Project-Based AI Program in Florida: How High School Students Can Apply

If you’re a high school student in Florida interested in project-based AI learning not just passive coding classes there are structured ways to build real AI experience, show results, and strengthen your academic profile. Below are some of the strongest options available locally (and ways to access them), plus actionable tips on how to apply.

1. BetterMind Labs; Structured AI Projects With Mentorship

The most reliable way for many students to gain project-based AI experience especially if local internships are scarce is through a program like BetterMind Labs. Rather than just learning tools, students work on real AI problems with mentorship, build a portfolio of outcomes, and receive guidance that aligns with research workflows.

This kind of structured project pathway can function like a pre-college AI research internship and gives you:

• End-to-end AI project experience

• Mentor feedback and evaluation

• Portfolio artifacts (GitHub repos, reports, demos)

• Work you can defend in applications and interviews
  

You can apply by reviewing program pathways, project tracks, and deadlines on bettermindlabs.org and tailor your application toward the problem statement or domain you’re most interested in.

Application tip: Prepare a short statement of interest and any relevant school projects you’ve already done — even small ones — to strengthen your application.

2. Gator Artificial Intelligence Camp — University of Florida

The Gator Artificial Intelligence (AI) Camp at University of Florida is a project-oriented summer program open to Florida high school students (rising 10th–11th graders). It combines foundational programming with AI tools and includes hands-on problem exploration under faculty and staff guidance. (Precollegiate Education Center)

How to apply

• Eligibility: Florida high school students with little or no programming experience

• Application window: Typically opens in early January and closes in late February each year

• Materials: You’ll submit an online application with basic student info and interest statements

• Timeline: Camp runs mid- to late summer; decisions released by mid-May to June (Precollegiate Education Center)

  
  

Why it’s valuable

Gator AI provides exposure to real computational environments (including UF’s HiPerGator supercomputing facility) and guided exploratory projects — a strong foundation before deeper internships.

3. Florida Atlantic University – I-DeepLearn Summer Workshop

FAU’s I-DeepLearn Summer Workshop brings rising female high school students into machine learning and deep learning concepts through hands-on work and project sessions. It’s shorter than typical internships but still focuses on building project outcomes. (Veritas AI)

How to apply

• Eligibility: Florida high school students (varies by program year)

• Application: Check FAU’s summer workshop page in early spring once it’s updated

• Output: Projects involving neural networks, Python coding, and applied ML tasks (Veritas AI)

4. New College of Florida Summer Scholars – AI Track

The Summer Scholars Program at New College of Florida sometimes includes an AI track where students do hands-on exploration of machine learning, generative AI, and real-world applications. (Veritas AI)

Application tips

• Application period: Early June (check specific deadline dates online)

• Structure: One week of guided AI problem exploration and prototyping

• Portfolio output: Small group projects and demonstrations (Veritas AI)

5. Virtual Project-Based AI Options That Complement Florida Programs

Even if an in-state opportunity isn’t perfect, virtual project-focused programs can supplement your experience:

• Veritas AI (AI Scholars / AI Fellowship) — project-based AI learning with the option to produce independent research or publish work. (Veritas AI)

• Stanford AIMI Virtual Research Internship — real AI applied to healthcare problems, with mentorship and group projects. (Veritas AI)

These aren’t Florida-only, but they’re accessible year-round and emphasize defined project outcomes.

How High School Students Should Approach Applications

Getting into project-based AI summer programs, especially ones with research or internship-style outcomes, means doing more than just filling out a form. Here’s a practical roadmap:

1. Start Early & Track Deadlines

Programs usually post deadlines 3–6 months before summer start (e.g., January–March for summer opportunities). Bookmark deadlines and set reminders.

2. Prepare a Simple Tech Interest Statement

Even for beginner programs, most applications ask:

• Why AI interests you

• What problem you want to explore

• Any prior tech or math experience

A clear, honest paragraph goes a long way.

3. Build a Small Pre-Application Artifact

Before applying, create:

• A small Python script

• A data analysis notebook

• A short write-up about an AI concept you explored

These show initiative and can strengthen your application.

4. Leverage School Counselors and Teachers

Ask a computer science or math teacher to review your application essay or to write a brief recommendation — even for non-competitive programs.

5. Combine Multiple Experiences

You don’t have to pick only one program. Start with:

• An in-state Gator AI Camp or similar workshop

• Then add a structured project pathway (e.g., BetterMind Labs or a virtual mentor program)
  

This combination shows growth and sustained effort, exactly what admissions officers and internship committees look for.

Final Takeaway

In Florida, robust project-based AI summer experiences for high school students are emerging, but most require planning and early action. The University of Florida’s Gator Artificial Intelligence Camp is one of the strongest in-state, hands-on programs with real projects and faculty exposure. (Precollegiate Education Center)

Supplementing these with structured AI project pathways like BetterMind Labs which emphasize real outcomes, mentorship, and portfolio building positions you not just to learn AI, but to actually do meaningful work that shows up on applications and resumes.

If you want help with writing outreach emails to labs, drafting tech interest statements, or building your first AI project for these applications, just ask!

You can check out Top 15 AI Programs for High School Sophomores