South Florida Universities Offering AI, STEM, and Innovation Summer Youth Programs for 2026
As artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital transformation continue reshaping industries across South Florida, universities throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties are expanding their Summer 2026 youth programs. These initiatives are increasingly focused on early exposure to STEM disciplines, coding, engineering, and AI-driven learning experiences designed to prepare the next generation of innovators.
From immersive marine science camps to AI-enhanced coding workshops and pre-college research programs, the region’s higher education institutions are strengthening their role in building South Florida’s future talent pipeline.
Miami-Dade County: Early Exposure to STEM and Innovation
Florida International University
(FIU) continues to serve as one of South Florida’s most active providers of K–12 STEM summer programming.
Its flagship Camp Discover offers elementary and middle school students hands-on learning in space science, physics, environmental studies, engineering, and the arts through weekly themed experiences and field activities. Registration for Summer 2026 is currently open, with the first session, "Blast Off," scheduled for June 8–12, 2026. Students ages 6-14 can participate in weeklong STEAM-focused programs throughout the summer.
At FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus, Camp Explore immerses students in marine science and environmental learning, combining classroom labs with outdoor water-based activities such as kayaking and snorkeling. Registration for Summer 2026 is currently open, with the first session, "Blast Off," scheduled for July 13 - 17, 2026.
FIU also offers a broader ecosystem of youth summer programs including virtual STEM learning through Camp Inspire, Upward Bound Math-Science for first-generation students, and mental health-focused summer enrichment programs through its Center for Children and Families.
Together, these programs reflect FIU’s emphasis on early STEM engagement and college readiness, particularly in science, engineering, and environmental disciplines.
University of Miami
(UM) continues to operate one of the region’s most established pre-college pipelines through its Pre-College credit and non-credit programs for high school students seeking to gain college experience before graduating from high school. The Summer Scholars Program allows high school sophomores and juniors to earn college credit while exploring disciplines such as neuroscience, engineering, entrepreneurship, business, and marine science. The program runs June 27 - July 16, 2026.
University of Miami's UM Academies offers two-week, non-credit summer enrichment programs for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors offering hands-on experiences in shark research and conservation, entrepreneurship, and business-focused English language development. The programs are designed to expose students to college-level learning while building practical skills in science, innovation, and communication. The program runs June 27 - July 10, 2026.
UM also hosts technology-focused summer learning opportunities through partnerships such as iD Tech, where students explore coding, robotics, and introductory artificial intelligence concepts including Python programming and machine learning fundamentals. There are multiple program options for ages 7 - 17 beginning June 8th through July 24th.
These programs position UM as a key bridge between high school learning and university-level research and innovation pathways.
Miami Dade College
(MDC) continues expanding its role as an accessible entry point into artificial intelligence and digital skills training for youth. For Summer 2026, MDC Summer Camps offers programs for kids and teens across multiple campuses in areas including:
Artificial intelligence and AI tools
Coding and app development
Robotics and engineering
Microbiology
Entrepreneurship
Digital media and animation
And more!
From 7 - 17, all ages can enjoy summer programming in multiple interest areas beginning June 8th. Some programs are even offered in Spanish. These offerings reflect MDC’s growing focus on workforce-aligned education, particularly in AI literacy and applied technology skills for middle and high school students.
Broward County: Applied Technology and Creative AI
Nova Southeastern University
(NSU) offers one of the most diverse summer STEM portfolios in Broward County, combining robotics, engineering, digital media, and creative AI applications.
From robotics to marine science to one of its standout offerings, the YouTube AI Production Studio, where students use generative AI tools for content creation, storytelling, and digital media production. Additional camps include robotics, coding, animation, and leadership development experiences designed to integrate technology with creativity.
NSU’s programming reflects a broader regional trend toward applied AI learning—particularly in media, robotics, and creative industries.
Broward College
(BC) continues to offer seasonal STEM enrichment programming through their Kids & Teens Summer College, including introductory coding workshops, robotics experiences, cybersecurity awareness training, and career exploration academies.
During June 22 - July 24, Broward College offers 3rd - 12th graders immersive summer programs with drones, in healthcare, learning graphic design, and many other career exploration opportunities.
While offerings vary by year, Broward College remains an important access point for students seeking early exposure to technical education pathways in South Florida.
Palm Beach County: Engineering, Robotics, and STEM Research
Florida Atlantic University
(FAU) leads Palm Beach County’s university-based STEM summer programming, particularly through its College of Engineering and Computer Science.
FAU’s Summer 2026 offerings include immersive camps in computer science, environmental engineering, ocean engineering, and drone robotics, delivered through hands-on lab experiences and faculty-led instruction. Although the College of Engineering and Computer Science sessions are currently full, there are additional summer program offerings.
Additional programs such as STEM Bridge Program and Jump Start Program initiatives support high school students transitioning into college-level STEM coursework and research environments. FAU also offers the Biology Immersion Program for hands on and lab experience for those interested in the biology fields. Summer 2026 programs begin term 3 with dates running from June 27 - August 7, 2026.
Each year, high school students who want to become future justice-seekers can join the Criminal Justice Summer Camp for a week-long camp filled with one-of-a-kind experiences and up-close opportunities to see the criminal justice system in action. Two date options, with each session capped at 25 campers, begin either June 14 or July 12, 2026.
For elementary students, FAU offers the Pine Jog Summer Day Camp in their Environmental Education Center. There are three sessions offered throughout the summer with weeks themed from wilderness to space to marine and more. Although the official application deadline has passed, it’s suggested that you reach out directly for any availability.
These programs emphasize applied engineering, ocean science, and emerging technologies such as drone systems and autonomous robotics.
Palm Beach State College
(PBSC) provides introductory summer programs in coding, robotics, cybersecurity basics, and healthcare technology exploration, offering early exposure to career pathways in technology and applied sciences. From the Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars Summer Academy to the Summer Youth College, PBSC offers multiple summer programs for transitioning students, to teachers and even the community.
Lynn University
(Lynn) offers Pine Tree Camps summer enrichment programs such as their Kitchen Academy, Computer Science Camp, Creative Arts Camp and more. They even offer an After Camp for parents who need later pickup times that run through 5:30 pm.
Programs are offered K- 8th grade with opportunities for 9th graders to join the Counselor In Training program to become future counselors with Lynn University camps. The CIT program includes swimming, archery, leadership workshops and, of course, working with the younger student camp groups.
Regional Outlook: A Growing AI and STEM Talent Pipeline
Across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, universities are increasingly aligning summer programming with workforce demands in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, digital innovation, and career exploration.
Key trends shaping Summer 2026 include:
Expanded access to AI and machine learning exposure at early ages
Increased integration of robotics and coding into youth education
Growth in creative AI applications in media and storytelling
Stronger university-to-workforce alignment through STEM pipelines
Early exposure pathways into engineering, data science, and cybersecurity
As South Florida continues its emergence as a technology and innovation hub, these programs are becoming foundational to developing the region’s future workforce.
From FIU’s environmental science camps to FAU’s engineering labs and MDC’s AI-focused youth programs, South Florida’s universities are playing an increasingly central role in preparing students for a future defined by artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
Summer 2026 reflects a clear shift: STEM and AI education is no longer supplemental, it is becoming foundational to the region’s economic and workforce development strategy.
