If you’re a high school student in Texas interested in engineering, summer research programs can help you explore the field in a hands-on way. Texas is home to many organizations that offer research programs to high school students every year, making it a practical choice for students seeking an accessible summer program.
Many engineering research summer programs for high school students in Texas aim to teach you through first-hand experiences such as conducting research, tackling real-life engineering challenges, and working on projects. Whether you’re interested in programming, aerospace, bio medicine, or data science, these programs offer a way to dive deeper into these topics through mentorship from professionals, working on advanced research projects and laboratory work.
To help you decide, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 engineering research summer programs for high school students in Texas.
15 Engineering Research Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
1. Anson L. Clark Scholar Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No program fee; $25 application fee; $750 stipend
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Must be at least 17 by program start date; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is an intensive seven-week summer research program for high school juniors and seniors. The program is highly selective and accepts 12 students per year. It allows you to work on a research project in areas such as mathematics, biochemistry, and engineering. You will get to work alongside a mentor and contribute to research on a meaningful level. You will also get to attend weekly seminars, field trips, and discussions while working beside Texas Tech Faculty. Students will receive a $750 student on the successful completion of their research project.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Engineering Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; Financial aid is available
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.3
Designed to provide high school students with extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers extensive research opportunities in subject areas like engineering, physics, computer science, data science, and more. In this program, you will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor on an independent research project. Choosing the engineering track will allow you to dive deep and work on research on advanced engineering topics. Your research will be guided by an engineering Ph.D scholar from top institutions who specialize in fields such as mechanical, chemical, civil, and bio-medical engineering. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can apply here.
3. Ladder Internships (Engineering Track)
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; Financial aid available
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, typically for 8 weeks, including summer
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program that gives you the chance to work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Many of these start-ups are high-growth companies that raise over a million dollars on average. In addition to tech/deep tech and AI/ML internships, these companies also offer internships in marketing, engineering, journalism, consulting, and other industries. By choosing the engineering track, you’ll get the chance to intern and make an impact at leading companies in fields such as software engineering, health tech, machine learning, and deep tech. You will work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects, eventually presenting your work to the company. Here is the application form.
4. PATHS-UP Young Scholars Program – Texas A&M University
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Stipend: $2,000
Program Dates: June 9 – July 27
Application Deadline: Summer (exact dates not specified)
Eligibility: 16 or older; Current or permanent U.S. residents; Los Fresnos CISD or Sharyland ISD, or South Texas ISD high school sophomores or juniors
In the summer, Texas A&M University offers a three-week residential engineering research program called PATHS-UP Young Scholars. The program has a strong focus on healthcare technologies and biomedical research. During the program, you will get to conduct lab research, learn how to conduct literature searches, build peer networks, and have in-depth discussions with faculty researchers. The program also provides the opportunity to network through participation in a Virtual Research Symposium with interns from Texas A&M, Rice, UCLA, and Florida International University.
5. NASA OSTEM Summer Internships
Location: Various NASA centers across the U.S.; Virtual options available
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Program Dates: Varies based on internship
Application Deadlines: February 27 for summer cohort
Eligibility: A full-time high school student; Must be 16 at time of application; U.S. citizen; 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships to high school students at NASA centers across the country, including Texas. As a NASA OSTEM intern, you will gain practical experience by working on projects alongside mentors who are research scientists and engineers. You will also get to contribute to NASA’s agency projects while learning about science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. As an intern, you will participate in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which connect you with interns across NASA locations through speed networking and guest speaker events.
6. My Introduction to Engineering (MITE) – UT Austin
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: $100
Program Dates: June 22 – 26; July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Current high school juniors residing in the U.S.; Meet one or more of the academic criteria before the deadline
The My Introduction to Engineering (MITE) program at UT Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering offers five-day engineering camps to high school juniors. If selected, you will get to be part of a close-knit program with only 50 students per session. MITE is a good introductory program suited for students who are still considering their field of study for college and are looking for a shorter program. The program will take you from learning basic concepts by attending lectures and tours to hands-on experience by working on engineering projects.
7. UT Dallas Summer Research Program for High School Students
Location: UT Dallas, Richardson, TX
Cost: $1,000 (lab fee); $700 (In-person workshop); $600 (Virtual workshop)
Program Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: March (Tentative based on previous year)
Eligibility: Students ages 16 or higher by start date (for the in-person program); Students finishing 10th and 11th grade
If you’re interested in studying computer science engineering in college, UT Dallas’ CS Research 8-week program offers you the chance to delve deep into the subject before college. As an intern, you can expect to be reading research papers, conducting simulations, and developing apps for specific functionality, and you will be required to dedicate 20-40 hours per week. You will be expected to complete your research and presentation by the end of the program. You can also participate in the Summer Research Workshops, where you will get to attend college-level classes, focus on a specific research area, and work towards a final project. You can enroll in up to two workshops together. The program is selective as each lab has limited capacity, which means once selected, you will be surrounded by like-minded peers who are just as passionate as you are about computer science.
8. UTSA Klesse College Summer Camps
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Varies by camp; Scholarships available
Program Dates: June – July (Dates vary by camp)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots fill
Eligibility: 9th to 12th graders
The Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design at The University of Texas at San Antonio holds an engineering overview camp and camps in other engineering disciplines, such as Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Aerospace Engineering. These camps focus on foundational learning and technical skill building paired with hands-on projects and workshops. You will get to attend lab tours, participate in make-a-thons, and attend lectures and workshops. As a camp attendee, you will get to code and work on a robotics project, building your own robots and many more. You have the opportunity to sign up to attend the overview camp and then attend a more focused camp in the area of your interest.
9. TryEngineering Summer Institute – Texas A&M
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: Programs start from $4,095; Need-based partial and full scholarships available
Program Dates: June 29 – July 7; July 11 – July 19
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-17
TryEngineering’s Engineering Summer Camp is a nine-day immersive camp that takes place at the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas. During the camp, you will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on projects, interactive workshops, and industry tours. A variety of engineering disciplines are covered in the program, including electrical, mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering. Some projects you will be working on include building an AM radio, designing a functional drone, building a smart car, and working on gliders and bridge designs. From working on circuitry to understanding aerodynamic principles, this program will give you a broad overview of different engineering disciplines and help you decide which interests you the most.
10. Rice ELITE Tech Camps – Rice University
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX, and virtually
Cost: Residential: $3,495; Commuters: $1,495; Online: $595
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from June 22 – July 26
Application Deadlines: June 15 (Tentative)
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S.
Students who attend Rice ELITE Tech Camp at Rice University have the opportunity to learn more about engineering before they graduate from high school. You will get to choose two tech courses per week that include robotic engineering, C++ for human spaceflight engineering, trifecta tech, and bioengineering. With this program, you will learn how to apply advanced engineering concepts in a real-world situation. You will get to grapple with advanced concepts from the application of engineering in medical advancements to using Python to solve thermal energy problems.
11. Camp SOAR (Summer Opportunities in Aerospace Research)
Location: Department of Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Cost: $35 nonrefundable application fee; Program fee not disclosed; Enquire here; Need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: June (Exact dates to be announced)
Application Deadlines: Summer
Eligibility: Enrolled high school juniors and seniors
The Camp SOAR program at Texas A&M University caters to aerospace engineering-interested high school students. The program runs for five days over the summer. The camp will help you explore aerospace engineering by working on the hands-on design process and touring Texas A&M University’s research facilities. As a camp participant, you can choose a track among airplanes, helicopters, and space; you will then get to work on your design and critical thinking process by designing and building a project within the track. Among the facilities on campus that you will visit are the National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonics Laboratory, the Vehicle Systems & Control Laboratory, and the Land Air and Space Robotics Laboratory.
12. Longhorn Engineering Summer Camp
Location: John Jay High School, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 21 – 24
Application Deadlines: July 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders
The Longhorn Engineering Summer Camp is a free engineering camp that takes place in San Antonio. Over four days, you will get to experience the real-world application of engineering in fields like sports, medicine, art, and sustainability through fun activities. You will also be introduced to engineering fundamentals and see applications through working on hands-on projects. This is an accessible introductory program for upcoming high schoolers looking to attend their first engineering camp.
13. Summer High School Research Academy (HSRA)
Location: University of Texas at Austin, TX
Cost: $4,000; Need-based scholarship recipients will receive free tuition and a stipend
Program Dates: June 9 – July 16
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: 15 years or older by June 1; High school rising sophomore, junior, or senior for the upcoming year; Texas residents are prioritized, but others are welcome to apply
High School Research Academy (HSRA) is a five-week interdisciplinary non-residential summer research program at the University of Texas, Austin. It is a research-focused program where you will get to participate in the College of Natural Sciences Labs in the fields of neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, data analytics, and more. You will get insight into different research techniques and be mentored by the faculty. You will also spend 15-12 hours per week working on your research topic with your research group. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a STEM researcher, this program will provide insight into the real-life work of a researcher.
14. Explore Engineering Camp
Location: Texas Tech University Campus, Lubbock, TX
Cost: $400
Program Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Explore Engineering Camp is a 5-day residential engineering camp for high school students at Texas Tech Whitacre College of Engineering. You will get to spend a week as a Texas Tech Engineering student, attend classes, and interact with mentors. The program will cover seven main engineering disciplines, including chemical, civil, mechanical, and Computer science engineering; this will help you narrow down your subject of interest for college. As a camper, you will get to work on your problem-solving abilities through engineering group projects and get introduced to engineering concepts through classroom lectures.
15. High School Emerging Researcher Experience
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 8 – August 1
Application Deadline: December 2 – January 31
Eligibility: At least 16 years old by the start of the program; Current high school juniors and seniors; Minimum 3.5 GPA
High School Emerging Research Experience is an 8-week intensive summer research program for high school students. You will get to work beside an undergraduate research intern at the Houston Methodist Hospital. The main focus of the program is translational research, which is the real-world application of scientific discovery to work on human health. You will get matched by a faculty member based on your research specialization and get the chance to actively contribute to ongoing research projects. You will get to learn extensively about biomedical research through laboratory work, presentations, and a research apprenticeship. Some of the areas of focus will be radiology, immunobiology, neurosciences, and nanomedicine.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Texas Tech University