13 STEM Internships for High School Students in Florida
If you are a high school student interested in STEM, internships can be a worthwhile way to explore the applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM internships for high school students often combine project work with mentorship from professionals, researchers, and educators, allowing you to develop technical skills while learning how STEM fields operate. As a participant, you may work with data, assist on research projects, build prototypes, contribute to software or engineering tasks, and present your work to mentors and peers. This experience can strengthen your academic profile and college applications.
What STEM internships are available for high school students in Florida?
Florida is home to many universities, research centers, healthcare institutions, government agencies, and technology companies that support STEM education for high school students. From aerospace and environmental science to biomedical research and software development, you have access to internship opportunities in modern facilities. You can explore different career paths, build professional connections, and prepare for college academics in technical fields.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 13 STEM internships for high school students in Florida.
1. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience’s Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $14/hour as stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 22 - July 31
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old by program start, entering junior or senior year of high school, and attending school in Palm Beach or Martin County
The Max Planck Florida Institute Summer Research Internship offers high school students a hands-on introduction to real scientific research by placing them in a cutting-edge laboratory environment alongside professional neuroscientists. You will choose from different research tracks, such as neuroscience experiments, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering support, and contribute to ongoing work on brain structure, function, and advanced imaging techniques. Throughout the program, you will gain practical lab experience from microscopy, genetic lab techniques, and software development for data analysis, develop a written scientific abstract, and deliver a presentation at the end of the summer.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10% - 20% as acceptance rate
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
Ladder Internships connects ambitious high school students with fast-growing startups across various industries, including technology, AI, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Many partner start-ups are well-funded, offering students the opportunity to make a real-world impact through their work. As an intern, you’ll work on meaningful, real-world projects alongside start-up teams while receiving mentorship from both your manager and a dedicated ladder coach. You’ll gain real professional experience, develop workplace skills, and conclude the program by presenting your work to the company. Apply now!
3. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship
Location: University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
Stipend: Stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 - August 7
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current juniors from Miami and Broward-area high schools
The JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship is an eight-week research program for high school juniors from the Miami and Broward areas. You will be paired with faculty mentors and work on projects focused on human genetics, integrating biological and computational research. You’ll build core scientific skills such as data analysis, research communication, and presentation, while learning how genetic factors influence disease. The experience also includes seminars and workshops on genomics and laboratory techniques, and concludes with a formal research presentation.
4. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of the Navy (DoN)
Location: Various locations across the U.S including Florida
Stipend: $4,000 stipend for new participants and $4,500 for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 placements in 30+ labs
Dates: 8-week summer internship
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 - 12 who are at least 16 years old at program start
SEAP places high school students in paid, eight-week research internships within the U.S. Department of the Navy laboratories. With around 300 positions across more than 38 labs nationwide, the program allows you to collaborate with Navy scientists and engineers on projects in fields such as robotics, aerospace, and cybersecurity. The program emphasizes mentorship, technical skill-building, and exposure to professional research environments. At Florida-based labs, you may explore aircraft maintenance and repair, shadow researchers, prepare technical reports, and present your technical findings.
5. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships at the University of Florida Health
Location: Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and the Wertheim UF Scripps Institute campus in Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $4,480 as stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 5 - July 31
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students set to begin their junior or senior years in Palm Beach or Martin County high schools in the fall, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be at least 16 years of age
The Kenan Fellows program provides an intensive eight-week biomedical research experience for high school students. It begins with a preparatory course covering foundational laboratory skills and research methods, followed by full-time research under the guidance of a UF Scripps scientist. You will focus on experimental design, data interpretation, and the scientific process while attending weekly seminars on biomedical topics. The program concludes in a written abstract, oral presentation, and poster session, strengthening both research and scientific communication skills.
6. AFRL Scholars Program
Location: Several locations across the U.S., including Eglin AFB in Florida
/tipend: Amount is based on the education level and the location, learn more details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Usually between June and July
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Upper-level high schoolers who are U.S. citizens; a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
The AFRL Scholars Program offers paid summer internships for upper-level high school and college students pursuing STEM and aviation-related careers. During the internship, you will work alongside scientists and engineers at Air Force Research Laboratory sites on projects in fields such as aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, and materials science. The program emphasizes technical growth, professional development, and meaningful contributions to real research initiatives. Some locations also support students interested in education-focused STEM careers. Admission is competitive and best suited for students seeking rigorous research exposure in a professional environment.
7. Florida International University’s Summer Research Internship
Location: Florida International University (FIU) campus, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 12 - August 7
Application Deadline: Application will open in the spring
Eligibility: South Florida high school juniors, graduated seniors set to attend FIU, and accepted FIU transfer students who are 16 years or above
FIU’s Summer Research Internship provides rising high school seniors with an eight-week, in-person experience focused on cardiovascular health research. The program integrates hands-on laboratory work with academic enrichment through case studies, journal clubs, and weekly professional development sessions. You’ll work in FIU laboratories under the guidance of a faculty mentor, building skills in experimental design, critical analysis, and scientific communication. After completing safety training and orientation, you’ll conduct research that concludes in a formal presentation. Exceptional participants earn awards and opportunities to present at a university symposium.
8. Miami Dade College (MDC) Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Various locations across Miami-Dade County, FL
Stipend: $1,500 as stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 1 - August 2
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: High school students between 15 - 18 years old in 10th grade or above, enrolled in Miami-Dade County Public Schools
This program combines academic study with real-world workplace experience by placing students in professional environments across Miami-Dade County. Over five weeks, you’ll earn school credit while working in fields such as business, engineering, technology, and hospitality. Each placement focuses on practical problem-solving, communication, and time management. Through reflective assignments and structured supervisor feedback, you’ll learn how classroom concepts translate into real-world work, helping you gain insights into your interests and strengths.
9. Florida International University’s High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Florida International University Center for Translational Science, Port St. Lucie, FL
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June - July (based on previous year)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in St. Lucie County
The Florida International University Center for Translational Science High School Summer Internship Program introduces motivated high school juniors and seniors to hands-on biomedical research over a multi-week duration. You will work in university laboratories alongside professional scientists, gaining exposure to biomedical research areas such as neuroscience, drug discovery, aging and wellness, pulmonary physiology, and more. During the internship, you will develop practical laboratory skills, learn how research projects are conducted from experiment design to data interpretation, and participate in professional discussions. The program generally concludes in a poster session or presentation.
10. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote options available for Florida students
Cost: $25 application fee, which can be waived based on financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 18 - August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 years or above
ASSIP offers high school students immersive research experiences across disciplines, including engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, neuroscience, physics, and environmental science. You’ll work with faculty mentors on research projects while developing essential laboratory and data analysis skills such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, microscopy, and statistical modeling. Many interns also gain experience using programming tools such as Python and R, along with training in scientific writing and communication. The program concludes with a formal research presentation and ongoing exposure to STEM career pathways through seminars and discussions.
11. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop
Location: Florida Atlantic University-SeaTech, Dania Beach, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 to 40 participants
Dates: Generally in June
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 14 and 17 years
The FAU Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop is a STEM program that introduces Florida high school students to ocean and mechanical engineering through real design challenges and experimentation. Hosted at the SeaTech Ocean Engineering Research Facility, the workshop explores how ocean systems and fluid mechanics impact modern engineering. With guidance from faculty and researchers, you’ll build and program small autonomous vehicles, test them in team-based projects, and gain experience in robotics and coding. You’ll also explore naval architecture by designing and racing model boats, strengthening your problem-solving, collaboration, and technical skills through applied learning.
12. Florida International University (FIU) Upward Bound Math-Science
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Year-round with a summer residential program
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students (9th - 12th grade) who meet federal income guidelines or are first-generation college-bound | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
FIU’s Upward Bound Math-Science program supports students in developing strong academic foundations in maths, science, and technology while preparing for college and career success. The year-round program includes a residential summer component where participants live on campus, attend classes, and engage in academic enrichment. During the academic year, you’ll receive tutoring, participate in STEM workshops, join test preparation sessions, and work on projects that apply classroom learning. Additional experiences, such as college visits, research opportunities, and career talks, help you explore your future goals with personalized guidance.
13. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) Virtual Experience
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Generally between July and August
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in North America
JHIBS is a free, five-week virtual research program for high school students interested in neuroscience and biomedical science. You’ll explore brain science through mentored research projects, expert-led seminars, and skill-building workshops. The program introduces you to techniques such as electrophysiology, imaging, and data analysis while strengthening your scientific writing abilities. Topics include neuroanatomy, cognitive neuroscience, experimental design, and research ethics, along with professional development sessions focused on STEM career pathways.
Image Source - Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience logo