Top 15 Best High School Internships in Broward County, Florida 2026

Discovering internships for high school students in Broward County opens doors to exceptional career exploration opportunities in South Florida’s second-largest county and one of the nation’s most dynamic coastal regions. From accessible youth employment through CareerSource Broward’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), legal profession exposure at the Broward Public Defender’s Office and State Attorney’s Office, marine science experiences at Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center, healthcare opportunities at major hospitals including Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System, to business internships across Fort Lauderdale’s growing downtown business district, Broward County offers diverse paid internships and summer jobs for teens designed specifically for high school students.

Whether you’re passionate about marine biology at NSU’s waterfront facilities, legal advocacy through the public defender or prosecutor internships, technology and engineering through Broward County Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education programs, environmental conservation along 24 miles of Atlantic coastline, or hospitality and tourism in Fort Lauderdale’s thriving industry, Broward delivers comprehensive student opportunities that strengthen college applications and launch professional careers. The county’s combination of excellent school district partnerships, major healthcare institutions, growing tech sector, and robust CareerSource support creates an unmatched landscape for ambitious teens seeking real-world work experience.

This guide features 15 verified internship programs for high school students in Broward County for the 2026 cycle, covering opportunities from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood, Pompano Beach to Plantation. Complete with application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and compensation details, discover how to secure meaningful career exploration experiences in South Florida’s opportunity-rich county.

Contents

Top High School Internship Programs in Broward County 2026

Below are 15 verified and current internship opportunities for high school students in Broward County. All information has been confirmed for the 2026 application cycle with updated deadlines and program details.

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

Organization: CareerSource Broward – Children’s Services Council

Eight-week paid employment program placing Broward youth ages 16-18 with employers across government, nonprofits, and businesses
CareerSource pays 100% of wages
Includes mandatory soft skills training covering professionalism, communication, and teamwork
Eligibility: Ages 16-18, Broward County residents, income eligibility, available June 9-August 5
Duration: 8 weeks (June 9-August 5), varies by placement
Compensation: Paid – $14/hour
Deadline: Opens December 2025; first-come, first-served/lottery
Apply: CareerSource Broward SYEP

BCPS CTACE Summer Internship Program

Organization: Broward County Public Schools – Career Technical Adult & Community Education

School district-coordinated paid internships placing BCPS students with business partners across multiple industries
Career exploration with academic credit opportunities and professional development support
Eligibility: Broward County Public Schools students, various grade levels
Duration: Summer session, varies by placement
Compensation: Paid – varies by employer
Deadline: Applications open Spring 2026
Apply: Broward Schools

Intern Summer Justice Program

Organization: Broward Public Defender’s Office

Comprehensive criminal defense internship in public defender’s office
Shadow attorneys, attend trials, conduct legal research, tour crime labs and jails
Learn about indigent defense and constitutional rights
Eligibility: High school students & college students, interest in criminal justice/law
Duration: Summer program, full-time
Compensation: Unpaid (valuable legal experience)
Deadline: May 1, 2026
Apply: Broward Public Defender

State Attorney’s Office Internship

Organization: Broward State Attorney – Prosecution Office

Prosecutorial perspective legal internship
Work with assistant state attorneys, observe courtroom proceedings, assist with case preparation
Learn about criminal prosecution process
Eligibility: High school students & college students, Broward area, interest in law
Duration: Summer or semester, varies
Compensation: Unpaid (academic credit available)
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Apply: Contact State Attorney’s Office

Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center Programs

Organization: NSU Oceanographic Center – Dania Beach

Marine science and oceanography programs for high school students
Work with researchers on coastal ecology, shark research, coral restoration, and ocean conservation
Located at waterfront research facility
Eligibility: High school students, South Florida area, strong science background
Duration: Summer programs, varies by offering
Compensation: Varies by program
Deadline: Winter/Spring 2026
Apply: NSU Ocean Programs

JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship

Organization: University of Miami – Miller School of Medicine

Eight-week biological and computational sciences research internship for Broward and Miami-Dade students
Work with scientists and researchers on biomedical research projects with mentorship and lab experience
Eligibility: High school juniors, Broward/Miami-Dade counties, strong science interest
Duration: 8 weeks (Summer), full-time
Compensation: Paid stipend provided
Deadline: January-February 2026
Apply: Contact UM Miller School

Broward Health Youth Volunteer Program

Organization: Broward Health – Multiple Hospitals

Healthcare exposure program at county’s public hospital system
Four hospitals: Medical Center, North, Imperial Point, Coral Springs
Pathway from volunteer to paid positions in patient services, clinical support
Eligibility: Ages 14-18, Broward County, commitment to 100+ hours
Duration: Year-round, 4 hours/week minimum
Compensation: Initially volunteer; pathway to paid positions
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Apply: Broward Health Volunteers

Memorial Healthcare System Teen Volunteer

Organization: Memorial Healthcare – Multiple Locations

Hospital volunteer program with six hospitals across Broward (Pembroke, Regional, West, Miramar)
Experience patient care environments with potential for paid positions after completing volunteer hours
Eligibility: Ages 14-18, Broward area, minimum volunteer commitment
Duration: Year-round, flexible hours
Compensation: Initially volunteer; eligible for paid positions
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Apply: Memorial Healthcare

Museum of Discovery and Science Internship

Organization: MODS – Fort Lauderdale

STEM education and museum operations internship
Work on exhibits, animal care (live animal collection), planetarium programs, camps, and visitor engagement
Premier science center experience
Eligibility: Ages 15-18, Broward/South Florida, interest in science education
Duration: Summer or academic year, 10-15 hrs/week
Compensation: Paid – $13-14/hour
Deadline: February 2026
Apply: Contact Museum Education Department

Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance Youth Program

Organization: Economic Development Partnership

Business and economic development internship at regional chamber
Work on member services, events, tourism promotion, and business attraction initiatives
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors, Broward County
Duration: 6-8 weeks (Summer), 15-20 hrs/week
Compensation: Paid stipend provided
Deadline: March 2026
Apply: Contact Alliance Education Programs

Broward County Government Internship

Organization: Broward County – Multiple Departments

County government internship across departments including parks, environmental protection, libraries, transportation, and administration
Gain public sector experience at county level
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10-12), Broward County residents
Duration: Summer or semester, varies by department
Compensation: Some paid, some volunteer
Deadline: Rolling by department
Apply: Broward County Careers

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Internship

Organization: City of Boca Raton – Coastal Environmental Center

Coastal ecology and sea turtle conservation internship
Work on marine turtle rehabilitation, coastal education programs, touch tank care, and environmental education
Located at barrier island nature center
Eligibility: Ages 15-18, South Florida area, passion for marine conservation
Duration: Summer or academic year, flexible
Compensation: Paid – $13/hour
Deadline: March 2026
Apply: Contact Gumbo Limbo Education

Young Broward Leadership Program

Organization: Broward Workshop

Leadership development and civic engagement program connecting high school juniors with business and community leaders
Includes site visits, mentorship, and project-based learning about Broward County issues
Eligibility: High school juniors, Broward County schools, leadership potential
Duration: Academic year program (Sept-May), monthly meetings
Compensation: Scholarship-based program
Deadline: April 2026
Apply: Contact Broward Workshop

AutoNation Corporate Internship

Organization: AutoNation – Fort Lauderdale Headquarters

Business operations internship at nation’s largest automotive retailer (headquartered in Fort Lauderdale)
Opportunities in marketing, finance, IT, operations, and customer experience departments
Eligibility: High school seniors & college students, South Florida area, strong academics
Duration: 8-10 weeks (Summer), full-time
Compensation: Paid – $15-17/hour
Deadline: January 2026
Apply: AutoNation Careers

Broward County Library Youth Internship

Organization: Broward County Library System

Library services and teen programming internship across 38 branch locations
Work on youth services, technology assistance, reading programs, and community engagement throughout county
Eligibility: Ages 14-18, Broward County residents
Duration: Academic year or summer, 8-12 hrs/week
Compensation: Paid – $13/hour
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Apply: Broward County Library – Apply through County HR

High School Internships in Broward County, FL

How to Apply for Internships in Broward County

Successfully securing internships for high school students in Broward County requires strategic planning and thorough preparation. Here’s your complete guide to navigating the application process in South Florida’s second-largest county.

Application Methods

Online Application Portals (Most Common)

Most Broward County internship programs use digital application systems where you’ll:

Create secure account with email and password
Complete forms with personal, academic, and contact information
Upload resume and cover letter as PDF files
Answer essay questions about interests, goals, and qualifications
Provide 2-3 references (teachers, counselors, employers)
Submit transcripts showing current GPA and coursework
Track application status through dashboard

Programs using online portals: CareerSource Broward SYEP, BCPS CTACE Summer Internship, Broward Public Defender, Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare, AutoNation, Broward County Government, Broward County Library

Through School Counselors and CTE Coordinators

Many Broward programs coordinate through schools:

Meet with school counselor or CTE coordinator in early fall to discuss internship goals
Request teacher recommendations 3-4 weeks before deadlines
Have counselors submit official transcripts or nominations
Coordinate through Broward County Public Schools Career and Technical Education offices
Obtain work permits through school (required for students under 18 in Florida)

Programs coordinating through schools: BCPS CTACE Summer Internship Program, some CareerSource SYEP placements, Young Broward Leadership (school nomination)

Direct Contact Methods

Local organizations may prefer email or phone contact:

Email professional inquiry: “Summer 2026 Internship Application – [Your Name]”
Attach labeled resume and cover letter PDFs
Include 3-4 sentence introduction in email body
Follow up after one week if no response
Be prepared for quick phone or video interviews

Programs accepting direct contact: Museum of Discovery and Science, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, State Attorney’s Office, NSU programs, Young Broward Leadership

Required Documents Checklist

Prepare these materials before starting applications:

□ Resume – One page highlighting academics, activities, volunteer work, leadership, and prior employment. Students exploring Florida opportunities should review internships for high school students in Florida for statewide programs.

□ Cover Letter – Customized 250-400 word letter explaining specific interest in each program and relevant qualifications

□ Transcripts – Unofficial copies showing current courses and GPA (official may be required later)

□ References – Contact information for 2-3 adults who can speak to your abilities and character

□ Personal ID – Birth certificate, driver’s license, or state ID proving age and identity

□ Proof of Broward County Residency – Document showing Broward County residency (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)

□ Work Permit – Florida requires employment authorization for workers under 18; obtain from school with parent signature

□ Background Check – Healthcare and legal positions require background screening

□ Letters of Recommendation – Some programs (Public Defender, NSU) require 2 letters from teachers or mentors

□ Personal Statement – Legal internships typically require personal statement explaining interest in law

Application Timeline

September – October: Research programs across Broward County and begin preparation. Students considering neighboring counties should explore internships for high school students in Miami or internships for high school students in Palm Beach for additional South Florida opportunities.

November – December: Early opening: CareerSource Broward SYEP opens (December). Finalize resume and cover letter templates. Request recommendation letters before winter break. Meet with CTE coordinators. For students interested in other major Florida metros, consider internships for high school students in Tampa or internships for high school students in Orlando.

January: Major deadlines: AutoNation (January), JJ Vance Memorial (January-February), NSU Oceanographic programs begin opening. Submit applications early as first-come, first-served programs fill quickly. Students exploring Southeast opportunities should consider internships for high school students in Atlanta or internships for high school students in Charlotte.

February: Key deadlines: Museum of Discovery and Science (February), NSU programs (Winter/Spring). Prepare for interviews as notifications begin. For Texas opportunities, explore internships for high school students in Houston or internships for high school students in Dallas.

March: Peak season: Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance (March), Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (March), BCPS CTACE applications open (Spring). CareerSource SYEP likely filling through first-come/lottery system. Students considering other regions should review internships for high school students in Phoenix or internships for high school students in San Diego.

April-May: Final deadlines: Young Broward Leadership (April), Broward Public Defender (May 1). Most summer positions filled; focus on rolling admission programs like Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare, County Government, Libraries. For California opportunities, explore internships for high school students in San Francisco.

June – August: Attend orientations, obtain work permits, and begin summer internships across Broward County.

Tips for Stronger Applications

Emphasize Broward Connection: Many programs prioritize county residents. Highlight your ties to Broward—city (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Coral Springs, etc.), years in county, community involvement, knowledge of Broward’s coastal economy and diversity. Reference specific characteristics (beaches, maritime industry, multicultural communities) to demonstrate authentic connection.

Demonstrate Field-Specific Interest: Research organizations thoroughly. For marine science programs (NSU, Gumbo Limbo), mention relevant coursework and beach/ocean experiences. For legal programs (Public Defender, State Attorney), discuss interest in justice system and constitutional rights. For healthcare (Broward Health, Memorial), highlight biology coursework and patient care interests. For business (AutoNation, Fort Lauderdale Alliance), share entrepreneurial or business achievements.

Highlight South Florida Values: Broward employers value bilingual skills (Spanish especially valuable), cultural competency, adaptability, and resilience (hurricane preparedness mindset). Emphasize diverse work style comfort, multicultural experiences, and strong communication across languages and cultures.

Address Broward’s Diversity: Broward County is highly diverse with large Hispanic, Caribbean, Brazilian, and international communities. Programs value multilingual abilities, cultural awareness, and authentic perspectives from diverse backgrounds. Mention language skills and cross-cultural experiences.

Quantify Your Achievements: Use specific numbers. Replace “member of debate team” with “competed in 10 debate tournaments across South Florida, advancing to state semifinals among 75 Florida schools.” Change “volunteered at food bank” to “sorted and distributed 800+ pounds of food weekly serving 200+ families at community pantry.”

Apply Strategically Across Selectivity Levels: Competition varies widely. Apply to 10-12 programs spanning highly selective (JJ Vance Memorial, NSU research, AutoNation), moderately competitive (Public Defender, BCPS CTACE, Young Broward Leadership), and accessible (CareerSource SYEP, Broward Health volunteer program, County Libraries, Memorial Healthcare).

Customize Everything: Never submit identical applications. Tailor each cover letter referencing specific Broward cities, programs, or coastal characteristics. Generic applications are immediately obvious to reviewers.

Leverage Broward Geography: Broward County spans 31 cities from Deerfield Beach north to Hallandale Beach south. Consider opportunities across the county—Fort Lauderdale downtown, Hollywood beach areas, Pompano Beach, Plantation corporate offices, Coral Springs, Boca Raton (Palm Beach County border).

Interview Preparation

Many competitive Broward programs conduct interviews:

Research organization’s mission, recent news, and current projects
Practice common questions: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why this internship?” “What interests you about South Florida?”
Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions about responsibilities, mentorship, or skills development
Dress professionally (business casual standard; South Florida leans slightly more casual but maintain professionalism)
For video interviews, test technology, ensure good lighting and clean background
Arrive 15-20 minutes early for in-person interviews (I-95 traffic notorious; factor in commute time)
Send thank-you email within 24 hours
Be prepared to discuss bilingual abilities if applicable—highly valued in Broward

Students considering opportunities in other major Florida metros should review internships for high school students in Jacksonville or internships for high school students in Miami.

External Resources

CareerSource Broward
Youth employment programs, SYEP, career services – careersourcebroward.com

Children’s Services Council of Broward County
Youth programs funding and family resources – cscbroward.org

Broward County Public Schools – CTACE
Career and Technical Education internship coordination – browardschools.com/ctace

Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
Economic development and business partnerships – gflalliance.org

U.S. Department of Labor – Youth Rules
Federal guidance on child labor laws and teen employment rights – youthrules.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there paid internships for high school students in Broward County?

Yes, approximately 65-70% of structured Broward County high school internship programs offer monetary compensation ranging from $13-17/hour. CareerSource Broward SYEP provides accessible paid positions for ages 16-18 at $14/hour with 100% of wages paid by CareerSource (no cost to employers).

When should I apply for summer internships in Broward County?

Apply between December and May, with CareerSource SYEP opening in December (first-come, first-served/lottery system). Key deadlines include AutoNation (January), JJ Vance Memorial (January-February), Museum of Discovery and Science (February), Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance (March), and Broward Public Defender (May 1).

Do I need work experience to get a Broward County internship?

No, most programs are designed for students new to professional work. CareerSource SYEP, BCPS CTACE, Broward Health volunteer program, Memorial Healthcare, and County Libraries welcome first-time workers with mandatory training, while competitive programs like AutoNation and JJ Vance Memorial prefer strong academics and demonstrated interest.

What parts of Broward County have the most internship opportunities?

Fort Lauderdale (AutoNation headquarters, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Museum of Discovery and Science, downtown business district) and coastal areas (NSU Oceanographic Center in Dania Beach, Gumbo Limbo in Boca Raton) offer highest concentrations. Hospital systems span multiple cities including Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Coral Springs, and Plantation.

Can I do internships during the school year or only summer?

Both exist with approximately 70% operating summers (June-August) and 30% offering academic year options. School-year programs include Young Broward Leadership (Sept-May), Broward Health volunteer (year-round), Memorial Healthcare (year-round), Broward County Libraries (year-round), County Government positions (semester-long), and State Attorney’s Office (semester options).

How competitive are Broward County internship programs?

Competition varies from highly selective JJ Vance Memorial and specialized NSU research programs (15-25% acceptance) to moderately competitive BCPS CTACE and AutoNation (30-40%) to accessible CareerSource SYEP lottery/first-come system and hospital volunteer programs (most qualified applicants placed).

What industries are strongest for Broward County high school internships?

Broward’s top internship industries include Healthcare (Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare systems), Marine Science/Ocean Conservation (NSU Oceanographic Center, Gumbo Limbo), Legal Services (Public Defender, State Attorney), Automotive/Business (AutoNation headquarters), Hospitality/Tourism (Fort Lauderdale industry), Education (museums, libraries), and Government/Public Service (county, city offices).

Can I earn school credit for Broward County internships?

Yes, Broward County Public Schools offers academic credit through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and work-based learning coordinators. BCPS CTACE specifically coordinates school credit internships, and most legal internships (Public Defender, State Attorney) offer academic credit opportunities with requirements including supervisor evaluations and reflection assignments.

How do I manage transportation for Broward County internships?

Broward County has limited public transportation with Broward County Transit buses and Tri-Rail connecting major corridors, but most areas require personal transportation. Many students drive or arrange family transportation; consider proximity when applying as I-95 and major roads experience heavy traffic during rush hours.

Do Broward County programs accept students from neighboring counties?

Some programs accept students from Miami-Dade County to the south and Palm Beach County to the north (JJ Vance Memorial explicitly includes Broward/Miami-Dade), while others require Broward County residency (CareerSource SYEP, BCPS CTACE require Broward). NSU and coastal programs often welcome South Florida-area applicants, while county government and school-coordinated programs typically require county residency.

Explore More Internship Opportunities

Expand Your Search Beyond Broward County

Looking for additional opportunities or considering programs in other regions? Explore these resources:

Internships for High School Students in Florida – Statewide programs across Florida
Internships for High School Students in Miami – Miami-Dade County opportunities
Internships for High School Students in Palm Beach – Northern neighbor county
Internships for High School Students in Tampa – West Coast Florida
Internships for High School Students in Orlando – Central Florida programs
Internships for High School Students in Jacksonville – Northeast Florida
Internships for High School Students in Atlanta – Southeast major metro
Internships for High School Students in Charlotte, North Carolina programs
Internships for High School Students in Houston, Texas Gulf Coast
Internships for High School Students in Dallas – North Texas opportunities
Internships for High School Students in Phoenix – Southwest programs
Internships for High School Students in San Diego – Southern California coast
Virtual Internships for High School Students – Remote opportunities nationwide
Browse All High School Internship Locations – Complete national directory

Final Thoughts

Securing internships for high school students in Broward County provides transformative opportunities in South Florida’s dynamic coastal region, combining accessible employment through CareerSource Broward SYEP serving hundreds of teens at $14/hour with 100% wage subsidy, specialized marine science research at Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center, legal profession exposure through Public Defender and State Attorney programs, healthcare experiences at major hospital systems, and business operations at Fortune 500 headquarters like AutoNation. Broward’s unique combination of 24 miles of Atlantic coastline, multicultural communities, growing business sector, and strong school district partnerships creates pathways for students from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood, Pompano Beach to Plantation, and all 31 cities across the county.

Start your application process early with CareerSource SYEP opening in December on a first-come, first-served basis and competitive programs filling by February-March. Apply to 10-12 opportunities spanning different selectivity levels and industries across Broward County. Customize applications emphasizing your South Florida connections, bilingual abilities (if applicable), and commitment to the county’s diverse coastal communities while leveraging programs that specifically support Broward youth development through subsidized wages and comprehensive training.

Questions about applications or need guidance? Contact your school’s CTE coordinator, reach out to CareerSource Broward at [email protected], visit the Children’s Services Council resources, or connect with program coordinators listed above for support services available to all Broward County students.