15 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Houston
If you’re a high school student interested in medicine or healthcare, a summer program can help you explore the field in greater depth. These opportunities offer practical skills, connections with mentors, and a preview of careers in medicine, biomedical sciences, or research. They can also make your college applications stand out by showing your commitment to medicine.
Houston is home to hospitals, universities, and medical centers, many of which offer programs for high school students over the summer. Whether you want lab experience, exposure to clinical environments, or a chance to work on community health projects, there’s likely a program that fits your goals. Here are 15 medical summer programs for high school students in Houston to check out!
1. MohanLab High School Summer Internship
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: Houston, TX
Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: June 2–July 25
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Rising seniors who have completed 11th grade with a strong academic record and interest in biomedical, medical, bioengineering, or health professions
This 8-week summer internship at MohanLab provides bench research experience under the mentorship of scientists and graduate students. The program begins with 1–2 weeks of laboratory technique instruction, followed by independent research projects contributing to ongoing lab work. At the conclusion, you will present your findings at a joint lab meeting, with potential for research publication involvement. You may continue collaborating post-internship on manuscript writing and data analysis. Transportation assistance is available locally, including shuttle service for Sugarland residents and free Houston Metro cards during the summer.
2. Ladder Internships
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work 5–15 hours/week for 8–12 weeks; also open to undergraduates and gap-year students
Ladder Internships offers a selective virtual internship program that pairs you with startups and nonprofits. You choose your field, including healthcare and medicine, technology, AI, and more. In the healthcare and medicine track, you’ll work on projects supporting startups like Softenmind, IPMD, and JuneBrain. The program includes one-on-one mentorship with a Ladder coach, a manager at the host organization, and group training on communication and time management. You will complete your internship by presenting your project work.
3. High School Emerging Researcher Experience
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: Unpaid internship
Dates: June 9–August 1
Application Deadline: December 2–January 31
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in high school, minimum age 16 by program start, minimum 3.5 GPA
The High School Emerging Researcher Experience immerses high school juniors and seniors in translational research alongside undergraduate interns at Houston Methodist. You will receive mentorship from faculty, engaging in lab techniques and research projects tailored to your assigned mentor’s expertise. The program emphasizes professional development, including career workshops, seminars, and opportunities to present your research at a symposium. The full-time, eight-week program requires daily attendance and offers exposure to the academic and clinical research environment of a leading medical institution.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies according to program, full financial aid available
Dates: Summer cohort typically runs in June
Application Deadline: Rolling application, typically closes in May for summer cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a virtual research experience that pairs you one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop and conduct original medical or biomedical research projects. You will learn research methodologies, critical analysis, and scientific communication while working on topics such as medicine, biology, or biotechnology. The program is designed to build skills valuable for college applications and future academic research.
5. Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; up to 12 students
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: $6,800 for 10 weeks ($6,120 for 9 weeks); participants cover housing, transportation, and meals
Dates: June 2–August 8
Application Deadline: November 18–January 20
Eligibility: Texas high school seniors aged 18+ by program start, with preference for allied health career interest
This 10-week summer program at MD Anderson Cancer Center offers an opportunity for Texas seniors interested in allied health careers to gain biomedical research experience. You will work five days per week in MD Anderson laboratories under faculty mentorship, engaging in research projects emphasizing foundational scientific principles. Supplementary seminars and activities include research presentations, poster competitions, and professional development. The program culminates in a final presentation and celebration luncheon. Although prior lab experience is not required, you must commit full-time to the program and arrange your own housing and transportation.
6. UPWARDS Summer Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; up to 10 high school trainees
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Paid program; stipend up to $6,800 for 10 weeks
Dates: 10 weeks during summer
Application Deadline: November 18–January 20
Eligibility: Local high school seniors, age 18+ by June 2, economically or educationally disadvantaged, first-generation, or students with disabilities
This full-time (40 hours/week) summer research program at MD Anderson offers high school students the opportunity to engage in biomedical research alongside faculty mentors. You will participate in laboratory research, didactic coursework, seminars, and career development activities, culminating in a poster presentation. The program is designed to foster enthusiasm for STEM careers and cancer research. You’ll receive a stipend to support housing, living, and travel expenses. The program does not offer academic credit.
7. Digital Health Young Scholars Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Dates: June 9–June 26
Application Deadline: Typically early April
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students from select Houston-area schools; no prior programming experience required
This three-week summer program at Rice University introduces you to digital circuitry, computer science, physics, and engineering research with applications in healthcare technology. Under mentorship from university staff, educators, and graduate students, you will experiment with devices like pulse oximeters and accelerometers, learning to program and design digital systems relevant to medical treatment. The program emphasizes research, scientific communication, and exploring college pathways in engineering and health sciences.
8. DocPrep Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 60 students plus 12 teacher mentors
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Cost: Free for selected students
Dates: One week in summer
Application Deadline: Available starting in March via affiliated schools
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from affiliated South Texas ISD high schools
DocPrep is a week-long program hosted at Baylor College of Medicine, designed for 60 rising seniors from South Texas-affiliated high schools. The program focuses on health professions and science through a combination of medical lectures, college and medical school counseling, communication training, and simulation lab experiences within the Texas Medical Center. You will engage with Baylor medical students, faculty, and staff, who serve as counselors and mentors throughout the program. The curriculum integrates medical knowledge with guidance on career pathways and academic preparation.
9. Rio Grande Valley Summer Science Internship
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville, TX; University of Texas Rio Grande Valley campuses in Brownsville and Edinburg, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; $750 stipend awarded upon successful completion
Dates: June 12–July 25
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from Rio Grande Valley school districts interested in science
The Rio Grande Valley Summer Science Internship provides a 6-week research internship focused on university-level science projects. You will be matched with a mentor at UTHealth or UTRGV campuses based on your research interests. You will complete 20 hours per week of science-related work and culminate the experience with an in-person presentation of your research. The program aims to encourage more students to pursue science degrees by offering experience in academic research environments. Transportation to internship sites is your responsibility, and a $750 stipend is provided upon program completion.
10. DACCPM Summer Research Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost: Paid
Dates: June 2–August 8
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school students 18+ in good academic standing; must commit full-time or part-time (20–40 hours/week) for full program duration; U.S. residents only.
The DACCPM Summer Research Program is a 10-week research experience that matches students with faculty mentors to conduct biomedical research projects at MD Anderson. You’ll receive a copy of The Biology of Cancer textbook and begin with a Cancer Biology boot camp before engaging in lab work or clinical research. You will learn lab safety, research protocols, literature review, and data analysis relevant to topics such as chemotherapy pain and cancer recurrence. The program includes academic seminars and career development workshops, culminating in a poster symposium where students present their work.
11. Doc Dissections
Location: The Health Museum, Houston, TX
Cost: Individual tickets $20-$40 (members), $30-$50 (non-members); group and pair tickets available with discounts
Dates: Selected Saturdays from June through December, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Application Deadline: Purchase tickets in advance online for specific dates
Eligibility: Open to all ages; guests 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Doc Dissections is a program offering an opportunity to dissect organs under the guidance of medical professionals and museum educators. Sessions cover a variety of specimens, including brains, hearts, kidneys, and even fetal pigs, providing detailed insight into anatomy and physiological functions. Each dissection session is led by doctors or instructors, combining knowledge with interactive learning. This program emphasizes understanding of organ systems, medical procedures such as suturing, and health education. Tickets include museum admission, and private group dissections can be arranged by request.
12. Global Teen Medical Summit
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost: To be determined; scholarships available
Dates: July (one-week program)
Application Deadline: TBD; sign up for waitlist for updates
Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18
The Global Teen Medical Summit provides a week-long experience focused on medicine and healthcare. You will engage in tours of medical facilities, including trauma centers and innovation labs, and participate in ethical case studies, group design challenges, and simulated medical procedures. The program includes overnight accommodations in local college dorms, along with team-building and social activities designed to foster collaboration and professional growth. You will gain insight into medical challenges, meet healthcare leaders, and explore college and career pathways in medicine and health sciences.
13. COHS Summer Camp
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; approximately 30-40 students accepted
Location: Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
Cost: Fee-based
Dates: June 30–July 2
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots are filled
Eligibility: Junior or senior high school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The College of Health Sciences at Sam Houston State University offers a 3-day summer camp designed to introduce students to health sciences professions. The program includes learning experiences led by faculty from human sciences, kinesiology, nursing, and public health, along with campus tours and exposure to college life through residence hall stays and recreational activities. You will also visit the SHSU Woodlands Center campus, home to the School of Nursing. The camp fosters engagement with health professionals and SHSU students, providing an overview of health science careers.
14. Pathway Programs
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: UTHealth, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Dates: Varies by program; generally offered during the academic year and summer.
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students interested in health professions
UTHealth offers Pathway Programs designed to introduce health professions through mentorship. The Emerging Health Professions (EHP) program is a full-day event where you will engage in activities, receive admissions information, and participate in panels with medical students. The Health Careers Collaborative (HCC) focuses on mentorship and curriculum to expose you to health careers, encouraging academic and professional growth. Both programs aim to provide early exposure and guidance to students considering careers in healthcare.
15. Partnership: Careers in Cancer Science & Medicine (PCCSM)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $6,800 stipend before taxes for the 10-week program
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: November 18 – January 20
Eligibility: Nomination only; high school juniors/seniors, undergraduates, or first-year medical students affiliated with partner institutions; must be 18+ at program start; U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or valid visa holder.
The PCCSM program aims to cultivate a network of students and early-career scientists interested in biomedical fields, focusing on cancer science and medicine. It is a 10-week summer program based at MD Anderson that offers research opportunities across domains such as basic science, computational, epidemiological, and translational research. While clinical shadowing is not available, you will receive career development guidance and mentorship from faculty. You must be nominated by partner institutions, including HISD EMERGE, UTHealth, the University of Houston, and others, to apply.
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