11 STEM Programs for High School Students in Texas
If you’re a high school student in Texas interested in STEM, getting involved early can help you build a strong foundation for college and future careers. Texas has several universities and organizations offering STEM programs focused on research, technical projects, and skill development.
These programs cover areas like robotics, engineering, and biology, offering opportunities ranging from year-long programs to short internships. You can develop skills in data analysis, coding, engineering design, and lab techniques while exploring fields like computer science, biomedical research, and environmental science. Note that the following details are based on the most recent program; dates may change yearly.
If you’re ready to get started, here are 11 STEM programs for high school students in Texas!
11 STEM Programs for High School Students in Texas
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct original research across a variety of STEM fields, working under the guidance of experienced Ph.D. mentors. Through this online program, you’ll work with an expert in your chosen field, such as AI, biomedical engineering, or physics, to design and execute a research project. You’ll gain exposure to real-world research practices, data analysis techniques, and relevant software tools specific to your field.
The program focuses on the development of advanced research skills, from hypothesis formation and literature review to data collection and interpretation. You’ll also strengthen your ability to critically assess research findings and apply scientific methods to solve complex problems. The experience culminates in the completion of an independent research project, which is a valuable addition to your academic portfolio.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Lumiere Individual Research Program — $2,990, Premium Research and Publication Program — $5,900, Research Fellowship — $8,900. Need-based scholarships available!
Program Dates: Summer: June - August, fall: September - December, winter: December - February, spring: March - June.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer Cohort I regular admission I deadline is April 13!
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
The DACCPM Summer Research Program is a 10-week opportunity for high school students to gain experience in medical research. During the program, you’ll work on an assigned project, conduct medical literature reviews, and learn data management techniques. You’ll also develop skills in statistical analysis, research writing, and scientific presentation.
At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at a final symposium, and your project abstract will be published in the annual CATALYST Summer Program abstract book. The program also includes sessions on graduate school applications and an introduction to different medical career paths.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 2-August 8.
Application Deadline: January 15. You can apply here!
Eligibility: High school seniors who are 18 years or older, in good academic standing, or graduating are eligible to apply.
3. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
The Rice STEM Academy is a free, week-long summer program for high school girls focused on scientific principles and engineering challenges. In partnership with Design Connect Create at Rice University, the program offers experience in sustainability-related engineering and research.
During the program, you’ll work in university labs, learn from Rice faculty, and interact with graduate students. You’ll develop skills in circuit design, programming with Micro Bits, and robotics using TI Nspire Rovers. You’ll also work on engineering projects like designing landing capsules and explore physics concepts applied to sustainable engineering solutions.
Location: Rice University, TX.
Cost: Fully funded
Program Dates: July 7-July 11
Application Deadline: January 12 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school girls entering 10th or 11th grade are eligible to apply. Boys and non-binary students are welcome to apply.
The Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program, hosted by the University of Texas and MD Anderson Cancer Center, is a 10-week program for high school students interested in biomedical science. As a participant, you’ll work on a research project under the guidance of an MD Anderson faculty member, gaining lab experience and learning core scientific research methods. Throughout the program, you’ll attend seminars focused on research techniques, scientific writing, and exploring careers in biomedical science and medicine.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, TX
Cost: No cost; stipend of $6,800 for the 10-week program and $6,120 if participating for 9 weeks.
Program Dates: June 2 - August 8
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Open to Texas-resident high school seniors, 18+ at the start.
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) is a year-long STEM program for Texas high school juniors focused on NASA missions. Through lessons and design challenges, you’ll learn about space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics. You’ll also take part in virtual discussions with NASA scientists and engineers.
If you’re a top performer in the online course, you’ll be invited to the Moonshot summer program, a five-day virtual event where you’ll work on team projects, engineering challenges, and mission planning for the Moon and Mars.
Location: In-person at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX and virtual.
Cost: Fully funded
Program Dates: This is a year-long program. Check the program dates here.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in October
Eligibility: High school juniors residing in Texas are eligible to apply.
Houston Methodist’s Summer Internship Program for High Schoolers is for students with a strong academic background and an interest in research and medicine. During the program, you’ll work in a translational research lab and gain research experience under the guidance of a mentor aligned with your specific interests.
Throughout the summer, you’ll contribute to a research project and present your findings at a scientific poster symposium at Houston Methodist. You’ll also take part in career development sessions focused on scientific writing, data analysis, and college preparation.
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital campus in the Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost: No cost or stipend. Scholarships are available to cover room and board.
Program Dates: 10 weeks, June 9 -August 1
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High school students must be in their junior or senior year and be 16 years of age by the start of the program.
Rice ELITE Tech Camps is a pre-college program focused on technology and engineering. As a participant, you’ll take college-level lectures on machine learning, AI, the Internet of Things, data analytics, and deep learning. You’ll apply the engineering design process through real-life simulations, building practical skills in these fields.
The program is taught by faculty from Rice University’s School of Engineering and the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership. You’ll gain experience with university-level coursework and develop technical skills like programming, data analysis, and problem-solving.
Location: Rice University Campus, Houston, TX
Cost: $1,695 for commuters and $3,795 for residential
Program Dates: Various cohorts from June to July for residents and commuters. More details here.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Baylor College of Medicine’s Saturday Morning Science (SMS) Summer Research Program is an 8-week opportunity for high school students interested in biomedical sciences. You’ll work on lab or research projects, gaining practical experience with scientific methods and real-world applications in STEM under the guidance of a research mentor.
In addition to lab work, you’ll attend weekly “Lunch and Learn” sessions on research techniques and career development, participate in seminars on different STEM fields, and join group meetings focused on sharing ideas and findings. The program ends with the SMS Summer Research Symposium, where you’ll present your research project.
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, TX.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 10 - August 5 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April
Eligibility: High school students must be 18 by the start date, with some projects open to 16-17 year-olds; prior participation in Saturday Morning Science or affiliation with minority-serving institutions required.
The Global Teen Medical Summit is a week-long summer program where you’ll explore healthcare challenges with professionals from the Texas Medical Center. You’ll take part in simulated surgeries, work on group projects related to medical issues, and join workshops and discussions on healthcare topics.
The program includes site visits to facilities like a Level 1 Trauma Hospital and a medical school, giving you a closer look at how healthcare operates. You’ll also stay at the University of Houston, where you’ll build teamwork skills and connect with other students interested in medical careers.
Location: Students stay on campus at the University of Houston and venture to and from The Health Museum and the Texas Medical Center
Cost: $1,400 (members) / $1,500 (non-members), with need-based scholarships.
Program Dates: July 13-July18
Application Deadline: June 7 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 14 to 18 can apply.
The MohanLab Internship at the University of Houston offers rising high school seniors experience in biomedical, bioengineering, and health-related research. You’ll start with 1–2 weeks of training in basic lab techniques, then spend eight weeks conducting bench research under the guidance of a scientist or graduate student.
If you extend the program, you’ll focus on manuscript writing and data analysis, developing skills in scientific communication and research methodologies. The internship ends with a presentation of your research findings, with the possibility of contributing to a publication.
Location: University of Houston, Houston, TX.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 2 - July 25
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Rising seniors (who have completed 11th grade of high school) are eligible to apply.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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.
Image Source - MD Anderson Cancer Center Logo