15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Florida

If you’re a high school student in Florida looking for a way to spend your summer, consider a summer internship in the state! An internship in high school can help you build practical skills, work with mentors, and learn more about fields you might want to pursue in the future. They can also strengthen your college applications by showing initiative and a willingness to engage in professional learning outside of school.

Florida offers a wide range of internship opportunities thanks to its strong industries in areas like scientific research, healthcare, technology, the arts, and public service. From major universities and hospitals to startups and cultural institutions, many local organizations offer programs designed specifically for high school students. Having access to both in-person and virtual options also allows you to choose opportunities that work best with your summer schedule and location.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 summer internships for high school students in Florida. These programs include mentorship, hands-on projects, and exposure to different professional environments so you can explore your interests and build useful experience.

1. Smithsonian Institution Young Ambassador Program

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: up to 24 students
Location: Washington, D.C. (one-week seminar at the Smithsonian Museum), with 4-week internships in various U.S. cities, including Miami, Florida (Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; extra costs for housing + transportation during the 4-week practicum; $2,350 stipend
Program Dates: June 22–28 (Washington Week Training Seminar); July 7–August 1 (Community Practicum Experience)
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university, who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents, minimum 3.25 GPA

The Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) targets graduating high school seniors interested in leadership within the Latino community. You’ll participate in a one-week seminar in Washington, D.C., exploring Latino perspectives in arts, sciences, and humanities. Following the seminar, you’ll engage in a four-week internship at cultural institutions, including sites in Florida, working on interdisciplinary projects. The program emphasizes leadership training, career path exploration, and networking with professionals. You’ll develop skills in community building and cultural preservation, offering a blend of cultural immersion and professional development.

2. Ladder Internships

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students able to work 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks

Ladder Internships connects high school students with startups in industries like tech, AI, health tech, and marketing. You’ll work on projects, guided by a manager and a Ladder Coach. The 8-week virtual program includes one-on-one training in skills like communication and time management, plus group sessions with peers. You’ll present your work to the company, gaining experience and professional feedback. This selective program, with financial aid options, equips you with entrepreneurial skills and industry insights.

3. NASA OSTEM Internship

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: NASA centers, including Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Cost & Stipend: Most offer stipends
Program Dates: 10 weeks, June to August
Application Deadline: September 12 (Spring 2026 cohort); February 27 (Summer 2026 cohort); May 22 (Fall 2026 cohort) 
Eligibility: High school students, 16+, who are U.S. citizens, minimum 3.0 GPA

The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships immerse you in NASA’s mission to advance science, technology, and space exploration. At locations like the Kennedy Space Center, you’ll collaborate with scientists and engineers on mission-critical projects. This program offers experience in STEM fields, supported by mentorship and professional development. You’ll develop technical skills, from data analysis to engineering, while contributing to NASA initiatives. 

4. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Online
Cost & Stipend: $850; $40 application fee (waivable); Up to 100% financial aid available
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27
Application Deadline: February 21 (scholarship deadline); February 28 (application deadline)
Eligibility: High school students, age 14+, with math or programming skills, US citizens/permanent residents

Throughout the Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship, you will investigate AI applications in medical research and imaging by collaborating on group projects utilizing platforms such as TensorFlow. Through participation in lectures, practical technical workshops, and team-based collaborations, you will examine how AI instruments process medical data, support accurate diagnoses, and enhance overall healthcare system design. The curriculum includes researcher and industry discussions, as well as sessions covering data privacy, algorithmic bias, and healthcare equity. Prior experience in programming and mathematics is highly recommended.

5. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
Cost & Stipend: Approximately $15/hour 
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8 (tentative); 8 weeks
Application Deadline: December 1 – January 31
Eligibility: High school juniors from Miami and Broward with U.S. work authorization; strong academics in the biological and/or computational sciences

The JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine focuses on biological and computational sciences. You’ll conduct research on human genetics, paired with a mentor for guidance. This 8-week program hones your skills in technologies and scientific presentation. You’ll explore gene-related disease mechanisms, contributing to diagnostic advancements. 

6. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Jupiter, FL
Cost & Stipend: $4,480 stipend
Program Dates: June 2 – August 1; 9 weeks
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors from Palm Beach or Martin County, 16+, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, 3.0 GPA 

This nine-week internship at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute offers you the chance to engage in biomedical research. You’ll begin with a one-week course at Palm Beach State College to learn research techniques, followed by eight weeks of research under leading scientists. The program includes attending scientific seminars, submitting a written abstract, and presenting your findings. You’ll develop skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.  

7. ArtWorks Summer Internship

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: MDC Koubek Center, Miami, FL
Cost & Stipend: Up to $14/hour for 180 hours
Program Dates: June 16 – July 25; 6 weeks
Application Deadline: April 16
Eligibility: Grades 9-12, 14+, who are Florida residents and meet I9 work eligibility requirements

The ArtWorks Summer Internship immerses you in Miami’s arts scene, working across visual art, dance, theater, and more. You’ll develop creative skills under professional artists’ guidance at Miami-Dade College Koubek Center. This six-week program fosters career skills like networking and communication, culminating in your own artwork. Non-residents can earn community service hours, making this a versatile summer internship for high school students in Florida.

8. Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Summer Youth Internship Program

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Miami, FL (in-person, virtual, or hybrid)
Cost & Stipend: $1,500 stipend
Program Dates: July 1 – August 2 (tentative)
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders, aged 15-18, Miami-Dade public school students, 2.5 GPA minimum

SYIP places you with a local business partner where you’ll contribute to meaningful projects and learn workplace expectations. Over five weeks, you’ll collaborate with professionals on tasks that align with your interests and the partner organization’s needs. You’ll use project‑management platforms and document‑sharing software and receive regular feedback on both your deliverables and professional communication. Mentors from participating companies guide your development, helping you understand team dynamics, project workflows, and problem‑solving strategies. By the program’s end, you’ll produce a summary report reflecting on your accomplishments and lessons learned.

9. Museum of Discovery and Science Internship Programs

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Cost & Stipend: Part-time paid employment
Program Dates: Yearlong internship (Aviation Academy); 135 hours in the summer (EcoExplorers) 
Application Deadline: June 6 (Aviation Academy); June 10 (EcoExplorers) 
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders from Broward County and eligible to work in the U.S.

The Museum of Discovery and Science offers two STEM-focused internships: Everglades EcoExplorers and Aviation Academy. You’ll engage in education, field experiences, and networking with industry professionals. As a museum educator, you’ll develop communication and leadership skills. During the academic year, you’ll contribute to workforce development by leading exhibit tours, assisting with special events, and supporting the STEMobile outreach program. The programs emphasize environmental sustainability or aviation, fostering STEM career pathways. 

10. Florida International University’s Summer Research Internship in Cardiovascular Health

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 25-30 students
Location: Miami, FL
Cost & Stipend: No cost or stipend
Program Dates: June 13 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school juniors or graduated seniors who have committed to attend FIU, from South Florida, aged 16+, minimum 3.0 GPA

This six-week summer medical internship in Florida offers high school students the opportunity to take part in ongoing medical research at the FIU Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work. Working alongside faculty. You’ll explore heart health and public health topics, spend time in the lab, and receive mentorship from experienced researchers. You’ll gain skills in collecting and analyzing data, monitoring health patterns, and examining the biological, behavioral, and environmental factors that contribute to heart disease.

11. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience Summer Research Internship

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Jupiter, FL
Cost & Stipend: $13/hour
Program Dates: June 17 – July 26 (tentative); 6 weeks
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors from Palm Beach or Martin County, aged 16+

This internship at Max Planck Florida Institute engages you in neuroscience research with practical experience in experimental design and data analysis. You’ll work with research tools like microscopes and imaging systems, building your skills in lab techniques and scientific methods used in brain studies. Throughout the program, you’ll be paired with a scientist or research staff member who will mentor you in your daily tasks. At the program’s conclusion, you’ll showcase your work in a poster session attended by researchers and staff.

12. AEOP High School Internship

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Various locations, including Florida
Cost & Stipend: Stipend provided
Program Dates: 6-10 weeks in May – August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis, yearlong 
Eligibility: High school students (or graduating seniors not attending college) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, minimum 14 years old

This apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to work closely with a university researcher or a Department of Defense (DoD) scientist mentor on active research projects. You’ll gain experience with equipment and innovative techniques in modern laboratory settings, collaborating with professional scientists and engineers. The Army-sponsored research you’ll join tackles challenges, with focus areas such as nanotechnology, regenerative medicine, chemical engineering, and neuroscience. Along the way, you’ll develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that will help prepare you for a future in STEM.

13. City of North Miami’s Youth Opportunity Board Summer Internship Program

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: North Miami, FL
Cost & Stipend: Free; Stipend provided
Program Dates: June 23 – August 1 (tentative); 6 weeks
Application Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+, North Miami residents, income-eligible

This internship introduces you to local government operations in departments like finance, IT, housing, social services, and many more. You’ll work on community-focused projects, gaining civic engagement skills. You’ll rotate through departments like Finance, Communications, and Parks & Recreation, gaining exposure to varied public‑service functions and workflow systems (e.g., Excel, document‑management software). The six-week program fosters professional development through municipal tasks. 

14. Medicine Encompassed

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: No cost or stipend
Program Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: All high school students

Medicine Encompassed, a student-run nonprofit, offers virtual roles in 18 committees, from writing to marketing, in areas like public health, epidemiology, and clinical studies. You’ll explore medical careers through collaborative projects and gain skills in fields like data analysis and publishing research. For instance, you can join the Podcast Initiative to hear interviews with healthcare professionals and discussions on STEM topics, or participate in Research and Curriculum Production cohorts to contribute to scholarly projects and educational materials. This flexible program develops your scientific communication and teamwork skills in a healthcare context. 

15. Baptist Health Academics’ Observer Program

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Baptist Health facilities throughout South Florida
Cost & Stipend: No cost or stipend
Program Dates: Yearlong, varies depending on sponsor and location, including for the summer; up to 4 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions all year
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+

This externship allows you to shadow clinicians and participate in medical rounds across Baptist Health facilities. You’ll observe healthcare delivery, gaining insights into clinical roles. You will also observe patient rounds, meetings, and clinical procedures to understand healthcare workflows and professional communication. The flexible duration lets you tailor the experience to your summer schedule.