If you’re a high school student looking to explore future careers, a summer internship can be one of the most rewarding ways to spend your break. Internships help you build advanced skills, gain in-depth exposure to real workplaces, and develop professional habits that prepare you for college and beyond. These experiences not only deepen your knowledge and capabilities but also strengthen your college applications and future job prospects.
Miami’s diverse economy and academic ecosystem make it an ideal city for young learners to find hands-on opportunities. From leading universities and research hospitals such as the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship), Florida International University (FIU), to public sector departments and creative organizations, the city offers a wide range of programs each year. Plus, choosing a local internship often makes practical sense. It saves on travel costs while helping you build valuable connections within your community.
In this article, you’ll find 14 summer internships in Miami that combine learning, mentorship, and meaningful experience across fields like science, the arts, healthcare, and public service.
14 Summer Internships for High School Students in Miami
1. Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP)
Location: Miami-Dade County, Florida
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: July – August (5 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically late April or early May
Eligibility: Rising 10th – 12th grade students (ages 15 – 18) enrolled in Miami-Dade County Public Schools
The Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP) allows you to gain real-world work experience through a paid, five-week internship across Miami-Dade County departments. You’ll work up to 150 hours while developing professional skills, exploring diverse career paths, and building meaningful mentor relationships. The program is designed to help you understand the working world early in your academic journey and inspire future careers in public service. Supported by partners such as The Children’s Trust, CareerSource South Florida, and EdFed, SYIP connects classroom learning with practical, hands-on experiences that make you career-ready and confident about your next steps.
2. Youth Opportunity Board (YOB) Summer Internship Program
Location: North Miami, Florida
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Current high school students aged 15 or older by the program’s start who are residents of North Miami | Income and asset verification required
The Youth Opportunity Board (YOB) Summer Internship Program introduces you to the inner workings of local government through a structured, hands-on experience. You’ll work directly with municipal departments, participate in community development projects, and gain exposure to public service operations. This paid internship helps you understand civic engagement and the real impact of local governance on communities. Established by city ordinance and funded by HUD through the Community Development Block Grant, the program reflects North Miami’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and public service learning. You’ll gain practical workplace experience while developing professional and civic responsibility skills that prepare you for future leadership.
3. Summer Youth Internship Program – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Location: Miami-Dade County, Florida
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: July 1 – August 2
Application Deadline: Typically May
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade Miami-Dade County Public Schools students aged 15–18
Through the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, this Summer Youth Internship Program offers you a five-week, work-based learning experience designed to align with your academic and career interests. You’ll observe clinical procedures, assist with patient care, and contribute to health-related projects while earning academic credit upon successful completion and evaluation. The program connects you with mentors who provide professional guidance, monitor your progress, and help you build practical, career-related skills.
4. Summer Youth Internship Program – Dual Enrollment Credit Option
Location: Miami-Dade County, Florida
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: July 1 – August 2
Application Deadline: Typically May
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade Miami-Dade County Public Schools students aged 15–18 with a minimum 2.5 weighted GPA
This Summer Youth Internship Program by Miami-Dade County Public Schools allows you to earn dual enrollment credit at Miami Dade College while gaining hands-on professional experience. The five-week program combines real-world learning with academic coursework in areas like computer information systems, business, engineering, and hospitality. You’ll apply classroom concepts in a workplace setting, strengthen career readiness, and earn credits through courses such as CIS1949, EGN1949, GEB1949, and HFT1949.
5. ArtWorks Summer Internship Program
Location: Miami, Florida (MDC Koubek Center)
Stipend: $13/hour up to 180 hours
Dates: June – July (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically mid-April
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th graders; must be at least 14 years old and Florida residents meeting I-9 work eligibility requirements (non-residents may earn community service credit)
The ArtWorks Summer Internship Program offers you a six-week, paid opportunity to explore your creativity while gaining professional experience in the arts. You’ll collaborate with professional artists and Arts for Learning staff in disciplines such as visual art, music production, creative writing, animation, film, architecture, dance, or theatre. Beyond artistic practice, you’ll develop essential career and teamwork skills that prepare you for creative and professional growth.
6. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship in the Biological and Computational Sciences
Location: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida
Stipend: Approximately $15 per hour
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High school juniors from Miami and Broward-area schools who are academically performing well | Legally authorized to work in the U.S. More details about eligibility and the program here
The JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship immerses you in an eight-week research experience in biological and computational sciences at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. You’ll work alongside faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and research staff on active scientific projects, gaining hands-on experience in genetics, bioinformatics, and data-driven biology. The program pairs you with a mentor from the Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, ensuring close guidance and professional growth. This internship offers a challenging yet inspiring introduction to real-world biomedical research in an academic setting and continues his legacy by nurturing young scientific talent.
7. High School Summer Internship Program – FIU Center for Translational Science
Location: St. Lucie County, Florida
Stipend: None
Dates: June 9 – July 10
Application Deadline: April 8
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in St. Lucie County
The FIU Center for Translational Science (CTS) High School Summer Internship Program offers a rigorous five-week introduction to biomedical research for motivated students. You’ll conduct experiments in state-of-the-art laboratories under the guidance of leading scientists, exploring fields such as neuroscience, drug discovery, metabolism, and heart physiology. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving through authentic research experiences. You’ll present your findings at the internship luncheon, earn over 100 volunteer hours, and receive a participation certificate along with a scientific poster for future competitions. This internship helps you gain the skills, discipline, and insight needed to pursue a future in biomedical science.
8. Summer Research Internship Program – Florida International University
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: None
Dates: June 12 – August 7
Application Deadline: Typically early May
Eligibility: High school juniors, graduated seniors committed to FIU, or accepted FIU transfer students | At least 16 years old at the program’s start date | Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA
The FIU Summer Research Internship Program offers an intensive eight-week research experience focused on cardiovascular health. You’ll spend part of your time in structured workshops, journal clubs, and case studies, and the rest conducting hands-on research alongside FIU faculty mentors. Designed to build scientific thinking, teamwork, and communication skills, the program immerses you in experimental design and research methodologies across interdisciplinary labs. You’ll ultimately present your findings at a closing symposium, with top projects recognized for excellence. The experience prepares you for future academic and professional pursuits in biomedical and health sciences while fostering leadership and scientific curiosity through real-world laboratory engagement.
9. Observer Program at Baptist Health Academics
Location: Baptist Health, South Florida, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Flexible; up to 4 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by the program’s start | A licensed clinician or Baptist Health employee must sponsor the applicant
The Baptist Health Academics Observer Program allows high school students to closely observe medical experts, physicians, registered nurses, and various allied health specialists within a hospital. You will monitor patient care, medical rounds, and procedural activities, all coordinated by their designated supervisor. This observation opportunity is customized to align with individual career interests and scheduling constraints, spanning a maximum duration of four weeks. It offers an expedient path to investigate healthcare professions without requiring extensive time commitments. The program highlights the realities of hospital work, fosters professional insight, and cultivates essential interpersonal competencies like collaboration and effective communication in a clinical environment.
10. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Teen Year Academic Program
Location: Miami, Florida
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: August – May (Full Academic Year)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis (applications facilitated through M-DCPS schools)
Eligibility: Full-time Miami-Dade County Public Schools juniors or seniors enrolled in the M-DCPS Academic Internship Program | Minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA and excellent attendance
This internship at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital allows you to explore healthcare administration while earning academic credit. The program emphasizes real-world exposure to hospital operations, administrative processes, and leadership development within a healthcare setting. You’ll commit 5–10 hours weekly in a flexible virtual, hybrid, or in-person format, working under experienced mentors who guide your professional growth. Mentors provide weekly supervision and quarterly evaluations to ensure consistent progress.
11. Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department Internship Program
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: None
Dates: Year-round including school-year (Spring, Fall) and summer options available
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Animal Services Internship Program offers a hands-on introduction to animal welfare, shelter management, and community service. You’ll observe daily operations, assist with care routines, and contribute to projects that support the department’s mission. Professional mentors provide guidance throughout the program, helping you build career-ready skills and real-world experience. High school students apply through their school internship coordinators. With flexible schedules and year-round enrollment, this program is an ideal opportunity to explore careers in veterinary and animal services through meaningful, guided practice.
12. Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office High School Volunteer Internship Program
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: None
Dates: Year–round (minimum 3-month commitment)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All high school students
At the State Attorney’s Office of Miami-Dade County, you’ll gain firsthand exposure to the justice system while supporting one of the nation’s largest prosecutorial offices. You’ll assist attorneys and investigators in real cases, attend bond hearings, conduct research, and engage with victims and witnesses. The program emphasizes professional responsibility, courtroom procedure, and ethical conduct through structured orientation and ongoing training. Interns are placed in specialized units such as Criminal Intake, Domestic Violence, and Victim/Witness Services. Whether you’re exploring law, social work, or public service, this internship offers a practical foundation in criminal justice and community advocacy.
13. UHealth High School Student Volunteer Program
Location: University of Miami Hospital and Clinics, Miami, Florida
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and older
The UHealth High School Student Volunteer Program is a non-paid, short-term summer opportunity primarily aimed at exposing students aged 16 and older to the operational environment of an academic medical center like the University of Miami Health System. The program focuses on patient experience, customer service, and hospital operations rather than clinical topics. You will engage in activities such as guiding patients (wayfinding), providing patient comfort (getting water, blankets), and offering administrative support to staff. A unique feature is the experience gained within a major academic research hospital setting (e.g., Sylvester Cancer Center, Bascom Palmer). You will develop crucial soft skills such as professional communication, teamwork, adaptability, and compassion.
14. FIU Junior Doctors of Tomorrow Summer Program
Location: FIU Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: May 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors | Minimum GPA 3.0
The FIU Junior Doctors of Tomorrow (JDOT) Summer Program is an accessible, week-long summer development opportunity for rising high school juniors and seniors who are contemplating medicine careers. It provides an initial exposure to the medical profession in a formalized setting, involving engagement in clinical training exercises and reciprocal seminars that cover vital healthcare proficiency. The small size of the group guarantees more customized instruction and enhanced access to educators.
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 – Florida International University