If you are a high school student in Texas interested in spending your summer break engaging in research, then a research program is worth considering. Such a program can help you explore a field of interest, such as a specific STEM discipline, and acquire problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills by working on a research project.
A research program can also provide you with some solid insight into data collection and interpretation. Here, you may also participate in lab work and learn how to carry out experiments, studies, and surveys. It may also be a chance to work alongside leading researchers and witness first-hand how a hypothesis is tested and results are presented.
There are many well-known universities and organizations in the state willing to offer high schoolers research opportunities in various fields. To help you get started, here we have listed 12 summer research programs for high school students in Texas:
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary | Students can choose from options like neurobiology, nutritional sciences, computer science, cellular biology and microbiology, mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, history, and chemistry
Location: Texas Tech University campus, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students can get a $750 stipend at the end of the program.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years old when the program starts can apply.
Application deadline: Applications are typically due in February.
Program dates: The six- to seven-week program typically runs from June to August.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program, founded in 1963, is a residential research initiative for high school juniors and seniors. Held at Texas Tech University, the program offers participants the chance to work directly on a research project while engaging with university faculty and experiencing life on a college campus. As a program participant, you will get to participate in hands-on research across various fields, including STEM areas like computer science, chemistry, and neurobiology, as well as humanities and business-related disciplines such as marketing and history. You can explore the research topics and areas covered by past participants here. Also part of the program are weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips.
The program is highly competitive, with applications evaluated based on academic achievements, teacher recommendations, and the candidates' career goals. Only 12 students are selected each year. The program ends with the submission of a research project report, which can earn you a stipend of $750! With this experience, you will develop critical thinking skills through your research and explore career interests by interacting with faculty and fellow students.
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary | Applicants can choose from subjects like fluid dynamics and physics, neuroscience, theoretical mathematics, and behavioral economics, among others
Location: Virtual
Cost: There is a fee. You can get information regarding the cost by raising an interest form here.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (at least 3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted applicants are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details regarding which can be found here.
Application deadline: The applications for the summer cohort typically close on May 21.
Program dates:
- Summer seminar: June 24, 2024–September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar: October 23, 2024–February 19, 2025
- Horizon lab dates are flexible, but you must apply four weeks in advance.
Horizon Academic offers trimester-long research programs for high school students. If selected, you can choose from subject areas such as psychology, behavioral economics, data science, cyber security, machine learning, philosophy, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and more! It is among the few research programs for high schoolers that offers them a choice between quantitative and qualitative research.
Once you choose a subject track and the type of research, you will be paired with a professor or PhD scholar from a reputable university who will be your mentor throughout the program. You will then work on a 20-page university-level research paper, which can be sent to journals for publication.
The research program is an opportunity to explore highly specialized fields in detail under the guidance of a scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation along with detailed project feedback, which you can apply to future projects and college applications. You can find more details regarding the program and apply here!
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
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in the US can apply.
Application deadline: Applications are typically due at the end of February.
Program dates: The program runs from May to August, however, the on-site experience typically starts in July.
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) is a summer internship program offered by the University of Texas at Austin in partnership with NASA. It allows high school students to participate in Earth and space research and learn how to interpret NASA satellite data. SEES is a competitive program, with 205 students selected from over 2,000 applications in 2023.
This is a hybrid internship, i.e., it includes both virtual learning modules and on-site research. As a participant, you will begin with distance learning modules that cover Earth science concepts and Python programming language. In July, you will work on-site at the University of Texas at Austin, conducting research and interpreting NASA satellite data with guidance from NASA subject matter experts. Additionally, under the mentorship of project scientists, you will work on tasks such as visualizing and analyzing remote sensing data, mission design, and studying ice sheets and Earth’s gravity field. The program concludes with a virtual SEES Science Symposium, where participants present their research. At the end of the program, you will receive a NASA certificate of completion.
Subject areas: Arts, economics, sociology, STEM fields, including computer science, aerospace engineering, environmental science, and many more
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
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.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers multiple research opportunities for high schoolers interested in humanities, social sciences, or STEM subjects. Lumiere was founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford who understand what rigorous academic life looks like. Its programs offer you the chance to engage with cutting-edge research and conduct your research on a topic of your choice. It’s a fairly selective virtual program. Previously, over 4,000 students applied for 500 spots. If selected, you will be paired with a top Ph.D.-level mentor and work 1-on-1 with them on writing a university-level research paper. You can find the application form here.
If considering applying, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, which is a non-profit research program meant to help talented, low-income students make the most of this program.
Subject areas: Medicine
Location: Main Houston Methodist Hospital campus at the Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 and have a minimum 3.5 GPA can apply.
Application deadline: Applications are typically due in early February.
Program dates: The 10-week program typically runs from the end of May to early August.
Houston Methodist is a leading healthcare center in Texas. Its 10-week internship offers high school students the chance to engage in translational research—a type of research that involves applying scientific research to healthcare. When applying, you can list three fields of interest, which you want to explore during the program. Based on lab availability, you will be assigned a specific specialty, project, and mentor for the summer. Under your mentor’s guidance, you will learn various laboratory techniques and work on your assigned project. In addition to hands-on lab experience, you will develop skills in scientific writing. The program concludes with a poster symposium where you will present your findings. Also part of the program are professional development opportunities, such as guest lectures, seminars, and networking events.
6. Veritas AI: AI Scholars & AI Fellowship programs
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 runs for 10 weeks, and the AI Fellowship program runs for 12–15 weeks.
Veritas AI offers several AI-focused programs, from close-group, collaborative learning experiences to customized project pathways with 1:1 mentorship. The programs have been designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni.
In the AI Scholars program, you will work with Ph.D. students from top institutions to learn Python and key concepts involved in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science, such as natural language processing, regression, and neural networks. Through this experience, you will develop foundational AI knowledge by working on real-world group projects focussing on the field. The AI Fellowship program allows students to work one-on-one with a mentor to develop a unique, individual project. In the past, students have worked on interdisciplinary projects that borrow concepts from medicine, finance, sports, environmental science, AI mental health, and more. You can check out past projects here.
Subject areas: Biomedical sciences, medicine, bioengineering, and health sciences
Location: MohanLab, University of Houston, Houston, TX
Stipend: None
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors can apply.
Application deadline: Applications are typically due at the end of March
Program dates: The 9- to 10-week program typically runs from June to July.
The MohanLab, led by Dr. Chandra Mohan, focuses on the diagnostics and therapeutics of autoimmune diseases and malignancies. It also offers a 9–10-week internship to high school students with a strong academic record and an interest in pursuing a career in biomedical, medical, bioengineering, or health-oriented fields.
During the first couple of weeks of the internship, you will learn basic laboratory techniques. This is followed by eight weeks of research under the supervision of a scientist or graduate student. The program concludes with a MohanLab joint laboratory meeting, where interns present their research findings. Previous interns have worked on projects such as identifying novel protein biomarkers in bladder cancer patients with the help of data analysis tools and investigating the likely role of ECM proteins and RNA molecules in renal disease. You can explore past project topics and intern profiles here. Some research conducted by interns during the program may be published. Additionally, you may get the option to continue your work with the lab after the internship ends.
Subject areas: Biomedical sciences
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: $6,800 (or $6,120 if participating for 9 weeks instead of 10)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors in Texas who are at least 18 can apply.
Application deadline: The applications are typically due in January each year.
Program dates: The 9–10-week program typically runs from June to August.
Officially known as the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences, this University of Texas program is an in-person research internship. Each year, it accepts up to 10 Texas students and offers them hands-on research experience in biomedical sciences. Here, you can also get a first-hand look into the life of a biomedical researcher. During the program, you will work in MD Anderson labs five days a week and explore the ins and outs of scientific investigation as well as a specific biomedical field. You will also attend seminars, where faculty discuss various research topics. Abstract, poster, and elevator speech competitions are some of the other activities part of this program. The program ends with a presentation, where you discuss your research and share overall experiences with other interns.
Subject areas: Computer science, engineering, physics, and healthcare
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: No cost
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in Houston, TX can apply.
Application deadline: Applications are typically due in April.
Program dates: Students can choose from multiple three-week sessions, which are typically held in the June–July period.
The PATHS-UP Young Scholars Program held at Rice University campus offers hands-on research experience to high schoolers interested in learning about existing medical treatment technology, ongoing engineering research, and the applications of such research in healthcare. Here, you will get to engage with ongoing digital circuitry, engineering, computer science, and physics and its application in healthcare. Additionally, you will use instruments like pulse oximeters, GPS devices, accelerometers, speakers, and microphones and then come up with your device that mirrors the technology currently being developed at the PATHS-UP research center. Under the guidance of university staff, educators in Houston, and graduate students, you will learn about and work on engineering research, hone scientific writing and communication skills, network with peers and researchers, and explore college pathways. You can contact your school’s PATHS-UP Young Scholars Digital Health Summer Program representative to get more details regarding the program.
Subject areas: Biology, biochemistry, genetics, materials science, environmental science, neuroscience, genome engineering, ecology, data analytics
Location: The in-person, non-residential program is conducted at the University of Texas at Austin, TX
Cost: $3,500
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 15 years old can apply, however, rising juniors and seniors in Texas are given preference.
Application deadline: TBA, but applications will open in early 2025.
Program dates: The five-week program typically runs from June to July.
The Summer High School Research Academy (HSRA) is a five-week in-person program conducted at UT Austin’s College of Natural Sciences research labs. In your application, you can mention your research interests. The program offers research experiences in multiple science fields, like biology, biotechnology, neuroscience, and many more. You can check the available research disciplines here before applying. If selected, you will first be matched to a research group based on your interests and lab availability and then work on a research project. During the program, you will work with the university’s undergraduate students and faculty in a laboratory and learn research techniques. Also part of the program are weekly seminars conducted by UT faculty and researchers. The program ends with a research poster presentation. Overall, the experience can help you get some hands-on scientific research experience and develop problem-solving and presentation skills.
Subject areas: STEM disciplines with a focus on aerospace engineering, physics, and material sciences
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend of $492.40/week is offered to participants.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply. Check the detailed eligibility criteria here.
Application deadline: Deadlines can vary based on the chosen site.
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.
The AFRL Scholars program is an internship opportunity for high schoolers interested in aerospace engineering as well as STEM research. As an intern, you will engage in research on topics like machine learning techniques, atomic physics, satellite navigation, astrodynamics, and more. Throughout the internship, you will also get guidance from full-time AFRL scientists and engineers and tour AFRL laboratories. You can check the research topics available here, and the mentor bios here to choose an option that aligns with your interests. For instance, previously summer interns have worked on research topics like launch vehicle systems design and modeling and simulation for rotating detonation rocket engines. You can apply to only three topics per AFRL location. The experience can help you work on your problem-solving skills, engage with cutting-edge research, and work at a well-equipped aviation research facility alongside leading scientists.
Subject areas: STEM fields
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students can get a fellowship award and a Project SEED college scholarship.
Eligibility: High school students who belong to economically disadvantaged backgrounds are eligible.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program dates: The 8–10-week program typically runs from June to August.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit that aims to advance the field of chemistry. Its Project SEED (Summer Experiences for the Economically Disadvantaged) Program is an 8–10-week research program. It provides virtual summer camps in multiple locations in the US, including Texas. The program focuses on improving students’ lab preparedness, offering them exposure to careers in chemistry, enhancing their college readiness, and aiding their professional development. Here, you will engage in hands-on research under the guidance of a scientist in an academic, industry, or government research laboratory. The program typically offers fellowship awards to students as well as a chance to receive a Project SEED college scholarship.
Subject areas: Medicine (specifically oncology)
Location: Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute at UT Health San Antonio, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend may be offered.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply.
Application deadline: Applications are typically due in March.
Program dates: The 10-week program typically runs from June to August.
Organized by the University of Texas Health’s Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, the Summer Research Program is designed for undergraduates and high schoolers interested in getting hands-on research experience in childhood cancer. Here, you will conduct independent research in the institute’s labs and work alongside researchers to get a first-hand look at basic science as well as translational research. Along with childhood cancer (oncology) research, you will learn about methods used in genomics, proteomics, classical genetics, bioinformatics, structural biology, and molecular imaging. The program also focuses on public speaking and scientific communication, which is why you will learn how to defend and present your research findings.
Subject areas: Chemistry
Location: One of five Texas universities—the University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Houston, and Texas Tech University
Cost/Stipend: No cost. All program-related expenses (including housing) of participants are covered. Certain other benefits may be offered, but exact details are not available.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in Texas can apply.
Application deadline: TBA
Program dates: The five-week program typically runs from June to July.
The Welch Foundation is a nonprofit based in Houston, TX. Its Summer Scholars Program offers high school sophomores and juniors a chance to engage in university-level research in a laboratory setting at a Texas university. Out of the five partner universities, you will be assigned one at the time of acceptance. During the program, you will spend most of the time in a lab working on your research project under the guidance of a graduate student or post-doctoral associate alongside a faculty mentor. Also part of the program are lectures, facility tours, site visits, workshops, and group meetings. To complete the program, you would have to work on the research paper, present your findings, and create a research poster.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.