Dallas offers high school students plenty of opportunities to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom. Whether you want to dive into STEM, sharpen your creative skills, or explore careers in health and wellness, summer programs can help you build a strong foundation for college and beyond. If you’re interested in research, many universities and institutes offer hands-on programs where you can collaborate with faculty, staff, and professionals while developing your own project or presentation.
From working with cutting-edge technologies to building industry connections, these 15 summer programs in Dallas will help you develop new skills and gain insights. Here are 15 summer programs for high school students in Dallas!
1. Summer Biology Research Workshop – The University of Texas at Dallas
Location: University of Texas, Dallas
Program Dates/ Duration: 8 July – 2nd August
Cost: $1500. Need-based scholarships available
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders are eligible to apply
Deadline: March 31
Subject Areas: Natural Sciences, Maths
The UTD Biology Research Workshop is a four-week, non-residential summer program for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, offering hands-on research experience at the University of Texas at Dallas, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Over the first two weeks, you will train in laboratory techniques across biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and data analytics, developing skills in experimental design, molecular analysis, and computational biology. In the final two weeks, you will be matched with research laboratories specializing in fields such as neuroscience and microbiology, gaining direct experience in scientific inquiry and data-driven research methods.
2. Computer Science K-12 Outreach | The University of Texas at Dallas
Location: University of Texas, Dallas
Program Dates/ Duration: June 9 – August 1 (8 weeks)
Cost: $1600
Eligibility: Advanced-level high school students can apply (ideally students finishing 10th and 11th grade). IN-PERSON attendance is limited to students who are 16 or higher.
Deadline: May 1
Subject Areas: Computer Science
The UTD Artificial Intelligence Workshop is an eight-week, in-person summer program designed for advanced high school students (ages 16 and up) with prior experience in Python and high school-level math. This program covers core AI and machine learning concepts, including data processing, statistical analysis, and model building. You will work with tools such as NumPy and pandas for data analysis, TensorFlow for deep learning, and frameworks for neural networks, including convolutional (CNN) and recurrent (RNN) models. The workshop emphasizes practical application, guiding you through AI/ML model development, evaluation techniques like ROC curves, and hands-on project work. Instruction is led by UTD CS faculty, including Dr. Anurag Nagar, alongside graduate and doctoral students.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Cost: $2,800 (12 weeks) | $5,400 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: March 9 is the deadline for summer cohort 1
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Subject Areas: Biology, Mathematics, Economics, etc.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. You will undergo immersive sessions with their mentors, who will help them produce a college-level research paper based on their projects. Support from writing coaches will also be provided.
You can work in subject areas like mathematics, biology, data science, economics, psychology, business, gender studies, linguistics, environmental studies, philosophy, astrophysics, engineering, and more. The program will end with a symposium and give students a potential chance at publication.
4. Virtual Coding Camps in Summer 2025 – The University of Texas at Dallas
Location: Virtual (offered by UT Dallas)
Program Dates/ Duration: Multiple dates and schedules from June 9 to August 1
Cost: $200 fee (2 weeks), $400 fee (4 weeks). There is a 50% discount for low-income families.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply
Deadline: No deadline for registration is mentioned
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Coding
The Summer 2025 Virtual Coding Camps provide a structured approach to learning programming, focusing on skill development over multiple weeks. Sessions are limited to 1.5 hours to ensure effective learning, with recorded sessions available for review. All the camp sessions run 5 days a week (Monday-Friday). The Creative Coding with JavaScript course introduces programming using p5.js, a browser-based environment with an integrated coding editor and graphics library. You will develop interactive graphics, animations, and simple visual simulations while learning fundamental programming concepts such as drawing and coloring basics, animations, mouse interactions, control structures, and array manipulation.
Additional camps include Gentle Introduction to Coding (no prerequisites, sponsored by State Farm), Problem Solving in Java, and Problem Solving in Python, both of which require prior programming experience. Each camp follows a set schedule between June and August, with specific session times varying by program.
5. Ladder’s University Internships
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: 8 weeks beginning from June 2
Cost: $1490
Application Deadline: Summer Cohort Admission Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: All High School Students
Subject Areas: Business
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective opportunity for high school students and young professionals. In the program, students work with top start-ups and corporate businesses to develop real-world projects. The program runs for 8 weeks, costs $1490, and involves weekly meetings with a supervisor from the start-up.
As part of their internship, each student will work on real-world ongoing projects. In addition to working closely with their manager from the business, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. The next application deadline for early admission to the summer cohort is March 9th.
6. Summer Art Academy, UT Dallas
Location: The University of Dallas Art Department, Irving, Dallas County, TX
Program Dates/ Duration: June 16 -20
Cost: $450
Eligibility: Applicants can be students entering 7th grade all the way through to graduating seniors
Deadline: March 1
Subject Areas: Art, History
The University of Dallas Summer Art Academy is a weeklong program designed to develop technical and conceptual skills in visual arts. Held at the Art Village on the University of Dallas campus in Irving, TX, the academy provides hands-on experience in ceramics, printmaking, and drawing. You will work with multiple media, learn techniques in 2D and 3D art-making, and refine your understanding of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. The curriculum includes structured studio sessions, guided exploration of mixed media techniques, and an opportunity to work with professional artists and instructors.
Mornings begin with a theory-based session in Art History, followed by practical studio work in ceramics, printmaking, and drawing. Afternoon sessions focus on project completion and skill refinement, leading up to a final art exhibit where you will curate and present your work. The 2D component of the program involves mixed-media drawing techniques, emphasizing layering and composition. The 3D segment covers additive and subtractive sculpture methods, including armature construction and plaster carving, with attention to surface treatment and textural applications.
7. Information Technology and Systems Exploration Summer Camp | Naveen Jindal School of Management
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Jindal School of Management
Program Dates/ Duration: TBA. Usually lasts from June 5 – July 28
Cost: $395
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders are eligible to apply
Deadline: Applications usually open in March
Subject Areas: IT, Computer Science, Business
The ITS Exploration Camp at UT Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management provides an introduction to information technology systems and their real-world applications. Through faculty-led sessions, you will develop problem-solving and analytical skills while exploring core IT concepts such as data management, cybersecurity, and software development. The program includes hands-on experience with industry-relevant tools and software, along with corporate site visits to companies like Texas Instruments and NetScout, where you will gain insight into IT-driven business solutions. Additionally, you will get a firsthand look at college life through campus tours, including residence halls and student activity spaces.
8. Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP), Dallas College
Location: Cedar Valley Campus, Dallas College
Program Dates/ Duration: June 10 to July 19 (Based on last year’s dates)
Cost: No information on fees or financial aid is provided.
Eligibility:
- To qualify for Year 1 of PREP, students must be entering the seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth grade in the upcoming academic year, and have a grade of 85 or better in mathematics, science, and/or English.
- To qualify for Years 2, 3, and 4, students must be prior year participants of PREP or have completed Algebra II or be entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
Deadline: May 31
Subject Areas: Engineering, Maths
The Pre-Freshman Engineering Program (PREP) at Dallas College is a six-week summer program designed for middle and high school students with strong mathematical skills who want to explore STEM subjects in a college setting. You will gain experience in problem-solving, mathematical modeling, engineering concepts, and scientific computing while working with subject-specific software such as MATLAB and Python for data analysis and simulations. The curriculum includes structured coursework, hands-on projects, and mentorship from faculty and professionals in the field. Sessions are held in person at the Cedar Valley and Richland campuses, with virtual participation available as needed. Admission is selective, and eligibility is based on academic performance.
9. NanoExplorers – Nanotech Institute | The University of Texas at Dallas
Location: Nanotech Institute, University of Texas at Dallas
Program Dates/ Duration: June 2 to August 1
Cost: No stipend for participating in the program
Eligibility: Students entering 10th to 12th grade who have a high GPA, good test scores, and take advanced AP/IB science and math courses.
Deadline: March 28
Subject Areas: STEM
The George A. Jeffrey NanoExplorers Program is a summer research opportunity for high school students entering grades 10-12 who are interested in nanotechnology and scientific research. You will gain hands-on experience working in university research labs on funded projects from agencies such as NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Defense. The program emphasizes experimental design, data analysis, and technical problem-solving.
You will work a minimum of 30 hours per week alongside faculty mentors, contributing to real research in areas such as materials science, nanomedicine, and advanced manufacturing. As part of training, you will use specialized lab equipment and software for molecular modeling, microscopy, and computational analysis.
10. 2025 STARS Summer Science Camp
Location: University of Texas Southwestern
Program Dates/ Duration:
- Chemistry Camp: July 10 – July 18 (Current 9th graders)
- Physics Camp: July 10 – July 18 (Current 10th graders)
- Anatomy and Physiology: June 5 (June 13 – Current 10th and 11th graders)
- Biotechnology – June 24:July 2 (Current 11th and 12th graders)
Cost: No cost
Eligibility: All applicants must be 16 years old by June 1, be currently classified as a junior, be enrolled in high school, and be residents of the State of Texas.
Deadline: March 7
Subject Areas: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
The STARS Science Camps at UT Southwestern provide high school students with hands-on experience in biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy & physiology through laboratory work, classroom instruction, and faculty-led discussions. You will develop practical skills in scientific analysis, experiment design, and data interpretation while working with subject-specific tools and techniques relevant to each discipline. The program includes guest lectures from UT Southwestern faculty and guided tours of research facilities, offering exposure to real-world scientific applications. Camps are held in person on the UT Southwestern campus, with specific sessions designed for students preparing for freshman-level biology, sophomore-level chemistry, junior-level physics, or anatomy & physiology coursework.
11. Workforce Development, Parkland Health
Location: Various locations of Parkland Medical Centres in Dallas, Texas
Program Dates/ Duration: 8 weeks in the summer from June
Cost: No cost, but compensation will be $18.25 per hour
Eligibility: Applicants must
- Junior or Senior attending a public high school in Dallas Fort Worth
- Be at least 16 years of age prior to the start date of the program
- have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Deadline: March 14
Subject Areas: Health Systems
The Workforce Development High School Summer Internship Program is an eight-week paid internship designed to introduce you to career pathways in the healthcare industry. Hosted by Parkland’s Workforce Development department, the program provides exposure to non-clinical healthcare roles, preparing you for future career opportunities in administration, operations, and healthcare support services. Through this internship, you can develop professional workplace skills, gain insight into hospital systems and management, and engage in projects that enhance your understanding of healthcare operations.
As an intern, you will work up to 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, in a non-clinical professional environment. While hands-on clinical experience and direct patient contact are not included, you will work alongside professionals in areas such as healthcare administration, data management, medical records, and patient services coordination. The program offers practical exposure to industry-specific software used in hospital administration, allowing you to build foundational skills relevant to a career in healthcare. For more information, contact [email protected]
12. UD High School Summer Program – Arete: An Introduction to the Classics
Location: University of Dallas
Program Dates/ Duration: June 8 to June 21
Cost: $895
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, high school seniors, or recently graduated seniors are eligible
Deadline: March 1
Subject Areas: Philosophy
The University of Dallas offers Arete: An Introduction to the Classics, a two-week summer program designed for high school juniors and seniors to explore foundational texts of Western thought. You will engage with works by Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles, Shakespeare, and modern authors like Faulkner and O’Connor, examining themes of moral reasoning, civic responsibility, and the nature of a noble life. The curriculum emphasizes critical reading, analytical writing, and philosophical inquiry, culminating in a final paper presentation.
Beyond the classroom, the program focuses on experiential learning through film discussions, weekend site visits to museums and theaters, and a project in partnership with Project Finding Calcutta.
13. Summer Camp – The Episcopal School of Dallas
Location: Episcopal School of Dallas campus
Program Dates/ Duration: June 2 to June 6
Cost: Different prices as per course, but maximum fees of $895
Deadline: No deadline is mentioned but the cancellation policy is mentioned here
Eligibility: Children from any school or background, from middle school through to grade 12, are invited to attend Summer at ESD.
Subject Areas: Ethics, Philosophy, Essay Writing
The Episcopal School of Dallas offers a range of summer programs to develop academic, ethical, and leadership skills. Courses include Ethics, where you will analyze moral philosophy and decision-making in real-world contexts, and Geometry, which covers Euclidean principles and logical proof construction. The Community Service program provides hands-on engagement with local organizations, focusing on social issues like homelessness and food insecurity. Health and Wellness explores physical fitness, nutrition, and emotional well-being. Additionally, the College Application Essay Writing course helps refine personal statements for college admissions. These programs emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving while offering valuable academic credits.
14. Trail Ready Summer Bridge Program
Location: UNT Dallas campus
Program Dates/ Duration:
- Math boot camp: July 14 – Aug 7
- Reading-Writing Bootcamp: July 14 – 31
Cost: Free program
Deadline: Not mentioned, but registration is open as of now – Click here to register
Eligibility: The Program is designed for students who have not met the Texas Success Initiative (TSIA2) standards in reading and writing or math, but all high schoolers in Texas are eligible to apply
Subject Areas: Math, Reading, Writing
The University of North Texas at Dallas offers the Trail Ready Summer Bridge Program, a four-week, on-campus initiative designed to prepare you for college-level coursework in math, reading, and writing. If you have not met Texas Success Initiative (TSIA2) standards, this program provides targeted instruction through boot camps in math (July 14 – Aug 7) and reading-writing (July 14 – 31). You will develop academic skills, gain familiarity with the UNT Dallas campus, and connect with faculty and peers. Upon meeting attendance requirements, you can retake the TSIA2 at no cost and receive tuition-free enrollment in a first-year English or math course.
If you’re a high school student in Dallas 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: The University of Texas at Dallas
