15 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in San Antonio, TX
If you are a high school student in San Antonio looking for an affordable and accessible way to explore medicine outside the classroom, consider a local summer program!
Medical programs designed for high schoolers typically offer opportunities to build clinical or research skills, explore professional environments, and build meaningful connections. As a participant, you will engage in hands-on learning, shadow healthcare professionals, conduct lab-based research, and explore medical pathways. Many of these programs offer low-cost, scholarship-based, or fully funded participation, making them super accessible for high school students.
San Antonio, TX, is home to universities and organizations that offer summer programs in medical or biomedical fields. Whether it’s learning basic clinical techniques, working alongside biomedical researchers, or discovering public health careers, these programs can help you explore your interests in healthcare before committing to a college degree.
To help you with your search, we have prepared a list of 15 medical summer programs for high school students in San Antonio, TX.
1. Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy @ UT Health San Antonio
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~20 students in year 1
Location: UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Free; scholarships for transportation available
Dates: June 11 – July 24
Application deadline: Nomination round: October 7 – January 28; Application period: February 7 – March 7
Eligibility: Current 9th graders (rising sophomores) with 90+ in Math, Science, and English (85 if AP/Honors); applicants must be at least 15
The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy is a multi-year program designed to offer San Antonio high school students in-depth exposure to biomedical research. In the first summer, you will spend seven weeks working in labs at UT Health San Antonio, learning scientific methods, participating in ongoing projects, and presenting your work as a poster, abstract, or oral presentation. Daily programming typically ranges from five to eight hours, ensuring you gain meaningful lab experience and mentorship over the summer. Beyond the summer, you will attend academic-year activities such as seminars and check-ins with program staff. The program requires long-term commitment, as it spans three summers with additional school-year requirements.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies by cohort
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; need-based financial aid available
Dates: 8–12 weeks; cohorts run throughout the year, including in summer
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; summer cohorts typically have May/June deadlines
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective program that connects high school students with high-growth start-ups for project-based internships. You will work directly with companies in industries such as medicine, mental health, and health tech, contributing to meaningful projects. You will be paired with a start-up manager and a Ladder Coach, receiving access to close mentorship and feedback throughout the experience. At the end of your internship, you will present your work to the company and gain experience in professional communication and project delivery. The program is designed to be flexible, with multiple cohorts each year, allowing you to work remotely while balancing other commitments.
3. UT Health San Antonio’s Greehey CCRI Donald G. McEwen Memorial Summer Research Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute at UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Stipend: Available
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students age 16+; selection based on CV, essay, and academic performance
The Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute offers a 10-week summer program that immerses students in hypothesis-driven research on childhood cancer. You will work under faculty mentorship on research within areas like genomics, proteomics, structural biology, and bioinformatics, using state-of-the-art lab facilities. Before beginning independent research, you will complete health and safety training to learn about proper lab practices. The program will conclude with a research symposium, where you will present your findings. The program can offer early exposure to translational research while helping you gain some experience in scientific inquiry and research communication.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Acceptance rate: Selective
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Dates: 12 weeks to 1 year; summer cohort runs June – August
Application deadline: May/June deadlines for summer cohorts
Eligibility: Current high school students, preferably with a GPA of 3.3+ (unweighted); no prior research experience required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective opportunity for high school students to conduct independent research under the guidance of Ph.D. mentors. You will work one-on-one with a mentor to develop a research project in fields like healthcare, psychology, medicine, and neuroscience. The program is designed to provide structure in academic research, from developing a question to producing a final research paper. Your research experience will include regular mentor meetings, feedback checkpoints, and access to resources that help you refine both writing and analysis skills. At the end of the program, you will complete an independent research paper.
5. University Health Junior Volunteer Program
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Location: University Hospital, 4502 Medical Drive, San Antonio, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 23 – July 3
Application deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15–17; requires essay, reference, immunization records, and health clearance
The Junior Volunteer Program at University Hospital provides high school students with hands-on experience in a hospital environment, supporting patients, families, and staff. You will contribute through assignments like assisting with administrative work, engaging in special projects, and providing support services that improve patient care. The program also includes an orientation and training session to prepare you for hospital responsibilities. You will commit to 54 hours over two weeks, building key on-the-job skills, exploring potential medical careers, and gaining exposure to the healthcare system. This opportunity can also help you build social and professional networks.
6. BEAT Academy @ UT Health San Antonio
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 20 students
Location: UT Health San Antonio’s Lozano Long Campus, San Antonio, TX
Cost: $1,000 total ($50 non-refundable application fee + $950 registration fee); includes meals, supplies, lab materials, and T-shirt)
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application deadline: June 20
Eligibility: High school students; requires a transcript, essay, teacher recommendation, and application fee
The Biomedical Excellence and Academic Training (BEAT) Academy offers high school students an introduction to the biomedical sciences and healthcare careers. Over the course of one week, you will attend seminars led by faculty, participate in biomolecular experiments, and visit labs focused on anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, and neurodegeneration. The program also includes hands-on activities such as simulated patient interactions, anatomy lab tours, and exposure to cutting-edge biomedical technology. In addition, you will join a college-prep session designed to help you plan for your academic and career goals. With a small cohort size, the program offers opportunities to network with faculty and peers.
7. UT Health San Antonio’s Northside ISD Summer Research Mentorship Program
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Location: UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Free
Dates: Early June – early August
Application deadline: February 5
Eligibility: High school students who will be at least 16 by June 1; applicants must have completed biology and chemistry courses; teacher recommendations needed
This summer program, offered by Northside ISD in partnership with UT Health San Antonio, provides high school students with hands-on research opportunities. Here, you will join a faculty-led research lab, participating in all stages of scientific inquiry, from literature reviews and hypothesis formation to experiment design, data collection, and analysis. The program also emphasizes scientific communication, offering opportunities to present your findings. This full-time program mirrors the schedule of a real research internship, preparing you for future academic and professional experiences. Safety training is required prior to lab work, ensuring you gain a safe exposure to the research environment.
8. Teen Medical Academy
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 42 students in the previous cohort
Location: CAST MED High School, San Antonio, TX
Cost: $200
Dates: July 7 – 11
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students in the San Antonio area
The Teen Medical Academy is a one-week summer program designed to introduce San Antonio high school students to a range of medical careers. You will take part in workshops, site visits to local healthcare facilities, and interactive sessions with practicing medical professionals. The program highlights different areas of the healthcare industry, helping you better understand potential career paths and the roles that exist in medicine. You will also get the opportunity to ask questions directly to professionals, gaining insights into what it’s really like to work in healthcare. The experience concludes with exposure to community health initiatives and career planning resources.
9. Texas Biomedical Research Institute’s Valero Young Scientist Program
Acceptance rate: Competitive with teacher recommendations required
Location: Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Free; lunch provided
Dates: June 23 – July 18
Application deadline: Typically, early February
Eligibility: High school students entering 11th or 12th grade
The Valero Young Scientist Program is a four-week summer experience for San Antonio high school students entering their junior or senior year. Here, you will investigate infectious diseases and other STEM topics through guided labs and inquiry-based projects while maintaining a professional-level lab notebook. The program offers hands-on activities that reflect the work of Texas Biomed scientists. In addition to building technical skills, you will develop soft skills through workshops in communication, networking, and presentation. The experience concludes with a student showcase where you will present your collaborative projects to peers, mentors, and families.
10. UTSA’s Biomedical Engineering Summer Camp
Acceptance rate: Selective
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, TX
Cost: Day Camp $550 ($250 with tuition assistance) | Overnight Camp $750 ($450 with tuition assistance); meals and materials included
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12; open to both local and non-local participants
The Biomedical Engineering Summer Camp at UTSA introduces high school students to one of the fastest-growing fields in the healthcare industry. You will gain hands-on experience with technical skills used by biomedical engineers and meet professionals working in both academia and industry. You will also participate in a team-based make-a-thon where you’ll design solutions to real-world challenges. The program offers a mix of technical learning with creative problem-solving opportunities to help you explore medical device design, innovation, and collaboration. Both commuter and residential options are available.
11. GEMS Summer Program @ U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research
Acceptance rate: Selective
Location: U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free; $125 stipend offered
Dates: Week I: June 16 – 20 | Week II: June 23 – 26 | Week III: July 7 – 10
Application deadline: April (tentatively)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–12 who are U.S. citizens; application requires essays and two letters of recommendation
The Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program offers San Antonio students a four-day summer camp focused on STEM and medical science. Hosted by the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, the program provides opportunities to engage in lab-based experiments, coding activities, and biomedical projects while developing teamwork and leadership skills. The program offers three levels—Beginner (grades 6–8), Intermediate (grades 9–10), and Advanced (grades 11–12)—with increasingly challenging activities at each subsequent level, including student-led experiments in the advanced course. You will receive mentorship from scientists, engineers, and near-peer mentors while gaining exposure to careers in medicine and STEM. The program concludes with presentations that showcase what you have learned.
12. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Virtual option available for San Antonio students
Cost: Summer: $95 application fee + $4,380 program fee; Fall: $35 application fee + $1,980 program fee
Dates: Summer: July 28 – August 8 | Fall: September 10 – November 12
Application deadline: Summer: February 24 | Fall: June 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, as well as undergraduate pre-med students who are at least 16 years old
Stanford’s Clinical Summer Internship offers virtual practice-based learning experiences to high schoolers and undergraduate pre-med students interested in medical professions. During the program, you will attend virtual lectures and expert-led activity-based sessions to gain experience in clinical techniques like suturing, administering injections, and conducting physical exams. You will also work on real-world or simulated medical cases, learning how to make diagnoses and suggest treatment. Additionally, you will participate in a group presentation to discuss the assigned medical case. The overall experience can help you explore medical specialties and gain exposure to the technical skills required to build a career in medicine.
13. Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center's Summer Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,500 program fee + $95 application fee; includes all supplies
Dates: Session 1: June 23 – July 4; Session 2: July 14 – 25
Application deadline: TBA; applications open on January 13
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16+ (or high school juniors under 16), with an interest in science or medicine
This internship introduces high school students to the fundamentals of cardiothoracic surgery through a mix of lectures, simulations, and training. You will learn from Stanford faculty, surgical residents, and staff as you explore anatomy, physiology, and diagnostic techniques used in cardiac and thoracic medicine. Afternoon sessions will focus on technical training in knot-tying, suturing, and vessel anastomoses. Additionally, you will also gain experience in surgical instrument handling while learning how to use forceps, scissors, and needle holders. You will examine porcine heart specimens to gain exposure to the basics of cardiac anatomy.
14. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Virtual option available for San Antonio students
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: July – August (5 weeks)
Application deadline: March 1; applications open on December 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in North America
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a research-focused program for high school students interested in neuroscience. You will work under the mentorship of Johns Hopkins researchers, participating in laboratory-based activities and gaining exposure to research methods in brain science. You will attend weekly scientific seminars and skill-building workshops to learn about neuroscience research. You will conduct at-home experiments, explore laboratory techniques, and engage in professional development sessions.
15. UT Southwestern’s Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Two weeks in June
Application deadline: Early February; applications open late September
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors + rising college first-year students
This two-week virtual internship introduces high school students to the wide range of careers available in mental health. You will participate in interactive sessions with psychiatrists, social workers, neuropsychologists, and physician assistants, gaining exposure to fields like psychotherapy, interventional psychiatry, neuropsychological testing, and community psychiatry. The program emphasizes both clinical practice and broader systems of mental health care, while also providing career-focused discussions and mentorship opportunities. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of potential pathways in mental health professions.
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