Free summer programs for teens: Your Next Big Adventure Might Be FREE!
A Surf Skate Science Guide to Summer 2027 Opportunities in STEM, Marine Science, Art, Architecture, and Civic Leadership
What if one summer could change everything? What if the kid who loves building skateboard ramps discovered a passion for architecture at MIT? Or the teenager fascinated by sharks spent the summer working alongside marine biologists? What if a student who loves taking photos discovered a future in filmmaking, or someone who loves debating found their voice through a civic leadership program?
At Surf Skate Science, we know that incredible things happen when young people get the opportunity to explore their interests outside a traditional classroom.
We've watched students who were hesitant to try something new become confident problem solvers. We've seen kids discover a love for science through surfing, physics through skateboarding, and storytelling through photography.
That's what makes learning exciting. And it shouldn't always come with a hefty price tag.
Did you know that some of the country's most incredible summer learning experiences are completely FREE? Some even PAY students to participate! Check out these Free summer programs for teens
From prestigious universities like MIT and Yale to local organizations right here in South Florida, there are opportunities for students to explore science, engineering, art, marine conservation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
We've rounded up a collection of programs worth exploring for summer 2027, starting close to home.
This guide includes completely free programs, paid internships, and a few excellent opportunities that offer scholarships. We've identified the differences because free tuition doesn't always mean free transportation, housing, or other expenses.
Application dates and availability can change, so use the links to check each program's latest information.
SOUTH FLORIDA OPPORTUNITIES
There's something pretty incredible about living in South Florida. We're surrounded by world class research universities, amazing marine ecosystems, incredible creative talent, and organizations that are investing in the next generation. And some of those opportunities are right in our backyard!
Marine Science & Environmental Conservation
Surf Skate Science Summer Wavemakers
Location: South Florida
Get ready for a week of marine science adventures that take learning beyond the classroom! Our Summer Wavemakers program invites curious students to explore marine biology, Florida's unique ecosystems, and the science behind protecting our oceans through exciting hands on experiences. Students can discover marine life, investigate environmental challenges, explore scientific tools, and learn how researchers are working to protect our blue planet.
Who: Summer 2027 ages to be announced. Our previous Wavemakers Environmental Science Lab served grades 6 through 12.
Cost: Summer tuition and scholarship information to be announced. Cost depend on our ability to obtain donations and grants but our hope is to offer this as low cost as possible.
Summer 2027: Dates and registration details coming soon.
More local marine science opportunities
Program | Who can apply | Experience, cost & application |
Grades 9 to 12. Broward, Miami Dade and Upper Keys. Homeschool students welcome. | FREE. Marine research, Biscayne Bay experiences, conservation projects, scientific presentations, community service and opportunities for scholarships. Academic year program. The 2026 to 2027 cohort closed September 20, 2026. Watch for the next cycle. | |
Grades 9 to 12 in Broward and Miami Dade. No previous experience required. | FREE. Environmental science, water quality, public policy, advocacy training, restoration projects and service hours. Academic year program. Next applications expected May 1, 2027, with a published July 31 deadline. | |
Ages 15 to 18, enrolled in Palm Beach or Martin County high schools. | PAID INTERNSHIP. Ten weeks working with sea turtle conservationists, educators and researchers in Juno Beach. The 2026 rate was $17 per hour. Watch for 2027 applications, which previously opened in January. | |
South Florida high school students interested in conservation and civic engagement. | FREE. Summer environmental leadership with virtual training, field trips, Everglades experiences, biodiversity research, advocacy and service hours. The 2026 program ran in July. Watch for 2027 registration. | |
Current grades 9 to 11 in Broward and Palm Beach; other county eligibility may vary. | SCHOLARSHIP DEPENDENT. A weeklong residential marine and environmental research experience with scientists, fieldwork and possible college credit. In 2026, sponsors covered the $975 program fee, leaving approximately $42 in additional costs. Summer 2027 dates and funding are not yet confirmed. | |
Ages 14 to 25. | FREE FOR ACCEPTED SCHOLARSHIP PARTICIPANTS. A two day experience covering boating safety, responsible recreation and ocean stewardship. Submit an interest form for future sessions. | |
STEM, Engineering & Technology
Program | Who can apply | Experience, cost & application |
Students in grades 10 to 12. Teacher or counselor recommendation required. | FREE. Explore construction management, engineering technology, project planning, and real construction sites with FIU faculty and industry professionals. The previous camp ran in August. Watch for summer 2027 applications. | |
Rising high school juniors and seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA. Essay, transcript and recommendation required. | FREE. Medical careers, clinical demonstrations, science workshops and mentorship. June 21 to 25, 2027. Application deadline: April 1, 2027. | |
Ages 14 to 17. No previous AI or coding experience required. | FREE IN 2026. One week exploring artificial intelligence through hands on activities and projects. Previously offered at North, Homestead and Kendall campuses with lunch included. Check for 2027 renewal. | |
Eligible middle and high school dual enrollment students. Minimum 2.5 GPA for high school students and qualifying placement scores; different requirements apply to middle school students. | FREE. Six weeks of college coursework, AI projects, experiential activities and potential college credits at the Wolfson Campus. June 21 to July 29, 2027. Application deadline: May 7, 2027. | |
High school juniors in good standing from Miami Dade and Broward. Transcript, personal statement and teacher recommendations required. | PAID INTERNSHIP. Eight weeks conducting biological and computational science research with University of Miami scientists. Applications open December 1, 2026. Deadline: January 31, 2027. | |
Palm Beach County high school students; additional eligibility requirements to be confirmed. | PAID IN 2026. Six weeks studying urban design, artificial intelligence, sensors and community infrastructure with FAU researchers. Watch for a 2027 application announcement. |
Architecture, Design & Creative Careers
Program | Who can apply | Experience, cost & application |
High school students. Broward programs primarily serve juniors and seniors. Local affiliate participation varies. | FREE. Architecture, construction and engineering professionals mentor students through design challenges, site visits, presentations and career exploration. Offered during the school year, with possible internship and scholarship connections. This will be offered at The Lab at Surf Skate Science starting in January and runs until May. | |
Ages 8 to 18 interested in architecture and design. | PAID, WITH SCHOLARSHIPS. A two week summer camp at FIU led by architects and designers, including design projects, field trips and portfolio development. Tuition was $450 in 2026. AIA Miami's Black Architects in the Making initiative supports more than 15 scholarships annually. Check for summer 2027 registration. | |
Current sophomores from 10 selected Broward public schools, including Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Blanche Ely and Plantation. | FREE. A weeklong summer arts career camp followed by monthly professional workshops, mentorship and field experiences. Transportation and meals included. Only 25 students selected. Deadline: November 30, 2026. | |
High school students interested in design, technology, accessibility and entrepreneurship. | SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE. A four week experience using design software, 3D printing, entrepreneurial projects and FIU mentorship. Published tuition is $300 per week, with full scholarships offered. Verify the 2027 session. | |
Grades 4 to 8 for the published 2026 marine science session. | PAID. Marine biology and field experiences at NSU's Oceanographic Center. The published 2026 two week tuition was $1,200. This is included as a local marine science option, not as a free camp. Check for 2027 scholarships or other financial assistance. |
Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy & Leadership
Program | Who can apply | Experience, cost & application |
Selected Broward high school students, generally grades 11 and 12 through participating schools. | PAID, LIMITED FINANCIAL AID. Career exploration, executive mentors, business challenges and potential paid summer internships. Published tuition is $600, with a $50 registration fee and some financial assistance. | |
Students in participating Miami Dade and Monroe County schools. Programs span elementary through high school. | FREE SCHOOL PROGRAMS. Entrepreneurship, financial literacy, business simulations and career readiness. These are primarily school and community programs, rather than an independently advertised summer camp. Families can ask about participating schools and opportunities. | |
Students entering grades 6 to 12, plus eligible graduating seniors, with a Miami Dade mailing address. | FREE IN 2026. Students use technology, AI, design thinking and business planning to create entrepreneurial projects and compete for prizes. The 2026 camp included $300 in seed capital. Watch for summer 2027 applications. | |
Elementary students in participating Miami Dade communities; high school students can also apply to serve as mentors and earn service hours. | FREE. Six weeks of creative learning, leadership, projects, mentorship and field trips. Watch for 2027 student and mentor registration. | |
Primarily students currently in grades 4 and 5, with limited openings for grades 6 to 8. Academic and attendance requirements apply. Homeschool applicants are eligible. | FREE. An eight year college preparation and enrichment pathway that includes summer learning. Summer 2027 runs June 14 through July 24. Early deadline: January 15, 2027. Extended deadline: May 15, 2027. |
FREE SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
Ready to explore beyond Florida?
These programs connect students with researchers, artists, scientists, journalists and industry professionals across the country. Some are residential, others are virtual, and many provide significant financial support.
Science, Engineering & Technology
Program | Who can apply | Experience, cost & application |
Current high school juniors with exceptional academic achievement and strong research interests. U.S. and international applicants. | FREE. Six weeks conducting advanced scientific research with professional mentors. Offered at MIT and Stanford in 2027. Deadline: December 11, 2026. | |
Current high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. | FREE. Six weeks of college level STEM, engineering projects, mentorship and campus experiences. Housing and meals covered; travel is not. Applications typically close February 1. | |
Eligible Native American high school students, generally rising grades 10 to 12. | FREE. Ten days of chemistry, engineering, computer science and related STEM activities. July 25 to August 3, 2027. Transportation and residential expenses covered. | |
Eligible high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, generally ages 16 and older. Citizenship requirements vary by laboratory. | PAID INTERNSHIP. Eight weeks conducting research at participating Navy laboratories. Deadline: November 30, 2026. | |
Current juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA. | FREE, UNPAID. Seven weeks of research at NIST laboratories in Maryland or Colorado. Participants arrange their own transportation and living expenses. | |
29. Kode With Klossy | Girls, young women and gender expansive teens ages 13 to 18. No coding experience required. | FREE. Two weeks learning coding, artificial intelligence, data science and web development. Virtual and in person sessions. 2027 applications expected in February. |
Girls and nonbinary students in grades 9 to 12, including eligible rising freshmen and graduating seniors. | FREE. Flexible virtual coding projects in games, cybersecurity, AI and web development. | |
Male identifying high school students throughout the United States. No prior coding experience required. | FREE. Six weeks of coding, software projects and technology mentorship, primarily online. Applications open January 31, 2027. | |
Eligible rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. | PAID APPRENTICESHIP IN PREVIOUS YEARS.Explore underwater robotics, programming and engineering in Rhode Island. Watch for the 2027 application beginning in March. |
Marine Science & Ocean Conservation
Program | Who can apply | Experience, cost & application |
Rising high school seniors and rising college freshmen, at least age 16, with access to a participating local mentor. | PAID INTERNSHIP. Eight weeks in aquatic or marine science with a $3,000 stipend. Placements vary across the United States. Applications open November 23, 2026. Deadline: January 24, 2027. | |
Ages 13 to 18 living in the U.S. or its territories. | FREE. A yearlong environmental leadership experience with virtual sessions, conservation projects and ocean science experts. Applications open November 13, 2026. Deadline: January 3, 2027. | |
Rising grades 9 to 12 from communities historically underrepresented in STEM. | FREE IN 2026. Shark science, fishing, field surveys, kayaking, data analysis and scientific communication. Previous camps were held in Sarasota and Cedar Key, Florida. Check for summer 2027 funding and dates. |
Civics, Journalism & Leadership
Program | Who can apply | Experience, cost & application |
Current high school juniors from limited income families with strong academic achievement and a serious interest in journalism. | FREE. Reporting, interviewing, writing, and college preparation with a residential component at Princeton. Applications expected November 2026 through January 2027. | |
Current high school sophomores and juniors. Teacher recommendation and parent consent required. | FREE. An international cultural exchange bringing American and Japanese teens together at the University of Virginia. Housing and meals covered; travel may require assistance. Deadline: January 19, 2027. | |
Generally high school juniors selected through local American Legion posts. | USUALLY SPONSORED. Experience government by creating political parties, holding elections and managing a simulated state government. State selection processes vary. | |
Generally high school juniors selected through local Auxiliary units. | USUALLY SPONSORED. Explore civic leadership, elections, public policy and state government. State schedules and eligibility vary. | |
Eligible current sophomores and juniors attending New Haven public schools in Connecticut. | FREE. Two weeks of discussions about democracy, justice, public life, and persuasive writing. Some students receive a stipend. Restricted to local students. Check the 2027 announcement. |
Photography, Film & Visual Arts
Program | Who can apply | Experience, cost & application |
High school students ages 14 to 18 who can regularly attend in New York City. | FREE, WITH STIPEND. Eight months of photography, visual storytelling, artist workshops and an exhibition, including intensive summer sessions. Deadline: November 6, 2026. | |
Eligible high school students who can commute to New York City, with priority for underserved communities. | FREE THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS. Learn filmmaking, acting, visual storytelling and creative production. 2027 applications open January 15. | |
New York City high school students in grades 9 to 12. | FREE. Four weeks exploring the arts, cultural institutions and creative media through field visits and writing. Watch for July 2027 applications. | |
Eligible public school students in New Haven, West Haven and Orange/Amity, Connecticut. | FREE. Photography, architecture, visual arts, theatre, museums and creative workshops. Restricted to local participating students. | |
Existing Yale Pathways Scholars entering grades 10 to 12 from eligible local Connecticut schools. | FREE. Two weeks of science investigations with Yale faculty and researchers. Not open to general nationwide applications. |
EXCELLENT PROGRAMS WITH FINANCIAL AID
These programs may provide an incredible experience, but full funding is not automatic. Always review scholarship requirements before applying.
Program | Who can apply | Cost & application |
Current high school sophomores and juniors, ages 16 to 18 during the 2027 program. | Two weeks of global issues, science, law and economics. Published tuition: $7,500. Need based aid can cover up to 100% of tuition. Deadline: January 6, 2027. | |
Eligible high school students, generally current juniors, who complete required online preparation. | Robotics, AI and advanced engineering. Free for qualifying families under the published 2026 financial policy; other families paid tuition. Housing expenses may apply. Confirm 2027 terms. | |
Current eleventh graders who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, at least 16, with a school nomination. | Six weeks of university research. No tuition, but application, housing and meal costs may apply. School nomination: January 29, 2027. Application: February 5, 2027. | |
Eligible high school students interested in theatre design and creative careers. | Free program tuition, with an application fee waiver available. Transportation and housing may be additional expenses. Deadline: December 18, 2026. |
TIPS FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS
Start early. Don't wait until May to think about summer. Many competitive Free summer programs for teens open applications in the fall and close in January or February.
Don't assume a program is out of reach. Some of the most selective universities offer free programs, and some even cover housing, meals and travel. Look for fee waivers and financial aid.
Remember that learning happens everywhere. Not every great program happens at an Ivy League school. Marine science labs, local museums, community organizations, research centers and mentorship programs can offer experiences just as meaningful.
Ask about homeschool eligibility. Some programs welcome homeschool students while others require school nominations, transcripts, or attendance at specific schools. Check before applying.
Be yourself in your application. You don't need to have your entire future figured out. Share what genuinely interests you. Talk about a project you built, a problem you tried to solve, an experience that changed your perspective, or a question you can't stop asking.
And don't be discouraged if you don't get accepted. Many of these opportunities are incredibly competitive. Applying is still valuable experience, and there are countless other ways to explore your interests and build your skills.
THE NEXT GREAT DISCOVERY MIGHT START WITH YOU
There's a question we love asking our Surf Skate Science students: What are you curious about?
Not what do you want to be when you grow up. Not what career pays the most. Not what someone else thinks you should study. What genuinely makes you curious?
Maybe it's wondering how a skateboard can seemingly defy gravity. Maybe it's trying to understand why coral reefs are disappearing or how engineers design structures that can withstand powerful waves.
Maybe you see the world differently through a camera lens. Or you want to create something that doesn't exist yet.
We started Surf Skate Science because we believe those questions matter.
A skateboard can become a lesson in physics. A surfboard can spark an interest in ocean engineering. A beach can become a marine science laboratory. And a simple creative project can be the beginning of a lifelong passion.
The most exciting part is that you don't have to know where your curiosity is going to take you. You just have to follow it.
So this summer, we challenge you to try something new. Apply for a program that excites you, even if it seems a little intimidating. Meet people who share your interests. Ask big questions. Learn something unexpected.
And remember, the next great scientist, engineer, conservationist, artist, or inventor could be the kid standing next to us at the skatepark.
We can't wait to see where your curiosity takes you. After all, we've got AWESOME down to a science!
This guide was researched in November 2026 for summer 2027 planning. Program costs, eligibility, dates and application windows are subject to change. Opportunities from the 2026 season are identified where 2027 information is not yet available.
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