9 Engineering Programs for High School Students in Florida
Are you a high school student eager to explore the field of engineering before starting college? Florida offers a diverse array of programs designed to ignite your curiosity and build a strong foundation in engineering. Whether your interests lie in aerospace, civil, mechanical, or software engineering, these programs provide you with hands-on experiences, mentorship from industry professionals, and an exciting preview of the engineering world. From summer camps to research internships, you’ll have the chance to dive into projects, use state-of-the-art technology, and learn what it takes to solve real-world challenges.
Participating in an engineering program as a high school student not only gives you a competitive edge on college applications but also helps you build valuable technical and critical-thinking skills. Florida’s offerings combine rigorous academic coursework with practical, collaborative projects, ensuring you develop the expertise needed to excel in your future career. Here is a curated list of 10 engineering programs for high school students in Florida.
1. University of Florida - IncuGator STEM Summer Program
The IncuGator STEM Summer Program offers a two-week, immersive dive into aerospace engineering. You will explore key concepts such as rocket design, aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science through hands-on projects and expert guidance. The program culminates in designing and building your own custom rocket, which you’ll see come to life during a launch. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaboration with peers, this program equips you with teamwork, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills essential for a future in STEM.
Cost: $1,000. Some needs-based financial aid is available.
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for two weeks in July.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply.
2. Florida Atlantic University - Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop
The Ocean Engineering Summer Program at Florida Atlantic University is a four-day program that focuses on the intersection of engineering and marine science, offering topics like underwater robotics, ocean exploration, and sustainable marine technologies. You’ll work alongside expert faculty to tackle real-world challenges, design creative solutions, and engage in projects that bring engineering concepts to life. With access to FAU’s cutting-edge facilities, this program provides you with unique insights and critical skills for one of the fastest-growing STEM fields.
Cost: Free!
Location: Florida Atlantic University's SeaTech Campus, Dania Beach, FL.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for four days in June.
Application Deadline: TBA for the 2025 program.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply.
3. Florida International University - FLAME Program
The FLAME (FIU Learning Assistant Model for Engineering) program at Florida International University combines rigorous academic instruction with mentorship from FIU engineering students, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Through interactive workshops and hands-on projects, you’ll develop technical and analytical skills while exploring foundational engineering principles. During the school year, you will engage in industry-centered workshops and take part in lab tours covering topics such as cybersecurity, big data, infrastructure and resilience, artificial intelligence, biomedical technology, robotics, sensors and sensing systems, IoT and wireless communication, automotive and aerospace engineering, and 3D manufacturing. The FLAME program bridges classroom learning with practical application, offering a comprehensive introduction to the opportunities in engineering.
Cost: TBA for the 2025 program. Some financial aid is available.
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL.
Program Dates: The program typically runs throughout the academic year.
Application Deadline: Students are recommended by partner schools and receive instructions from their high school on the application process.
Eligibility: High school seniors with a 3.0 unweighted high school GPA and enrolled in one of the partner schools are eligible to apply.
4. University of Miami - Summer Scholars: Engineering
The University of Miami’s Summer Scholars Program offers you an introduction to engineering through its credit-bearing courses. Designed for high school students, these courses blend rigorous academics with hands-on learning in areas such as robotics, biomedical engineering, and environmental systems. Guided by University of Miami faculty, you’ll tackle real-world challenges, develop innovative solutions, and earn college credit, giving you a head start on future studies and careers.
Cost: Residential: $9,057 | Commuter: $7,799.
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Program Dates: The program typically runs for three weeks from June to July.
Deadlines: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply.
5. University of South Florida - Biomedical Engineering Camp
The University of South Florida’s Biomedical Engineering Summer Camp immerses you in the field of biomedical engineering. Through academic instruction and hands-on activities, you’ll explore topics like medical device design, bioimaging, and tissue engineering. Guided by expert faculty and industry professionals, you’ll work on collaborative projects that apply engineering principles to real-world healthcare challenges. This program provides access to cutting-edge facilities and a unique opportunity to gain insights into emerging biomedical technologies.
Cost: TBA for the 2025 program.
Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
Program Dates: TBA for the 2025 program.
Application Deadline: Registration for the 2025 summer program opens on February 1, 2025.
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 are eligible to apply.
6. University of Central Florida - Camp Connect I
Camp Connect I at the University of Central Florida is a week-long day camp that introduces students to a variety of engineering disciplines such as Electrical, Computer, Industrial, Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, Environmental, Construction, and Computer Science. It fosters interest in STEM through interactive workshops, design challenges, and real-world projects in areas such as robotics, environmental engineering, and programming. As a participant, you will collaborate with peers, engage with UCF faculty and industry professionals, and explore potential career pathways in technology and engineering. Emphasizing innovation, teamwork, and creativity, Camp Connect provides an environment where you can develop technical skills.
Cost: $200. Some need-based scholarships are available.
Location: University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for a week in June.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Eligibility: Rising 8th-11th grade high school students are eligible to apply.
7. Florida State University - Young Scholars Program
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a six-week residential summer program for Florida high school students with exceptional STEM potential. Participants take three specialized courses in mathematics, science, including engineering, and computer programming, uniquely designed for the program.
As part of the program, you will collaborate with Florida State University faculty for an Independent Research Project in fields such as Biological Science, Engineering, Chemistry, and Oceanography, joining research teams from institutions like the Mag Lab and COAPS. The program’s structured schedule includes evening and weekend engagement, balancing rigorous academics with athletic and social activities for a comprehensive experience.
Cost: Free!
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.
Program Dates: June 8 – July 19, 2025.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 11th grade in a Florida public or private high school, maintained at least a 3.0 GPA, and enrolled in or have completed Pre-Calculus are eligible to apply.
8. Florida Atlantic University - Green Future: From Sky to Ground
The Green Futures Summer Program at Florida Atlantic University immerses high school students in the field of sustainable engineering. This hands-on initiative focuses on addressing environmental challenges, including renewable energy, water conservation, and eco-friendly infrastructure. You will work closely with expert faculty and peers to design and implement sustainable solutions, applying engineering principles to real-world problems. With access to FAU’s cutting-edge facilities, the program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed for impactful careers in environmental sustainability and engineering.
Cost: TBA for the 2025 program.
Location: Florida Atlantic University’s SeaTech Campus, Dania Beach, FL.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for five days in June.
Application Deadline: TBA for the 2025 program.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
9. Florida Atlantic University - Engineering Academy
FAU Engineering Academy’s I-DeepLearn Summer Workshop explores the evolving fields of machine learning and deep learning. This program offers an excellent opportunity to prepare for advanced studies and careers in computer science and related disciplines, including engineering.
Designed for female students entering grades 10-12 in Fall 2024, the workshop focuses on advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in healthcare applications. Over the course of one week, you will engage in a dynamic environment featuring hands-on programming projects and discussions on key machine learning and deep learning concepts. The program aims to empower young women to explore innovative technologies and build valuable skills in this rapidly expanding domain.
Cost: Free!
Location: Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for a week in June.
Application Deadline: TBA for the 2025 program.
Eligibility: Female students entering grades 10-12 with a minimum 3.25 high school GPA are eligible to apply. Knowledge of Pre-calculus, Computer Science I, or fundamental programming skills and basic Python is recommended.
Bonus Programs!
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduates, offers two programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program focuses on collaborative learning in AI applications, while the AI Fellowship provides personalized mentorship from PhD experts for independent research projects.
In the AI Fellowship, you’ll examine AI’s influence on fields such as finance, medicine, and gaming, with opportunities to publish or present your work. Previous projects have explored AI in medicine, educational tools, and gaming algorithms. The program emphasizes technical skill-building and applying AI concepts to real-world challenges.
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost:
$2,290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week bootcamp)
$5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1:1 mentorship)
$6,900 for both AI Scholars + Fellowship
Need-based financial aid is available
Eligibility: High school students. Students applying to the AI Fellowship program must complete the AI Scholars program or provide evidence of previous experience in AI and Python
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort.
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI!
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