If you’re a high school student in Houston seeking opportunities to develop your skills this summer, we have got you covered! Engaging in a summer program allows you to step outside of the traditional classroom environment, build new skills, and connect with peers and mentors. These programs offer a chance to explore career interests, distinguish yourself from others, and strengthen your college applications.
Many universities and research institutions provide free or fully-funded summer programs aimed at talented high school students in Houston. Participating in these experiences can give you a competitive edge and help you make informed choices about your educational and career goals. Many of these programs are prestigious, and colleges often see participation as an indication of a student’s commitment, intellectual curiosity, and potential for achievement. Here’s a list of 15 free summer programs that you can check out in Houston:
15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Houston
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a prestigious online research opportunity designed for high-achieving high school students interested in conducting original research. In our flagship program, we pair talented high-school students with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1. This experience culminates in the production of an independent research project, offering an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge scholarship while still in high school.
Participants gain valuable insights into advanced research methodologies, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and tackle complex issues under expert guidance. Whether your interests lie in AI, biomedical engineering, or political science, the program equips you with the skills needed to excel in college applications and future academic pursuits. You can apply here!
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Some need-based scholarships are available.
- Lumiere Individual Research Program – $2,990.
- Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program – $5,900.
- Lumiere Research Fellowship – $8,900.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications for the summer cohort close in May.
Program Dates: Program dates vary based on the cohort. June for the summer cohort.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
Ladder Internship is a selective program, with an acceptance rate of 15-20%, for high school students to work with startups and nonprofits worldwide for meaningful virtual internships. As part of their internship, each student works on a real-world project and presents it at the end of their internship.
In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, you also work with a Ladder Coach throughout your internship. Mentors guide students through the internship, helping them navigate the startup environment. This dual support structure ensures comprehensive guidance as you navigate your internship, enhancing both your technical and soft skills. As a Ladder Intern, you will engage in a coaching+work-based model—a component that sets it apart from most internships. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long. You can apply here!
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Some need-based scholarships are available.
- 8-week Program: $2490.
- Research Internship: $5900.
- Combined (program and internship): $7400.
Application Deadline: Varies based on the cohort. Applications for the summer cohort close in May - June.
Program Dates: Program dates vary based on the cohort. June - July for summer cohort.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
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 you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track as well as the type of research you wish to carry out, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar from a top university who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. The program culminates in the development of a 20-page research paper, which students can submit to prestigious journals for potential publication. Horizon also provides detailed feedback on each project, along with a letter of recommendation, enhancing students' future academic and research opportunities. Apply here!
Location: Virtual.
Cost: You can contact here for more information regarding tuition and questions about need-based financial aid.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May for the summer cohort.
Program Dates:
- Program dates vary based on the cohort. June to September for the summer cohort.
- 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.
4. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduate students, offers specialized programs for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. If you are starting your journey in AI, machine learning, and data science, the AI Scholars program is ideal. This 10-session boot camp introduces you to AI and data science fundamentals and allows you to work on real-world projects.
For more advanced students, the AI Fellowship program allows you to collaborate one-on-one with mentors from top universities on individual projects. A unique feature of this fellowship is the support from an in-house publication team, which assists you in getting your work published in high school research journals. The fellowship also encourages students to apply AI across diverse fields, including finance, medicine, sports, environmental science, and beyond. You can apply here!
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Some need-based financial aid is available.
- AI Scholars Program - $2,290.
- AI Fellowship Program - $5,400.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: Program dates vary based on the cohort.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. For the AI Fellowship, prior experience in AI concepts or Python is required. Students who have completed the AI Scholars program can also apply.
The Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program, offered by the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, is a highly selective 10-week opportunity for high school students passionate about the biomedical sciences. This program allows you to engage in a hands-on research project within a biomedical field, mentored by an experienced faculty member at MD Anderson. You will learn essential research methods and gain a comprehensive understanding of various career paths in biomedical science.
With only ten students admitted annually, the program provides critical insight into the life of a biomedical researcher and prepares participants for future academic and career pursuits in this field.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
Cost / Stipend: Free! Participants receive a stipend of $6,800 for the 10-week program, and $6,120 for the nine-week program.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 10 weeks between June and August.
Eligibility: Texas high school seniors who are at least 18 years old at the start of the program are eligible to apply.
The Precise Advanced Technologies and Health Systems for Underserved Populations (PATHS-UP) Young Scholars Digital Health Summer Program is a free, immersive three-week experience at Rice University designed to introduce you to digital circuitry, computer science, physics, and engineering research. You'll explore the practical applications of these fields in healthcare, build a network with fellow students, and gain insights into different college and career pathways.
You’ll engage in hands-on learning with programming and digital design, using real-world simulations and instruments like pulse oximeters, accelerometers, GPS devices, speakers, and microphones to understand their relevance in healthcare. No prior programming experience is necessary to apply; however, the program is highly selective, admitting only 12 students annually.
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 3 weeks between June and July.
Eligibility: Houston high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Please note that this program is offered through a designated funding source to a targeted audience and is open to residents in the Houston area.
The Upward Bound Summer Academy at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is a pre-college program tailored for high school students. During this intensive, six-week, non-residential program, you'll take part in a range of classes and activities designed to help you prepare for college.
You'll engage in academic courses, test prep sessions, college readiness workshops, campus tours, and various extracurricular activities. This program offers you a chance to strengthen your academic skills, build new competencies, and experience college-level coursework while exploring your interests. By participating in these rigorous classes and exciting activities, you’ll be better equipped for the academic challenges, independence, and personal growth that college demands.
Location: University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 6 weeks between June and July.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9th-11th from affiliated high schools are eligible to apply. The affiliated schools are Austin High School, Kashmere High School, Madison High School, West Bury High School, Wheatley High School, Worthing High School, and Yates High School.
The Rice STEM Academy is a free, week-long summer enrichment program specifically designed to help high school girls explore scientific principles and processes. Offered in partnership with Design Connect Create at Rice University, the program immerses you in hands-on engineering challenges centered on sustainability. You’ll work in advanced labs, collaborate with Rice University faculty, and engage in discussions with graduate students.
Throughout the program, you'll connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications, gaining insights into how they influence daily life. You’ll have the chance to work with engineering landing capsules, learn circuit basics with Microbits, and explore motion using TI Nspire Rovers. Additionally, you'll dive into various physics concepts, discover their links to engineering, and examine the challenges involved in designing more sustainable solutions.
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for a week in July.
Eligibility: High school girls entering 10th or 11th grade are eligible to apply. Boys and non-binary students are welcome to apply.
The DACCPM (Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine) Summer Research Program is a 10-week opportunity designed to provide you with hands-on experience in laboratory and clinical research. As a participant, you’ll develop essential skills such as conducting medical literature reviews, handling research data, and much more. The program also offers additional academic and professional development workshops on topics like applying to graduate school and exploring various career paths within the field.
Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate closely with a faculty mentor on a specific research project, which you’ll have the opportunity to present at a poster symposium at the program’s conclusion. Your project abstract will also be featured in the annual CATALYST Summer Program abstract book.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 8-10 weeks between June and August.
Eligibility: High school students who are 18 years or older are eligible to apply.
The Young Leaders Institute (YLI) is a week-long summer program for high school students, focused on building global awareness, enhancing leadership skills, and connecting students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with peers to research, debate, and present solutions to global challenges. Guided by Asia Society Texas staff, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of global issues, refine your communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, and engage meaningfully with experts, staff, and fellow participants to broaden your perspective on leadership.
Location: Asia Society Texas Center, Houston, TX.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and typically close in May, with students encouraged to apply early to secure their placement.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for a week between June and August.
Eligibility: High school students from the Greater Houston area are eligible to apply.
The SMS Summer Research Program is an 8-week-long summer program for select students who have participated in Saturday Morning Science or are affiliated with partner programs at Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M, or other minority-serving institutions. Through this program, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with a Baylor College of Medicine researcher on a lab or research project.
If selected, you’ll commit 40 hours per week to your project, attend weekly ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions focused on various research topics and professional development, and engage in research meetings and specialized seminars related to your research group. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at the SMS Summer Research Symposium, alongside other in-person summer interns.
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Cost / Stipend: Free! Interns receive a stipend.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 8 weeks between June and August.
Eligibility: High school students who are 18 years or older are eligible to apply.
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) provides Texas high school juniors with a year-long STEM experience focused on NASA’s missions. Beginning in the fall, you’ll complete a five-month online course on space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics. Top students are invited to a five-day virtual summer program, Moonshot, where you’ll collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers.
Through the online course, you’ll participate in interactive lessons, design challenges, and discussions, and virtually connect with NASA professionals. If selected for Moonshot, you’ll work on team projects, hands-on engineering tasks, and mission planning activities for the Moon and Mars.
Location: In-person at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX and virtual.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in October.
Program Dates: This is a year-long program. Check the program dates here.
Eligibility: High school juniors residing in Texas are eligible to apply.
The Get Ready Gators Summer Bridge program is a five-week intensive academic experience for graduating high school seniors, created to help you build academic skills, integrate socially, and smoothly transition from high school to university life.
During this program, you’ll start your academic journey at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) by enrolling in college-level courses. Between classes, you’ll benefit from support services, including in-depth academic assistance, student success resources, career counseling, and leadership development. This program also offers you an opportunity to acclimate to the college experience and prepare for a successful university journey.
Location: University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in July.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 5 weeks between July and August.
Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.25 - 2.6 are eligible to apply.
Rice University’s Center for Environmental Studies and the Houston Climate Justice Museum offer a week-long program for high school students focused on environmental storytelling, climate justice, and current environmental issues.
You will engage in participatory activities and arts-based practices that address environmental justice and climate change. Supported by Rice’s BRIDGE Program, this free initiative for Houston Independent School District students takes place entirely on the Rice campus. You’ll stay in dorms, eat in school cafeterias, and experience college life while learning from faculty, graduate students, and community experts. Field trips are included, with past excursions to Galveston Island and a boat tour of Buffalo Bayou.
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for a week in June.
Eligibility: High school students from Houston Independent School District are eligible to apply.
The Summer Intensive for Teens (SIFT) offers Houston high school students a tuition-free studio art program. Over 4.5 weeks, you will engage in intensive studio training, mentorship, group critiques, site visits, and one-on-one meetings with local curators and artists. You'll collaborate on a mural that is installed on the exterior of the ALH building and work on independent art projects culminating in a four-week exhibition.
Classes feature six hours of daily coursework across various mediums, including technical sketching, collage, textiles, and digital media, led by experienced artists and educators. You’ll also hear from guest speakers offering insights into the art world and its career paths. The program, limited to 16 students, includes field trips to art spaces, where you’ll meet professionals in the field.
Location: Art League Houston, Houston, TX.
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 4.5 weeks between June and July.
Eligibility: Houston high school students aged between 14-17 years are eligible to apply.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.