1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Subject Areas: Environmental health and engineering, behavioral economics, psychology, international relations, neuroscience, data science, machine learning, network science, biophysics, biotechnology, chemistry, physics, history, philosophy, political theory, sociology, and more! Location: Virtual Cost: There is a fee. You can raise an interest form here to find out the exact cost. Application Deadline: May 21 for the summer cohort and September 25 for the fall cohort. Dates: Summer seminar: June 24–September 2 | Fall seminar: October 23–February 19 | Flexible dates are available for Horizon Labs but you must apply 4 weeks in advance. 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. Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in various fields including data science, machine learning, political theory, biomedical engineering, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology, among others. It is notable for allowing students to choose between quantitative and qualitative research methods. Upon selecting a specific subject area and research type, you will be matched with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a leading university who will mentor you throughout the research process. You will develop a 20-page, university-level research paper, which you can submit to reputable journals for publication as a high school student. This program provides a solid opportunity to engage in research in specialized fields with the support of an expert scholar. Additionally, it includes a letter of recommendation for each participant and detailed project feedback to assist with future projects and college applications. You can apply here!2. FSU College of Medicine Summer Institute
Subject Areas: Medicine, biomedical research, shadowing opportunities, CPR training, and college preparation. Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL Cost: $1,400 (covers registration, supplies, room, and board on the FSU campus). Limited need-based scholarships are available for qualified students who are Florida residents. Application Deadline: February 22 Dates: Multiple one-week sessions from early June to end of July Eligibility: Students who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA can apply. The FSU College of Medicine Summer Institute is a one-week residential program designed for high school students interested in a medical career. During the program, you will explore various clinical settings and receive information on financial aid and pre-health advising. You will experience college life from the perspective of a medical student and learn about key aspects of the medical school curriculum through interactions with faculty and participation in faculty-led presentations on medical topics. The program provides opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills in medicine, including shadowing physicians and biomedical researchers, touring rural medicine facilities, and attending workshops led by FSU medical faculty on subjects like vital signs, CPR training, college admission, financial aid, and medical ethics. Additionally, you will participate in an anatomy lab tour, engage in recreational activities, and work on a group research project focused on a health topic. Each session accommodates only 20 students.3.
Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Subject Areas: Biology, international relations, data science, economics, psychology, computer science, gender studies, engineering, environmental science, chemistry, business, entrepreneurship, physics, and more! Location: Virtual! Cost: Starts at $2,900. Financial aid is available! Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The main summer deadlines are March 17, April 14, and May 12. The final deadline for the summer cohort is in June. Dates: The summer cohort typically runs from June to August, the Fall cohort is held from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, and the Spring cohort runs from March to June. The programming length ranges from 12 weeks to 1 year. Eligibility: Applicants must be- Currently enrolled in high school
- Demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, i.e., have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4
4. University of Florida’s Research Explorations (REx) Program
Subject Areas: Biomedical science, environmental science and conservation, toxicology, epidemiology, research, DNA science, and more. Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Cost:- $2,400 which includes accommodation, social activities, meals, insurance, staffing and supervision, and program supplies.
- There is also a $35 non-refundable application fee for this program.
- Limited, need-based scholarships are available for Florida high school students.
5. University of Florida’s Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP)
Subject Areas: Science, medicine, math, computer science, engineering, communication skills, leadership skills, technical writing skills, and research. Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Cost:- $5200 includes accommodation; field trips, social, and service activities; supervision; insurance; and program supplies. Daily meals are not included.
- There is also a $50 non-refundable application fee for this program.
- Limited financial aid may be available for Florida high school students.
6. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, research, genetic engineering, histological staining, microbiology preparations, and microscopy. Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns will receive a stipend of $12.5/hour. Application Deadline: Applications will begin in early January. Dates: June 17–July 26 Eligibility: Students who will be rising juniors or seniors at a high school in Palm Beach or Martin County, are at least 16 years old, and are legally authorized to work in the US, can apply. The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship offers high school students the opportunity to work in a laboratory with experienced researchers and neuroscientists. If chosen for the program, you will receive mentorship, gain insights into brain structure and development, and learn about advanced imaging techniques and technologies. You will work on research projects with MPFI scientists and write a scientific abstract based on your research. The internship will primarily involve working in wet labs, where you will learn techniques such as genetic engineering, histological staining, microbiology preparations, and microscopy. These skills will support your exploration of research questions related to neural circuits. Upon completing the internship, you will present your findings to peers, researchers, and the community. You can view past intern presentations here.7. Nova Southeastern University’s Achieve In Medicine (AIM-High) Day Camp
Subject Areas: Medicine training, technology, pharmacy, first aid, preventative medicine, pediatrics, neuroscience, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and public health. Location: NSU Davie/Fort Lauderdale Campus, FL | NSU Tampa Bay Regional Campus, Clearwater, FL Cost: $1,600 + a $40 non-refundable application fee. Need-based scholarships are available. Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the camp reaches full capacity. Dates: NSU Davie/Fort Lauderdale Campus: July 8–July 12 | July 15–July 19. NSU Tampa Bay Regional Campus: June 24–June 28 Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.2 can apply. Achieve in Medicine (AIM) High is a five-day medical immersion camp hosted by Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. It is aimed at high school students interested in careers in the health professions. During the camp, you will engage in interactive educational sessions designed to improve your foundational scientific and medical knowledge. Topics covered include suturing, dissection, pharmacy, sports medicine, and cancer detection, among others. You will also attend social events where you can interact with NSU medical students. The camp explores various medical specialties such as preventative medicine, pediatrics, neuroscience, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and public health. You will learn about and apply new medical education and practice technologies, including 3-D modeling, language processing, and augmented reality. You will practice medical procedures like suturing and participate in sessions on how technology can benefit community health. Additionally, you will receive first aid and CPR certification and engage in disaster medicine training with Sunrise Fire and Rescue. The program accommodates only 50 students per session.8. Rosen College of Hospitality Management’s EmployU Hospitality Career Camp
Subject Areas: Hospitality, career counseling, and career preparation. Location: UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Orlando, FL Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $350 stipend for students who attend all 50 hours of training (Students who attend fewer than all 10 days of camp will receive a stipend of $35 for each day they attend.). Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the camp reaches full capacity. Dates: June 17 to June 28 Eligibility: Students between the ages of 14 and 21, who are enrolled in school with an IEP or 504 plan and live in Orange, Lake, or Seminole counties, can apply. EmployU Hospitality Camp offers in-person opportunities for students which include hands-on activities, site tours, field trips to hotels, and information from industry leaders and the best hospitality professors. This program is designed as an immersion experience and will cover various career opportunities within the hospitality field. You will get to participate in a graduation event with a certification presentation which is organized for all students who complete the program. This 2-week program includes 20 hours of workplace readiness training, 5 hours of career camp counseling which focuses on enrollment opportunities, and 25 hours of work-based learning experience. Attendance during the virtual mandatory orientation and training, which takes place for 2–3 hours in June via Microsoft Teams, is required.9. University of South Florida’s Bulls Finance Camp
Subject Areas: Finance, business, investments, and career preparation. Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL Cost: $499.99 Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the camp reaches full capacity. Dates: June 17–June 21 Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12, including those who have completed eighth grade can apply. University of South Florida’s Bull Finance Camp is designed to introduce high school students to the diverse field of finance while focusing on the crucial aspect of financial literacy and how it plays an important role in building a business. During this camp, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of finance, investments, corporate finance, financial planning, and FinTech as well as gain essential skills that will help you in your future entrepreneurial pursuits. These subjects will be taught by USF faculty members and experts from the USF Federal Credit Union. Apart from academics, you will also participate in interactive activities where with USF college students and professionals in the field. You will hear from experienced finance professionals who will share their insights and experiences in the industry. Additionally, you will have the chance to expand your professional network, collaborate on group projects, and engage with accomplished USF finance majors. The camp offers opportunities to explore the USF campus, learn about various career paths in finance, and participate in a team competition. Whether you are considering a career in finance or planning to start your own business, this camp provides valuable experiences.10. UM Summer Scholars
Subject Areas: Architecture, engineering, technology, business, law, global studies, communication, media, exploration sciences, healthcare, and medicine. Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL Cost: Residential Program: $9,057 (Tuition $6,863 + program fees $2,194) | Commuter Program: $7,799 (Tuition $6,863 + program fees $936). There is also a $75 nonrefundable application fee for this program. A limited number of scholarships and merit tuition waiver awards are available for eligible students. Application Deadline: The early action deadline for this program is December 1, the regular deadline is March 1, and the general deadline is April 1. Dates: June 29–July 19 Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) can apply. University of Miami’s Summer Scholars program is a three-week, credit program for high school students that allows them to engage in college-level courses taught by UM faculty in their field of interest. During the program, you will select one academic specialty from UM’s schools and colleges which includes applications of mechanical, aerospace, civil, and architectural engineering; computing and mobile app development; explorations in architecture and design; industrial and systems engineering; and innovations in biomedical, computer and electrical engineering. Each academic specialty consists of two courses for a total of 6 credit hours. Classes are conducted from Monday to Friday. The morning session is from 8:10–11:40 am and the afternoon session is from 1:10–4:40 pm. Apart from regular classes, you will also participate in hands-on experiences in your chosen specialty, guest lecturers, open discussions, lab work, and field trips. You can check out all the available courses here.11. Florida State University’s Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Subject Areas: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL Cost/Stipend: Free for all accepted participants; Students with significant financial need may apply for a supplemental stipend. Application Deadline: February 15 Dates: June 9–July 20 Eligibility: Applicants must:- Be students who have completed the 11th grade in a Florida public or private high school. In some cases, 10th-grade students are also accepted.
- Have at least a 3.0 GPA (unweighted).
- Have scored at least 90th percentile in math on a nationally standardized exam (i.e., SAT, PSAT, ACT, or PLAN).
- Be enrolled in or have completed Pre-Calculus.
12. University of Florida’s Summer Media Institute (SMI)
Subject Areas: Anchoring, hosting, broadcast reporting, communication strategies, social awareness, feature and news writing, filmmaking, photojournalism, social media skills, and sports reporting. Location: College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Cost: Registration for SMI takes place via Eventbrite:- Early bird registration: $850 (until March 1)
- Regular registration: $950 (until May 1)
- Late registration: $1,050 (after May 1)
13. UCF’s Computer Science Summer Institute
Subject Areas: Computer science, technology, programming, and game design. Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (Commuter program) Cost: $1250; includes instruction, a t-shirt, all materials, and a certificate of participation. Scholarships are available. Application Deadline: Early application deadline: March 29. Final application deadline: April 26. Dates: June 3–June 21 Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 7–11 who are at least 13 years old by the start of the institute can apply. University of Central Florida’s Computer Science Summer Institute is a three-week program for students interested in computer science and technology. During the program, you will learn basic and advanced computer science concepts through interactive and individualized instruction with UCF instructors and researchers. The program offers three courses divided into three levels—Levels 1 & 2 include introductory courses on programming and game design whereas Level 3 includes a course on competitive programming. The course placement is decided by the instructor during the application review process during which beginners will either be placed in the Level 1 or 2 course depending on their mathematics background and students who have completed the Advanced Placement Computer Science A course will be placed in the Level 3 course. You can check out the detailed descriptions of the available courses here. After completing the program, you will receive a detailed syllabus and an individualized academic report, which includes recommendations for appropriate placement or credit. The program accepts up to 35 students each year.14. Pre-College Marine Science Program at Eckerd
Subject Areas: Marine biology, marine geology, marine chemistry, and more. Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL Cost: $2,000; includes participation fees, transportation for all sessions, activities, labs, program supplies, field trips, entrance fees, use of college recreational facilities, meals, lodging, and snacks. Application Deadline: TBA Dates: June 9–June 14 | June 16–June 21 Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors can apply. The Pre-College Marine Science Program offers an opportunity for high school students to explore marine science as a potential major at Eckerd College. The program’s curriculum is modeled after Eckerd’s undergraduate curriculum where you’ll participate in hands-on work with the faculty on the Gulf of Mexico. To participate in this program, you must be able to pass the swim test which includes three full laps for a total of 150 yards, without touching the bottom of the pool, using any style, and with no time limit. During the program, you will engage in lab activities designed to explore marine biology, marine geology, marine chemistry, and more. Sample activities include catching and releasing nearshore marine fish and invertebrates, such as shrimp, crabs, and zooplankton; photographing wild dolphins to study their ecology and behavior in Florida’s coastal waters; deploying hydrophones to listen to underwater sounds like those made by dolphins, fish, and snapping shrimp; and observing foraging shorebirds while taking sediment cores to discover their prey on local beaches. You will interact and work with residential counselors in the late afternoons, evenings, and overnight.15. College Prep at Eckerd
Subject Areas: College application and essay preparation, liberal arts, socio-emotional skill development, mental health awareness, and self-assessment. Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL Cost: Free for all accepted participants—the program covers participation in and transportation for all sessions, entrance fees, activities, field trips, labs, program supplies, use of college recreational facilities, meals, accommodation, and snacks. Students are responsible for bringing all personal supplies needed for their stay on campus. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the program is full. Dates: June 23–June 28 Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors residing in the St. Petersburg area or surrounding communities with a maximum annual household income of $78,800 who are aspiring first-generation college students can apply. College Prep at Eckerd offers high school students the opportunity to understand what college does, how it does it, and what college offers them. During the program, you learn to navigate life as an autonomous adult in a college setting, prepare for the rigorous college curriculum through advanced coursework in a liberal arts subject, and complete assessments to enhance self-awareness of strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. You will develop socio-emotional skills and mental health awareness to incorporate the ideas and habits needed for college success, identify the best higher education environment for your success, and learn to draft college applications and admissions essays with mentorship from Eckerd Faculty. You will have opportunities to explore the available financial and social resources for support and participate in the evening activities led by the program’s residential counselors.16. University of Florida’s Gator Pharmacy Exploration Camp
Subject Areas: Pharmacy, public health, college and career preparation. Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Cost/Stipend: There is no cost for the program except for a non-refundable $20 application fee. The program includes room and board, meals, transportation, academy resources, and activities. A $300 stipend will be offered to help cover students’ travel costs and other expenses. Application Deadline: March 20 Dates: June 23–June 29 Eligibility: Florida rising high school seniors can apply. The Gator Pharmacy Exploration Camp is a one-week residential program aimed at introducing students to the pharmacy profession. During the camp, you will engage in presentations, skills labs, discussion groups, workshops, and team-building activities. You will receive guidance from Pre-Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy students and learn about various pharmacy practice settings from practicing pharmacists. The camp also provides insight into opportunities available for pharmacy students and involves a group project focused on public health. You will learn about different pathways into pharmacy school and develop personalized plans for your pharmacy careers, including information on the UF Pharmacy Early Assurance Program. Additionally, the camp will cover wellness and self-care to give you a complete college experience. Image Soure – University of Florida LogoIf you’re weighing your options, our guide to medical programs in Florida is worth a look.