obstetrics & Gynecology. Instruction is delivered by board-certified physicians and medical faculty, with students earning recognized certifications from organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, and American College of Surgeons. If you’re an advanced participant, you may enroll in the Clinical Research or Medical Writing tracks, where you serve as first authors on PubMed-indexed publications and present research at national medical meetings. The programme emphasizes practical clinical skills, structured problem-solving, and immersive exposure to medical education pathways.
7. CREOL Laser & Photonics Summer Camp
Location: CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Cost: $550 (early bird) / $650 (regular); scholarships available
Program Dates: July 6–10, July 13–17, or July 20–24, 2026
Deadline: June 15, 2026
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 in the 2026–2027 school year
The CREOL Laser & Photonics Summer Camp is a one-week, hands-on programme introducing high school students to the science and engineering of light. You’ll explore how photonics powers technologies such as medical imaging, fiber optics, video displays, and autonomous systems. The camp blends structured lectures with interactive lab sessions, guided by CREOL faculty and industry professionals. Daily sessions combine theory with experimentation, allowing you to apply physics concepts through practical activities. You engage directly with optical technologies in a university research setting while learning how light-based systems are designed and used. The programme emphasizes foundational understanding, technical curiosity, and exposure to photonics as a future-facing engineering field.
8. Camp Connect I
Location: University of Central Florida (L3Harris Engineering Center), Orlando, FL
Cost: $200 (scholarships available)
Program Dates: June 22–26,
Deadline: May 1, 2026 (may close early if full)
Eligibility: Rising 8th–11th graders (minimum age 13 by program start)
Camp Connect I is a week-long engineering immersion introducing students to multiple disciplines within UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. You’ll explore electrical, computer, mechanical, aerospace, civil, environmental, and other engineering fields through structured activities, faculty-led presentations, and guided lab tours. Each day highlights a different department, offering broad exposure to how engineers approach real-world challenges. You’ll collaborate on a team-based project presented on the final day, strengthening communication and applied problem-solving skills. The camp emphasizes foundational engineering exploration within a university setting, providing early insight into technical fields and academic pathways.
9. Future Physicians America (FPA) Summer Medical Program
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Cost / Stipend: $1,600–$2,900 per course; housing available for $450 per week
Program Dates: Multiple one-week sessions from June 1 to July 31, 2026
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students; international and out-of-state students may apply
The Future Physicians America (FPA) Summer Medical Program offers high school students the opportunity to explore a range of medical specialties through hands-on learning and clinical simulations. Hosted on the campus of the University of Central Florida, the program includes one-week courses in fields such as cardiology and resuscitation, trauma and surgical skills, neurology, psychiatry and mental health, dermatology and plastic surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology. You learn practical clinical techniques, interpret medical imaging and laboratory data, and work through practical medical cases with guidance from instructors and healthcare professionals.
10. Drobots Company STEM & Drone Summer Camp
Location: Lake Highland Preparatory School, Orlando, FL
Cost / Stipend: Not specified
Program Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Kids and teens, including high school students
The Drobots Company STEM & Drone Summer Camp is a hands-on technology program where students explore drones, robotics, and STEM concepts through collaborative challenges and outdoor activities. Hosted at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, the camp emphasizes project-based learning where students work in teams to complete missions involving drone technology, engineering concepts, and problem-solving tasks. You develop skills such as teamwork, creativity, and coordination while applying STEM principles in a gamified learning environment. The program is designed to balance technology use with physical activity and outdoor learning, encouraging students to engage with technology while also building confidence, curiosity, and collaboration skills.
11. SeaWorld Camp Orlando – Marine Zoological Careers
Location: SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, FL
Cost / Stipend: Approximately $500 per week
Program Dates: Weekly sessions held June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling admission; registration typically opens in late fall or early winter
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12
The Marine Zoological Careers Camp at SeaWorld Orlando is a week-long summer program designed for high school students interested in animal care, marine biology, and wildlife conservation careers. You explore how large zoological facilities operate by learning directly from animal care specialists, trainers, and conservation professionals. The program introduces you to careers in zoos and aquariums while highlighting the responsibilities involved in caring for marine animals and protecting wildlife. Throughout the camp, you participate in hands-on activities such as animal encounters, behavioral observation, and interactive learning experiences that demonstrate how professionals care for marine species.
12. Mathematical Exploration Summer Institute
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Cost / Stipend: $275
Program Dates: One-week summer program (Summer 2026 dates to be announced)
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in February
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (grades 10–11 at time of application); students must be at least 15 years old at the start of the program, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and have completed Algebra II or an equivalent course
The Mathematical Exploration Summer Institute is a one-week program for high school students interested in exploring mathematics beyond the standard high school curriculum. Hosted at the University of Central Florida, the program focuses on mathematical discovery through problem solving, group collaboration, and lectures from university professors. You engage with advanced mathematical ideas, develop logical arguments, and practice explaining complex concepts to peers in a collaborative learning environment. Throughout the program, you work on hands-on activities and challenging problems that encourage a deeper understanding of mathematical reasoning and theory.
13. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) – Engineering & Biomedical Science Pathways
Location: Orlando Science Schools, Orlando, FL
Cost / Stipend: Not specified
Program Dates: Multi-year high school academic program
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students at Orlando Science Schools with a strong interest in STEM and a willingness to take on rigorous coursework
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a STEM-focused academic program offered at Orlando Science Schools that provides students with hands-on learning experiences in engineering and biomedical sciences. The program is designed to prepare you for college and careers in science, technology, engineering, and healthcare by combining rigorous coursework with real-world problem-solving and design-based learning. You work with industry-standard technology and software while developing skills in research, collaboration, and technical communication. The Engineering pathway introduces you to the engineering design process through courses such as Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering, followed by specialization courses like Aerospace Engineering or Computer Integrated Manufacturing.
14. Career Exploration Experience (CEE)
Location: Orange County, Florida (hybrid program with employer partners)
Cost / Stipend: Free, stipend provided
Program Dates: June 15 – July 23, 2026 (Monday–Thursday, 1:00–5:00 PM)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students interested in exploring careers and developing professional skills
The Career Exploration Experience (CEE) is a 90-hour hybrid summer program that helps high school students explore different career fields while developing professional and workplace skills. Organized by the CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County, the program connects you with local companies and industry professionals to provide insight into careers across innovative industries in Orange County. You work on practical projects with host companies, attend career readiness workshops, and take part in professional development training. Through mentorship, workplace exposure, and guided activities, students gain experience with communication, collaboration, and career planning.
15. GEMS Central Florida Summer Program
Location: U.S. Army Simulation and Training Technology Center, Central Florida
Cost / Stipend: Free to attend; participants receive a $125 stipend for completing the program
Program Dates: June 10-14; June 17-21; July 8 – July 12; July 15 – July 19
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Middle and high school students interested in STEM and modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T) careers
The GEMS Central Florida Summer Program introduces students to careers in modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T) through hands-on STEM activities and collaborative projects. Hosted by the U.S. Army Simulation and Training Technology Center in partnership with organizations such as the Army Educational Outreach Program, the program exposes you to the technologies used to design simulations and training systems for military and industry applications. During the week-long program, you work with subject-matter experts and near-peer mentors to complete interactive challenges related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
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 – University of Central Florida