10 AI Programs for High School Students in Florida
Specialized AI programs can provide excellent opportunities for Florida high school students to deepen their understanding of artificial intelligence while exploring career possibilities in this rapidly evolving field. These programs often include hands-on experiences like real-world projects, simulations, and research, allowing students to develop practical skills in AI, machine learning, and related technologies.
In addition to academic growth, such programs significantly enhance college applications. Admissions committees look for students who demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and a strong commitment to their personal and academic development. By engaging in these opportunities, you’ll strengthen your problem-solving abilities, showcase your commitment to growth, and gain experiences that set you apart as a proactive learner ready for college and beyond.
To help get you started, we’ve put together this list of 10 AI programs for high school students in Florida!
1. Florida Atlantic University - I-DeepLearn Summer Workshop
Cost: Free
Location: Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Application Deadline: Applications have not opened yet.
Program Dates: One week in mid-June (based on past dates)
Eligibility: Rising female students in grades 10–12
The I-DeepLearn Summer Workshop, hosted by Florida Atlantic University (FAU), invites female high school students to explore the fields of machine learning and deep learning. This competitive program, limited to a cohort of 24 students, emphasizes the latest developments in AI, with a particular focus on healthcare applications. Throughout the one-week workshop, participants will engage in hands-on projects and programming exercises, exploring topics such as Python programming, neural networks, and AI-driven solutions to real-world problems. Additionally, students will work on research projects related to AI applications, receiving mentorship from top experts in the field.
2. University of Florida - iD Tech Camp
Cost: $899
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Application Deadline: Summer 2025 registration opens in November.
Program Dates: One week in the summer (specific dates vary)
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The iD Tech program provides a week-long, immersive experience for high school students interested in STEM. Held on the University of Florida campus, the program allows participants to explore topics like artificial intelligence, coding, and game development while enjoying the atmosphere of a college campus. In addition to the academic focus, students take part in various engaging events such as dress-up days, raffles, and gaming tournaments. Mentored by educators from institutions like Stanford and NYU, participants work on projects that range from app and game development to creating AI bots and viral videos, all while nurturing creativity and a passion for STEM and innovation.
3. Academic and Career Excellence in Engineering (ACEE) Camps - Tech Challenge Intro
Cost: $250
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Program Dates: July 22 - 26, 2024
Eligibility: Open to 8th-12th graders
The ACEE Summer Camps, organized by the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, are one-week virtual academic programs that focus on electrical engineering and AI computer coding. In the electrical engineering camp, participants will explore essential topics such as power, energy, wireless communications, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Meanwhile, the AI coding camp covers the fundamentals of neural networks and convolutional neural networks, providing hands-on experience in building and training these models. Both camps emphasize academic growth, professional development, and career awareness, with a particular focus on STEM fields related to electrical engineering and computer science.
Cost: $4,000 (financial aid available)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Program Dates: 3 weeks in July
Eligibility: Open to all 9th grade students
Stanford AI4ALL is a summer program designed to introduce high school students to the field of artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on increasing diversity and inclusion in the AI community. This program offers participants the opportunity to learn about AI through lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentorship from Stanford faculty and graduate students. Participants engage with a variety of AI applications, such as robotics and natural language processing, gaining practical experience in cutting-edge technologies.
In addition to technical training, Stanford AI4ALL provides valuable career development resources. The program features workshops that guide students through the process of pursuing higher education and career opportunities in AI. Networking opportunities with professionals and peers in the field further enhance the experience, creating a community of aspiring innovators.
5. Gator Artificial Intelligence Camp
Cost:
TBD + $20 application fee
Need-based scholarships are available for students attending a Florida High School
Fee waiver available for students on free or reduced lunch
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Application Deadline: TBD
Program Dates: 2025 dates will be announced in December 2024
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th graders
The Gator Artificial Intelligence (AI) Camp is a week-long residential program designed for rising 10th and 11th graders eager to explore the transformative impact of AI on society, research, and the global economy. Participants engage with University of Florida faculty across diverse disciplines in the social and physical sciences, as well as experts in cutting-edge technologies. This immersive program offers a foundational understanding of AI's applications and its far-reaching implications.
The camp offers hands-on experience in programming and utilizing AI tools to solve problems and create digital projects. Highlights of the program include guided tours of UF's state-of-the-art research labs and a visit to the UF Data Center, which houses HiPerGator — one of the nation's leading supercomputing and AI resources. These experiences give participants a glimpse into a top-tier research environment and inspire them to envision their future in technology and innovation.
6. Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp
Cost: Free
Location: Data Analytics Center at Miami Dade College, Kendall, FL
Application Deadline: September 30, 2024
Program Dates: November 2, November 9, and November 16, 2024
Eligibility: High school students in Miami
The Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp is a free, immersive program designed to introduce high school students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Hosted at the Data Analytics Center at Miami Dade College's Kendall Campus, the bootcamp spans three consecutive Saturdays, providing participants with hands-on experience in AI concepts and applications. Each session is 5 hours long, combining lectures and activities.
Participants will gain a clearer understanding of what AI truly encompasses, distinguish its capabilities from misconceptions, and identify examples of AI integrated into their daily lives. The program also includes practical exercises, such as utilizing ChatGPT and building AI applications using Microsoft's cloud computing tools.
Cost: $450
Location: USF Tampa campus, Tampa, FL
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions open on February 1, 2025
Program Dates: July 21 - 25, 2025
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The USF High School CyberCon is a dynamic summer camp presented in a conference-style format. Organized by the University of South Florida in partnership with academic departments, industry leaders, and public and private sector collaborators, this program offers an engaging week dedicated to cybersecurity education. Designed for students in grades 9-12, the camp combines interactive exercises, expert-led lectures, and professional networking opportunities to immerse participants in the world of cybersecurity.
The camp covers various topics, including ethical hacking, cybersecurity careers, and real-world applications of cybersecurity principles. The experience culminates in a competitive, week-long Capture the Flag (CTF) event, encouraging collaboration and problem-solving.
8. University of Florida’s Student Science Training Program
Cost:
TBA + $50 application fee
Need-based scholarships are available for students attending a Florida high school
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until program is filled.
Program Dates: 7 weeks; typically early June to late July
Eligibility: Rising seniors aged 16+
The University of Florida Student Science Training Program (UF SSTP) offers a 7-week residential research experience tailored for students pursuing careers in science, medicine, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. Participants dedicate 30 hours weekly to contributing to ongoing research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, gaining hands-on experience while exploring advanced scientific concepts. Daily lectures on cutting-edge research topics and an honors seminar class supplement the hands-on work, fostering a deeper understanding of the scientific field.
The program also emphasizes skill development through workshops, group discussions, and presentations, helping students enhance communication, critical thinking, and technical writing abilities. Individual and small group meetings provide tailored feedback, ensuring academic growth and better comprehension of scientific literature. Social and weekend activities, including service learning, field trips, and recreational events, round out the experience, fostering peer connections and a balanced, enriching environment.
9. UCF’s Computer Science Summer Institute
Cost: $1,250
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in February
Program Dates: Three weeks in June
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 7-11 aged 13 by the start of the program
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a 3-week Computer Science Summer Institute designed for students passionate about computer science and technology. Participants engage in interactive and personalized instruction led by UCF faculty and researchers, covering both fundamental and advanced computer science concepts. The program accommodates various skill levels through its three-course structure:
Levels 1 and 2: Ideal for students interested in learning more about computer science, programming, and video game design. Students are placed into Level 1 or Level 2 based on experience and math level.
Level 3: Designed for students interested in competitive programming but may not yet have the skills required to attend UCF's Competitive Programming Summer Institute.
With a selective admission process, the program accepts up to 35 participants annually. Upon completion, students receive a detailed syllabus and an individualized academic report, including recommendations for future course placements or potential credit. This structure provides participants with both foundational knowledge and personalized guidance for their academic and career pathways in computer science.
10. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Camp
Cost: Starting at $1,199
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: June 16 - 20, 2025, or July 14 - 18, 2025
Eligibility: Students ages 13-17
The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Camp is a week-long program designed for students aged 13 to 17 who are eager to delve into the world of AI. This program introduces students to the fundamentals of AI and machine learning, starting with the basics of neural networks and Python coding. Participants will explore tools like TensorFlow to build, train, and test machine learning models. Hands-on projects include using world-class datasets such as MNIST to recognize handwriting and CIFAR-10 to identify categories of images and objects.
In addition to coding and model-building, students will learn essential techniques such as preparing, cleaning, and aggregating datasets for training purposes. The program emphasizes optimizing learning rates and algorithms while providing practical applications of AI concepts. This foundational experience equips students with the skills needed to solve complex problems and serves as a stepping stone for a future career in artificial intelligence.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
Image Source - University of Florida Logo