10 University-Led Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Texas
For high school students eager to explore their academic interests and gain hands-on research experience, university-led summer programs are a solid option. These programs allow you to work alongside professors, graduate students, and researchers, offering a glimpse into college-level academics and laboratory work. Participating in a research program can help you solidify your career interests, strengthen your college applications, and prepare for pre-college programs or competitive scholarships.
If you’re passionate about STEM, medicine, social sciences, or engineering, conducting research during the summer can be an exciting way to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems. In Texas, several prestigious universities host summer research programs specifically for high school students, providing mentorship, hands-on projects, and exposure to cutting-edge fields.
We’ve narrowed down our list to the top 10 university-led summer research programs in Texas.
Location: Texas Tech University campus, Lubbock, TX.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a $750 stipend at the end of the program.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years old when the program begins.
Application Deadline: February 24
Program Dates: June 22-August 7
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a summer research experience for motivated high school juniors and seniors. This residential program enables you to engage in hands-on research across disciplines, including STEM fields like neurobiology and engineering, as well as humanities areas such as history and marketing. You will work closely with university faculty, contributing to ongoing projects while developing laboratory techniques, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
Participants attend weekly seminars and site visits, interacting with professionals and exploring real-world applications of their studies. The program concludes with a formal research presentation, allowing you to showcase your findings. With a competitive acceptance rate of just 12 students per year, the Clark Scholars Program provides an enriching experience to develop skills for future college and career paths.
Location: Hybrid; on-site portion at the University of Texas at Austin, TX.
Cost/Stipend: None.
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school sophomores and juniors.
Application Deadline: February 22.
Program Dates: May–July; on-site portion begins in July.
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Program, hosted by the University of Texas at Austin in collaboration with NASA, allows high school students to conduct research in Earth and space sciences. This selective program involves data analysis, remote sensing, and mission design, helping you develop skills in scientific research, problem-solving, and Python programming.
The internship begins with virtual learning modules covering Earth science fundamentals and computational tools, followed by on-site research at UT Austin in July. You will work alongside NASA scientists and engineers to analyze satellite data, study ice sheets, monitor Earth's gravity field, and explore planetary science. The program concludes with a virtual SEES Science Symposium, where you present your research findings. With only 215 students selected from over 2,000 applicants in 2024, SEES provides a competitive and prestigious experience, laying a strong foundation for STEM careers and future research opportunities.
Location: Mohan Lab, University of Houston, Houston, TX.
Cost: Free; stipend not provided.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors.
Application Deadline: March 28.
Program Dates: June 2–July 25.
The Mohan Lab Summer Internship at the University of Houston, led by Dr. Chandra Mohan, offers high school students an immersive experience in biomedical research. Ideal for those interested in medical, bioengineering, or health sciences, the program begins with training in laboratory techniques, followed by eight weeks of independent research under the guidance of scientists and graduate students.
Interns work on studies related to autoimmune diseases, cancer, and renal disorders, with past projects including protein biomarkers in bladder cancer and RNA analysis in kidney disease. The program concludes with a laboratory meeting where interns present their findings, and some may have opportunities to publish their work or continue collaborations, providing valuable experience for future careers in the field.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
Stipend: $6,800 (or $6,120 for 9-week participation).
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors in Texas, at least 18 years old.
Application Deadline: Typically due in January.
Program Dates: June 2–August 8.
The Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences at MD Anderson Cancer Center provides a research internship for up to 10 Texas high school seniors. Students engage in hands-on research in laboratories, working alongside scientists and faculty.
The program includes laboratory work, faculty-led seminars on specialized topics, and participation in abstract, poster, and elevator speech competitions to develop scientific communication skills. Interns conclude the program with a final presentation showcasing their research findings and experiences. This opportunity is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, biomedical sciences, or research.
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX.
Cost: No cost.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in Houston, TX.
Application Deadline: April 4.
Program Dates: June 9-26.
The PATHS-UP Young Scholars Digital Health Summer Program at Rice University offers high school students hands-on research experience at the intersection of engineering, computer science, and healthcare technology. Participants explore cutting-edge medical innovations and engage with digital circuitry, physics, and engineering research relevant to real-world healthcare applications.
Students work with medical and digital instruments like pulse oximeters, GPS devices, and accelerometers, and have the chance to design a device that mimics current technologies being developed at the PATHS-UP research center. Under the guidance of Rice University faculty and Houston-based educators, participants improve their scientific writing and communication skills while collaborating with peers and exploring potential STEM college and career pathways.
Location: University of Texas at Austin, TX (In-person, non-residential).
Cost: $3,500. Need-based scholarships and stipend are available.
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (minimum age: 15); preference for rising juniors and seniors in Texas.
Application Deadline: March 23.
Program Dates: June 9-July 16.
The Summer High School Research Academy (HSRA) at UT Austin's College of Natural Sciences is a five-week program for high school students seeking hands-on experience in scientific research. Participants work in university labs, focusing on areas such as biotechnology, neuroscience, genetics, and environmental science.
Students collaborate with UT Austin faculty and undergraduate students, gaining exposure to advanced laboratory techniques and scientific problem-solving. The program features weekly seminars led by university researchers and culminates in a research poster presentation, allowing students to showcase their findings. This program is designed to help students develop lab skills, critical thinking, and presentation abilities while exploring potential STEM career paths.
7. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine’s Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)
Location: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX.
Cost: Free for all accepted participants.
Program Dates: TBA.
Application Deadline: Applications will open in March.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors interested in medicine.
The Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine is aimed at rising high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing medicine. The program includes sessions focused on critical thinking, learning styles, professionalism, and leadership, equipping students with skills beneficial for their academic and professional paths.
SEP aims to support students from West Texas who aspire to attend medical school after their undergraduate studies. Through informative sessions and engaging activities, the program offers guidance and resources to help students navigate their journey toward a career in medicine.
Location: Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute at UT Health San Antonio, TX.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend is offered.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due in March.
Program Dates: June 2-August 8
Hosted by UT Health San Antonio’s Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, the Summer Research Program offers high school students and undergraduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in pediatric cancer research. Over 10 weeks, participants work on independent research projects, collaborating with experienced scientists to explore both basic and translational research.
Students will learn about childhood cancer (oncology) and be introduced to advanced research techniques such as genomics, proteomics, classical genetics, bioinformatics, structural biology, and molecular imaging. The program also focuses on developing scientific communication and public speaking skills, culminating in presentations where participants defend their research findings.
Location: One of five Texas universities—UT Austin, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, University of Houston, or Texas Tech University.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; all program-related expenses, including housing, are covered.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in Texas can apply.
Application Deadline: March 16
Program Dates: June 8-July 11
Sponsored by The Welch Foundation, the Summer Scholars Program offers high school sophomores and juniors the chance to engage in university-level chemistry research at a Texas university. If accepted, you will be assigned to one of five partner institutions, working in a university laboratory under the supervision of a graduate student or post-doctoral associate, with faculty mentorship.
During the five-week program, you will attend lectures, site visits, facility tours, workshops, and group discussions, gaining insights into advanced chemistry research. The program concludes with the completion of a research paper, a formal presentation, and the creation of a research poster, providing valuable experience in scientific communication and analysis.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Application fee is $40; participation fee is $850. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: February 21
Program Dates: June 16-27
Eligibility: U.S. high school students over 14 years old with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project.
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a two-week virtual internship that introduces high school students to AI applications in healthcare. This program is designed for students interested in health and technology, combining lectures, mentoring sessions, collaborative research projects, and networking opportunities to explore AI's role in medicine.
With around 50 students admitted annually, the program features guest speakers from the field, virtual Career Lunch and Learns, and social activities. Participants will gain hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and mentorship, helping to build a foundation for future studies and careers at the intersection of AI and healthcare.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re a high school student in Texas interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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