Updated October 2026
TL;DR
The listed science internships for high school students in Miami cover biomedical research, plant biology, marine conservation, science education, and clinical observation. Depending on the placement, students may analyze data, join conservation projects, explain scientific ideas, or present research findings. Opportunities range from paid research internships to volunteer programs and observation-only experiences. Ladder Internships offers a fully virtual startup experience, with potential projects in fields such as health technology and environmental science.
How can a shoreline survey or a genetics experiment answer questions that matter beyond the classroom? Science relies on careful observations, reliable data, and clear explanations to turn curiosity into evidence. According to NOAA, mangrove forests stabilize coastlines and provide shelter for marine organisms, illustrating the practical importance of environmental science. For Miami high school students, applied experience can make scientific methods easier to understand and connect to real-world challenges.
This selection emphasizes Miami-area access, high school participation, and opportunities involving scientific research, conservation, education, or career exploration.
If medicine particularly interests you, explore these medical internships for high school students in Miami. For a wider range of research and environmental science opportunities, browse these science internships for high school students in Florida.
Why should you do a science internship?
Science internships offer a closer look at how scientific questions become research procedures, findings, and practical decisions. They can also help you discover whether you prefer investigation, science communication, or applying scientific knowledge to real-world problems. For students interested in virtual industry projects, Ladder Internships offers startup placements in fields including health technology and environmental science.
What skills can you pick up in science internships?
You can develop skills in recording observations, analyzing data, documenting procedures, and explaining scientific findings to different audiences. Scientific work also encourages careful reasoning, attention to detail, and the ability to recognize limitations in evidence. These abilities are useful across disciplines such as biology, environmental science, biomedical research, and health technology.
How do you choose the right option?
Consider several factors before applying, including your grade level, location, academic background, schedule, and budget. Also check requirements related to citizenship, residency, coursework, or GPA, as these can vary significantly!
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost/Stipend |
Best for |
|
Biomedical Research & Clinical Observation |
JJ Vance, FIU Summer Research, UHealth Research Trainee, Nicklaus Teen Observer |
Free; stipend $17/hr |
Students interested in genetics, cardiovascular science, biomedical research, and clinical careers |
|
Plant Science & Outdoor Education |
Free – $225 training fee; stipend $2,000 |
Students interested in botany, horticulture, ecology, and environmental education |
|
|
Marine & Coastal Conservation |
Your Shores, Junior SeaKeepers, NOAA AOML, Miami Waterkeeper |
Free; paid, unpaid roles - 3 scholarships totaling $10,000 |
Students interested in marine biology, oceanography, coastal ecosystems, and environmental advocacy |
|
Wildlife, Museum & Workplace Experiences |
Frost Science Y.A.E., Zoo Miami CTS, M-DCPS Summer Youth Internship |
Free; stipend $1,500 |
Students interested in wildlife conservation, public science engagement, and supervised workplace experience |
|
Virtual Programs |
Fee-based (financial aid available) |
Students seeking remote startup experience in health technology, environmental science, or related fields |
1. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: Approximately $17/hour, based on the latest completed cycle
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10.7% estimated acceptance; 15 interns in the latest reported cohort
Dates: TBA; usually June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: TBA; usually January 31
Eligibility: High school juniors entering senior year from Miami and Broward-area schools; good academic standing and strong biological or computational science performance; U.S. work authorization and proof required; background check, drug screening, and TB testing required
You are paired with a Hussman Institute for Human Genomics staff scientist, postdoctoral fellow, or faculty member for eight weeks of biological and computational research. You contribute to projects investigating human disease and present your summer research at a closing luncheon.
Who is it best for: Students who want mentored laboratory or computational research focused on genetics and human disease.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Online
Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10% acceptance; 70 places
Dates: Eight weeks; Winter starts December 7; Winter II starts January 11, and Spring starts March 1; Summer/Summer II and Fall also offered
Application Deadline: Winter: November 15; Winter II: December 27; others vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
You develop a startup project with weekly company meetings; past science-related assignments include nutrient–disease research and coding messaging systems connected to medical devices. You present your completed project to the company. You have the final say on whether to accept your proposed company-and-project match.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore science through health technology or nutrition research projects in a startup setting.
3. FIU Summer Research Internship Program (Cardiovascular Focus)
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 30 interns
Dates: TBA; usually June 12 – August 7
Application Deadline: TBA; usually March 20
Eligibility: South Florida high school juniors, graduated seniors committed to FIU, or accepted FIU transfer students; at least 16 at program start; minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA; strong interest in cardiovascular-related research
You conduct eight weeks of cardiovascular-related research with an FIU faculty mentor in interdisciplinary laboratories. You join journal clubs, case-study discussions, workshops, and a Responsible Conduct of Research seminar, then submit an abstract and present your project at the final symposium.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore cardiovascular and biomedical science through laboratory research and scientific literature discussions.
4. The Kampong (National Tropical Botanical Garden) – High School Summer Internship
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: TBA; usually June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: TBA; usually March 15; late or incomplete applications considered on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12; at least 16 by the program’s start
You collaborate with horticulture and education staff to research and build a garden area explaining plant survival across environments. You select plants, prepare educational activities for visitors, and present your work at the end of the internship.
Who is it best for: Students who want to investigate plant adaptations through garden design and public science education.
5. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – Paid Summer High School Botany Internship
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: Paid; amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: TBA; usually July 1 – August 2
Application Deadline: TBA; usually March 6
Eligibility: High school students; at least 16 years old
You investigate botany, plant biology, ecology, and horticulture through research using Fairchild’s laboratories and living plant collection. The five-week paid internship operates through Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Summer Youth Internship Program, with academic credit available to district students.
Who is it best for: Students who want to investigate plant science through laboratory work and research in a tropical botanical garden.
6. Frost Science Youth Ambassadors for Education (Y.A.E.)
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Winter: October – March; Summer: TBA, usually April – September
Application Deadline: Winter: TBA; usually August 16; Summer: TBA; usually early March
Eligibility: Ages 16–19; parent/guardian consent required; Level 2 background clearance required; drug screening required
You assist museum educators with science programming, including educational camps, and earn community service hours. You can join monthly MUVE volunteer workdays that restore coastal ecosystems and meet museum scientists through quarterly expert sessions.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explain science to museum visitors, support educational camps, and explore coastal conservation through volunteering.
7. Zoo Miami – Conservation Teen Scientist (CTS)
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: TBA; annual program spanning summer and the school year
Application Deadline: TBA; not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 14–18; entering or currently enrolled in high school
You train in zoo animal knowledge and explain wildlife and conservation to visitors. You serve year-round, volunteering 15 days in summer and two days per month during the school year. You can also prepare animal diets and assist at the giraffe feeding platform.
Who is it best for: Students who enjoy explaining animal biology and conservation to visitors and want sustained public-facing zoo service.
8. Your Shores Program at Frost Science
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: Paid; amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~6 students
Dates: TBA; usually school year
Application Deadline: TBA; not specified
Eligibility: Miami-Dade County Public Schools students in grades 9–12; at least 16; Frost Science UBMS participants or willing to join; neither parent/guardian holds a bachelor’s degree, or family meets federal low-income guidelines
You work on coral reef restoration, mangrove assessments, beach cleanups, and shoreline research around Haulover Park. The program combines coastal conservation fieldwork with scuba-diving training through Frost Science’s Upward Bound Math and Science program. You also take part in college-readiness activities and prepare for ACT/SAT exams.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore marine science through coastal restoration, underwater conservation, and community fieldwork.
If you live outside Miami or don’t want to commute every day, consider Ladder Internships, which pair you with startups to work on real projects in a fully virtual format.
9. The International SeaKeepers Society – Junior SeaKeepers Program
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: Three annual awards totaling $10,000, based on program participation, project completion, and community engagement
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~17 students
Dates: Year-long school-year cohort
Application Deadline: TBA; usually September 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 from Miami-Dade or Broward Counties or the Upper Florida Keys; public, private, charter, and homeschool students eligible
You combine oceanographic research around Biscayne Bay with expert webinars, marine conservation projects, and public science communication. You lead community cleanups and present scientific findings to peers and parents through this educational and service program.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore marine research while explaining ocean conservation issues to their community.
10. University of Miami Health System – High School Student Research Trainee
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: TBA; summer placements for students ages 16–17, up to 20 hours/week
Application Deadline: TBA; usually April 30
Eligibility: Students attending local high schools; at least 16 when applying; U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents under UHealth's research-trainee requirements; students ages 16–17 require parental consent and may participate only during summer; confirmed department supervisor required; health documentation, background check, drug screening, online training, and orientation required
You assist, learn from, and observe supervised research projects at the University of Miami Health System and Miller School of Medicine. Depending on your department and supervisor, your placement may involve data collection, laboratory research activities, research software, and participation in research discussions. You complete mandatory institutional and safety training before beginning your assigned activities.
Who is it best for: Students who want supervised exposure to biomedical or health-related research within an academic medical center.
11. Miami-Dade County Public Schools Summer Youth Internship Program (Science-Related Placements)
Location: Miami-Dade County, Florida
Stipend: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; >3,500 interns
Dates: TBA; usually July 1 – August 2; five weeks
Application Deadline: TBA; usually May 9
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders at M-DCPS public or charter high schools; ages 15–18, with age 15 reached before July 1; Miami-Dade County residents; eligible to work in the U.S.; pre-internship course completion required; EdFed account and student accident insurance required
You combine 150 hours at a host organization with academic assignments for one high school credit. You complete weekly assignments, electronic timesheets, and a narrated final presentation under workplace and teacher supervision. Science opportunities depend on participating hosts; previously offered Fairchild botany placements involved plant research and laboratory equipment.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore science careers through a local workplace placement that combines supervised tasks with academic reflection.
12. NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory – High School Internships
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: TBA; usually summer and school-year placements
Application Deadline: TBA; not specified
Eligibility: High school students interested in biology, chemistry, physical/earth science, physics, or environmental science
You collaborate with scientists and peers on marine and environmental research. You can explore fieldwork, laboratory sample analysis, and the development of engineered ocean-observing systems within AOML’s advertised placements.
Who is it best for: Students who want to investigate marine systems through field sampling, laboratory work, or scientific instruments.
13. Miami Waterkeeper – Junior Ambassador Program
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; cohort size varies
Dates: September – June
Application Deadline: TBA; not specified
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 in Miami-Dade or Broward County; signed parental permission required for students under 18
You explore South Florida water issues through pollution reporting, citizen science, advocacy, and science-communication training. You complete four trainings, at least four service events such as cleanups or habitat restoration, and a community capstone in this volunteer program.
Who is it best for: Students who want to connect environmental science with public education, habitat restoration, and clean-water advocacy.
14. Deering Estate — Junior Naturalists Program
Location: Palmetto Bay, Florida
Cost/Stipend: $225 training fee per five-day session / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open registration; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: TBA; usually three training sessions: June 8 – 12, June 15 – 19, and June 22 – 26; volunteer camp sessions assigned afterward
Application Deadline: TBA; not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 15–18
You complete a five-day counselor-training course covering South Florida ecosystems, basic canoeing, Leave No Trace, and American Red Cross First Aid and Adult/Child CPR certifications. After training, you assist staff and mentor younger participants in Deering Estate’s nature-and-science summer camp.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore environmental stewardship while teaching younger campers about nature and outdoor recreation.
15. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital — Teen Observer Program
Location: Miami, Florida
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: TBA; usually June – August; placements last up to four weeks
Application Deadline: Sponsor-arranged applications; submit two to eight weeks before the intended start
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors; at least 16 at program start; clinician sponsorship required; proof of enrollment, government-issued photo ID, and immunization records including Tdap within 10 years required; parental consent required under 18; background check within one year or county police clearance required for U.S. citizens/permanent residents; current and former Nicklaus employees excluded
You explore pediatric healthcare by observing clinical staff in a sponsoring department. Your placement lasts up to four weeks and permits observation only, with no patient-care responsibilities or research.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore pediatric healthcare careers through supervised clinical observation.
Can a science internship help with your college applications?
A science internship can provide specific examples of how you explored an academic interest, approached a research question, or contributed to a meaningful project. Describing your responsibilities, challenges, and learning experiences can make your interest in scientific study more concrete. Your reflections matter more than simply listing the internship.
How do you apply for a science internship?
Start by reviewing each program's official application instructions, including eligibility, deadlines, and any requirements for supervision or safety clearances. Prepare examples that demonstrate your interest in science, such as classroom investigations, personal projects, or independent reading about a subject. Allow enough time to complete the specific forms, permissions, and screening steps required by your chosen opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do all science internships involve laboratory experiments and original research?
No, the opportunities include research placements as well as science education, conservation service, and clinical observation. University-based research experiences may involve laboratory procedures or data analysis, while other opportunities emphasize environmental projects, communicating science to visitors, or observing healthcare professionals.
2. Will I have to present research findings or complete a final project?
Some opportunities include formal research presentations, scientific abstracts, project demonstrations, or community capstones. Others emphasize ongoing volunteering, conservation activities, or supervised observation rather than a final research deliverable, so the expected outputs vary across placements.
3. Are science internships in Miami generally paid or unpaid?
The opportunities include paid internships, unpaid volunteer and observation roles, and a paid training option, while certain marine science scholarships are awarded competitively rather than provided as regular compensation. Ladder Internships offers a separate fee-based virtual experience with financial aid available.
4. Are these science internships available only during the summer?
No. Although several research internships run during the summer, some conservation and volunteer opportunities continue through the school year or offer seasonal cohorts. Commitments range from placements lasting a few weeks to programs involving sustained participation over several months.