15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Austin, TX
Summer programs give you structured opportunities to gain knowledge, research skills, and project experience. Many are designed around coursework or laboratory work, allowing you to engage with methods used in higher education and professional fields. By participating, you can strengthen your academic profile and gain a clearer idea of potential career paths.
Austin has many opportunities for high schoolers, ranging from laboratory placements at the University of Texas at Austin to policy and civic initiatives supported by local organizations. These programs offer academic enrichment, exposure to specialized fields such as business, medicine, technology, and the arts, and opportunities to engage with expert faculty and professionals. To help you explore these options, we’ve listed 15 summer programs in Austin designed for high school students.
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Austin, TX
1. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Summer Intern Program
Location: Hybrid; the on-site portion of the internship is conducted at the University of Texas at Austin, TX
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 6 – 7 students per cohort
Dates: May to August; on-site experience is from July 6 – 19; distance learning module runs from May 19 – July 1
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are US citizens and aged 16 years or older
The SEES High School Summer Internship Program is a nationally competitive STEM experience for high school students, offering exposure to Earth and space research through NASA-supported projects. You interpret NASA satellite data while collaborating with scientists and engineers in areas such as astronomy, remote sensing, and space geodesy to understand Earth systems, natural hazards, and climate science. You also conduct data-driven investigations in areas such as planetary science, atmospheric studies, and remote sensing, applying statistical analysis and computational modeling to real datasets. As an intern, you work under the mentorship of project advisors, collaborating with peers to design experiments, interpret results, and present scientific findings.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 25%; around 100 students per cohort
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts; Summer Cohort I and II start June 2 and July 14 respectively
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; Summer Cohort I: May 12; Summer Cohort II: June 23
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates and gap-year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships allows you to work remotely on projects with startups and nonprofit organizations in fields such as technology, finance, healthcare, and media. You are assigned to specific projects where you contribute directly to ongoing organizational tasks. You work under the guidance of a Ladder coach and a startup mentor from your host organization, who provide regular feedback and support throughout the program. The internship includes structured communication and collaboration with the team, often through digital tools, virtual meetings, and project check-ins. Projects may involve areas such as market research, data analysis, content creation, product development, or community engagement, depending on your placement.
3. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: AFWERX site for students in Texas
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend between $501.60 - $805.60/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; around 60 interns
Dates: 10–12 weeks in the summer (late May/early June – August)
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students | U.S. citizens
The AFRL Scholars Program places you on research projects at the Air Force Research Laboratory in fields such as aerospace, robotics, materials science, and computer science. You contribute to experiments, simulations, and data analysis under the guidance of laboratory scientists and engineers. You collaborate with other interns and team members to design experiments, test prototypes, and interpret results, applying professional research methodologies. Mentors provide ongoing feedback on technical work and project approaches. You also present your findings to your team, participating in professional research discussions and meetings.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 70 – 100 students
Dates: Summer Cohort: June – August; Fall: September – December; Winter: December – February; Spring: March – June (program length varies by track)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Summer Cohort I: May 11; Summer Cohort II: June 23
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
In the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, you work with a Ph.D. mentor from universities such as Harvard, MIT, Yale, and UC San Diego on an independent research project. You select a topic from areas including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and social sciences. The program includes virtual mentorship, coaching, and workshops on research methods and academic writing. You meet regularly with your mentor to review research progress and refine your project. The program is conducted entirely online, allowing participation from anywhere. You complete a research project that follows academic research processes and methodologies. At the end, you may also be eligible for a UCSD credit.
5. Austin Angels High School Ambassador Program
Location: Auston,TX
Cost/Stipend: None / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Flexible
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All currently enrolled high school students
The Austin Angels High School Ambassador Program allows you to take part in advocacy and service work that supports children and families in foster care. As an ambassador, you are expected to represent Austin Angels within your school and community, helping to raise awareness of the challenges faced by youth in foster care. The program provides opportunities for you to assist with events, organize drives, and share information about the organization’s mission. You will also gain exposure to the nonprofit sector by learning how community programs are developed and supported. You will work on communication and outreach projects, which may include both in-person and online activities.
6. Summer High School Research Academy (HSRA)
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: $4,000; need-based scholarship is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 30 – 50 students
Dates: June 9 – July 16
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are Texas residents and will be at least 15 years old by June 1
The Summer High School Research Academy (HSRA) offers you the opportunity to engage in research within active laboratories at the University of Texas at Austin's College of Natural Sciences. You participate in research projects across various fields, including biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, and ecology. You collaborate with peers, undergraduate students, and faculty members, gaining exposure to current research methodologies and laboratory techniques. As part of the program, you earn college credit through the NSC 309 UT extension course. Additionally, you attend weekly seminars hosted by UT guest speakers and present your research findings at a closing symposium.
7. Psychology Academy - Summer Discovery at UT Austin
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Commuter: $3,799; Residential: $6,599; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 14 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; late submissions permitted until May 1 with late application fee surcharge with a 1-day expedited application review
Eligibility: All high school students
The Psychology Academy at UT Austin, offered through Summer Discovery, provides Texas high school students with an immersive summer program led by an experienced licensed clinical social worker. You delve into core psychological concepts, including developmental psychology, cognition, behavioral patterns, and critical theories. The program features guest speakers from the psychology field, offering insight into diverse career opportunities. Through reflective journaling, you explore the effects of positive thinking on mental health. Additionally, you engage in meaningful research projects that help apply theoretical knowledge in practical environments. Upon completion, you receive both a Course Completion Certificate and a Letter of Recognition, highlighting your achievement in this focused psychology study.
8. Welch Summer Scholars Program
Location: The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Arlington, The University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Houston, and Texas Tech University
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 10 – 14 students at each site
Dates: June 8 – July 11
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors in Texas
The Welch Summer Scholar Program (WSSP) allows you to conduct university-level scientific research in a working laboratory at one of six Texas universities, including UT Austin, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, University of Houston, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech. You are assigned to a lab where you perform research activities under the supervision of graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and faculty mentors. The program includes lectures, workshops, facility tours, group meetings, site visits, and excursions in addition to lab work. You participate in a five-week residential schedule, attending all program activities at your assigned site. Housing, on-campus meals, and laboratory expenses are covered by the Welch Foundation.
9. UT Austin’s Computer Science Academy for Women
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 40 – 50 students
Dates: June 8 – 14
Application Deadline: Typically mid-January
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who identify as female
At the UT Computer Science Academy for Women, you can explore the field of computing in a supportive environment designed for high school students. This summer program introduces you to the fundamentals of programming and allows you to work on projects that highlight different areas of computer science. You also learn about topics such as algorithms, data science, and problem-solving strategies while collaborating with peers who share your interest in technology. The program connects you with women in computer science who serve as mentors and role models, offering insight into both academic and career paths. You will also take part in structured learning sessions, small group activities, and guided workshops.
10. McCombs Summer High School Programs
Location: UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business, Austin, TX
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically less than 5%; 50 – 55 students
Dates: Future Executive Academy (MFEA): June 1 – 6; Subiendo (Rising Leaders): June 8 – 12; DYNAMC (Accounting Careers): June 22 – 27
Application Deadline: Subiendo: January 31; MFEA & DYNAMC: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors; only Texas juniors are eligible for Subiendo
The McCombs Summer High School Programs focus on business strategy, financial analysis, and leadership through case studies, simulations, and team-based projects. The program covers subjects such as accounting, marketing, management, and operations through interactive workshops led by faculty and industry professionals. You also take part in team projects and case studies with current UT student leaders serving as mentors. Living on campus gives you the chance to experience residence hall life and connect with students from different backgrounds. In addition to academics, you participate in leadership development sessions that focus on collaboration and problem-solving.
11. My Introduction to Engineering (MITE) Summer Camp
Location: UT Austin, Texas
Cost: $100
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 20%; around 50 students per session
Dates: Session 1: June 23 – 27; Session 2: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors (current 11th graders)
The My Introduction to Engineering (MITE) program at UT Austin introduces you to multiple areas of engineering, including mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. You work with peers on design and prototyping projects, applying engineering principles to solve structured challenges. During lab visits and demonstrations, you observe engineering concepts in practice and engage with experimental setups. Faculty and current students provide guidance on technical tasks and project methods. You participate in team-based problem-solving and iterative design processes, applying analytical and computational approaches to complete projects.
12. UT Austin - Academy for Robotics
Location: University of Texas at Austin
Cost: $2,100; limited academy scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; around 40 students
Dates: Session 1: June 15 – 20; Session 2: June 22 – 27
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders (Fall)
The University of Texas at Austin's Academy for Robotics is a six-day residential summer program designed for high school students to dive into the fundamentals of robotics. During the program, you work hands-on with the Bot’n Roll One A robot, learning to control it using C++ and Linux, as well as integrating sensors through Arduino programming. The curriculum covers essential robotics concepts such as PID control, skid steering, sensor thresholding, and turn-and-push behaviors. You engage in applied learning by building robots, running simulations, and testing their control algorithms. The program also provides valuable opportunities to interact with UT faculty and industry experts.
13. Johns Hopkins Exploring Engineering Innovation
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,115
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; around 40 – 30 students
Dates: June 29 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors | As and Bs in math and science classes | Completed Algebra II | Completed a course where trigonometric functions are taught | Completed a full year of high school chemistry and/or physics, including a lab
The Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) Online program introduces you to college-level engineering across civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, and materials disciplines. You apply engineering principles through collaborative projects, simulations, computational modeling, and iterative design exercises. You will engage in activities such as testing the material properties of spaghetti to understand structural stability, designing and building a bridge, linking heat transfer and chemical reactions to a bioreactor project, and creating an electronic device aimed at improving user well-being. These projects cover technical areas such as structural design, circuit analysis, thermodynamics, chemical process modeling, and materials testing. Instructors provide guidance on methods, workflows, and analytical approaches as you complete each project.
14. Columbia University Pre-College Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: 1-week: $2,815; 2-week: $3,965; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; around 75 students per course
Dates: 1-and 2-week programs between June 22 and July 31
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: Domestic and international students in grades 9 – 12
The Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS) High School Programs introduce you to college-level courses through online sessions. You engage in interactive classes covering topics such as literature analysis, statistics, environmental science, economics, and political theory. Coursework includes structured discussions, research projects, and data-driven assignments, allowing you to practice academic methods such as textual analysis, experimental design, quantitative reasoning, and evidence-based argumentation. Instructors provide guidance on research approaches, analytical techniques, and project workflows, and you collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds to explore multiple perspectives within each discipline.
15. Stanford AIMI (Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Application Fee: $40; Program Participation Fee: $850; financial aid is available for both fee types / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 25 students each year
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents or are able to provide a valid visa status, and are 14 years or older by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Program is a virtual research program focused on applying artificial intelligence techniques to healthcare and biomedical data. Over two weeks, you attend lectures and discussions that cover medical imaging, data science, and computational methods used in clinical settings. You also work in groups on projects that explore how AI can be applied to real medical problems. Mentorship from Stanford faculty and students helps guide your learning and provides insight into research pathways in medicine and technology. Guest speakers share their experiences from the field, giving you perspective on how AI connects to careers in health and science.
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