Austin’s summer programs for high school students provide a focused environment for those eager to expand their expertise beyond the standard curriculum. With guidance from professionals and access to specialized resources, students engage in projects tailored to their interests, developing practical knowledge and skills unique to their chosen field. These programs foster both intellectual growth and self-confidence as students immerse themselves in advanced areas of study, discovering new strengths and perspectives along the way.
Here are 14 summer programs for high school students in Austin, Texas!
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 on college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences
Location: Virtual
Application Date: 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 good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers you the chance to dive into research across humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields. Created by Harvard and Oxford researchers who understand the demands of academic rigor, Lumiere provides a pathway for you to explore challenging topics and develop your skills in a structured setting.
This selective virtual program, which recently accepted around 500 out of more than 4,000 applicants, pairs you one-on-one with a Ph.D.-level mentor to guide you in writing a university-level research paper on a topic of your choice. You can find the application form here, and if you’re a talented student from a low-income background, consider the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit initiative that supports access to this program.
Subject areas: Arts, economics, sociology, STEM fields, including computer science, aerospace engineering, environmental science, and many more
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990
Application deadline: Four cohorts in a year — Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall. For the summer cohort, applications open in January and typically close in May.
Program dates: Individual Research Program lasts 12 weeks | Premium Research & Publication Program runs for 16–20 weeks | Research Fellowship runs for 6–12 months.
Eligibility: High school students can apply.
3. Veritas AI
Veritas AI offers a range of AI programs designed to immerse you in artificial intelligence through collaborative and personalized learning. Created and led by Harvard graduate students and alumni, these programs are built to support both teamwork and independent research. In the AI Scholars program, you’ll be guided by Ph.D. students from leading institutions as you learn Python and dive into essential AI concepts, including machine learning, data science, and techniques like natural language processing, regression analysis, and neural networks.
This program emphasizes hands-on group projects, helping you build a solid foundation in AI. For those seeking a more individualized experience, the AI Fellowship program pairs you one-on-one with a mentor to develop a project unique to your interests. Past participants have created interdisciplinary projects that merge AI with fields like medicine, finance, environmental science, sports, and mental health. You can explore examples of previous projects here.
Subject areas: Artificial intelligence, data science, programming, machine learning
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Anyone can apply. For the AI Scholars program, no previous experience is required — applicants must demonstrate a keen interest in AI. For the AI Fellowship program, applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or have some experience with AI concepts or Python.
Cost: Starts at $2,290
Application deadline: Program cohorts run throughout the year. Applications for the summer cohort are due on April 14 each year. You can find out more about the program and apply here!
Program dates: Multiple sessions from July to September. The AI Scholars program runs for 10 weeks, and the AI Fellowship program runs for 12–15 weeks.
The Young Founder’s Lab is a hands-on startup accelerator designed to help you launch a revenue-generating business that tackles real-world challenges. Throughout the program, you’ll receive guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals from leading companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. Your journey includes interactive sessions covering essential business concepts, ideation strategies, and practical workshops to sharpen your skills. You’ll also engage in case studies, panel discussions, and other dynamic activities, all crafted to deepen your entrepreneurial understanding and set you up for success in the startup world. Check out the brochure for the program here.
Subject Areas: Business, Entrepreneurship, Technology
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: The total cost to attend the 3-week program is $2,900. There is need-based financial aid
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. November 24, 2024, for the Winter cohort. Apply here!
Program Dates: Multiple, year-round cohorts, including Summer! December 21, 2024 — January 5, 2025, for the upcoming Winter cohort!
Eligibility: Currently open to all high school students.
Ladder Internships connects motivated high school students with internships at fast-growing startups. Through this program, you’ll have the chance to intern with startups from diverse fields, including technology, artificial intelligence, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. These startups, many of which have raised over a million dollars, are led by accomplished founders, including Y Combinator alumni and former employees of companies like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook.
Throughout the eight-week virtual program, you’ll work directly with startup managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach on impactful projects and showcase your contributions to the team. You’ll receive personalized coaching on essential skills like communication and time management and participate in group training sessions with fellow interns.
Subject Areas: Technology, Healthcare and Medicine, Business, Finance, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and more.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (Financial Aid Available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. November 24th for the upcoming winter cohort!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer!
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 Welch Foundation, a nonprofit based in Houston, TX, offers high school sophomores and juniors the opportunity to participate in its Summer Scholars Program, providing a university-level research experience at one of five partner universities in Texas at no cost. Upon acceptance, you’ll be assigned to a specific university and spend the majority of your time in a laboratory setting, working on a research project under the mentorship of a graduate student or post-doctoral researcher, with oversight from a faculty mentor.
Throughout the program, you’ll participate in lectures, facility tours, workshops, and group discussions, all designed to deepen your understanding of scientific research. To conclude your experience, you’ll develop a research paper, present your findings, and create a research poster, showcasing the skills and knowledge you’ve gained!
Subject Areas: Chemistry
Location: One of five Texas universities, including the University of Texas at Austin, TX.
Cost: No cost. All program-related expenses (including housing) of participants are covered. Certain other benefits may be offered, but exact details are not available.
Application Deadline: Applications will go live in January 2025.
Program Dates: The five-week program typically runs from June to July. Specific dates TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in Texas can apply.
McCombs offers three immersive, free programs for high school students interested in exploring business. Across all three programs, you’ll network with UT Austin alumni, industry professionals, and like-minded peers, gaining insights into various business careers while building essential leadership skills.
- The McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA) is a six-day program open to rising juniors and seniors, where you’ll dive into college-level business concepts through interactive projects, keynote sessions, and discussions with industry leaders.
- Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMC) is another six-day program for rising juniors and seniors, focusing on key business principles like accounting, marketing, and entrepreneurship, blending academic insights with hands-on experiences, such as case studies and group projects!
- Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders is specifically for high school juniors and centers on leadership development while tackling real-world challenges in business and public policy.
Subject Areas: Business Studies, Leadership, Accounting
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Mar 1, 2025: MFEA and DYNAMC | Jan 31, 2025: Subiendo
Program Dates: Jun 1–6, 2025: MFEA | Jun 8–12, 2025: Subiendo | Jun 22–27, 2025: DYNAMC
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors can apply for MFEA and DYNAMC. Current high school juniors can apply for Subiendo.
Designed for students interested in healthcare careers, this program offers an in-depth look at the medical field through clinical simulations, lab sessions, and hospital visits. You’ll explore essential topics like patient care, medical ethics, and healthcare systems, gaining a comprehensive view of various medical professions! Beyond practical activities, the program provides opportunities to connect with experienced healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and researchers. These interactions offer guidance on navigating the path to medical school and building a successful healthcare career.
Subject Areas: Medicine, Healthcare
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: $500 (scholarships available)
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025.
Program Dates: TBA for 2025. Two sessions were offered in 2024 from June 10–14 and June 24–28, 2024.
Eligibility: High school students in 9th through 11th grade. If your school is in a partner district, you may require a school nomination.
The AFRL Scholars program offers high school students passionate about aerospace engineering and STEM research the chance to intern with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, including the AFWERX site in Austin, Texas. As an intern, you’ll dive into specialized research areas such as machine learning, atomic physics, satellite navigation, astrodynamics, and more. Guided by experienced AFRL scientists and engineers, you’ll gain hands-on experience, tour state-of-the-art laboratories, and work on real-world projects.
Past interns have tackled advanced research topics, including launch vehicle system design and simulations for detonation rocket engines. You can select up to three preferred topics at each AFRL location, aligning your work with your interests and career goals. This internship is a unique opportunity to develop problem-solving skills and work alongside experts at a leading aerospace research facility!
Subject Areas: STEM disciplines focusing on physics, aerospace engineering, and material sciences.
Cost: No cost. A stipend of $492.40/week is offered to participants.
Application Deadline: Deadlines can vary based on the chosen site.
Program Dates: ARFL internships typically run 10–12 weeks in the summer, with a minimum requirement of 8 weeks. They can extend to 14 weeks based on mentor preferences and availability of funds.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply. Check the detailed eligibility criteria here.
The My Introduction to Engineering (MITE) Camp, organized by the Cockrell School of Engineering at UT Austin, invites 50 high school juniors to participate in an intensive five-day experience. During the camp, you’ll work on team-based engineering projects and engage in hands-on activities that introduce you to various engineering disciplines.
Guided by UT Austin faculty, staff, and alumni, you’ll gain valuable insights into the field. This program is particularly recommended for students who may have had limited exposure to engineering or have encountered socio-economic barriers. Additionally, MITE Camp includes sessions on navigating the college admissions process and applying for financial aid, equipping you with resources for your academic future.
Subject Areas: Engineering
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: $100 (to be paid after admittance).
Application Deadline: Applications will open in Jan 2025.
Program Dates: Session 1: Jun 22 — 26, 2025 | Session 2: Jul 6 — 10, 2025
Eligibility: Current high school juniors residing in the U.S. can apply.
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) internship, hosted by the University of Texas at Austin in partnership with NASA, offers high school students an opportunity to engage in Earth and space research. This competitive program enables you to explore NASA satellite data and gain hands-on experience with real-world applications of Earth science. Applications are currently open for the 2025 program.
As a SEES intern, you’ll begin with virtual learning modules covering essential Earth science concepts and Python programming skills. In July, you’ll transition to on-site research at the University of Texas at Austin, where you’ll work closely with NASA experts on projects like visualizing remote sensing data, analyzing ice sheets, mission design, and studying Earth’s gravity field. The program concludes with a symposium where you’ll present your findings and receive a certificate of completion.
Subject Areas: Earth science, astronomy and planetary science, climate science, aerospace engineering, physics
Location: Hybrid. The on-site portion of the internship is conducted at the University of Texas at Austin, TX.
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Feb 22, 2025
Program Dates: May to August with on-site experience typically starting in July.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in the US can apply.
This week-long camp invites young women to dive into computer science through interactive coding projects and engaging lectures. Created for female high school students, the camp offers a supportive environment to learn the basics of coding, explore core computer science concepts, and discover various career pathways in tech. You’ll hear from guest speakers who are leaders in the industry, providing valuable perspectives on the diverse opportunities within technology! Hands-on activities include programming an Arduino microcontroller to create a light show and experimenting with new tech alongside UT professors, offering a memorable introduction to the world of computer science.
Subject Areas: Computer Science
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025.
Program Dates: Typically in June. TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: Female high school students entering grades 10–12 in fall 2025 can apply.
If you’re eager to dive into scientific research, this five-week program offers an immersive experience guided by UT Austin faculty. You’ll engage in active research across fields like biology, chemistry, and physics, gaining practical skills in lab techniques, data analysis, and presenting scientific findings professionally. Alongside individual research, you’ll collaborate with peers in small groups to address challenging scientific questions, honing teamwork, and communication skills that are essential in the field. This program builds a solid base for future research pursuits in college and beyond.
Subject Areas: STEM
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: $3,500 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Applications will open in early 2025!
Program Dates: Jun 9 — Jul 16, 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are Texas residents and will be at least 15 years old by Jun 1, 2025, can apply.
Austin Angels, a non-profit organization focused on supporting children, youth, and families in the foster care system, offers an ambassador program specifically for high school students. This program allows you to actively contribute to fostering community support while aligning with your personal and professional interests.
As an ambassador, you’ll have flexibility in shaping your involvement to match your goals — whether in advocacy, community outreach, mentorship, or child welfare. You’ll participate in educational seminars, gain insights into Austin Angels’ programs, help plan and run fundraisers or supply drives, and, upon completion, receive verified volunteer hours and a recommendation letter. For more details, find the program brochure here!
Subject Areas: Advocacy, Community Engagement, Child Welfare
Location: Austin, TX
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Program Dates: Flexible depending on your needs, and open for the summer. A typical internship lasts for a semester or quarter.
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a high school to apply.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.