If you’re a high school student in Dallas, summer research programs are a good way to explore different fields, from biomedical sciences to technology. These programs provide hands-on learning in professional labs, enabling you to work directly on research projects with mentors who are experts in their areas. Participating in a research program not only builds foundational skills for STEM careers but also allows you to develop your critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities.

Conducting research in a competitive program can significantly enhance your college applications. Admissions officers may see your acceptance into the program as an achievement, and the research skills you develop will benefit you as an undergraduate. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.

Here’s a list of 7 great summer research programs in Dallas, Texas, tailored for high school students. 

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Eligibility:

• You must be currently enrolled in high school

• Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)

• No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!

Program Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, Spring from March to June 

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.

2.  Summer Research Program @ UT Dallas

Location: University of Texas, Dallas, TX 

Cost: $1,200 registration fee, scholarships available for low-income students 

Application Deadline: Application deadline will be released on January 1

Program Dates: June 9 – August 1

Eligibility: Students who have completed 10th or 11th grade

This 8-week summer program offers an opportunity for high school students to conduct hands-on research across various STEM fields, such as app development, computational biology, data analysis, and machine learning. You will work closely with faculty mentors on real-world research projects, building critical thinking and research skills to prepare for future academic success.

The program is split into two main paths:

Research Internship Track: This option allows you to engage with research labs, working 20-40 hours per week on projects like simulations, coding, or app development.

Research Workshop Track: For those seeking a less intensive option, workshops are run like informal college classes. They meet twice a week, culminating in a final project or paper. These workshops are ideal for students who want to explore research topics in a more structured format.

3. Summer Research Opportunities (STARS) at UT Southwestern Medical Center

Location: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Cost: No cost; stipend provided

Application Deadline: February 1

Program Dates: Program dates have not been published yet

Eligibility: High school juniors in North Texas who will be at least 16 years of age by June 1

The STARS Summer Research Opportunities program is an enriching eight-week, non-residential experience for high school juniors and teachers, allowing participants to work directly alongside faculty in research labs. You will conduct biomedical research, enhancing your practical skills and scientific knowledge. By the end of the summer, you will present your research findings, gaining experience in scientific communication.

This program is specifically for high school juniors in North Texas who show strong academic achievement and a passion for science. You will experience life in a biomedical research lab and gain insight into research practices. Note that applicants with prior research experience are not eligible.

4. Texas Pre-Freshman Engineering Program (PREP) at Dallas College

Location: Dallas College's Cedar Valley and Richland campuses, TX 

Cost: No information has been provided

Application Deadline: May 31

Program Dates: June 10 – July 19

Eligibility: Middle and high school students 

The Dallas College Pre-Freshman Engineering Program (PREP) offers an enriching summer program for students interested in STEM fields. You will engage in interactive workshops and laboratory experiments that simulate real-world applications, gaining an understanding of how STEM concepts are applied in different industries. You will also complete hands-on projects that challenge your creativity and technical skills, working in teams to solve complex problems. The program offers access to state-of-the-art resources and technology at Dallas College, giving you an opportunity to use cutting-edge equipment. By the end of the program, you will have strengthened your knowledge base while gaining valuable exposure to college life and professional opportunities in STEM-related fields.

5. NanoExplorers Program at UT Dallas

Location: University of Texas, Dallas, TX

Cost: No information has been provided

Application Deadline: Not specified

Program Dates: Summer, exact dates have not been released

Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

The George A. Jeffrey NanoExplorers Program is an opportunity for high school students entering 10th to 12th grades to explore nanotechnology research. Launched by the NanoTech Institute at the University of Texas at Dallas, the program inspires future scientists and engineers by inviting students to join real research labs based on their interests.

Under the guidance of faculty, NanoExplorers develop skills to test their ideas, collaborate in teams, and explore new concepts. You will work on projects linked to funded research, contributing meaningful results and gaining lab experience. You will be able to present your findings at the annual research symposium. Since its inception in 2002, over 200 students have participated, with many going on to prestigious universities or returning to continue their research.

6. Welch Summer Scholars Program

Location: University of Texas at Dallas, TX

Cost: No cost 

Application Deadline: The application will go live on January 2

Program Dates: Dates will be announced soon, check here 

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors at the time of application

The Welch Summer Scholars Program (WSSP) is a five-week summer residency designed for high school sophomores and juniors. Held at the University of Texas at Dallas, this program gives you an opportunity to conduct hands-on scientific research in a university lab setting. As a WSSP participant, you will work closely with faculty mentors and graduate students on real scientific projects, gaining access to advanced lab equipment not typically available at the high school level. 

In addition to lab work, the program includes weekly lectures, facility tours, workshops, and group activities, providing a well-rounded view of the academic research environment. At the end of the program, you will complete a research paper and a final presentation, showcasing your findings in a professional setting. This experience gives you a head start in STEM and helps develop skills that can lead to future college and career success in scientific fields. 

7. Summer Biology Research Workshop at UT Dallas

Location: University of Texas at Dallas, TX

Cost: $1,500

Application Deadline: March 31

Program Dates: July 8 – August 2

Eligibility: Current high school students entering grades 10 to 12

The UT Dallas Summer Biology Research Workshop is an intensive, four-week non-residential program designed for high school students who have an interest in biological sciences. This workshop provides a hands-on research experience in UTD's School of Natural Sciences and Math labs. 

In the first two weeks, you will undergo training in core areas like biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and data analytics. Afterward, you will be paired with research labs in fields such as neuroscience, genomics, and cancer biology. This program offers the chance to gain practical research skills, explore advanced biological concepts, and work alongside researchers at UTD.

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.