12 Marine Biology Internships for High School Students in Florida
If you're a high school student in Florida passionate about marine biology and looking for a chance to learn, network, and get your feet wet (literally!), biology internships for high school students in the state could be a great opportunity. From hands-on research and site visits to paid positions, these experiences can help you gain practical skills in the field while keeping costs low (owing to their local nature).
We’ve picked 12 of the best marine biology internships for high school students in Florida. The internships below mix hands-on learning with industry experience, and are mostly free of cost/offer financial aid. Some are also online, while others give you real-world, in-person insights.
1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Placements available across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico (within about 45 minutes of your home)
Stipend: $3,000
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer (Dates are flexible)
Application Deadline: November 22 – January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; Must be 16 years old by internship start date
Acceptance Rate: About 3%, with 30 students making it to the final cohort each year
If you’re into biology and the outdoors, you might find the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program interesting. The program offers eight-week, full-time biology internships for high school students that will match you with a fisheries professional near your hometown and require you to spend the summer working hands-on in aquatic science. You'll be expected to put in about 32 hours a week, but your exact schedule will be worked out with your mentor before the internship kicks off. The timings can be flexible, but you are responsible for keeping track of your hours and writing a few short reports along the way.
Your tasks during the internship will depend on your placement; it could be surveying fish populations, restoring habitats, snorkeling, working in labs, or even helping with educational programs.
2. Everglades EcoExplorers Internship
Location: Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: Summer training followed by an academic year internship
Application Deadline: August 29
Eligibility: Must be entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in an eligible Broward County public high school
Acceptance Rate: Selective
The Everglades EcoExplorers Internship is a paid program offering biology internships for high school students passionate about environmental education and sustainability. Hosted by the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), this experience blends field-based learning with workforce development training aimed at building life skills essential for future success.
The program kicks off with a 40-hour summer session, combining hands-on training and field excursions. During these outings, you’ll collect water samples, test water quality, and use dip and seine nets to identify freshwater and saltwater species. You'll also practice identifying native plants and animals using field guides, giving you real-world exposure to Florida’s diverse natural infrastructure and resilience challenges.
After the summer portion, you will continue with a 135-hour workforce development program throughout the school year. You’ll work at MODS, leading Everglades-themed tours, helping with STEMobile events, and engaging museum guests, all while gaining valuable communication and professional skills.
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can commit 10-20 hours per week
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Ladder Internships offers an exciting opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience with high-growth start-ups in a variety of industries. Whether you're interested in AI/ML, health tech, environmental science, marketing, or more, Ladder connects interns with start-ups that are scaling quickly, many raising over a million dollars in funding.
The program is flexible, allowing you to work remotely from anywhere in the world for 10-20 hours a week over 8-12 weeks. You’ll collaborate directly with company managers and mentors, working on real-world projects and presenting your findings at the end of your internship. In addition to working closely with your manager from the start-up, you will also receive guidance from a Ladder Coach throughout your internship to ensure that you succeed and grow in the professional environment.
4. Dolphin Research Center Internships
Location: Dolphin Research Center, Florida
Stipend: Unpaid
Program Dates: 16-18 weeks, with three terms: Winter (January – April), Summer (May – August), Fall (September – December)
Application Deadline:
Winter Term: October 1
Summer Term: February 1
Fall Term: June 1
Eligibility: Open to all applicants, no college enrollment required; Must be able to read, speak, and understand English; Must meet physical requirements (ability to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in Florida’s climate)
Acceptance Rate: Limited availability
The Dolphin Research Center (DRC) Internship Program provides biology internships for high school students that guarantee valuable career skills and a behind-the-scenes look at how a marine mammal facility operates. You will focus on specific departments, including Animal Care and Training, Education, Information Technologies, Medical, Research, and Visual Communications. You will assist with daily operations while working closely with professionals in these departments. The program includes supplemental projects based on your skills and areas of interest, as well as the opportunity to pursue independent study goals.
You are expected to work 40 hours per week, typically spending four days in your assigned department and one day supporting other areas of daily operations through the Volunteer Resources Pool. While the program is unpaid, DRC can assist in finding accommodations.
5. Indian River County Junior Scientist Fellows Program
Location: FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Fort Pierce, FL
Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: September to February of the next year; Apply here
Application Deadline: Mid-August; Specific dates will be provided by FAU Harbor Branch
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in the School District of Indian River County
Cohort Size: 15 students
Dive into hands-on environmental research with the Indian River County Junior Scientist Fellows Program, a unique opportunity for high school juniors and seniors in Indian River County. This program, in partnership with FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and the Indian River Land Trust, provides biology internships for high school students that are focused on land conservation and preserving the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the nation.
Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with university faculty to conduct research projects at the Coastal Oaks Preserve, contributing valuable data to land management strategies. You’ll explore issues facing local ecosystems, focusing on the lagoon’s health and resilience. By participating in this program, you’ll gain practical experience in environmental science while supporting conservation efforts in your community. After the program, you’ll have the chance to present your findings at FAU’s annual Indian River Lagoon Symposium, sharing your research with local experts and the broader scientific community.
6. MarineLab High School Internship
Location: MarineLab, Key Largo, FL
Stipend: $15/hour
Program Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors in high school; Monroe County residents; Applicants must be strong swimmers and be interested in the marine science field and working with children
Acceptance Rate: Selective
The MarineLab High School Internship program offers high school students the chance to assist instructors in delivering immersive marine science education, specifically through snorkeling field trips, camp activities, and educational programs. Working closely with experienced instructors, you'll gain practical skills in marine science while contributing to the enrichment of local students.
The internship takes place at MarineLab, where you'll spend your days assisting with field trips, lab activities, and maintaining the facility and equipment. As an intern, you'll play an essential role in supporting the Summer Camp program by helping with lab setups, facilitating games, and supporting maintenance tasks. This program is perfect for students passionate about marine life and eager to gain real-world experience in marine science and informal education.
7. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): Steidinger Scholars Program
Location: Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), Florida
Stipend: $15/hour
Program Dates: May – August (Fall/winter opportunities may be available)
Application Deadline: March, typically
Eligibility: Recent or expected high school graduates or new college students (1-2 years of study); 18+ by program start; Women and students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply
Acceptance Rate: Selective
The Steidinger Scholars Program is designed for students interested in gaining direct, meaningful experience in wildlife research and conservation. As a paid intern, you'll spend the summer working directly with FWRI scientists, contributing to projects that support the conservation and management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.
You'll also gain experience in a variety of settings, including fieldwork, laboratory research, and office-based tasks, and participate in valuable training and career development activities, gaining skills that will be directly applicable in your future career. You will be encouraged to present your findings at the end of the program, offering a chance to showcase the work you’ve contributed to.
8. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science 'Yours Shores' Program
Location: South Florida (Biscayne Bay, Miami Beaches, Florida’s Coral Reef)
Stipend: $1000
Program Dates: September 23 – May 25 (Saturdays only)
Application Deadline: Open
Eligibility: Miami-Dade County Public Schools students in grades 9-12; 16-year-old students enrolled in Frost Science’s Upward Bound Math and Science Program (UBMS); Non-UBMS students may apply if willing to join UBMS; More details here
Cohort Size: Approximately 65 students
Your Shores is an exciting program that brings together passionate high school students to explore and restore South Florida’s coastal ecosystems with a special focus on Biscayne Bay, Miami’s beaches, and Florida’s Coral Reef. As part of this immersive experience, you'll dive into scientific research, survey reef fish, work on coral nursery projects, and care for native plants. You’ll also get the chance to contribute to wildlife photography for science and learn essential restoration techniques for coastal habitats.
In addition to hands-on environmental work, you will earn your PADI Open Water scuba certification at no cost, receive mentorship from museum staff, and get college readiness support. This includes help with college essays, standardized test prep, and scholarship applications.
9. High School Summer Marine Biology Program- NSLC
Location: University of Miami, Miami, FL
Cost: $4,295 (residential); Scholarship available (over $500,000 in scholarships each year)
Program Dates:
June 17 – June 25
June 29 – July 7
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12
Acceptance Rate: Low to medium selectivity
Held at the University of Miami, this immersive pre-college experience gives high school students the opportunity to explore marine ecosystems, conservation efforts, and hands-on science through cutting-edge labs and dissection workshops. It’s the perfect introduction to a career in marine biology and environmental conservation. During the program, you will study in university classrooms, live on campus with roommates, and navigate the daily routines of college life. The experience is designed to prepare students for life beyond high school by providing real-world exposure to academia, science, and community living.
10. Seacamp's Marine Science Program
Location: Seacamp, Big Pine Key, Florida
Cost: Varies; Scholarships are available
Program Dates: 1-2 weeks in the summer (Dates vary)
Application Deadline: Opens on December 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
Acceptance Rate: Low selectivity
Seacamp’s Marine Science Program offers a hands-on, immersive experience for campers of all levels who are passionate about marine environments. Whether you're just starting to explore marine science or have a deeper interest, Seacamp’s diverse course offerings let you tailor your learning experience. While not technically an internship, this program offers students the chance to engage in interactive field studies, ranging from labs and kayaking to boat trips and snorkeling, all designed to deepen their understanding of marine ecosystems.
This comprehensive program includes 21-hour courses in Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, allowing you to choose courses that match your level of interest and experience. In addition to classroom learning, you'll get the chance to go out into the field, conducting research on more than 400 types of fish, coral, and algae found in the region’s ecologically rich waters. The program includes boat trips on Seacamp’s triple-hull flattop boats, which are snorkeling-based and guided by experienced instructors who hold degrees in Marine Science, Oceanography, or related fields. Guest speakers are also invited to share their current research and environmental efforts.
11. University of Miami Summer Scholars Program – Exploration Sciences Track
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost/Stipend: Starts at $8,144
Program Dates: June 30 – July 17
Application Deadline: Typically in early March
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th grade students
Acceptance Rate: Low to medium selectivity
If you want to jumpstart your college experience and earn six college credits while diving deep into the marine sciences, then the University of Miami Summer Scholars Program’s Exploration Sciences Track is for you. During this program, you will spend three weeks on campus at the University of Miami as a Summer Scholar and choose one academic specialty and take two courses that combine lectures, labs, guest speakers, and real-world fieldwork.
You’ll take courses like Marine Animal Biology and Conservation, Oceanography and Marine Environments, and Tropical Marine Biology. Though this isn't a marine biology internship, you’ll still get hands-on experiences that involve working with marine organisms and studying up close how coastal ecosystems function. You’ll also learn from faculty who are active researchers in their fields.