15 Fall Programs for High School Students in Texas

If you’re a high school student looking to explore your academic interests, consider participating in a fall program. Fall programs can give you access to hands-on learning, exposure to industries, and the chance to meet peers with similar interests. You’ll gain knowledge through coursework in subjects like math, science, and the humanities, and you might meet university faculty and professionals who can mentor you.  Some programs also help you develop college readiness skills, including standardized test preparation, resume building, and college application strategies. 

Many fall programs for high schoolers are run by leading universities, research centres, and community organizations. Fall programs in Texas include offerings by universities such as the University of Texas, Texas A&M System, and Prairie View A&M University. To help you sort through the choices, we’ve pulled together a list of the top 15 fall programs in Texas for high school students.

15 Fall Programs for High School Students in Texas

1. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)

Location: Virtual; in person at Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Cost: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: October - July 
Application Deadline: September 24
Eligibility: Texas resident enrolled as a junior in a Texas high school

This program starts with an intensive five-month online curriculum that explores a range of topics, including Earth science, technology, aeronautics, and human space exploration. You progress through five distinct modules, each featuring interactive STEM activities inspired by the objectives of current Moon and Mars missions and aligned with NASA’s six key exploration themes. If you maintain a strong academic standing, specifically an overall average of 70% or higher, you earn an exclusive invitation to a five-day Virtual Moonshot Experience, where you are personally mentored by NASA engineers. The ultimate honor is reserved for the most successful teams from the summer session, who are chosen for a culminating in-person, residential experience at the famed Johnson Space Center. 

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote (worldwide)
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies according to program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%
Dates: 8–12 weeks (10–20 hours per week); multiple cohorts, including Fall (September–December)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Spring: January, Summer: May, Fall: September, Winter: November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks

Ladder places you in internships at venture-backed start-ups across fields like AI/ML, health tech, journalism, marketing, and consulting. Ladder’s startups are backed by top accelerators like YCombinator and companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. You work on defined projects with oversight from a start-up manager and a Ladder Coach, and your tasks can include data analysis, market research, or content development. The program involves weekly training sessions, individualized feedback, and professional development workshops designed to strengthen your industry communication skills. The program ends with a formal presentation of your work to the start-up team. Participants graduate with tangible deliverables and documented industry experience.

3. Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy – UT Health San Antonio

Location: UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Free (funded by the Voelcker Fund)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small, selective cohorts
Dates: Multi-year program; fall sessions include weekend workshops and research activities (September–December)
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores from San Antonio and surrounding areas | 90% or above in Math, Science, and English (85% in AP or honors) | At least 15 years old by June 15

The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy (VBRA) at UT Health San Antonio is a prestigious three-year, summer-intensive, biomedical research and college preparatory program designed for high school students in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. It pairs you with UT Health scientists, where, during the school year, you attend workshops that cover lab techniques, data analysis, and professional skills. Each summer, you conduct mentored research in biomedical labs and present your findings at academic events. The program also provides structured guidance on essays, interviews, and college preparation. Students gain direct research experience in biomedical science while building the skills needed to pursue STEM degrees.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote (worldwide)
Cost: Varies according to program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 12 weeks to 1 year; multiple cohorts, including Fall (September–December)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Spring: January, Summer: May, Fall: September, Winter: November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)

Lumiere pairs students with PhD mentors to design and complete an independent research project. You choose a discipline such as economics, biology, computer science, or political science and receive structured guidance. Training covers research methods, critical analysis, and academic writing. Every participant produces a research paper that can be submitted to competitions or journals. The flexible structure lets students complete rigorous research alongside their regular school schedules. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, economics, medicine, physics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. Even though a university doesn’t run the program, you may still be eligible to receive UCSD credit.

5. STARS Career Discovery Program

Location: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: September–May; evening sessions held once a month during the school year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students from Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding Texas areas

The STARS (Student Training in Andrology Research Sciences) Career Discovery Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center is a specialized, intensive research and educational experience designed for high school students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical sciences and medicine. It provides exposure to science and healthcare careers through lectures and hands-on activities. Meetings are held once a month during the school year at the UT Southwestern campus, where sessions are led by faculty, volunteers, and parents involved in the program. You learn about professional paths while engaging directly with experts. The program is structured to help students make informed decisions about future studies and careers.

6. STARS Basic Science Symposia

Location: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective
Dates: September–May; two six-hour symposia and four two-hour mini-symposia each school year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students and teachers in Texas

The Basic Science Symposia brings high school students and teachers to campus for in-depth sessions on biomedical research topics. Each symposium is led by UT Southwestern faculty and focuses on current developments in fields such as genetics, molecular biology, and medicine. STARS staff also create classroom activities to extend the learning beyond the event. The program now offers two six-hour sessions and four shorter mini-symposia during the academic year. This format provides students direct access to university-level science while giving teachers resources to integrate into their courses. These symposia also offer professional development credits for educators, expanding access to cutting-edge science at no cost.

7. TRIO Upward Bound – Tarleton State University

Location: Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available 
Dates: September–May (two Saturdays a month) + 5-week summer residential
Application Deadline: December
Eligibility: 9th–10th graders from partner schools; first-generation and income-eligible

TRIO Upward Bound provides academic and cultural enrichment to high school students. During the school year, you attend Saturday classes in math, science, literature, and foreign language, along with tutoring, SAT/ACT prep, and college readiness workshops. The summer program lets you live on campus for five weeks while taking classes and visiting colleges, giving you firsthand exposure to higher education. The program also supports you with financial aid, scholarship applications, and the transition into college. You gain both a strong academic foundation and the guidance needed to move into higher education successfully.

8. YMCA Fall Programs – Greater Houston

Location: Multiple YMCA branches across Greater Houston (including Katy locations)
Cost: Varies by program; financial assistance is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective; 12 – 80 students
Dates: Fall semester (September–December)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Children, teens, and families (ages vary by program) in the Greater Houston area

The YMCA of Greater Houston offers a wide range of fall programs covering sports, enrichment, childcare, and leadership. Youth sports leagues include basketball, soccer, volleyball, and NFL flag football for ages 3–13. Enrichment options span martial arts, dance, theatre, pottery, robotics, coding, STEM activities, and chess. The YMCA also provides licensed early childhood education and after-school care across 140 sites, and adaptive programs for students with disabilities. Teens can participate in Y Teen L.I.F.E., a leadership and service program designed for middle and high schoolers. Financial assistance ensures families across Houston can access these programs regardless of income.

9. Texas A&M Math Circle 

Location: Texas A&M University campus, John R. Blocker Building, College Station, TX
Cost/Stipend: $200 registration fee for the Fall and Spring semesters combined (per academic year). Fee reductions or waivers are available for financial hardship 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Fall 2025 Saturday Meetings (Based on past/example schedules): 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, and 12/6
Application Deadline: Rolling; apply as soon as possible
Eligibility: All high school students

This program is designed to teach high school students math in an informal, interactive setting. The program delves into topics not typically covered in the standard school curriculum, such as advanced geometry, combinatorics, number theory, and abstract concepts like The Shape of Space or probability. You engage in activities, including fun math games, focused Discovery Sessions to explore new ideas, and structured problem-solving sessions meant to hone competitive skills for exams like the AMC. Ultimately, you develop crucial skills in creative problem solving, logical reasoning, and a deeper passion for mathematical thought.

10. University of Houston – Clear Lake Art School for Children and Young Adults (UHCL)

Location: University of Houston-Clear Lake - Arbor Building
Cost/Stipend: $120 – $140 for eight classes, $160 for 10 weeks; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: 15-week Fall and Spring semesters
Application Deadline: Varies by semester and course
Eligibility: All high school students

The University of Houston-Clear Lake Art School for Young Adults offers a university-based enrichment program for high school students focused on deepening their artistic skills and knowledge. The curriculum covers technical topics like drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and digital arts, all while drawing inspiration from art history, diverse cultures, and contemporary pop culture. You get hands-on experience through activities such as collaborating on large-scale public murals with local artists, working in the specialized university studios, and developing pieces for a college-style portfolio. A unique feature is that high school students can even earn 0.5 fine arts credit per course, with instruction largely provided by UHCL Art Education majors, giving them a real-world, small-class-size experience. 

11. Texas Junior Academy of Science (TJAS)

Location: Typically hosted by Texas A&M University or rotating venues in Texas
Cost/Stipend: $40 registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 presenters
Dates: October 12 – 13
Application Deadline: September 9
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 from Texas

The Texas Junior Academy of Science (TJAS) is an annual high school science competition and meeting designed to promote scientific inquiry among students in grades 9-12. It covers diverse topics across 12 categories, such as Natural and Physical Science Divisions, including Chemistry, Zoology, Engineering, Math and Computer Science, and Behavioral and Social Science. Your main activities involve performing independent research, preparing a formal written research paper (which can be up to 20 pages long), and delivering a structured oral presentation of your results to judges and peers. Through this demanding process, participants significantly develop crucial skills like critical thinking, public speaking, technical writing, and in-depth scientific methodology.

12. Program for Research in Mathematics (PReMa) – Texas A&M University

Location: Texas A&M University (Sessions are held online via Zoom)
Cost/Stipend: $300 per semester
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 16 – 44 students per year
Dates: Academic Year Program. It runs for the entire school year, typically starting in September (Fall semester) and concluding in May (Spring semester)
Application Deadline: Typically September/early October
Eligibility: Talented high school students interested in advanced mathematics research from Texas and neighboring states

This free, year-long program pairs students with academic mentors from the Texas A&M math department, allowing them to work on individual or group research projects. While specific topics vary, you explore areas outside the standard high school curriculum, often including advanced algebra, combinatorics, and graph theory, to produce original mathematical work. Activities include regular discussions with mentors, taking specialized preparatory courses in the fall (Stage 1), and then focusing on hands-on research and paper writing in the spring (Stage 2). You enhance your mathematical skills, critical thinking, analytical abilities, and presentation skills, preparing you for college and future STEM careers.

13. HOSA - Future Health Professionals (Texas Chapters)

Location: Texas (various local chapters across the state)
Cost/Stipend: National and State affiliation fee required for official membership - typically $25.00 per member 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment for eligible students
Dates: Academic-year program, with activities running from August/September through May
Application Deadline: Varies by local chapter; typically Fall
Eligibility: High school students who are currently enrolled in or associated with Health Science Technology Education Programs (or are interested in pursuing a career in the health industry) at a school with an officially chartered HOSA chapter

This program covers a vast array of topics from clinical skills like Nursing Assisting and Phlebotomy to academic knowledge such as Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Law & Ethics, and Pharmacology, aligning with national healthcare standards. You get hands-on experience through activities like participating in one of the nearly 100 competitive events, engaging in community service projects like blood drives, and developing leadership qualities by serving as chapter officers. A unique feature is its robust competitive events program, which offers scholarships and recognition while allowing students to test their skills and knowledge against peers. The program helps students develop crucial workplace readiness skills, self-confidence, teamwork, and a professional attitude.

14. Baylor University Accelerate Pre-College Program Track 1 (for Juniors)

Location: Baylor University, Waco, Texas
Cost/Stipend: $775 per credit hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Late August/Early September to Mid-December
Application Deadline: Typically early June
Eligibility: High school juniors

The Baylor University Accelerate Pre-College Program Track 1 (for Juniors) is an exceptional opportunity for high-achieving high school students to jumpstart their college careers and experience university-level rigor. As part of Baylor's Early Admission Track, this program allows juniors to enroll in select online Baylor courses, often covering core subjects applicable to multiple majors, to earn real college credit. Activities students engage in include participating in interactive online lectures and discussions, managing a heavy college-level study load, and completing rigorous academic assignments and exams. The program helps develop skills in time management, advanced critical thinking, and academic confidence.

15. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Program

Location: Virtual and NASA facilities across the United States
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend amount unspecified, but provided based on academic level and session duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 0.5-2%; Over 2,000 students participate annually
Dates: Spring (16 weeks, mid-January to early May) | Summer (10 weeks, late May/early June to August) | Fall (16 weeks, late August/early September to mid-December)
Application Deadline: Spring: September 12; Summer: February 27; Fall: May 22
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old | U.S. citizens | Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Working side-by-side with leading aerospace professionals, like research scientists and engineers, NASA's OSTEM internship immerses you in the agency's vital work across science, technology, and space exploration. You'll have the chance to contribute directly to NASA missions by engaging in real, hands-on agency projects in diverse fields, including aeronautics, engineering, and space science. The program is distinguished by its direct link to ongoing space initiatives and the caliber of its mentors. Through activities such as analyzing mission data, designing experiments, and developing cutting-edge technologies, you will gain invaluable practical experience. This opportunity's virtual design ensures broad accessibility without sacrificing the quality of the projects or the mentorship provided.

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