The best way to learn research is to get started with it early on. If you’re a high schooler in Texas, you’re in luck! Texas is home to a ton of universities that offer high school students a chance to work inside research labs, offices, and field stations. You build skills in lab work, coding, technical writing, data analysis, and professional communication. You work directly with university professors, researchers, and graduate students.
You practice designing experiments, analyzing results, writing research papers, and presenting findings. Many programs focus on fields like biomedical engineering, computer science, mathematics, environmental science, psychology, and chemistry. University research experience can help you prepare for college, build a strong academic portfolio, and sharpen your skills for future study or work.
Here are 15 university research programs for high school students in Texas!
15 University Research Programs for High School Students in Texas
1. Houston Methodist – High School Emerging Researcher Experience
Houston Methodist’s High School Emerging Researcher Experience is an 8-week summer internship where high school juniors and seniors work on real research in hospital labs. You’ll be paired with a faculty mentor and placed in a research group alongside college students.
Depending on your mentor, your project might involve lab work, clinical research, or data analysis. Throughout the program, you’ll learn lab techniques, attend seminars, and take part in college and career prep sessions. At the end, you’ll present your research at a formal symposium with peers and mentors.
Cost: Free
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Program Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 by June 9 and have a minimum 3.5 GPA.
2. High School Research Academy (HSRA) – University of Texas at Austin
High School Research Academy (HSRA) at the University of Texas at Austin is a five-week in-person summer program where you build skills in lab techniques, data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific communication. You will conduct research in fields like biochemistry, neuroscience, data analytics, and genome engineering.
You will work in the College of Natural Sciences labs alongside peers, undergraduates, and faculty. Weekly seminars led by UT researchers will guide you through designing experiments, interpreting results, and understanding real-world research. You will finish the program by creating and presenting a printed research poster at the HSRA Symposium.
Cost: $4,000; need-based scholarships available
Location: UT Austin, Austin, Texas
Program Dates: June 9 – July 16
Application Deadlines: March 23
Eligibility: Open to all U.S. students, but priority is given to Texas residents. Students must be 15 years or older by June 1 and be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in high school.
3. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
The Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week summer research experience where you work one-on-one with a faculty mentor on a project in STEM, humanities, or the arts. You spend time doing original research, learning how to write and present your work in an academic setting, and attending seminars that introduce different research methods and fields. Only twelve students are selected each year, so you receive close guidance and the chance to focus deeply on your topic.
Cost: Free (includes stipend, housing, meals)
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadlines: February 24
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors graduating in the next two years; must be at least 17 years old by the program start date; U.S. citizens or permanent residents only
4. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES)
The SEES Summer Internship Program, hosted by the Center for Space Research at UT Austin and funded by NASA, gives you the chance to work on real NASA research in Earth and space sciences. You start with virtual training through distance learning modules, then join a two-week, in-person research experience on campus.
You’ll work on projects in areas like remote sensing, climate science, Earth’s gravity field, and space mission design. Throughout the program, you collaborate with NASA experts and UT Austin researchers. At the end, you present your findings in a virtual research symposium.
Cost: Free (includes housing, meals, and local transportation; travel scholarships available)
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Center for Space Research
Program Dates: Online modules: May–July 5; On-site residency: July 6–19; Final virtual symposium: July 21–22
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with selection based on academics, essays, a video, and a recommendation.
5. PATHS-UP Young Scholars Program – Texas A&M University
The PATHS-UP Young Scholars Program at Texas A&M is a three-week summer internship that immerses you in biomedical and behavioral engineering research. You’ll gain hands-on experience with skills like lab techniques, data collection, coding, sensor design, and imaging technologies.
Throughout the program, you’ll work alongside faculty and graduate researchers on projects such as wearable health devices, low-cost diagnostic tools, remote patient monitoring, and health tech solutions for underserved communities. By the end of the program, you’ll present your findings in a final symposium, showcasing your research and communication skills.
Cost: None; stipend provided (amount not specified)
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Program Dates: June 9–27
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors from Los Fresnos CISD, Sharyland ISD, or South Texas ISD; highly selective, with only two students selected.
6. BEAT Academy – UT Health San Antonio
The BEAT Academy at UT Health San Antonio’s Lozano Long Campus offers you a hands-on biomedical research experience. You’ll explore topics like anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, and neurodegeneration through lab work and faculty-led seminars.
You’ll tour the human anatomy lab, interact with simulated patients, and conduct biomolecular experiments using advanced technology. Along with academic learning, you’ll take part in a college prep session designed to guide you toward health-related careers. The program wraps up with a farewell reception and a certificate of completion.
Cost: $1,000 total ($50 non-refundable application fee + $950 registration fee); includes materials, lunch, and a T-shirt
Location: UT Health San Antonio, Lozano Long Campus, San Antonio, TX
Program Dates: July 14–18
Application Deadlines: June 20 (rolling admissions until seats are filled)
Eligibility: High school students interested in biomedical and health-related careers
7. Digital Health Young Scholars Program – Rice University
The Digital Health Young Scholars Program at Rice University is a three-week in-person summer program that introduces you to research at the crossroads of engineering, physics, and digital health. You’ll gain hands-on experience working with tools like pulse oximeters and accelerometers, and create simple devices based on ongoing university research. You’ll also learn digital circuitry, programming, and medical tech applications with guidance from Rice staff and graduate students.
Cost: No cost; fully funded program
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Program Dates: June 9 – June 26
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders from the Houston area.
8. STARS Summer Research Program – UT Southwestern Medical Center
The STARS Summer Research Program at UT Southwestern is an eight-week internship for high school juniors in North Texas. You’ll work directly with faculty mentors in biomedical research labs, gaining hands-on experience in pharmacology, neuroscience, pathology, and genetics. You’ll build skills in lab techniques, data analysis, scientific writing, and research presentation. At the end, you’ll present your research findings through a poster. Participants also receive a stipend.
Cost: No cost; stipend of $2800 provided approximately. (based on previous years)
Location: UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX
Program Dates: June 3 – July 26 (tentative)
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 by June 1, live in North Texas, and can work in the U.S.
Disclaimer: Dates and stipend are based on the previous year’s program. For the latest updates, visit the official STARS Summer Research page.
9. Research Apprentices Program (RAP) –Texas Christian University
Hosted by the Department of Physics & Astronomy, this program lets you explore advanced science topics while working directly in research labs on active, journal-worthy projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment and techniques, including spectroscopy, computational simulations, and data analysis.
You might work on experiments, process data, and develop models related to fields like astrophysics, quantum mechanics, or materials science. Throughout the program, you’ll also practice scientific communication by preparing presentations, writing research papers, and contributing to peer-reviewed journal articles.
Cost: Not publicly listed; contact here to inquire.
Location: Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Program Dates: Not specified; typically held during the summer
Application Deadlines: Not published; fill out the application form to apply or contact here for updates.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in science and research
10. CS Research Program – University of Texas at Dallas
The CS Research Program at the University of Texas at Dallas gives you the chance to do hands-on research in areas like app development, simulations, machine learning, and data analysis. You’ll spend 20 to 40 hours a week working in labs or workshops, guided by professors and graduate students.
You’ll work on real projects, build research skills, and in some cases, help write papers or present your work. If your work stands out, you might get a recommendation letter or even win an award. There’s also an 8-week Deep-Dive AI Workshop where you’ll learn Python, neural networks, and how AI is used in research.
Cost: $1000 for lab internship, $1600 for AI workshop; 50% discount available for low-income families
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
Program Dates: June 9 – August 1 (8 weeks)
Application Deadlines: Rolling applications; students are encouraged to apply latest before May 9 to avoid any late fees.
Eligibility: Highly motivated high school students aged 16+ by June 9
11. Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy (VBRA)
The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy is a multi-year summer program at UT Health San Antonio where you spend your high school summers doing hands-on biomedical research. Starting after 9th grade, you’ll work in university labs with faculty mentors, learning how to design experiments, run tests, and analyze data.
Over time, you’ll build research experience, present your findings, and develop skills in scientific writing and communication. Alongside lab work, you’ll take part in structured training to strengthen your academic foundation and prepare for college. The nomination process is key, and students should ensure their schools participate.
Cost: Free
Location: UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Program Dates: Multi-summer program starting after 9th grade
Application Deadlines: By nomination during the 9th grade (typically each fall)
Eligibility: San Antonio high school freshmen, by school nomination only
12. Northside ISD Summer Research Mentorship Program
The Northside ISD Summer Research Mentorship Program places you in a research lab at UT Health San Antonio for eight weeks of full-time work. You’ll take part in real research from start to finish, reading scientific papers, helping design experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing presentations.
You’ll be mentored by university faculty and expected to follow a full weekday schedule. Before starting, you must complete the required safety training. This program is open to students from Northside ISD who have already taken biology and chemistry.
Cost: Free
Location: UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Program Dates: June – August; exact dates are yet to be announced
Application Deadlines: February 5
Eligibility: Northside ISD high school students who are at least 16 by June 1, have completed Biology and Chemistry, and are returning to high school in the fall.
13. King Foundation High School Summer Program – MD Anderson Cancer Center
The King Foundation High School Summer Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center is a 10-week research internship for graduating high school seniors in Texas. You’ll work full-time in a biomedical research lab, paired with MD Anderson faculty who guide you through real research projects.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing, while attending seminars and workshops that introduce careers in science and health. The program ends with a final presentation of your research.
Cost: Free to attend; $6,800 stipend provided
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8 (with flexibility to start June 9 if graduation conflicts)
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: Texas high school seniors graduating in spring, 18 or older by program start, accepted to a college for fall, and U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or work-eligible visa holders.
14. Program for Research in Mathematics (PReMa)
The Program for Research in Mathematics (PReMa) at Texas A&M University gives you the chance to work on real math research as a high school student. You’ll join a small team or work individually on projects in topics like number theory or combinatorics, guided by university faculty and graduate student mentors.
Throughout the program, you’ll build problem-solving skills, learn how to write and explain advanced mathematical ideas, and prepare your work for possible presentations or publication. Past students have presented at conferences and even published research papers.
Cost: For information regarding fees or potential scholarships, contact the program organizers directly at [email protected].
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Program Dates: Ongoing (schedule varies; students typically participate during the academic year)
Application Deadline: Rolling; students can register by filling out the application form.
Eligibility: High school students with a demonstrated interest in mathematics. Selection is based on academic performance and enthusiasm for research.
15. Hybrid High School Summer Research Program – Texas A&M University – Kingsville
The College of Engineering at Texas A&M University–Kingsville offers a three-week research program for high school students, focusing on STEM fields. You’ll engage in virtual research projects and, if you choose, attend weekly in-person visits to the campus.
These visits provide hands-on experience in labs, opportunities to interact with faculty, and insight into university life. You’ll gain skills in experimental design, scientific communication, and research methods, then present your final project at the end of the program.
Cost: Free (plus up to $300 stipend for optional in-person visits)
Location: Virtual, with optional weekly visits to TAMUK, Kingsville, TX
Program Dates: Typically June to early July
Application Deadlines: Rolling; applicants are encouraged to apply early
Eligibility: High school students interested in engineering or science
Bonus-
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the 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, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadlines: Priority: March 23; Regular I: April 20; Regular II: May 18
Program Dates: The summer cohort starts June 16. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply at least four 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.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, fall: September – December, winter: December – February, spring: March – June.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The deadline for the summer cohort I is May 11.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school, with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher, and no prior knowledge of your field of interest required.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research opportunity for high school students to work on an independent project in a field of their choice. You will be paired with a Ph.D. mentor who will guide you through the process, and you’ll also receive support from a writing coach to help you refine your research topic.
The program covers various fields including history, data science, engineering, physics, sociology, chemistry, anthropology, economics, and gender studies. If none of these topics fit your interests, you can customize your research focus. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in workshops on research methods to strengthen your skills. You can find more details about the application here.
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