Looking to do research in high school? A research program is an option you can consider!
What are research programs for high school students? Why should I apply for one?
Research programs for high school students give you the chance to step into real research environments while exploring fields such as biomedical sciences, engineering, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. Unlike standard academic enrichment, these programs are highly structured and focused, offering hands-on experience with lab work, data analysis, and collaborative projects guided by expert mentors.
If you’re based in Texas, there’s plenty of local options for you to choose from, ranging from internships to lab programs that allow you to do rigorous research.
Texas is home to leading universities and institutions that open their doors to high school students each year. By joining a local program, students can save on travel while still gaining access to cutting-edge facilities, strong mentorship, and meaningful projects.
Here is a curated list of 11 research programs for high school students in Texas!
1. Baylor College of Medicine
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Program Dates: June 11 – August 4
Deadline: April 18
Cost: No cost, stipend provided (~Texas minimum wage, subject to taxes)
Eligibility: High school students 18+ by June 1; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; prior participation in Saturday Morning Science or affiliate programs
Baylor’s Summer Research Program places you in biomedical and translational research alongside faculty mentors at a top medical institution. You will gain practical experience in laboratory techniques like DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and cell culture, along with interpreting biomedical data. The program includes seminars in genetics, immunology, and neuroscience, expanding your knowledge of current scientific frontiers. Communication is a key focus, with opportunities to present your findings through both oral and written formats. This experience builds your technical skills, understanding of experimental design, and appreciation for collaborative medical research.
2. Greehey CCRI Donald G McEwen Memorial Summer Research Program
Location: UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Deadline: Rolling basis
Cost: No cost; stipend may be offered
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ by program start; selection based on academic performance, CV, and research interests
This 10-week program immerses you in hypothesis-driven childhood cancer research at the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute. You’ll explore areas like genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, structural biology, classical genetics, and molecular imaging. Students are paired with Principal Investigators based on research interests, ensuring meaningful project alignment. The program emphasizes technical skill-building, scientific reasoning, and clear communication, culminating in a research symposium where you present and defend your findings.
3. University of Houston’s Mohan Lab Summer Internship
Location: University of Houston, Houston, TX
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25
Deadline: March 28
Cost: Free (no program fee; students are responsible for transportation and housing if not local)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (completed 11th grade) with strong academic records and interest in biomedical, medical, bioengineering, or health-oriented careers
At the Mohan Lab Summer Internship, you’ll gain hands-on experience in biomedical engineering and computational biology research within a university lab. The program educates you in designing experiments, collecting biological data, and utilizing bioinformatics tools. You will develop technical skills like microscopy, protein analysis, and interpreting results, all while learning how to effectively present scientific findings. With faculty and graduate mentors guiding you, the experience emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and exposure to real-world biomedical challenges. By the end, you’ll leave with practical laboratory skills and a stronger understanding of how engineering and data science advance healthcare research.
4. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program – Texas Tech University
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Deadline: February 16
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; 12 students selected for the summer program
The Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week residential research experience that pairs you with a faculty mentor for intensive, university-level study. Projects span diverse fields, including chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, medicine, and law. You’ll practice advanced lab techniques, data analysis, and research communication while working toward a formal presentation of your findings. The program also includes seminars on ethics, academic publishing, and graduate-level expectations. Living on campus adds another layer of growth, as you develop collaboration, leadership, and time management skills alongside technical expertise.
5. Welch Foundation (Programs hosted across five Texas universities)
Location: Multiple Texas universities – UT Austin, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, University of Houston, Texas Tech University
Program Dates: June 8 – July 11
Deadline: March 16
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students, typically rising juniors and seniors; selection based on academic performance and recommendations
The Welch Summer Scholar Program gives you the opportunity to conduct original chemistry research at leading Texas universities. Over five weeks, you’ll explore areas such as organic, inorganic, physical, or analytical chemistry while gaining hands-on experience with advanced laboratory instruments. The program emphasizes scientific problem-solving as you generate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and interpret results under faculty mentorship. You’ll also present your findings through posters and reports, thereby strengthening communication alongside your technical expertise.
6. University of Texas at Austin – Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC)
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Program Dates: July 14 – 20
Deadline: May 24
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders (current 9th–11th grade); students traditionally underrepresented in STEM encouraged to apply
The Texas Advanced Computing Center Summer Program introduces you to computational science and high-performance computing. You’ll explore how supercomputers power fields such as climate modeling, astrophysics, genomics, and artificial intelligence. Training covers Python coding, parallel computing frameworks, and large-scale data analysis, alongside visualization and simulation tools. Guided by computational scientists, you’ll sharpen problem-solving and technical communication skills while collaborating on projects that mirror real-world research environments.
7. UT Austin’s High School Research Academy (HSRA)
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Program Dates: June 9 – July 16
Deadline: March 23
Cost: $3,500 per student (+ $5 application fee); need-based scholarships available
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 15 years old by June 15
The High School Research Academy (HSRA) is a five-week non-residential summer program that places high school students in active College of Natural Sciences laboratories at UT Austin. Participants gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields, such as biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, ecology, and data analytics, while working alongside UT students and faculty. The program includes weekly seminars and skill-building workshops, culminating in a research symposium where students present their work in poster format. HSRA students also earn UT course credit (NSC309), making the experience academically valuable as well as research-intensive.
8. MD Anderson Cancer Center (Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation Program)
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8 (students graduating before June 2) / June 9 – August 8 (students graduating on or after June 2)
Deadline: January 20
Cost: No cost, stipend of $6,800 for 10 weeks ($6,120 for 9 weeks)
Eligibility: Current Texas high school seniors, age 18+ by program start, interested in allied health careers; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or work-eligible visa holders
This 9–10 week summer program immerses you in biomedical research at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Working under faculty mentors, you’ll gain practical experience in laboratory research while participating in seminars and professional development activities. The program highlights communication through abstract writing, poster sessions, and elevator speech competitions. Housing, transportation, and meals are self-arranged, but the stipend helps offset living expenses. By the end, you’ll have built research skills, leadership experience, and exposure to the field of allied health within one of the nation’s top cancer research institutions.
9. Air Force Research Laboratory (multiple U.S. sites)
Location: Multiple AFRL sites across the U.S.; Texas students can apply to the AFWERX site in Texas
Program Dates: Summer (exact dates vary by location)
Deadline: January 10
Cost: No cost; weekly stipend of $501
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students, undergraduate and graduate students in STEM; some sites may also accept education majors and K–12 educators
The AFRL High School Internship gives you hands-on experience in applied STEM research within aerospace, defense, and technology fields. You’ll collaborate with AFRL scientists and engineers on active projects, gaining skills in experimental design, technical methods, and data analysis. The program emphasizes teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving in both lab and field environments. By the end, you’ll leave with direct exposure to engineering challenges, computational modeling, and technology development that reflect real-world STEM careers.
10. University of Texas at Austin & NASA (SEES High School Summer Intern Program)
Location: University of Texas at Austin / NASA research facilities
Program Dates: May 19 – July 19 (distance learning & project work), July 6 – 19 (on-site)
Deadline: February 22
Cost: Free; housing, meals, and local transportation provided; limited travel scholarships available
Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM careers
The SEES High School Summer Intern Program, run by UT Austin in partnership with NASA, offers you direct experience in Earth and space science research. You’ll start with online coursework and data analysis before transitioning to a two-week residential session on campus. Working alongside NASA scientists and faculty, you’ll explore projects in satellite data, climate science, planetary geology, and remote sensing. The program blends independent research with team collaboration, culminating in formal presentations of your findings. By the end, you’ll strengthen your technical, analytical, and communication skills while gaining insight into how research supports NASA’s missions.
11. Houston Methodist’s Summer High School Research Internship
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Program Dates: June 8 – July 31
Deadline: January 30
Cost: Not specified; program is competitive and merit-based
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors; minimum age 16 by program start; minimum GPA 3.5
Houston Methodist’s Summer High School Research Internship immerses you in translational biomedical research at a leading medical center. Over eight weeks, you’ll work alongside faculty, research staff, and undergraduate interns on active laboratory projects. The program trains you in molecular biology techniques, data collection, and experimental design while offering seminars on ethics, career paths, and professional development. By the end, you’ll have contributed to meaningful research and gained insight into how scientific discoveries progress from the lab to patient care.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re 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!
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