10 Internships for High School Students in Florida
For high school students, securing an internship can be a solid experience, because they offer a glimpse into potential careers and help provide a competitive edge in college applications. Internships enable you to gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and explore their interests in a professional environment.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 10 internships for high school students in Florida, each offering unique opportunities for growth and learning.
Cost: $1990 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Cost/Stipend: $4,480 stipend for the whole summer; issued bi-weekly.
Location: Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, FL
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Program Dates: June 3 - August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Open to students who:
Have U.S. citizenship or are permanent residents
Will begin their junior or senior in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school in the fall of 2024
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
Are 16 years old by the first day of the program
The Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute is a prestigious 9-week program designed to immerse rising juniors and seniors in the fields of biological and chemical research. Since its inception in 2005, this internship has provided students from Palm Beach and Martin counties with a unique opportunity to explore careers in academic research, drug discovery, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering.
Interns begin their experience with an intensive one-week introductory course, where they learn essential techniques and applications used in biomedical research. This foundational training equips students with the skills needed for success in the lab. Throughout the internship, participants engage in research planning, data analysis, experimental design, and direct interaction with professional scientists, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge research.
The program also features weekly seminars and culminates in the submission of a written scientific abstract and a final presentation, where students showcase their research findings.
Cost/Stipend: $12.50/hour
Location: Jupiter, FL
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Program Dates: June 17 - July 26, 2024
Eligibility: Open to students entering junior or senior year in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school; must be at least 16 years old.
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) offers an exceptional summer research internship, providing high school students with the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of brain science. This 6-week program is designed for students with a strong interest in neuroscience, offering them the chance to work alongside leading researchers in a state-of-the-art facility.
The Neuroscience Internship Program focuses on advanced imaging techniques to explore brain structure, function, and development. Interns engage in hands-on research projects, gaining practical experience and a deeper understanding of neuroscience research. The program also includes professional development workshops, where students receive guidance on building resumes, exploring career paths, and developing essential skills for STEM fields.
In addition to neuroscience, MPFI offers a Mechanical Engineering Program and a Scientific Programming Internship. The Mechanical Engineering Program provides insights into the design and development of mechanical systems, while the Scientific Programming Internship focuses on creating software tools for data analysis and visualization in scientific research. Both programs offer real-world problem-solving experiences, culminating in a final report and presentation of the interns' findings. This program is very selective, as only 8 seniors were selected for participation this year.
Cost/Stipend: A stipend is provided
Location: Miller School of Medicine, UMiami, FL
Application Deadline: January 31, 2024.
Program Dates: June 17 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors. Here is an expansion on eligibility
The JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship is an excellent opportunity for high school juniors in the Miami and Broward areas who are passionate about biological and computational sciences. Hosted at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics (HIHG), this rigorous 8-week program immerses students in cutting-edge research, providing them with the opportunity to work closely with experienced scientists and researchers.
Interns are paired with a mentor — who may be a staff member, post-doctoral student, or faculty member — and collaborate on projects focused on human genetics. The internship is designed to develop students' research and presentation skills, with a strong emphasis on exploring the genetic factors that contribute to human diseases. Through this experience, students gain a deeper understanding of the critical role genetics plays in disease diagnosis, intervention, and prevention.
Throughout the program, interns attend seminars and workshops that enhance their understanding of genomics and research methodologies. The internship culminates in a final presentation where students showcase their research findings, providing them with valuable experience in scientific communication.
Cost/Stipend: $200Location: Fremont, FL
Application Deadline: No formal deadline; interested students should email cellscience@sciencegurus.org well in advance of the program.
Program Dates: 8 weeks during June - July.
Eligibility: Open to students who have completed their junior year of high school
The Rational Drug Design and Discovery Program offers an intensive, hands-on experience for rising high school seniors interested in biotechnology and rational drug design. This 8-week program immerses students in the field of bioinformatics, where they engage in research projects focused on the design and discovery of new drugs.
Under the guidance of experienced researchers and industry professionals, interns gain practical experience in drug discovery techniques, experimental design, and data analysis. The program also features guest lectures and workshops that delve into career development in biotechnology, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
At the end of the program, they present their research findings through oral presentations and submit detailed project reports. This culminating experience not only sharpens their research and communication skills but also fosters a deeper passion for biotechnology and related sciences.
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend; students will receive academic credit
Location: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL (Virtual and hybrid options available). Application Deadline: July 31, 2024
Program Dates: Runs for 14 weeks, beginning September 3, 2024
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors who hold a GPA of 2.5+, with an excellent attendance record. Must be enrolled in the Miami-Dade County Public School (M-DCPS) Academic Internship Program
The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Teen Academic Year Program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in healthcare administration while earning academic credit. This program, part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Academic Internship Program, runs throughout the academic year, providing students with the flexibility to choose between virtual, hybrid, or in-person formats.
Participants are expected to dedicate 5–10 hours per week to their internship, where they will develop valuable skills in healthcare management and gain practical experience in a professional setting. The program includes ongoing support and assessment, with students submitting weekly timesheets and receiving quarterly grade evaluations to ensure continuous feedback and improvement.
This internship not only allows students to explore the administrative side of healthcare but also helps them build a strong foundation for future careers in the medical field. By the end of the program, students will have gained a deeper understanding of healthcare operations and have valuable experience to include in their college applications and resumes.
Cost/Stipend: No cost (No stipend information listed)Location: Miami, FL
Application Deadline: Applications typically close by May.
Program Dates: June 14 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility: Open to high school rising seniors.
Florida International University’s Summer Research Internship in Cardiovascular Health is an intensive 8-week program designed for high school students interested in exploring careers in medical research. This internship provides students with the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge cardiovascular health research, working alongside faculty mentors from FIU.
Before the program begins, interns complete a series of online safety courses to prepare for lab work. Throughout the internship, students are paired with research mentors and attend weekly workshops focused on professional and academic development. These workshops, combined with meetings that include journal clubs and case study discussions, help students refine their research skills and gain a deeper understanding of cardiovascular health.
The internship concludes with interns submitting research abstracts and presenting their work at an awards ceremony. Outstanding presenters will receive awards and be invited to display their research at the MARC U*STAR symposium in December. This program offers students a robust introduction to medical research and an opportunity to develop skills that will be valuable in both academic and professional settings.
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Internships are held year-round
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
For students eager to delve into medical careers, Medicine Encompassed offers a unique opportunity through its student-run nonprofit organization, dedicated to enhancing accessibility in in healthcare education. Interns can choose from a variety of roles across 18 different committees, allowing them to explore diverse areas such as writing, editing, sponsorships, graphic design, marketing, and resource creation.
Interns are tasked with researching medical topics, producing informative articles, creating educational guides, and developing resources that aim to broaden understanding of healthcare. Additionally, participants can contribute to the 'Project Cultivation' outreach initiative, which focuses on increasing awareness and improving access to medical education, particularly in underserved communities.
This internship provides a flexible and impactful way for students to gain experience in the medical field while honing their skills in research, communication, and project management. By the end of the program, interns will have developed a comprehensive set of educational materials, showcasing their collaborative efforts and commitment to making a difference in the world of healthcare.
Cost: No cost or stipend
Location: South Florida, FL
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Varies depending on the clinician you are assigned to
Eligibility: Open to students who are at least 16 years old
The Baptist Health Academics’ Observer Program offers a unique externship and shadowing experience rather than a traditional internship. Through this program, students have the chance to closely observe and shadow Baptist Health clinicians during various patient care activities. Participants can choose to shadow under the guidance of a Baptist Health employee or medical staff member, including physicians.
This observership provides an in-depth look into healthcare careers, allowing students to join medical rounds, observe procedures, and attend teaching conferences. The duration of the shadowing experience is flexible and set by the supervising clinician, with the possibility of extending up to four weeks. The program is designed to give participants a valuable insider’s perspective on the medical field.
The duration of the observership is flexible and is determined by the supervising clinician, with some placements lasting up to four weeks. This program is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and want to gain firsthand exposure to the medical profession.
Location: Miami, FL
Cost, Application Deadline, and Program Dates: Specific information like this is available through Public Schools in St. Lucie County
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors who live and attend school in St. Lucie County
Florida International University’s Center for Translational Science (FIU-CTS) offers a 5-week program designed for enthusiastic high school juniors and seniors eager to explore biomedical research. This program provides students with the opportunity to work alongside expert scientists specializing in neuroscience, aging and wellness, and drug discovery.
Throughout the internship, students gain hands-on experience in the center’s state-of-the-art laboratories. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with researchers to review their findings. The program also includes networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with professionals in the field, as well as a final presentation where interns showcase their achievements.
At the end of the program, participants are recognized with a certificate and a letter from the Program Director. They also receive a scientific poster of their research, which can be used for future competitions. Additionally, interns accumulate over 100 volunteer hours, further enhancing their college applications and resumes.
One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in STEM or other fields, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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