15 Fall Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you’re looking to learn beyond your classroom curriculum, consider participating in a structured program for high schoolers. Programs for high school students offer exposure to research, technical skills, and career paths that are rarely accessible in regular school settings. Many programs put you in contact with university faculty, professionals, and peers who share your interests, helping you build valuable networks early on.
Fall programs in Florida offer high school students significant benefits by providing access to the state's university system and diverse educational institutions. These programs often include STEM activities, college-level coursework, mentorship, and career exploration. They can even help you prepare for admission to Florida's universities, such as the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Central Florida.
To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down a list of the top 15 fall programs for high school students in Florida.
15 Fall Programs for High School Students in Florida
1. Mayo Clinic SPARK Research Mentorship Program
Location: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 3 – December 2
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in Duval or St. Johns counties with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
The SPARK Research Mentorship Program places you in Mayo Clinic’s labs to work on projects in fields such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and molecular genetics. Over the summer, you’ll commit at least 25 hours per week to research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. You’ll gain structured training in lab safety, research ethics, and biomedical methods while contributing to real scientific studies. Students often present their work in science fairs, and past participants have gone on to win at the regional and state levels. The program also lets you indicate your research interests during the application process, helping match you with a lab that fits your goals.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (accessible worldwide)
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts, including Fall (September – December)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Spring: January, Summer: May, Fall: September, Winter: November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships places you at a venture-backed start-up for a structured remote internship. You work on defined projects in fields such as AI/ML, health tech, journalism, marketing, and consulting. Each participant is assigned a start-up manager and a Ladder Coach who provide feedback and direction. You complete tasks for their companies, ranging from data analysis to content development, depending on the industry. The program ends with a presentation of your work to the start-up team, giving you concrete output to include in future applications. Ladders startups are backed by Y Combinator, whose founders have experience at companies like Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft.
3. Gator-WISE: Inside Addiction – The Biology of Opioids
Location: UF Health Academy for Science & Careers, Gainesville, FL
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 30 students
Date: September 20
Application Deadline: October 14 (final closing date for all fall programs)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
This one-day program examines how opioids affect the brain and body through lab activities and guided discussion. You’ll study the biological mechanisms of addiction, including how neurotransmitters and receptors are altered by drug use. The workshop emphasizes how neuroscience connects to the real public health crisis of opioid misuse. You gain practical context for concepts often covered only in textbooks, such as neural pathways and chemical signaling. By the end, you will understand both the science and the broader health consequences of opioid dependence.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote (accessible worldwide)
Cost: Varies according to the program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts, including Fall (September–December)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Spring: January, Summer: May, Fall: September, Winter: November)
Eligibility: currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs you with a PhD-level mentor to complete an independent research project. You choose an area of focus, such as economics, biology, political science, or computer science, and receive structured guidance throughout the process. The program trains you in academic writing, research methods, and critical analysis. Each student produces a research paper, which can be submitted to competitions or journals. The timeline is flexible, ranging from 12 weeks to a full year, allowing you to plan around your school schedule. By the end, you may be eligible to earn a UCSD credit.
5. Gator-WISE: Forensics – DNA Detectives; The Science of Identity
Location: UF Health Academy for Science & Careers, Gainesville, FL
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 30 students
Date: October 25
Application Deadline: October 14 (final closing date for all fall programs)
Eligibility: Grades 10–12; recommended for students with Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
Gator-WISE: Forensics – DNA Detectives; The Science of Identity is a one-day, hands-on, pre-college science exploration workshop offered by the University of Florida (UF) for high school students. It introduces you to forensic DNA analysis through lab simulations and experiments, where you’ll examine genetic samples and see how DNA profiling can identify individuals and solve cases. The program highlights the intersection of biology, chemistry, and the justice system. Students learn why specific genetic markers are used in forensics and how lab data is interpreted as evidence. By the end, you’ll know how molecular biology underpins modern criminal investigation.
6. Gator-WISE: Mini Vet School – Parasitology
Location: UF Health Academy for Science & Careers, Gainesville, FL
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 30 students
Date: November 15
Application Deadline: October 31
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 who have taken Biology, AP Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
Gator-WISE: Mini Vet School – Parasitology is a one-day workshop at the University of Florida designed for high school students interested in veterinary science, specifically focusing on parasitology. It explores parasites and their impact on animal health, where you’ll examine specimens, study parasite life cycles, and learn how infections are diagnosed in clinical settings. The workshop connects biological research with the practical responsibilities of veterinary medicine. You gain an understanding of how parasites affect both animals and humans, and why managing them is a core part of animal care. You’ll have a clearer view of the role veterinarians play in controlling infectious disease.
7. FAU Lab School Research Program
Location: FAU High School, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort size vary by grade and program
Dates: Year-round (includes Fall semester)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: FAU High School students (dual-enrolled), typically grades 9–12
This program provides FAU High students with structured research training and individual faculty mentoring across multiple disciplines. You learn core methods, ethics, and data analysis while developing a proposal, securing funding, and executing a project. The pathway is course-based plus mentored, to produce publication-ready work. Outputs commonly include conference posters, journal submissions, and presentations via FAU’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry. The program also connects students to university-level grants, certificates, and a research symposium. It’s designed to help you refine interests and build credible research outcomes during high school.
8. FSU Upward Bound Classic
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Academic year program runs with in-school, after-school, and weekend services
Application Deadline: Participants may apply annually with priority consideration for local high schools
Eligibility: High school students residing and/or attending certain local high schools in counties such as Jackson and Madison
This program is designed to support high school students, especially those from low-income or first-generation college families, as they prepare for college and future success. The program focuses on strengthening students’ skills in core academic subjects like math, science, literature, and foreign languages, while also offering workshops on leadership, financial literacy, and life skills. Throughout the academic year, you’ll participate in after-school tutoring, study groups, and college readiness activities that help build confidence and academic discipline. Some activities include individual academic advisement, group discussions on college access, and hands-on projects in science or literature.
9. FSU Upward Bound Math & Science (Academic Year Component)
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Academic Year Component includes in-school, after-school, and weekend services throughout the school year (usually August to May)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students, typically 9th through 12th grade | Low-income families and/or potential first-generation college students | Florida residency or attending target schools affiliated with the program
This program is designed to support high school students, especially those from low-income or first-generation college backgrounds, in building strong foundations in math and science. The program covers key academic topics such as algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry, and physics, alongside critical college readiness skills. You engage in activities like tutoring sessions, hands-on science experiments, group projects, and college campus visits to deepen their understanding and experience real-world applications. Unique to this program is its year-round academic support that blends after-school classes, weekend workshops, and mentoring by university faculty and staff. You also develop vital skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, and effective study habits.
10. FAMU Upward Bound Math & Science Program (Academic Year Component)
Location: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Florida A&M University), Tallahassee, Florida
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Year-round program with academic year services including in-school, after-school, and weekend sessions; also a summer residential program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12 attending one of four target high schools - James S. Rickards High School, Amos P. Godby High School, Florida A&M University Developmental Research School, Madison County High School | Either Qualify as a low-income student based on Federal guidelines OR Be a first-generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor's degree)
The FAMU Upward Bound Math & Science Program (Academic Year Component) is designed to support high school students from underrepresented backgrounds, especially those who are low-income or first-generation college-bound, in excelling in math and science. The program focuses on strengthening foundational knowledge in subjects like algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry, and physics to prepare students for college-level STEM courses. Throughout the academic year, you’ll engage in activities such as tutoring sessions, STEM workshops, college readiness seminars, and hands-on science experiments. You develop critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and study skills, all essential for academic success and beyond. Overall, this program nurtures both the intellectual and personal growth of students.
11. University of Miami Pre-College – Girls Are For STEM
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
Cost: Tuition-based, but cost not explicitly mentioned; $75 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically small cohorts
Dates: The program runs during the academic year (Fall and Spring terms)
Application Deadline: July 13
Eligibility: Female high school juniors and seniors
The University of Miami's "Girls Are For STEM" program is a dedicated initiative that empowers high school girls with a strong passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This program immerses you in core STEM topics such as biology, computer science, environmental science, and engineering principles, giving you a glimpse into real-world applications. You engage in hands-on activities, including laboratory experiments, coding challenges, and environmental fieldwork, which encourages problem-solving and critical thinking. The program stands out for its supportive community and mentorship from female STEM professionals and university professors. You develop valuable skills like analytical reasoning, teamwork, and scientific communication, preparing you for future STEM careers.
12. University of Miami Pre-College – Gulliver Program
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Aligns with the University of Miami's academic calendar, offering enrollment during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms
Application Deadline: July 13
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors at Gulliver Prep with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
The University of Miami Pre-College – Gulliver Program is a unique partnership that allows select, high-achieving high school juniors and seniors from Gulliver Preparatory School to directly enroll in college-level courses at the University of Miami. This special non-degree seeking-program enables students to gain the invaluable experience of college rigor during their normal academic year, often covering 100- and 200-level undergraduate topics across the liberal arts, sciences, or specialized professional fields. You essentially audit a real college class, attending lectures, completing university assignments, and interacting with UM faculty, which serves as an authentic trial run for college life. The program helps them develop essential skills like time management, and research proficiency.
13. Florida Future Educators of America (FFEA)
Location: Various chapters across Florida high schools; statewide program
Cost: Approximately $175 per person for chapter membership and activities
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective
Dates: Activities primarily align with the fall academic semester; specific dates depend on local chapters
Application Deadline: Typically early fall or as set by local chapters
Eligibility: High school students in Florida (usually grades 10-12)
The Florida Future Educators of America (FFEA) Fall Activities program is a dynamic initiative designed to inspire high school students in Florida who are interested in pursuing careers in education. The program covers a range of topics, including teaching strategies, educational leadership, and the importance of professional ethics in the classroom. You engage in hands-on activities such as leadership workshops, competitive academic events, and career shadowing experiences that allow them to observe and interact with real teachers. One unique feature of the program is its statewide network of local chapters, which fosters community and peer support among young aspiring educators. Ultimately, FFEA equips students with a clearer understanding of the teaching profession.
14. Florida Virtual School (FLVS Flex) Individual Courses
Location: Online
Cost: Tuition-free for Florida residents attending public, private, charter or homeschool; scholarship recipients may have charges depending on their scholarship status
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Year-round enrollment with flexible start dates; no traditional academic calendar
Application Deadline: No strict deadline; enrollment is open continuously
Eligibility: Florida resident students in public, private, charter, or registered homeschool programs in grades K-12, including high school students
Florida Virtual School (FLVS Flex) Individual Courses offer high school students in Florida the flexibility to learn online at their own pace, with the freedom to create their own schedules. The program covers a broad range of topics, including core academics, Advanced Placement courses, electives, Career & Technical Education, and world languages, with over 190 courses available. Students engage in activities such as interactive lessons, quizzes, projects, and discussions facilitated by certified teachers who provide personalized support through phone, email, and video calls. Unique features include year-round enrollment, mastery-based learning, and access to 60+ student clubs that foster social interaction despite the virtual setting.
15. Florida High School Mock Trial Competition (Fall Prep/Local Rounds)
Location: Various county and circuit competitions across Florida, with the state competition held in Orlando at the Orange County Courthouse
Cost: $400 (team registration fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Local/circuit competitions take place in fall and winter; state finals typically in late February
Application Deadline: Vary by circuit, schools are notified by program coordinators
Eligibility: High school students from participating Florida schools
The Florida High School Mock Trial Competition is an academic program where students experience a simulated courtroom trial based on a hypothetical legal case. It covers topics such as criminal or civil law, courtroom procedures, legal reasoning, case law, and the roles of attorneys and witnesses. Students engage in activities like legal research, preparing opening and closing statements, direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and presenting arguments before a judge or jury. The program partners with local judges, attorneys, and bar associations who volunteer to mentor students and preside over competitions, providing real-world insights. Through this immersive experience, students develop critical thinking, public speaking, persuasive argumentation, teamwork, and professionalism.
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