For high school students in San Antonio, summer programs in the city are a great way to explore academic interests, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for college-level academics in an accessible manner. The city provides a wide variety of opportunities, including research mentorships, robotics camps, art intensives, and environmental science fieldwork, all hosted by institutions like UT Health San Antonio, UTSA, and St. Mary’s University.
These programs enable you to develop practical skills, connect with mentors, and explore potential career paths, all while staying local and avoiding the costs associated with travel or overnight stays.
In this blog, we’ve rounded up 15 summer programs for high school students in San Antonio, TX that stand out for their academic depth, hands-on approach, and subject-specific focus.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive academic opportunity that allows high school students to engage in individual research under the guidance of a Ph.D. mentor. Over the span of 12 weeks, you’ll work closely with your assigned mentor to explore a topic of your choice and develop a fully independent research paper. This online summer enrichment program for high school students supports a wide variety of disciplines, including areas like psychology, international relations, economics, chemistry, engineering, physics, and computer science. This structure allows you to dive deep into a subject that aligns with your academic interests while gaining valuable experience in scholarly research and critical thinking. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
3. BEAT (Biomedical Excellence and Academic Training) Academy – UT Health San Antonio
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: June 20
Cost: $1,000 (includes $50 non-refundable application fee)
Location: UT Health Lozano Long Campus, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: Open to high school students; application must include transcript, essay, recommendation letter, and fee
BEAT Academy is an immersive biomedical program where you’ll explore molecular biology, anatomy, neurodegeneration, and physiology through a series of faculty-led seminars and guided lab activities. You’ll gain hands-on experience in biomolecular techniques, simulate patient interactions using clinical training tools, and observe anatomical dissections. The curriculum is designed to introduce participants to ongoing biomedical research at UT Health and help clarify pathways toward careers in medicine or health sciences. You’ll also attend a dedicated college prep session that provides insight into academic goal setting and career planning in STEM and healthcare fields.
4. Summer Career Academy in Architecture & Interior Design – UTSA Klesse College
Dates: June 2 – 16
Application Deadline: May 15
Cost: $650 (includes materials, studio access, and field trips); financial aid available
Location: UTSA Main Campus, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: Open to high school students; no prior studio experience required
This two-week academy is tailored for students interested in the built environment and exploring how to become a licensed architect or interior designer. You will be introduced to design theory, studio work, and visual communication through sketching, modeling, and portfolio development. Workshops are led by faculty from the School of Architecture + Planning and provide access to professional tools and hands-on, project-based learning experiences.
5. Northside ISD Summer Research Mentorship Program – UT Health San Antonio
Dates: Early June – Early August (tentative full-time schedule: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
Application Deadline: February 5
Cost: Free
Location: UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: NISD high school students who have completed Biology and Chemistry, are at least 16 by June 1, and will return to high school in the fall
This highly selective mentorship program places NISD high school students in active biomedical research labs at UT Health San Antonio for a full-time summer research experience. Interns engage in real projects that include developing hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing data, and presenting scientific findings. The program lasts eight weeks and provides exposure to academic research, laboratory techniques, and faculty mentorship in fields like molecular biology and neuroscience. Applicants must submit teacher references, complete safety training, and provide health and background clearance upon selection.
6. Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Camp – UTSA Klesse College
Dates: July 7–11
Application Deadline: Rolling (closes when spots fill)
Cost: $550 (day) / $750 (overnight); $300 tuition assistance available
Location: UTSA Main Campus, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: Open to high school students; no prior coding experience required
This hands-on camp introduces students to robotics design and AI development through integrated coding, circuitry, and mechanical systems. Participants will work with UTSA faculty, Robotics and Automation Society members, and peers to build and program effective robots for real-world challenges. The program includes workshops on neural networks, lab tours, and concludes with a competitive robotics showcase.
7. Summer Tech Camps – St. Mary’s University
Dates: Weekly sessions from June 2 – July 18 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4:30 PM)
Application Deadline: Rolling; first-come, first-served
Cost: Free (includes lunch)
Location: St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders who will be at least 14 years old by June 1; preference given to underrepresented groups in tech
These free one-week camps introduce you to key areas of computer science and engineering, including Python for data analytics, mobile app development, cybersecurity, AI for social media safety, robotics, and 3D printing. Each camp features practical technical training, lab sessions led by faculty, and a final project presentation for families and friends to attend. Some sessions are reserved for female students to encourage gender diversity in tech. Campers also explore St. Mary’s tech labs and campus facilities through guided field activities.
8. Drone Piloting Summer Camp – St. Mary’s University
Dates: July 22 – 25
Application Deadline: June 30
Cost: Free (includes lunch; $574 scholarship value per camper)
Location: St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18; basic computer skills preferred; no drone experience required
This 4-day intensive camp covers the basics of drone flying, operation procedures, and regulations. Participants get hands-on experience with drone piloting, learn FAA rules, and study real-world safety measures such as weather evaluation, airspace rules, and pre-flight checks. The curriculum includes prep for the FAA TRUST certification and covers both theory and practice in a collegiate setting. Lunch and snacks are included, and sessions are led by experienced faculty with support from the Title V BEST grant.
9. Engineering and 3D Printing Summer Camp – St. Mary’s University
Dates: July 29 – August 1
Application Deadline: June 30
Cost: Free (includes all supplies and lunch)
Location: St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18; no prior experience required
This four-day camp explores the foundations of mechanical and electrical engineering through CAD modeling, 3D printing, and design-based challenges. Campers dive into structural analysis, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and electronics while building real prototypes. The program culminates in student presentations and friendly competitions where you’ll showcase your engineering concepts. All materials are provided through a Title V grant, making this a fully funded learning experience in a university lab setting.
10. STEM Summer Experience – Palo Alto College
Dates: July 18 – 22
Application Deadline: July 13
Cost: $75
Location: Palo Alto College, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12 (ages 14–17)
This program engages high school students in biology, chemistry, and engineering through hands-on lab projects and collaborative teamwork. Campers participate in experiments and explore STEM careers during a field trip to a local science or technology organization. The curriculum focuses on exploration, curiosity, and interdisciplinary connections within the STEM fields. Lunch is included, and each day is structured to provide both academic challenge and interactive group activities.
11. Sports Camp – Palo Alto College
Dates: June 13 – 17
Application Deadline: July 7
Cost: $75
Location: Palo Alto College, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 (ages 14–17)
This half-day sports camp provides a physically active environment where you’ll rotate through sports such as basketball, soccer, and tennis, while learning teamwork and sport-specific skills. Sessions include water-based activities and health-focused movement games. The program encourages leadership, collaboration, and physical fitness. Lunch is included, and participants are grouped by age and interest.
12. Art Camp – Palo Alto College
Dates: July 18 – 22
Application Deadline: July 13
Cost: $75
Location: Palo Alto College, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 (ages 14–17)
Each day at Art Camp features a different visual medium, ranging from sculpture and painting to mixed media and printmaking. You’ll explore art techniques while working on independent and group projects guided by experienced instructors. The program encourages creative risk-taking, visual storytelling, and the development of technical skills. Lunch is provided, and participants build a mini-portfolio of their week’s work.
13. Pre-College Art Studio Experience – UTSA Downtown Campus
Dates: June 16 – 20
Application Deadline: TBA; sign-up form available for next cycle
Cost: $400 (includes all art supplies and instruction)
Location: UTSA School of Art, Downtown Campus, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: Open to high school students preparing for college-level study in the arts
This one-week intensive studio art program is tailored for high school students who want to study visual arts in college. You’ll select two studio pairings, such as Drawing + Printmaking, Sculpture + New Media, or Photography + Book Arts, and spend three hours daily in each, guided by UTSA faculty and practicing artists. The program blends foundational and experimental techniques, with access to tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Arduino-based sculpture kits. The camp also includes one-on-one critiques and project showcases.
14. Environmental Science Summer Camp – St. Mary’s University
Dates: June 9 – 12
Application Deadline: Registration currently closed; next cycle expected early spring
Cost: Free
Location: St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX (with off-campus fieldwork)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12
This 4-day environmental science camp immerses students in field-based research across San Antonio, including trips to Woodlawn Lake, Mitchell Lake, and Bracken Bat Cave. You’ll learn how scientists collect and analyze data related to water quality, ecology, and natural resource management. Students use GPS tools and GIS software to map environmental features and present their findings. The program is designed for those interested in sustainability, earth sciences, or field research techniques.
15. Musical Theatre Camp – St. Mary’s University
Dates: Camp 1: June 8 – 14 | Camp 2: June 22 – 28
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Cost: $300 ($275 with sibling discount)
Location: St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–19
In this week-long intensive camp, students rehearse and perform a full-length Broadway musical (this year’s production is Newsies). You’ll gain training in acting, singing, dance, stagecraft, and ensemble leadership, with instruction from St. Mary’s Music and Theatre Arts faculty. You’ll also engage in group reflections and evening community-building activities, making it a holistic performing arts experience. Each session culminates in two public performances, allowing you to showcase your work on stage or behind the scenes.
Image source – St. Mary’s University