Chemistry programs for high school students are a structured way to explore scientific concepts beyond the standard classroom curriculum. These programs often offer exposure to chemistry through laboratory experiments, guided research projects, and lectures that cover topics such as organic chemistry, chemical reactions, materials science, and environmental chemistry. By spending time in lab settings and participating in collaborative activities, you gain hands-on experience with scientific tools, experimental design, and data interpretation. Many programs also offer mentorship from researchers or university faculty, giving you insight into how chemistry is studied at the college level and how it connects to careers in medicine, engineering, and scientific research.
Why should you choose a program in Texas?
Participating in a chemistry program in Texas can give you access to the state’s rich hub of universities, research centers, and STEM initiatives that emphasize hands-on scientific learning. Institutions across the state host summer workshops, lab-based programs, and academic camps designed to introduce high school students to advanced chemistry topics. These opportunities also allow you to experience university laboratories, interact with faculty and researchers, and gain exposure to real-world scientific environments.
To help you explore your options, we have curated a list of 15 chemistry programs for high school students in Texas. We have selected these options for the academic rigor, lab experience, and mentorship opportunities they offer.
If you are also looking for research experience in chemistry beyond Texas, check out our list of programs here and our selection of paid research opportunities here.
1. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program @ Texas Tech
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 12 students
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and recent graduates who are at least 17 years old by the start date and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Texas Tech University runs the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program, a selective seven-week summer research program for rising high school seniors and recent graduates. As a participant, you will be paired one-on-one with a faculty mentor to work on a research project in fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, or fine arts. Throughout the program, you will also participate in seminars, guest lectures, and field trips that introduce you to different academic and research perspectives. You will live on campus and engage closely with faculty and peers while developing research methodology, data analysis, and scientific communication skills. The experience culminates in a formal research report and presentation summarizing your project.
2. Welch Summer Scholar Program (WSSP)
Location: Participating Texas universities, including UT Austin, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, University of Houston, Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: May 31 – July 3
Application deadline: April 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors at the time of application who attend schools in Texas
The Welch Summer Scholar Program (WSSP) is a competitive five-week summer research experience for Texas high school juniors and seniors interested in chemistry and biochemistry. Supported by the Welch Foundation, the program places you at one of several partner universities across Texas for a residential research experience. You will work closely with faculty and graduate students, gaining hands-on training in modern laboratory techniques while contributing to an active chemistry or biochemistry research project. Alongside lab work, the program includes guest lectures covering various topics in chemistry and facility tours. At the end, you will deliver a final presentation on your research topic, and/or present a poster.
3. REACT @ TAMU Chemistry
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Cost: $250 (upon acceptance)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 20 students/year
Dates: July 13 – 24
Application deadline: March 27
Eligibility: High school students
The REACT (Research Experiences in Analytical Chemistry Training) program at Texas A&M University is a summer enrichment experience designed for high school students interested in advanced chemistry and laboratory research. In this program, you will explore analytical and physical chemistry techniques through hands-on exposure to instruments such as UV/Vis spectrometers, chromatographs, and NMR systems. You will conduct laboratory investigations, analyze chemical samples, and participate in scientific discussions that strengthen your understanding of experimental chemistry. The program may also include field trips that highlight how chemistry is applied in research labs and industry settings. Through these activities, you will build technical lab skills, critical thinking abilities, and experience with scientific problem-solving to prepare for full-fledged chemistry research.
4. ACS Project SEED
Location: Various Locations across the U.S., including sites in TX
Stipend: ~$4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 350+ students annually; Texas-specific numbers not available
Dates: 8 – 10 weeks in summer
Application deadline: April 6; application opens in February.
Eligibility: High school students (preferably sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates) with one completed high school chemistry course; applicants’ family income must not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
American Chemical Society Project SEED is a summer research internship designed to support high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are interested in chemistry. You will spend 8 to 10 weeks working in an academic, government, or industry laboratory under the guidance of a professional scientist, contributing to real chemical research projects. During the program, you may engage in activities like synthesizing compounds, running experiments, analyzing data, and practicing laboratory techniques used in modern chemical research. Alongside the lab experience, the program includes mentorship, college preparation activities, and professional development opportunities that introduce you to careers in the chemical sciences. You may also get to present your research at local or national scientific meetings and become eligible for additional scholarships through the program.
5. HSRA Summer Program @ UT Austin
Location: The University of Texas at Austin, TX
Cost: $4,000; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – July 15
Application deadline: March 22
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, ages 15 and up by June 1; Texas residents are prioritized.
The High School Research Academy (HSRA) at the University of Texas at Austin is a five-week summer program that introduces high school students to interdisciplinary scientific research within the university’s College of Natural Sciences laboratories. You will work alongside faculty mentors and university researchers on active projects in areas such as biochemistry, genetics, genome engineering, ecology, neuroscience, and data analytics. The program emphasizes hands-on experimentation, data analysis, and collaborative research, offering you insight into how scientific investigations are conducted in real laboratory environments. Weekly seminars will feature guest speakers who discuss scientific discoveries and career pathways in STEM. The experience concludes with the HSRA Research Symposium, where you will present your work as a scientific poster.
6. UT MD Anderson Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program
Location: University of Texas’s MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: $7,200 stipend (for 10 weeks) | $6,480 (for nine weeks)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum of six students
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application deadline: Typically, January
Eligibility: Texas high school seniors, ages 18 and up
This is a paid internship for high school seniors interested in research and biomedical sciences. Over 9 to 10 weeks, you will work on a biomedical research project under the mentorship of a faculty member. You can indicate your preference for a chemistry- or biochemistry-focused placement. As a participant, you will spend most of your time in the lab, engaging in activities designed to help you learn about the daily lives of biomedical researchers. You will gain exposure to the full scientific investigation process through daily lab work and documentation. You will also learn about research topics through seminars and engage in activities such as abstract and poster preparation and elevator speech competitions. At the end of the summer program, you will present your findings.
7. Trinity University’s Chemistry Summer Research Program
Location: Trinity University, San Antonio, TX
Stipend: Available (amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited spots for high school students
Dates: 10 weeks in summer
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students and undergraduates at all levels
The Trinity University Chemistry Summer Research Program allows students to work closely with faculty on interdisciplinary chemistry and biochemistry research projects. You will participate in hands-on laboratory work using modern chemical instrumentation while learning techniques in data analysis and experimental design. Throughout the program, you will find opportunities to develop research skills as well as scientific communication skills while sharing your findings through written reports and oral presentations. You will collaborate with faculty mentors and research teams, gaining insight into real-world chemical problem-solving and academic research practices. In some cases, you may contribute to publishable research or present your work at academic conferences. The program additionally offers the opportunity to live in the Trinity University residence halls.
8. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)
Location: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application deadline: April 25
Eligibility: Current high school students (typically rising juniors and seniors) who are Texas residents with a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
SEP at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center introduces rising high school juniors and seniors to careers in medicine through a one-week summer program. As a participant, you will learn medical terminology, attend science classes focused on chemistry or anatomy, and participate in hands-on clinical activities. You may learn through suturing practice, ultrasound demonstrations, basic life support training and certification, and training focused on performing a physical exam. You will also tour facilities like the SimLife Center and the Cancer Research Center and connect with medical students and faculty. The program combines academic learning, clinical exposure, volunteering, and guidance on preparing for a future path to medical school.
9. George Mason’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote option available for Texas residents
Cost: $1,299 + $25 application fee; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 years or older by program start
ASSIP at George Mason University is a summer research program in which high school students work with faculty mentors on advanced STEM projects, including research in chemistry and biochemistry. You will collaborate with research teams in university laboratories, gaining hands-on experience with modern scientific equipment and experimental methods. The program emphasizes developing research skills such as data analysis, scientific writing, and technical communication. Throughout the internship, you will also interact with STEM professionals and researchers, gaining insights into academic and industry career pathways. You may have opportunities to present your research at conferences or contribute to scientific publications.
11. McGovern Medical School’s High School Summer Research Program
Location: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX
Cost: $3,800
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – July 2
Application deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school rising juniors and seniors, ages 16 and up
This program offers high school students early exposure to biomedical research at an academic medical institution. During the program, you will join a laboratory based on your preferences and work with faculty and student mentors on research in the medical sciences, including areas like biochemistry and medicinal chemistry. You will gain research experience while building foundational scientific knowledge and developing lab and workplace skills through workshops, collaboration, and seminars. The structure is designed to mirror real academic research settings, helping you explore what a future career in biomedical science or medicine may involve. You will also connect with faculty, medical students, and healthcare professionals during the program.
12. Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Sea Camp: Oceanography
Location: Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Cost: $1,075
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12 – 18
Application deadline: Not specified; registration opens on November 10.
Eligibility: Students, ages 12 – 15
This week-long multidisciplinary camp at Texas A&M University at Galveston gives you a hands-on exposure to how chemistry, physics, geology, and biology intersect in the study of the ocean. You will examine different ocean environments, from plankton to deep-sea habitats, and learn about the animals that live in each environment. You will engage in fieldwork, which includes collecting sediment and water samples, and learning how scientists study ocean health. You will run experiments on temperature, salinity, and ocean currents, building lab skills. Throughout the week, you will work in a small group under the guidance of marine scientists and instructors.
13. UT Southwestern Chemistry Camp
Location: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students/camp
Dates: July 10 – 18 (tentative)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in 9th grade who will take sophomore-level chemistry next year
Chemistry Camp at UT Southwestern Medical Center introduces 9th-grade students to foundational chemistry concepts through a mix of lectures and laboratory-based activities. During the program, you will explore topics such as chemical reactions, stoichiometry, mole concepts, ions, and basic thermodynamics while connecting these ideas to the periodic table and the structure of matter. Hands-on experiments will reinforce lessons, allowing you to observe chemical principles in action and develop basic laboratory skills. The camp also includes collaborative activities such as team-building challenges, a DNA-focused laboratory activity, and tours of biochemistry research facilities. Through these experiences, you will gain an early introduction to laboratory science and the role chemistry plays in biomedical research.
14. TWU ChemCamp
Location: Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX
Cost: $125
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: TBA
Application deadline: TBA; application opens in Late March/Early April
Eligibility: Students completing grades 8 – 12, ages 14 and up
TWU ChemCamp at Texas Woman’s University introduces high school students to core chemistry concepts through interactive labs and guided experiments. You will explore topics such as green chemistry, solar cells, microplastics, and chemical recycling while learning how chemistry connects to environmental and technological challenges. The program also incorporates simulations and 3D modeling tools that help you visualize chemical processes and molecular interactions. Throughout the camp, TWU chemists will guide lab activities and discussions, helping you build foundational laboratory and analytical skills. Guest sessions with research scientists and field experts will highlight real-world applications of chemistry and possible career paths in the field.
15. UTSA’s Klesse College Summer Camps: Engineering Overview
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio, TX
Cost: Day Camp: $600 | Overnight Camp: $800; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – 5 | June 22 – 26
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
The Engineering Overview Camp at the University of Texas at San Antonio introduces high school students to several core engineering disciplines within the university’s Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design. During the program, you explore fields such as biomedical, chemical, mechanical, civil, electrical, and computer engineering through hands-on challenges, interactive labs, and faculty-led presentations. You also tour engineering research facilities and learn how different engineering fields address real-world problems. While not a typical chemistry program, the camp does introduce you to chemical engineering and related career paths while familiarizing you with UTSA’s engineering programs and admissions requirements. Designed as an exploratory experience, the camp can help you assess STEM fields that align with your interests.
One more option—Horizon Academic Research Program
If you are looking for a competitive mentored research program in an area of your choice, you can consider applying toHorizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! It is a selective virtual research program that allows you to engage in advanced research and come up with a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students so far, offering 600+ research specializations to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source: University of Texas at San Antonio