Internships give you the chance to step outside the classroom and gain hands-on experience in areas you are curious about. Whether you are interested in healthcare, research, law, or tech, these programs help you build practical skills and explore potential career paths early on.
Why should you choose a high school internship in Houston?
Houston offers access to leading hospitals, universities, research institutions, and companies, many of which actively support student interns. Because these opportunities are local, you can gain meaningful experience without the cost or logistics of traveling far from home while still building a strong early résumé.
To help you find the right opportunity, here are 11 internships for high school students in Houston, TX. You can check out our blog on summer programs for high school students in Houston here.
11 Internships in Houston, TX for High School Students
1. Summer Internship Programs – Houston Methodist Hospital
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Stipend: Stipend is only offered to undergraduate students, not high schoolers
Application Deadline: January 30
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Eligibility: High school or undergraduate students at least 16 years old
The Houston Methodist Summer Internship, hosted by the Houston Methodist Academic Institute, is a 10-week research program aimed at exposing Houston high school students to advanced medical science. You will work alongside researchers and clinicians in fields such as cancer biology, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, and nanotechnology, learning how medical discoveries move from the lab to patient care. You will design and carry out your own research project, analyze data, and present your findings at a final poster symposium. Throughout the internship, you will gain hands-on experience with laboratory techniques such as imaging, molecular assays, and bioinformatics tools, while attending weekly seminars and lectures led by leading scientists.
2. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s UPWARDS Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend of up to $7,200 is awarded
Application Deadline: January 14
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer (July – September)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are 18 or older; applicants must be first-generation college students, with disabilities, or belong to backgrounds that are economically and/or educationally disadvantaged
The UPWARDS program is a research training initiative designed for high school students and undergraduates. Selected participants will have the opportunity to conduct lab-based research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Applicants can specify their interest in biomedical fields or cancer research during the application process. The program includes coursework and training sessions to prepare you for further academic pursuits and career paths. Additionally, participants will attend seminars, lectures, and career development activities. The paid program ends with your participation in the CATALYST poster symposium, where you’ll present your project results to the wider MD Anderson community.
3. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s High School Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: $7,200 for 10-week participation and $6,480 for nine-weeks
Application Deadline: January 14
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Eligibility: High school seniors in Texas who are 18 or older
The High School Summer Program at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, is a 10-week internship designed to introduce you to biomedical and cancer research. You will work in an active laboratory under the guidance of MD Anderson researchers, gaining hands-on experience in scientific investigation and data analysis. You will participate in faculty-led seminars covering current research topics and engage in activities like abstract writing, poster design, and elevator speech contests to enhance your communication and presentation skills. The internship concludes with a formal presentation, allowing you to share your research experiences and findings with peers and faculty. Besides research, interns also join networking and enrichment sessions that promote academic development and build professional confidence.
4. Houston Bar Association Communities In Schools (CIS) Summer Legal Internship Program
Location: Various law firms and legal organizations across Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend is also provided to the interns
Dates: June 10 – August 2 (tentative)
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who excel academically and attend at-risk schools
The CIS Summer Legal Internship Program, offered by Communities In Schools of Houston in partnership with the CIS Committee, is an eight-week paid internship that introduces you to the workings of the legal profession through direct experience in established law firms. You will begin with an orientation at South Texas College of Law Houston, where you will meet legal professionals and gain an overview of legal career paths. Throughout the internship, you will assist with case preparation, observe court proceedings, and engage in discussions with attorneys and judges to understand how different areas of law operate in practice. You will also participate in enrichment programs, mentoring sessions, and site visits to the District Attorney’s Office, the District Clerk’s Office, and the federal courthouse, allowing you to see how the legal system functions across multiple levels.
5. NASA – SEES High School Summer Intern Program
Location: Online, with the option to be on-site in Texas.
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadlines: February 22
Dates: Each virtual project has a different timeline, from May to July. Please review the project description for additional details. Check here
Eligibility: Current U.S. high school sophomores or juniors who will be at least 16 by July 5 of the application year
The SEES High School Summer Intern Program offers high school students the chance to work with NASA subject matter experts in space and satellite-related research projects. Selected interns for the SEES program will receive links to virtual distance learning activities around May 1. These required activities must be completed by July 1 to maintain eligibility for the internship; otherwise, an alternate will be selected. During July, both virtual and on-site interns will collaborate with NASA subject matter experts. Each virtual project follows a specific timeline. You will take part in a virtual SEES Science Symposium in the third week of July, where they will present their research to NASA, scientists, family members, and guests.
6. Young Leaders Institute (YLI)
Location: Asia Society Texas Center, Houston, TX
Cost: Once accepted into the Institute, a nonrefundable participation fee will be required to secure your spot: $100 for Asia Society members and $125 for non-members. Need-based scholarships are offered
Dates: June 23 – June 27 | July 14 – July 18 | July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until May 31 (tentative)
Eligibility: high school students from the Greater Houston area entering grades 9–12 in the Fall
The Young Leaders Institute (YLI), offered by the Asia Society Texas Center in Houston, is a week-long summer program designed to build global awareness, leadership, and teamwork skills through focused thematic sessions. You will explore topics such as Japan’s global influence, renewable energy and climate solutions, and human rights and international security, analyzing how nations, industries, and organizations address complex global issues. You will work in teams to research, debate, and develop policy-based solutions to real-world challenges, culminating in presentations evaluated by experts. Guided by Asia Society Texas staff and guest speakers, you will learn to think critically about international relations, strengthen communication and collaboration abilities, and gain experience presenting ideas in a professional setting. The program also includes interactive workshops and networking sessions that allow you to engage with professionals, explore global career paths, and connect with peers who share an interest in international affairs.
7. University of Houston MohanLab High School Summer Internship
Location: MohanLab at University of Houston Science & Engineering Research Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: March 26
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The MohanLab High School Internship, offered by the University of Houston, provides an opportunity to explore biomedical sciences, bioengineering, and related health research through guided lab work and mentorship. You will begin by learning essential laboratory techniques and safety procedures, then progress to hands-on bench research under the guidance of a MohanLab scientist or graduate researcher. During the program, you will develop skills in experimental design, data collection, and scientific analysis while gaining insight into how biomedical research is conducted in professional labs. Those who wish to continue can extend their work beyond the internship to complete manuscripts or analyze data for possible journal submission. You will also present your research outcomes at the program’s conclusion, gaining experience in communicating scientific results to peers and faculty.
8. Rice University’s PATHS-UP Young Scholars Digital Health Summer Program
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Typically in April
Dates: June 9 – 26 + a symposium on July 24
Eligibility: Houston-area high school sophomores and juniors. No prior programming experience is needed.
The PATHS-UP Young Scholars Digital Health Summer Program, offered by Rice University, is a free, three-week internship that introduces you to the intersection of computer science, engineering, and healthcare innovation. You will study the basics of programming, physics, and digital circuitry while investigating how digital technology improves medical innovations. Collaborating with educators, graduate researchers, and university staff in Houston, you will get practical experience with devices like pulse oximeters, accelerometers, GPS modules, and sensors to see how data collection supports healthcare applications. Beyond lab work, the program includes college readiness sessions, group discussions, and networking opportunities with Rice faculty and researchers, allowing you to explore academic and career pathways in digital health and engineering.
9. Welch Summer Scholars Program
Location: The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Arlington, The University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Houston, and Texas Tech University
Cost: Fully funded
Application deadline: April 3
Dates: May 31 – July 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in Texas
The Welch Summer Scholars Program, offered by The Welch Foundation in Houston, Texas, provides an opportunity to conduct university-level research in chemistry and related sciences at one of several Texas universities. You will learn how to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and apply research methods while working in a laboratory under the guidance of a faculty mentor and graduate or postdoctoral researcher. You will also develop skills in technical writing and presentation by preparing a research paper, creating a poster, and formally presenting your findings to peers and faculty. Beyond research, the program includes lectures, facility tours, and site visits, giving you a broader view of scientific careers and the collaborative nature of academic research.
10. Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land SciTeen Program
Location: Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston, TX
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: 4 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: Rising high school students
The Sugar Land SciTeen Program, offered by the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, is a summer internship that introduces you to science communication, public engagement, and museum education. You will learn how to create and lead engaging science demonstrations, communicate scientific ideas to varied audiences, and improve your presentation and teamwork skills while interacting with visitors of all ages. The program also supports developing professional habits like time management, public speaking, and collaboration through direct engagement with museum staff and educators. Additionally, you will gain practical experience in curating exhibits, supporting educational activities, and exploring topics across natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, and earth science.
11. Baylor College of Medicine’s Saturday Morning Science (SMS) Summer Research Program
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free + a stipend is offered
Application Deadline: April 18
Dates: June 11 – August 4
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 18 by June 1
The Saturday Morning Science Summer Research Program, offered by Baylor College of Medicine, is an eight-week internship in Houston designed to introduce you to real-world scientific research. You will work full-time in a laboratory or on a dedicated research project under the guidance of a Baylor researcher, gaining practical experience in experimental design, data collection, and scientific analysis. Throughout the program, you will attend weekly “Lunch and Learn” sessions focused on professional development and that deepen your understanding of research practices. The internship concludes with the SMS Summer Research Symposium. In addition to lab work, you will engage in group discussions and collaborative activities that foster teamwork and connect you with other aspiring researchers in the Houston area.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive, mentored research program based in Houston, TX, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs are worth considering. You can conduct research in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry. 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: MD Anderson logo