15 AI Internships for Undergraduates in Florida

Internships are one of the most effective ways for you to gain practical experience while still in college. They help you strengthen your resume, build industry connections, and gain exposure to real-world work environments. If you’re interested in artificial intelligence, AI internships can empower you to explore areas like machine learning, data science, and automation while working alongside professionals in the field. They can also improve your employability by demonstrating practical experience with programming tools, data analysis, and machine learning frameworks. Florida hosts a growing number of technology companies, research labs, and university programs that offer valuable AI internship experiences.

You can check out other AI internships available for undergraduates in our blog here!

Why should I do an Artificial Intelligence internship in college?

Participating in an AI internship during college gives you the chance to work on projects that involve building, testing, or improving AI systems. This hands-on experience can significantly strengthen your technical portfolio, which is something employers prioritize when hiring for AI-related roles. AI internships for undergraduates in Florida can also connect you with mentors, engineers, and researchers who will guide you as you develop your relevant industry skills. Through collaboration and feedback, you will gain insight into how AI projects are structured in professional environments. Ultimately, these experiences will help you build confidence, expand your network, and position yourself for careers in artificial intelligence or related technology fields.

With that, here are 15 AI internships for undergraduates in Florida worth checking out! 

Quick Look

• 15 internships total spanning AI research, cybersecurity, data science, robotics, and software development, hosted by organizations including the University of Florida, NASA, the Department of the Navy, and Accenture

• The strongest disclosed stipends are the Department of the Navy's NREIP ($7,500 to $9,000), the MagLab REU ($6,500 plus travel support), and the UF REU in Materials Discovery ($6,000)

• Several internships are unpaid or pay varies by placement, including the State of Florida's Cybersecurity and Data Science internships and the Ladder University Internship Program

• Most programs require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, including the Navy's NREIP, MagLab REU, and FAU's ISENSE program; Ladder is the only fully remote, no-citizenship-restriction option on this list

• Application deadlines are spread across the year, with the earliest closing in December (Yale CS Research) and January (MagLab REU), so students interested in those should start preparing materials in the fall

1. University of Florida AI Scholars Program

Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Stipend: $1,750 across two semesters
Cohort size: 60 students selected each year
Dates: August – April (8-10 hours per week during the academic year)
Application Deadline: Varies by college
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in any major looking to conduct a research project with an AI component

The AI Scholars Program at the University of Florida allows you to conduct independent research for an AI-focused project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. You will start by developing a research proposal with your mentor; once selected, you will collaborate with them for 8-10 hours per week throughout the academic year, gaining hands-on experience with scholarly research and AI applications in your chosen field. Your project may involve building AI tools, applying existing machine learning techniques to real-world problems, or exploring human-centered issues such as fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems. You will also get to write a research paper suitable for publication in the Journal of Undergraduate Research. At the end of the program, you will go on to present your work at the Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium.

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid offered); Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Current university students 

The Ladder University Internship Program gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience and work directly with start-ups on real-world projects in various sectors, including AI. During the program, you will be matched with a startup team to work on projects aligned with your academic interests or career goals. The program offers a flexible 5-10 hour weekly commitment, where you will spend your time gaining hands-on experience conducting research that adds real value to the company. You will receive personalized mentorship as you work directly with a startup CEO from a FAANG-level company or a top 20 university. By the end of the program, you will have drafted a college-level research paper and will get to showcase your work. 

3. Internet of Things for Precision Agriculture (IoT4Ag): Research Experience for Undergraduates

Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: May 23 – August 1 (University of Florida); Exact dates vary by hosting university
Application Deadline: February 27; Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in STEM, engineering, social science, and related fields interested in research related to IoT, robotics, sensors, data science, and AI applications in agriculture

The IoT4Ag Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program will allow you to work alongside graduate students and faculty researchers on projects focused on advancing technology for precision agriculture. As a participant, you’ll get to contribute to research that addresses major global challenges about food production, water resources, and energy efficiency. Your work may involve developing or analyzing technologies such as IoT sensor systems, autonomous robotics, energy and communication devices, or AI-driven digital twins used to monitor crop health and environmental conditions. Throughout the program, you will gain experience in experimental design, data collection, and presenting scientific findings while also participating in professional development activities. 

4. UF REU: Experimental and Computational Methods for Materials Discovery

Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Stipend: $6,000 (tentative)
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: May 25 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States

This program allows you to explore how researchers investigate and design new materials using both lab-based and computational approaches. You will work on a research project with mentorship from faculty and research teams, building experience with the methods scientists use in materials discovery. Beyond the research itself, you will join seminars that introduce current topics and emerging questions in materials physics. The program will also help you build broader academic and professional skills through sessions on scientific writing, communication, graduate study pathways, and careers in science and engineering. The experience includes both research and group programming, allowing you to develop a stronger understanding of how technical work connects to future study and career opportunities.

5. NASA Moon Tycoon Lunar Simulation Software Internship

Location: Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Full-time internship; fall session
Application Deadline: May 22
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (16+) with a GPA of at least 3.0; More details here

This NASA internship will allow you to contribute to the development of Moon Tycoon, a desktop and virtual reality (VR) lunar simulation platform used for mission planning and exploration scenarios. During the program, you will work on software development tasks, such as designing features, testing systems, debugging code, and helping prepare the application for deployment. Using the Unity game engine, you will assist in building immersive 3D environments that simulate lunar landscapes, equipment, and operational scenarios for users. As part of the development team, you will also receive training on additional tools, software modules, and workflows used in NASA’s simulation projects. While the internship focuses primarily on simulation and software development, technologies like virtual environments and large-scale modeling often intersect with artificial intelligence systems used for predictive modeling, autonomous systems, and mission planning tools. 

6. Department of the Navy’s Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program

Location: Various Department of the Navy laboratories in Florida and across the country
Stipend: $7,500 (new undergraduate participants); $9,000 (returning undergraduate participants)
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer; exact dates depend on the lab
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens and have completed their freshman year by the start of the internship; Must demonstrate interest in STEM fields related to research conducted at participating Navy laboratories

The Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program will allow you to work directly in the Department of the Navy laboratories on active research projects. During the ten-week summer program, you will collaborate with scientists and engineers while contributing to research related to naval science, engineering, and advanced technologies. Depending on the host laboratory and research focus, your work may involve areas such as robotics, data analysis, computer science, or other emerging technologies that intersect with artificial intelligence. Throughout the internship, you will receive mentorship from experienced researchers who will guide you through the research process and help you understand how scientific discoveries support real-world defense and technology applications. The program is highly competitive and places hundreds of students in laboratories across the United States each year, making it a noteworthy option amongst other AI internships for undergraduates in Florida.

7. The State of Florida: Cybersecurity Analyst or Specialist Internship

Location: Various locations across the state, particularly Tallahassee, FL
Stipend: Stipend may or may not be provided, depending on the placement
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Depends on the placement
Application Deadline: Year-round applications
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, or those who graduated within the past twelve months; A basic understanding of information security operations and familiarity with operating systems and security practices is required 

The State of Florida Cybersecurity Analyst/Specialist Internship provides hands-on experience working within state government agencies and supporting their cybersecurity operations. During the internship, you may assist with investigating security events by analyzing unusual system activity and identifying potential causes of threats or vulnerabilities. Your work could involve supporting forensic analysis of network packet captures, malware samples, system logs, and other security data collected from monitoring tools. You will also help document processes, refine operational procedures, and contribute to risk management efforts by identifying and tracking potential cybersecurity risks. Throughout the experience, you will collaborate with professionals across government agencies and develop practical skills in cybersecurity analysis, documentation, and incident investigation. Although the role focuses on cybersecurity operations, the analytical and data-driven nature of the work connects closely to skills used in AI, particularly in areas such as threat detection, automated monitoring systems, and data analysis.

8. The State of Florida: Data Science Internship

Location: Various locations across Florida, particularly Tallahassee, FL
Stipend: Paid or unpaid, depending on the placement
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Depends on the placement
Application Deadline: Year-round applications
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, or those who graduated within the past twelve months; Working knowledge of database systems and querying languages such as SQL is required

During this internship, you will help interpret datasets and identify patterns or trends that can support diagnostic and predictive analytics efforts. You may assist with collecting, cleaning, and preprocessing structured and unstructured data from multiple sources while also contributing to exploratory data analysis projects. As part of your work, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop data-driven insights and help support automation systems used across agency operations. The role may also involve maintaining reporting systems, improving data quality standards, and researching new data science tools and analytical methods. Since modern artificial intelligence systems rely heavily on data analysis, modeling, and statistical techniques, this internship can help you build foundational skills relevant to AI, particularly in areas like predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making.

9. Magnetic Field Laboratory Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, OR University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Stipend: $6,500 stipend + up to $800 travel support
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: College students (18+) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Research Experiences for Undergraduates program provides an opportunity to work with scientists on a focused summer research project in fields such as physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or computer science. You will collaborate closely with a MagLab mentor while contributing to ongoing research conducted at one of the laboratory’s major research facilities. Your work may involve analyzing experimental results, assisting with laboratory investigations, or using computational tools to study complex scientific problems. Alongside your research project, you will attend weekly seminars and colloquia that will introduce you to current research initiatives and potential career paths in scientific fields. This combination of hands-on research and mentorship will help you develop technical and analytical skills commonly used in advanced computing and data-driven research environments. 

10. Florida Atlantic University's Institute for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering Research Program

Location: Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Stipend: $700/week stipend + $200/week meal allowance
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 1  – July 31
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in science or engineering; U.S. citizens or permanent residents

The NSF REU Site in Sensing and Smart Systems at Florida Atlantic University enables you to conduct full-time research on emerging technologies that support intelligent decision-making and automation. The program focuses on areas such as smart infrastructure, digital twins, wearable technologies, robotics, and data analytics. Depending on the project, you may work with sensor networks, intelligent systems, machine learning applications, or autonomous technologies that form the foundation of many modern AI systems. Research opportunities include projects such as Digital Twins for Smart Streetscapes, Wearables and Data Analytics for Personalized Therapeutic Management, and Bioinspired Smart Swimming Robots. In addition, you will participate in workshops and professional development activities designed to prepare you for graduate study and careers in STEM fields. 

11. Accenture: Summer Analyst Program – ATC 

Location: Various Accenture locations across the U.S., including Florida
Stipend: Paid (hourly stipend)
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 11 weeks, June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling applications; Typically closes in early April
Eligibility: Bachelor’s or Master’s students pursuing a degree in a technology-related field (such as Computer Science, Data Science, or Engineering) with an expected graduation between December and August. Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, SQL, Java) is required

The Accenture Advanced Technology Centers (ATC) Summer Analyst Internship will allow you to work on real-world business and technology challenges using modern tools and platforms. During this 10-week summer program, you will collaborate with teams to help clients address complex problems through technology-driven solutions, which may include data analytics, automation, and software development. You will apply programming skills in languages such as Python, SQL, or Java while contributing to projects that build or improve technical systems used in enterprise environments. The role also provides exposure to cloud platforms, data visualization tools, and large-scale digital transformation initiatives. You will also spend time working closely with teams and gaining experience in professional collaboration and client-facing work. 

12. Bellini College Research Experience for Undergraduates

Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Stipend: Funding up to $250 to undergraduate students who complete the CRA UR2PhD research training courses
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing

The Bellini College Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program allows you to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computing. You'll work in research teams of two to four students and contribute to ongoing projects while gaining experience with the research process, technical problem-solving, and scholarly communication. The program is designed to prepare you for graduate study and research-oriented careers by providing mentorship and opportunities to engage with emerging technologies. You will also complete research training through the CRA UR2PhD initiative, which offers structured instruction on conducting academic research and working effectively within research teams. At the end of each semester, you'll present your work at the Bellini College REU Symposium and share your findings with faculty, peers, and industry professionals.

13. Yale’s Computer Science Research Internship Program 

Location: Virtual + In-person options (depends on the project)
Stipend: Some positions may provide stipends
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Exact dates depend on the project, typically in the summer
Application Deadline: December 15
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program in computer science or a related field

The Yale Computer Science Research Internship Program will allow you to work directly with faculty on research projects across a range of computer science fields. During the program, you will collaborate with a professor on a project aligned with their research area, which may include topics such as artificial intelligence, data science, systems, or computational theory. Since projects are tied to individual labs, you can explore faculty research and identify areas that match your interests before applying. As you work on your project, you will gain hands-on experience conducting research, analyzing problems, and contributing to work with real-world applications. The experience will also help you build technical and research skills while learning how academic research environments operate. 

14. CS@Mines Internships

Location: Virtual + In-person options
Stipend: $20/hour for selected scholarship positions; Some internships may be unpaid
Cohort size: 50~ students in each track
Dates: Exact dates depend on faculty mentors; Typically, late May – early August
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Community college and high school students with a strong academic interest in computer science or related fields

The CS@Mines Research Internship Program will allow you to work with faculty on research projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity. Depending on the track, you may join a research team as part of a paid summer scholarship program or participate in a research internship where you assist faculty with ongoing projects. During the program, you will contribute to real research initiatives, gaining experience with problem-solving, coding, and technical analysis in a collaborative academic setting. Your schedule and project scope will be determined in coordination with your faculty mentor, allowing for a more personalized research experience. Some opportunities are part of specialized tracks such as “Computing for the Good,” which focus on applying computing to real-world challenges. 

15. NASA Digital Transformation Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students

The NASA Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) Digital Transformation Internship will allow you to support agency-wide efforts focused on advancing AI education and adoption. During this internship, you will work with AI experts, learning specialists, and cross-functional teams to help design and implement structured learning modules related to artificial intelligence and machine learning. Your role will involve organizing and deploying content using NASA’s internal learning platforms and web tools, while also contributing feedback to improve how AI concepts are taught across the agency. You will collaborate directly with NASA’s AI and machine learning transformation leaders, gaining insight into how large organizations integrate emerging technologies into their workforce. 

Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs

1. I don't have a strong AI or computer science background yet. Are any of these internships still realistic for me?

Yes, several programs are designed to teach you the relevant skills rather than assume you already have them. The Ladder University Internship Program and NASA's Digital Transformation Internship both onboard students into the work itself, and programs like Bellini College's REU build in structured research training through the CRA UR2PhD courses. Programs with stricter prerequisites, like Accenture's Summer Analyst Program (requires programming proficiency) and the State of Florida's Data Science Internship (requires SQL knowledge), are better suited if you already have some technical coursework under your belt.

2. A lot of these say "stipend may vary" or don't list an exact number. How do I figure out what I'd actually be paid before applying?

For roles where pay depends on placement, like the State of Florida's Cybersecurity and Data Science internships, the best approach is to ask directly during the interview process or check with your university's career center, since these can vary significantly by department and role. For programs with clearer numbers, the Department of the Navy's NREIP ($7,500 to $9,000) and FAU's ISENSE program ($700/week plus a $200/week meal allowance) are among the most transparent and generous options on this list if a guaranteed stipend matters to you.

3. Several of these are research programs at universities outside Florida, like Yale and CS@Mines. Why are they included in a Florida-specific list?

These programs are included because they're open to undergraduates regardless of home state or university, including students based in Florida, and several offer virtual or hybrid formats that don't require relocating. If you'd prefer to stay closer to home, the Florida-based options on this list, like the University of Florida's AI Scholars Program, FAU's ISENSE, and the State of Florida's internships, are your most location-anchored choices, while Yale's program and CS@Mines are worth considering if you're open to remote work or willing to travel.