15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
If you’re a high school student, summer programs give you valuable opportunities to explore STEM fields before college. These programs vary widely—some place you in research settings with university faculty or industry experts, while others focus on coding, engineering design, or lab-based experiments. Many also build broader skills like leadership, communication, and college preparation, helping you grow in more than just technical areas. If you’re based in Texas, you’re in luck!
Texas is a particularly strong location for these opportunities. With its leading universities, rapidly growing technology sector, and industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and energy, the state offers a diverse environment to engage with real-world science and engineering challenges. For students based in Texas, local programs are especially useful since they connect you to resources and networks close to home while limiting the need for extensive travel.
To get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 of the best summer programs for high school students in Texas. These options cover areas ranging from aerospace research and computer science to hands-on STEM camps
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
1. The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/ Stipend: $750
Acceptance Rate/ cohort Size: 12 students selected every year
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 17 years of age
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is a 7-week summer research experience designed for a small group of highly motivated high school students. With only 12 twelve students chosen annually, the program is regarded as one of the most selective opportunities available for high school researchers. As a participant, you’ll work directly with Texas Tech faculty on advanced projects across both academic and health science disciplines. The program includes weekly seminars, field trips, and group discussions that expand your learning to research and professional development. In physics-related tracks, you may explore areas such as millimeter-wave sensing, radar system design, and image-guided medical interventions within Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; varies by cohort
Dates: Multiple sessions year-round (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines are tied to each cohort (January, May, September, November)
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can commit 8 to 12 weeks and devote 10–20 hours every week.
Ladder Internships offers students the chance to step into the fast-paced world of start-ups through fully remote, project-based internships. Over 8 weeks, you’ll collaborate with an emerging company in fields ranging from AI/ML, health tech, to consulting, marketing, and journalism. Interns contribute directly to ongoing projects, guided by both the Company Managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach , and conclude by presenting their work to the organization. The program is designed to replicate the challenges of a professional start-up environment, giving you a chance to build real corporate experience while developing industry-specific skills. With every partner company being a high-growth venture, Ladder provides a close-up view of innovation in action.
3. Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)
Location: Remote (online coursework); top students advance to Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No participation cost ; travel and expenses covered for residential experience
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Dates: Year-long program; online coursework in fall/winter with summer experiences
Application Deadline: September 24
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens who are residents of Texas and are currently high school juniors.
High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) gives Texas juniors a direct entry into NASA’s world of science and exploration. The program begins with a 5-month online curriculum covering topics like space exploration, Earth sciences, technology, and aeronautics. Along the way, you’ll practice skills in coding, CAD modeling, and engineering design that are highly relevant to aerospace careers. Top students are invited to a virtual summer experience called Moonshot, where you’ll collaborate on team challenges with guidance from NASA engineers and scientists. The top teams from Moonshot earn the chance to attend a fully funded residential experience at Johnson Space Center, where students get a closer look at NASA’s research and mission operations.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote (accessible worldwide)
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered year-round (Spring: March–June, Summer: June–August, Fall: September–December, Winter: December–February)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (January, May, September, November)
Eligibility: Open to high school students with strong academic performance (minimum 3.3 GPA recommended), no prior subject experience required.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program gives high school students the chance to conduct original research under the mentorship of a Ph.D. scholar. Over the course of 12 weeks (with some extended options up to a year), you’ll design and perform an independent project in a field of your choice. Research areas are all about science, social science, and humanities, including psychology, economics, engineering, computer science, and international relations. With individual mentorship, you’ll develop a research paper that reflects your findings, gaining both subject-matter expertise and practical skills in academic inquiry. Lumiere is designed for students looking to explore advanced research before entering the college world, providing structure, guidance, and a finished project that reflects months of independent effort.
5. PATHS-UP Young Scholars Program
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (Hybrid virtual components available)
Stipend/Cost: $2,000
Acceptance Rate/cohort Size: 4 students
Dates: June 9 – July 27
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are sophomores or juniors with 16+ years of age residing in Los Fresnos CISD, Sharyland ISD, or South Texas ISD.
The PATHS-UP Young Scholars Program provides high school students with an immersive experience in biomedical engineering research with a focus on developing health technologies for understaffed communities. During this 3-week residential experience at Texas A&M, you’ll join faculty and graduate students in the lab, learn how to conduct literature reviews, and practice presenting scientific findings. Alongside research, you’ll attend seminars and discussions, building connections between STEM education, health technologies, and career pathways. The program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and inclusion, with students presenting their projects at a research symposium alongside peers from institutions such as UCLA, Rice, and FIU.
6. Digital Health Young Scholars Summer Program
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly stated
Dates: June 9 – June 26
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Open to students from selected schools in Houston area
The Digital Health Young Scholars Summer Program is a 3-week experience at Rice University that exposes high school students to the intersection of engineering, technology, and healthcare. Participants spend their days working on hands-on projects, including programming, digital design, and the creation of a smartwatch using Tiny Circuits. Alongside technical work, you’ll develop skills in scientific writing, communication, and collaboration while networking with peers and faculty. The program also connects you with Rice graduate students and Houston-area educators, giving you exposure to ongoing research conducted by the NSF-funded PATHS-UP Engineering Research Center. By the end of the program, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how digital tools and design can be applied to medical treatment and future healthcare innovations.
7. Sustainable Futures Academy – Rice STEM Academy
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly stated
Dates: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: June 7
Eligibility: Open to high school girls currently in 10th or 11th grade.
The Sustainable Futures Academy is a 1-week enrichment program at Rice University that gives students hands-on experience with engineering and physics concepts tied to sustainability. Through the right mix of lab work, engineering projects, and discussions with Rice faculty and graduate students, you’ll explore topics such as motion, energy, and circuitry in the context of designing greener technologies. Activities include building landing capsules, designing roller coasters, programming with Micro:bits, and experimenting with TI Nspire Rovers. The academy emphasizes how scientific principles connect to real-world challenges and encourages participants to be creative in their thinking about sustainable solutions.
8. Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Cost/Stipend: $6,800 as stipend for 10 weeks ($6,120 if starting late and attending program for 9 weeks)
Acceptance Rate/ cohort Size: ~12 students selected every year
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and Texas high school seniors must be 18+ years of age by the start of the program
This long-running summer program introduces Texas high school seniors to biomedical research through full-time laboratory placements at MD Anderson Cancer Center. You’ll work under the mentorship of faculty in biomedical sciences, spending most of your time conducting hands-on lab experiments while learning the core principles of scientific investigation. Alongside research, you’ll attend faculty-led seminars, networking activities, and program-wide competitions such as poster presentations and elevator speeches. By the end of the 10 weeks, you’ll present your work at a closing symposium and gain deeper insights into allied health career opportunities. Participants leave with not only practical lab skills but also exposure to the professional rigor and discipline of biomedical research.
9. High School Emerging Researcher Experience
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohort (varies by year)
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors with a minimum age of 16 years
The High School Emerging Researcher Experience offers motivated high school students a chance to step into translational research while working alongside undergraduate interns at Houston Methodist. Over the course of 8 weeks, you’ll join a lab team led by faculty mentors, learning practical techniques in biomedical research and contributing to a project tailored to your mentor’s area of study. Beyond the lab sessions, the program integrates professional development workshops, networking events, and seminars to support your growth both personally and professionally. You’ll conclude the summer by presenting your work at the Research Symposium, where students showcase their findings through poster sessions.
10. Young Leaders Institute (YLI)
Location: Asia Society Texas Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Varies
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive with limited spots
Dates: June 24 – June 28, July 15 – July 19, August 5 – August 9
Application Deadline: May 31 (rolling admissions; early application is preferred )
Eligibility: Open to high school students from the Greater Houston area entering grades 9–12 in the Fall
The Young Leaders Institute is designed for students who want to strengthen their global awareness while building leadership and teamwork skills. Each session is all about pressing international issues, giving you the chance to research, debate, and propose solutions in a collaborative setting. Working in teams, you’ll practice critical thinking, refine public speaking, and learn how to communicate ideas effectively. The program also connects you with experts and Asia Society Texas staff who provide mentorship and feedback, helping you to see the real-world impact of policy and leadership decisions. Whether you attend a single session or all 3 , you’ll leave with sharper analytical skills, a stronger sense of global responsibility, and practical leadership experience.
11. SMS Summer Research Program
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend support may be available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited spots for SMS alumni and affiliates
Dates: June 11 – August 4
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Open to students who will be 18+ years by June 1
This program offers SMS alumni the chance to extend their involvement into hands-on biomedical research under the guidance of Baylor College of Medicine faculty. Over the summer, you’ll conduct a research project while also taking part in weekly “Lunch and Learn” sessions focused on scientific careers and professional development. Participation includes engagement in lab group meetings and specialized seminars tied to your project. The experience culminates with the SMS Summer Research Symposium, where you present your findings to peers and mentors. For many students, it’s an opportunity not only to deepen research skills but also to expand their professional network within Houston’s scientific community.
12. Rice ELITE Tech Camp
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: $3,795 (Residential); $1,695 (Commuter)
Acceptance Rate: Selective; competitive admissions for motivated high school students
Dates: June 22–28,July 6–12, July 13–19, July 20–26 (Residential)
June 23–27,July 7–11, July 14–18,July 21–25 (Commuter)
Application Deadline: Typically closes in spring; rolling until spots are filled
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in engineering, technology, and applied sciences
The Rice ELITE Tech Camp, led by the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership (RCEL), blends rigorous STEM learning with leadership development. Over a 1-week session, you’ll work with Rice faculty and instructors to explore engineering concepts and apply the design process to real-world problems. The curriculum includes topics such as Python programming, applied machine learning, and bioengineering, all while encouraging teamwork and communication. Whether you attend as a commuter or residential student, you’ll be immersed in technical projects, college readiness workshops, and engineering leadership exercises. Living and learning on Rice’s campus also gives you a glimpse of university life while providing opportunities to collaborate with peers who share a passion for technology and problem-solving.
13. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship
Location: The University of Texas at Austin, Center for Space Research (with NASA collaboration)
Cost/Stipend: Free.
Acceptance Rate/cohort size: 8-10%
Dates: May 19 - July 22
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school students (rising juniors and seniors) with a strong interest in STEM. Applicants must submit essays, a video introduction, and a recommendation form.
The SEES Summer Internship, hosted by NASA and the UT Austin Center for Space Research, brings together high school students from across the country to work on authentic Earth and space science projects. You’ll analyze NASA satellite data alongside scientists and engineers in areas like astronomy, planetary science, climate research, remote sensing, and natural hazard analysis. Before the on-site session, you’ll complete distance learning modules in Earth and space science (and Python, if required). During the in-person presence in Austin, you’ll collaborate with your project team, attend research meetings, and explore real-world applications of satellite data. Virtual internships are also available depending on the project. The experience concludes with the SEES Virtual Science Symposium, where all interns present their findings to peers and mentors.
14. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple sites across the U.S., including AFWERX in Texas
Cost/Stipend: $492.40/week
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; varies by site
Dates: 8–14 weeks during summer (minimum 8 weeks required)
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16 years or above
The AFRL Scholars Program gives you the chance to explore aerospace and STEM research directly within the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. Depending on your placement, you might work on projects in machine learning, satellite navigation, atomic physics, or rocket propulsion systems. You will be paired with AFRL scientists and engineers for mentorship, with opportunities to tour advanced laboratories and engage in research aligned with national defense and space innovation. Past participants have contributed to areas like launch vehicle design, and modeling of detonation rocket engines. This program is designed to help you sharpen your analytical skills, experience cutting-edge technology up close, and understand what it’s like to work in a high-level research environment.
15. Kode With Klossy’s Summer Camp
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate: Competitive; several thousand applicants apply every year nationwide
Dates: Session 1: June 3 – June 14, Session 2: June 17 – June 28,Session 3: July 8 – July 19, Session 4: July 22 – August 2, Session 5: August 5 – August 16
Application Deadline: May 13
Eligibility: Open to girls and gender-expansive students ages 13–18; no prior coding experience required
Kode with Klossy is a free summer coding camp designed to make technology more accessible to students from underprivileged backgrounds in STEM. Over the course of 2 weeks, you’ll take part in project-based learning through one of four tracks—web development, mobile applications, artificial intelligence, or data science. By the end of the session, you’ll have built your own projects, such as an app or an AI-trained model, while also strengthening problem-solving and teamwork skills. Guest speakers from the tech industry share their experiences, and you’ll connect with peers across the country who share common interests in coding.
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