Are you considering a career in healthcare? High school students in Houston can take advantage of a range of medical summer programs that offer hands-on experience in areas like patient care, medical technology, and clinical practices. These programs give you the chance to learn directly from experienced professionals, enhancing your understanding of the healthcare field.
Many of these programs are competitive and offer a unique edge to your college applications. These programs let you step out of the classroom and into actual medical environments, applying your knowledge while learning from healthcare experts.
Here’s our list of 13 medical summer programs for high school students in Houston!
13 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Houston for 2024–2025
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
- Summer seminar — June 24, 2024 — September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar — October 23, 2024 — February 19, 2025
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.67 or higher are eligible to apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Veritas AI, founded and led by Harvard graduate students, offers a specialized AI + Medicine Deep Dive program for ambitious high school students. In this program, you’ll explore the role of AI in healthcare, working on real-world projects that apply AI and machine learning models to tasks such as diagnosing diseases, enhancing medical scans, and interpreting results to support doctors and patients. This experience allows you to gain hands-on insight into how AI is transforming the medical field. Here is the program brochure!
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 for the Winter Cohort. The program runs in cohorts throughout the year. Applications for the summer typically close in April. You can apply here!
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from July to September. 10 weeks for AI Scholars and 12–15 weeks for the AI Fellowship program.
Eligibility: High school students interested in the intersection between AI and medicine, and who have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior Python experience are encouraged to apply!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers an online research experience for ambitious students looking to undertake original research. This initiative pairs you with a Ph.D. mentor for personalized guidance as you create your independent research project, allowing you to engage with innovative scholarship while still in high school.
Throughout the program, you’ll develop research methodologies, sharpen your critical thinking skills, and address complex topics with expert support. Whether your interests lie in medicine, biology, or biotechnology, you’ll acquire skills that will enhance your college applications and prepare you for future academic endeavors. Find more details about the application here!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Individual Research Program — $2,800 | Premium Research & Publication Program — $5,400 | Research Fellowship — $8,900. Need-based financial aid is available. Also check out the Lumiere Research Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.
Application Deadline: The deadline for the summer cohort is typically in May. There are spring, fall, and winter cohorts as well.
Program Dates: The summer cohort typically begins in June. The program’s duration depends on the one you choose!
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
Ladder Internships offers a selective virtual program for students to gain hands-on experience at startups and nonprofits worldwide. You’ll have the opportunity to choose a field that interests you — whether it’s technology, healthcare, business, or beyond — allowing you to explore potential career paths firsthand.
Throughout the 8-week internship, you’ll work on meaningful projects needed by your assigned startup, with guidance from both your manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, who provides additional mentorship. You’ll also receive one-on-one training in communication and time management and join group sessions with fellow interns to develop valuable professional skills.
Location: Remote!
Cost: $2490 for 8 weeks. Financial aid is available.
Application deadline: You can expect the application deadline for the summer cohort to be in April or May.
Program dates: 8 weeks, from June to August. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
The DACCPM Summer Research Program is a highly competitive 10-week initiative that immerses high school students in hands-on medical research. As a participant, you’ll gain practical skills in laboratory and clinical research, conduct in-depth medical literature reviews, and practice data management techniques. You’ll work closely with established researchers on an assigned project, culminating in a poster presentation at the program’s closing symposium.
Your project abstract will also be published in the annual CATALYST Summer Program abstract book. This program offers a chance to engage in advanced research guided by expert faculty, with additional sessions available to explore graduate school applications and diverse medical career paths.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost: No cost or stipend provided for high school students
Application Deadline: January 21, 2025. You can apply here from November 27, 2024.
Program Dates: 10 weeks between June and August. Dates TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school seniors who are 18 years or older, in good academic standing, or graduating are eligible to apply.
Hosted by the University of Texas and MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program is a competitive 10-week experience designed for students with a strong interest in biomedical sciences. Selected participants have the unique opportunity to contribute to a research project in one of several biomedical fields, working under the direct mentorship of an MD Anderson faculty member.
This program focuses on essential scientific investigation principles and complements laboratory work with insightful seminars. Ideal for those considering medical careers, it provides hands-on research experience, an in-depth look into biomedical science, and personal guidance from field experts, all of which help prepare you for your future in medicine. Each year, only 10 students are admitted, making this program an exclusive chance to explore biomedical research and gain a deeper understanding of the field.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend of $6,800 for the 10-week program and $6,120 if participating for 9 weeks.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January. Dates TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 3 — August 9, 2024. Dates TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Open to Texas-resident high school seniors, 18+ at the start.
This internship is tailored for high school students with a solid academic background and a keen interest in research and medicine. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a translational research lab, collaborating with a mentor who aligns with your area of interest.
Throughout the summer, you’ll develop valuable skills, working on a research project that culminates in a presentation at a scientific poster symposium, where you’ll share your findings with scientists, students, and staff at Houston Methodist. The program also offers career and professional development sessions, covering scientific writing and essential college preparation skills to support your future academic journey.
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital campus in the Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost: No cost or stipend. Scholarships are available to cover room and board.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Program Dates: 10 weeks, May 27 — August 1, 2025.
Eligibility: High school students must be in their junior or senior year and be 16 years of age by the start of the program.
The SMS Summer Research Program is an intensive 8-week opportunity where selected students work closely with a Baylor College of Medicine researcher on a lab or research project. Designed for high school students with an interest in medicine, this program provides hands-on research experience, mentorship, and professional development.
Throughout the program, you’ll dedicate 40 hours a week to your project, receive a stipend, and join weekly “Lunch and Learn” sessions for insights into research and career development. You’ll also participate in group research meetings and seminars specific to your research area. At the end of the summer, you’ll present your findings at the SMS Summer Research Symposium to a community of fellow interns.
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipends might be provided.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April. Dates TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: June 10 — August 5, 2024. Dates TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school students must be at least 18 years old by the program’s start date, though certain projects may be open to students aged 16 or 17. Eligibility requires prior participation in Saturday Morning Science or affiliation with Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M, or other institutions primarily serving minority communities.
This free, selective 3-week summer program at Rice University introduces you to engineering’s role in healthcare, focusing on how digital design supports medical innovation. You’ll explore concepts in digital circuits, computer science, physics, and engineering research as they apply to medicine, gaining hands-on experience with medical instruments such as pulse oximeters, accelerometers, GPS devices, speakers, and microphones. Throughout the program, you’ll also learn about various college pathways in the field. No prior coding experience is needed, but only 12 students are admitted, and applications require involvement from a school representative.
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 10, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 10–27, 2024 | July 8–25, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are residents of the Houston area can apply.
Rising high school seniors with a strong interest in biomedical, bioengineering, and health-related fields are invited to apply for this internship at the University of Houston’s MohanLab. The program starts with 1–2 weeks of training in fundamental laboratory techniques. Over the following eight weeks, you’ll participate in bench research under the mentorship of a scientist or graduate student.
There’s also the possibility to extend your research experience beyond this initial period, focusing on manuscript writing and data analysis. The program concludes with presentations of your research findings, and there may be opportunities to contribute to research publications based on your project.
Location: University of Houston, Houston, TX.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Information about a stipend is not mentioned.
Program Dates: 8 weeks, from June to July. Specific dates TBD for 2025.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Rising seniors (who have completed 11th grade of high school) are eligible to apply.
Focused on developing the next generation of STEM professionals, UT Health Houston’s six-week internship allows high school students to engage in university research, working closely with a mentor for 20 hours of science-related activities.
The experience culminates in a formal presentation, where you’ll share your research findings with faculty, friends, family, and the broader community. To apply, you will need to submit an essay detailing your motivation for joining the program along with a letter of recommendation.
Location: University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX
Cost / Stipend: No cost. Interns receive a stipend of $750 upon successful completion
Application Deadline: Typically in May. TBD for 2025.
Program Dates: 6 weeks between June and July. TBD for 2025.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors can apply for this program.
Each summer, the DocPrep program at Baylor College of Medicine invites 60 rising seniors from South Texas high schools and 12 teacher mentors for an enriching week-long academic experience. Centered around health professions and science, the program is hosted at the Texas Medical Center and features a variety of activities, including medical lectures, counseling on college and medical school pathways, and communication courses taught by graduate students from Rice University. Throughout the program, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with Baylor medical students, faculty, and staff, with the medical students acting as counselors and guiding you during your time in the program.
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Cost: There is currently no information on the cost. For more information, applicants can email edoutreach@bcm.edu
Application Deadline: Application will be available with the affiliated schools from March! Deadline TBD.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for a week in the summer. Specific dates are TBD.
Eligibility: Rising seniors from South Texas-affiliated high schools.
The Global Teen Medical Summit is an immersive summer program that spans a week, providing students with the opportunity to confront today’s healthcare challenges alongside professionals from the Texas Medical Center. You will engage in hands-on simulated surgeries, connect with prominent figures in the medical field, investigate diverse career options, and collaborate on group projects with esteemed healthcare mentors.
During the program, you’ll participate in interactive workshops and discussions that shed light on significant medical issues, helping you bridge the gap between theory and practice. The experience also includes visits to key facilities such as the Texas Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Hospital, and a medical school. Accommodations are provided on the University of Houston campus, where you’ll engage in activities that promote teamwork and networking, all while exploring the rich healthcare landscape of Houston.
Location: Students stay on campus at the University of Houston and venture to and from The Health Museum and the Texas Medical Center
Cost: The cost for the summit is $1,500, with some need-based scholarships offered!
Application Deadline: June 7, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program).
Program Dates: July 13–18, 2025
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 14 to 18 can apply.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.