15 Science Internships for High School Students in Miami
If you are a high school student in Miami looking for an accessible way to gain practical experience in science, consider a local internship! Science internships for high school students in Miami can enhance your profile and resume while improving your employability prospects.
Science internships, especially those in in Miami, provide practical, hands-on experience in chosen fields. Miami is also home to several top-rated universities and institutions, such as the University of Miami and Florida International University, which can help reduce travel and housing costs owing to their proximity to where you live.
We have curated this list of the 15 science internships for high school students in Miami, focusing on programs that offer authentic research experiences, professional mentorship, and meaningful skill development. They also include a few virtual science internships that allow students in Miami to apply.
15 Science Internships for High School Students in Miami
1. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship
Location: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / Around 12 students
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Outstanding high school juniors in good standing from Miami and Broward-area high schools
This eight-week paid summer program offers high school juniors exceptional opportunities to participate in research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. You will work alongside faculty and post-doctoral fellows, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge research environments. The program provides one-on-one mentoring where you collaborate directly with scientific staff members on research projects. You will develop critical thinking skills while learning laboratory techniques and research methodologies used in medical and biological sciences. At the program's conclusion, you can expect to deliver presentations detailing your research work to faculty, fellow interns, family, and friends, giving you experience in scientific communication.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 10% / Around 100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (8 weeks each); Upcoming cohort Winter on December 8
Application Deadline: Vary as per cohort; Winter: November 16; apply here
Eligibility: High school students able to commit 10-20 hours per week for 8-16 weeks
Ladder Internships connects high school students with startups and nonprofits worldwide for virtual engineering and technology projects. Founded by entrepreneurs from Harvard, this program will pair you with companies founded by alumni from top institutions like Harvard Business School, Google, McKinsey, and Y Combinator. You will work on real-world engineering projects, including machine learning applications, software development, hardware design, and engineering solutions for actual business challenges. The program will provide structured mentorship through both startup managers and dedicated Ladder coaches who will guide you through professional development. You will be expected to present your completed projects to company leadership and receive letters of completion from the company.
3. FIU Summer Research Internship Program (Cardiovascular Focus)
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / 24-30 interns
Dates: June 13 – August 8
Application Deadline: Typically early May
Eligibility: South Florida high school juniors committed to FIU | Minimum 3.0 GPA | At least 16 years old at the program’s start date
This internship combines curriculum time with hands-on research, allowing you to engage with case studies, journal clubs, and professional workshops while conducting real-world laboratory research. You will develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of experimental design and research methodologies under the guidance of faculty mentors. The program emphasizes leadership, team building, and communication skills through collaborative research projects and professional development activities. Many participating laboratories are interdisciplinary, integrating basic science that supports cardiovascular research, providing broad exposure to various scientific approaches. You will need to work a minimum of 15 hours per week on research projects with flexible scheduling to accommodate the weekly curriculum requirements.
4. FIU Center for Translational Science High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Florida International University Center for Translational Science, Miami, FL
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 10-15 students
Dates: June 9 – July 10
Application Deadline: April 8
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in St. Lucie County, Florida
This five-week intensive program provides high school students with real-world research experience in cutting-edge laboratories. You work under the guidance of professional scientists across diverse fields, including neuroscience, drug discovery and delivery, heart and pulmonary physiology, inflammation and immunity, and mitochondria and metabolism. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory work where you will learn to apply problem-solving skills, gain critical thinking abilities, and understand how the scientific method operates in professional research settings. You will develop tools that help determine your career path in science while working alongside experienced researchers. The program culminates in a poster presentation where you will showcase your research findings and methodologies.
5. University of Miami Young Scholars Program
Location: University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences, Miami, FL
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / small cohort
Dates: Summer program duration (specific dates vary)
Application Deadline: Typically May
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year in the U.S. | At least 16 years old by the program’s start | U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
This unique experiential learning summer program pairs high school students with faculty mentors within the College of Arts and Sciences. You will participate in high-level research and scholarly work in real, working laboratories, gaining research experience while working alongside university faculty. The program requires a minimum of 40 hours of supervised laboratory research, providing substantial hands-on experience in scientific methodology and research techniques. You will work closely with faculty mentors who will guide your research projects and provide professional development opportunities. Upon successful completion, you will receive a Certificate of Participation from the College of Arts and Sciences and submit a 500-750-word essay summarizing your research experience.
6. Frost Science Youth Ambassadors for Education (Y.A.E.)
Location: Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Not specified
Dates: Summer Session (April – September); Winter Session (October – March)
Application Deadline: Summer Session: March 1; Winter Session: August 22
Eligibility: High school students between ages 16-19
In this program, you will assist the Frost Science education department with connecting the public to science and technology while developing your own science education skills. You will engage in professional development activities, including resume reviews and interview workshops, giving you career preparation experience. You will work directly with museum educators and staff, gaining insights into informal science education and museum operations. The program will require you to assist with Frost Science Camp programs during your cohort period, providing hands-on experience in science education and youth programming. You can expect to develop communication skills, leadership abilities, and professional networks while contributing to the museum's educational mission.
7. Frost Science Upward Bound Math and Science Program
Location: Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in partnership with University of Miami Rosenstiel School, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Approximately 60 students
Dates: Four-year program duration inclusive of after-school sessions, weekend classes, and an intensive six-week summer program
Application Deadline: Typically early spring, around March to April
Eligibility: Low-income and/or first-generation college-bound high school student | Attend one of the target Miami-Dade County high schools (Title 1 schools)
This four-year program prepares under-resourced teens for STEM higher education and careers. You will work with graduate students in research labs, helping with experiments, collecting data, and designing and carrying out research projects. The program partners with the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, providing unique access to marine science research opportunities. You will engage in research experiences that include coastal conservation work, coral reef monitoring, and environmental data collection. Through this program, you will develop competencies, including time management and verbal and oral communication skills. The program also includes community engagement components where you will participate in conservation initiatives.
8. Your Shores Program at Frost Science
Location: Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None / $1,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Around 7-10 students
Dates: During the academic year; typically between September and May
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: First-generation college-bound high school students in Miami-Dade County public high schools | At least 16 years old |
This program empowers underserved high school students through coastal conservation work and marine science education. You will receive free training, mentorship, and professional certifications to help you become a more competitive applicant for science degree programs and marine science careers. The program includes Professional Association of Diving Instructors certification, providing students with valuable professional credentials. You will work on community-based coastal restoration work, including caring for underwater coral nurseries and planting native coastal species. You can expect to gain experience in biological monitoring and marine debris cleanup, developing practical skills in environmental conservation. The program provides connections with working scientists and other professionals.
9. 4-H AgriTech and Food Systems Internship
Location: George Washington Carver Agri-Tech farm, Overtown, Miami, FL
Stipend: $1,500 stipend plus one honors academic credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / 8 interns
Dates: 5 weeks between July and August
Application Deadline: Pre-internship course: May 12; All eligibility documents and educational credit union account setup: May 26
Eligibility: Rising 10th through 12th-grade students enrolled in Miami-Dade County Public Schools | Ages 15-18 | Eligible to work and reside in Miami-Dade County
This internship connects students with urban agriculture, focusing specifically on hydroponic growing techniques. You will work twice weekly at the George Washington Carver Agri-Tech farm in Overtown, learning life skills, workforce preparation, and engaging in hands-on agricultural science. You will learn about hydroponics, the technique of growing plants using water-based nutrient solutions rather than soil, and gain experience in sustainable agriculture methods. The internship focuses on critical issues including food insecurity, sustainability, workforce preparation, teamwork, and community engagement. You will engage in projects that you may present at national teen conferences, providing opportunities for broader recognition of your work and also networking.
10. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center High School Research Program
Location: Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / Not specified
Dates: 9-10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of application | U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
This program provides high school students with opportunities to work in Sylvester member laboratories conducting cancer research. You will identify a faculty member within a research program willing to serve as your mentor before applying, ensuring personalized guidance and meaningful research experiences. You will gain exposure to cutting-edge cancer research methodologies and work alongside professional researchers in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. You will learn about various aspects of cancer research, including basic science, translational research, and clinical applications. The program provides valuable experience in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific methodology while contributing to meaningful research projects. You will develop professional skills and gain insights into careers in biomedical research.
11. Miami-Dade County Public Schools Summer Youth Internship Program (Science Track)
Location: Various businesses, organizations, and scientific institutions across Miami-Dade County
Stipend: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Not specified
Dates: July 1 – August 2
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Rising 10-12 graders between ages 15-18 enrolled in Miami-Dade Public High School | At least 15 years old by July 1 | Eligible to work in the U.S.
This internship connects Miami-Dade County Public School students with science-related professional experiences throughout the county. If selected, you will work in authentic professional environments, gaining real-world experience while earning academic credit for successful program completion. The program includes pre-internship training, student and parent orientations, and ongoing support through certified M-DCPS teachers assigned as mentors. You will be expected to complete weekly assignments and maintain electronic timesheets, ensuring structured learning experiences. Many participating organizations focus on STEM fields, providing exposure to careers in medicine, environmental science, technology, and research. You can choose to participate in standard on-site internships, hybrid programs, or remote internships, depending on placement opportunities and organizational needs.
12. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Apprenticeships
Location: Various U.S. Army research laboratories and partner universities
Stipend: Paid, varies by location; amounts not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / >300 across all locations
Dates: Various sessions throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents | Site-specific requirements apply
AEOP creates apprenticeship opportunities for high school students at the Army’s research facilities, working on advanced engineering and technology projects. You will engage in research areas including cybersecurity, materials science, robotics, artificial intelligence, and defense engineering technologies. The program offers direct mentorship with professional researchers and engineers working on actual Department of Defense projects. You will gain experience with advanced research methodologies while contributing to projects with national security applications. You will also develop both technical engineering skills and professional competencies while exploring career opportunities in defense research and development, potentially leading to future employment or educational pathways in STEM fields.
13. City of North Miami’s Youth Opportunity Board Summer Internship Program
Location: City of North Miami, Florida
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school student in grades 9-12 | North Miami residents | At least 15 years old by the internship’s start | Verify household income and assets for eligibility
The City of North Miami’s Youth Opportunity Board Summer Internship Program is designed to offer high school students a real-world glimpse into local government and community services. Throughout the program, you will explore various city departments such as finance, public works, communications, and the mayor’s office, gaining hands-on experience in areas like project management, public relations, and administrative tasks. You will engage in activities such as assisting with city events, supporting community outreach initiatives, conducting research, and helping with everyday office operations. You will develop valuable skills, including teamwork, communication, time management, and problem-solving, all of which are highly regarded by colleges.
14. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Program
Location: Virtual and NASA facilities across the United States (Virtual option available)
Stipend: Most interns receive a paid stipend based on academic level and session duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / Over 2,000 students participate annually
Dates: Spring (16 weeks, mid-January to early May), Summer (10 weeks, late May/early June to August), Fall (16 weeks, late August/early September to mid-December)
Application Deadline: Spring: September 12; Summer: February 27; Fall: May 22
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old | U.S. citizens | Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s OSTEM internship program gives you a chance to contribute to space exploration, science, and technology projects. You will work alongside NASA mentors, including research scientists and engineers, on projects across areas like aerospace engineering, data science, planetary science, and systems design. You will take part in projects that may involve designing components, running simulations, analyzing mission data, or supporting technology development efforts. The program also provides opportunities to access advanced tools and equipment while supporting NASA’s exploration goals. Even in its virtual format, you’ll receive mentorship and take part in actual project work.
15. EnergyMag Internships for High School Students
Location: Virtual
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / 10-15 students
Dates: Part-time: 2-8 weeks (summer only); Quarter-time: 1-9 months (year-round)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12 | Minimum 3.25 GPA | Have taken at least one Honors science or English course
In this internship, you’ll research both scientific and business topics, analyze key information, and communicate directly with industry leaders. You’ll stay connected with your mentor throughout the program, giving you the flexibility of a remote internship while still getting strong guidance and feedback. You’ll be expected to synthesize data from multiple sources, sharpen your writing and communication skills, and produce professional research reports. If your work meets publication standards, you may even get your report published for wider consumption and recognition. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a detailed completion letter and certificate, great additions to your college applications and resume.
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