15 Programs for High School Students in Dallas, Texas
As a high school student in Dallas, Texas, there are many paths you can take for your further studies. Participating in programs outside school can enhance your knowledge, strengthen your foundation and prepare you for college. Whether you are interested in exploring STEM fields, honing your artistic talents, or delving into a health profession, there are opportunities waiting for you. So, take a look at this list of 14 programs in Dallas curated for you, start cultivating your skills, and open the door to endless possibilities.
Note: Please keep in mind the following information is for 2023, though dates tend to be similar year on year. We’ve kept the program choices strictly limited to Dallas, but if you are open to traveling anywhere within Texas, then check out some more options here.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
$1,790 for the 10-week AI Scholars program
$4,900 for the 12-15 week AI Fellowship
$4,700 for both
Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Applications for fall cohort have closed September 3, 2023.
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Program selectivity: Moderately selective
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit past experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions pertaining to the students background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI a suitable environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. These programs are designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni and you can expect a great, fulfilling educational experience. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship.
The AI Fellowship program will have students pursue their own independent AI research project. Students work on their own individual research projects over a period of 12-15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the field of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects here.
2. Horizon
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here!
Application deadline: November 18, 2022
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12 can apply.
Program dates: Every Saturday | January 7, 2023 - February 4, 2023
Location: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Fees: No information on fees or financial aid is provided.
This is a comprehensive summer enrichment program for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine or science. HPREP offers a unique opportunity for you to explore the world of medicine, biomedical research, and healthcare through hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and mentorship. You will engage with subjects such as anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, public health, and clinical skills. Through interactive sessions and demonstrations, you work on building practical knowledge and insights into various health professions, such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and biomedical research. The program also provides valuable exposure to the UT Southwestern Medical School campus and its state-of-the-art facilities, allowing you to experience a professional healthcare environment firsthand.
Application deadline: Applications typically open in early spring, around February or March; and typically close around April or May.
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders can apply. Rising 9th and 10th graders can consider the Advanced Engineering camp at the same school.
Program dates: June 5-9, 2023 (Boys) | June 12-16, 2023 (Girls)
Location: Southern Methodist University (residential)
Fees: $1300
This 5-day immersive summer camp is where you can learn the fundamentals of engineering and STEM. Through hands-on projects, collaborative activities, and interactive workshops, you gain valuable insight into various engineering disciplines, including civil and environmental engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, operations research and engineering management, and mechanical engineering. Led by experienced faculty and industry professionals, you will learn with the latest tools – 3D-printers, a laser cutter, vinyl cutter, power tools – all the equipment needed to further interest in an engineering, designing, or STEM career. You will tackle real-world challenges, develop problem-solving skills, and learn the principles of engineering design.
Rising 9th and 10th graders must take a look at Advanced Engineering at the Lyle School of Engineering Southern Methodist University.
Application deadline: June 2, 2023
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12 can apply. There are year-specific requirements for required grades in math and science that can be viewed here.
Program dates: June 12, 2023 - July 21, 2023
Location: Cedar Valley Campus, Dallas College
Fees: No information on fees or financial aid is provided.
TexPREP is an academically intense summer enrichment program designed to engage students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math in a college setting. This program offers the opportunity to explore various disciplines and develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. The program boasts hands-on projects, laboratory experiments, and interactive workshops, along with access to state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and resources at Dallas College.
Application deadline: Applications typically open in March.
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders are eligible to apply.
Program dates: June 5, 2023 - July 28, 2023
Location: University of Texas at Dallas
Fees: $500
This 8-week summer program is an opportunity for students to engage in hands-on research and explore various academic disciplines. It offers the chance to work closely with faculty mentors on cutting-edge research projects in STEM fields. Subject choices include app design and programming, computational biology, cyber security, data analytics, machine learning and more. With this program, work on your research skills and critical thinking, creating a stronger foundation for your further studies. This program has two components to choose from – a research internship and research workshops. The internship is more selective than the workshops, especially as lab slots are limited. Students meet multiple times a week, and the end goal varies from lab to lab. The workshops are run like informal college courses that meet at least twice a week, with the goal to end with a final project or paper related to the selected research area.
Application deadline: Applications typically open in March.
Eligibility: Students aged 14-18 are eligible to apply.
Program dates: Different subjects’ courses conducted from June 5 - July 28, 2023
Location: University of Texas at Dallas
Fees: $300 for one-week full-day camp, $150 for one-week half-day camp. Register before April 1 for an automatic 10% discount.
Financial Assistance: Lowered fees for students from low-income families.
These camps are for students who wish to immerse themselves in the world of coding and computer science. With a range of subjects to choose from, such as Java, C++, app development and python programming, you will work on your practical coding skills, enhance your logical thinking abilities, and develop a foundation in computer science. Through hands-on projects, interactive lessons, and collaborative activities, you will pick up programming languages, problem-solving techniques, and software development concepts. Led by experienced instructors and industry professionals, the camps provide a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Application Deadline: Registrations remain open till summer.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 are eligible, there are some courses restricted to grades 10-12.
Program dates: Several workshops to choose from, each conducted on different dates. All are held in the months June and July.
Location: Southern Methodist University Fees: No information on fees is provided.
These summer workshops cover everything from SAT and ACT test prep to business and entrepreneurship, from creative development to leadership and strategy. As short workshops, they can be a stepping stone on your college journey. Not only that, with workshops specifically for it, they can assist you on your college admission process. You’ll be working with experienced college counselors and admission professionals, apart from expert faculty and instructors.
Application deadline: May 31, 2023
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors can apply.
Program dates: June 11-24, 2023
Location: University of Dallas
Fees: $1695
This summer program is for students interested in exploring the world of classical studies. Through a combination of seminars, discussions, and interactive activities, you will dive into the rich traditions of ancient Greece and Rome. Guided by renowned faculty members, you will study classical literature, philosophy, art, and history, gaining a deeper understanding of the enduring impact of these civilizations on modern society. The program offers a unique opportunity to engage with the great works of antiquity, while exploring a vibrant campus life, interacting with fellow students.
Application deadline: May 31, 2023
Eligibility: This program is open to all high school students, including freshmen and graduating seniors.
Program dates: June 12-16, 2023
Location: University of Dallas
Fees: $425
If you’re looking to explore your passion for art, this summer program is for you. It is a comprehensive introduction to various art forms, techniques, and artistic principles such as ceramics, printmaking and drawing. With hands-on studio sessions, you will hone your artistic skills under the guidance of experienced artists. You will also engage in art history discussions and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of different art movements. This program offers a supportive and inspiring environment for you to unleash your creativity and further your artistic journey.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 can apply. There are minimum test score requirements, details of which you’ll find once you select which course you’d like to apply for.
Program dates: Depends on which subjects you choose.
Location: Dallas College
Fees: Depends on subjects chosen.
This dual credit program is an excellent opportunity for you to earn college credits while in high school. It allows you to take college-level courses that count towards both your high school graduation requirements and college degree requirements. With a wide range of courses available, you can explore different subjects and get a head start on your college education. The program is designed to provide a seamless transition from high school to college and offers the flexibility of taking classes either on-campus or online. So, while you get real-life college experience, this program is also a chance to challenge yourself academically and save some time on your higher education journey!
Application deadline:Applications typically open in March.
Eligibility: This workshop is for advanced level high school students.
Program dates: June 5, 2023 - July 28, 2023
Location: University of Texas at Dallas
Fees: $1200
Financial Assistance: Students from low-income families can get in touch with the university for a 40% lowered fee rate.
This intensive workshop is designed to introduce students to the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI). Through hands-on activities, interactive sessions, and real-world applications, you will gain a deep understanding of AI concepts, algorithms, and technologies. Led by faculty and experts in the industry, the workshop covers topics such as python programming, data processing, neural networks, and AI model building. You will work on AI projects and collaborate with peers. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to enhance your existing knowledge, this workshop offers a learning experience that prepares you for the exciting field of AI.
Application deadline: Applications typically open in early spring. Apply as soon you can as seats fill up quickly.
Eligibility: High school students who fulfill the subject prerequisites can apply.
Program dates: June 19 - 23, 2023
Location: University of Texas at Dallas
Fees: $350
Whether you’re a mathlete or just starting out, this program is for you. Designed for students passionate about mathematics and problem-solving, these camps offer the opportunity to enhance your mathematical skills and prepare for the prestigious math competition, American Mathematics Competitions (AMC). Led by a team of highly experienced professors, these camps cover algebra, geometry, and number theory. Through engaging lectures, interactive workshops, and challenging problem-solving sessions, you will deepen your understanding of mathematical concepts and develop problem-solving strategies. Additionally, you will have the chance to participate in mock competitions to sharpen your competitive edge.
Application deadline: Applications typically open in March.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Program dates: Two camps, June 19 - 23, 2023 and July 17 - 21, 2023.
Location: University of Texas at Dallas
Fees: $150 fee, with a 50% lowered rate for students from low-income families.
1Perot Museum Teen Crew by UTDallas and iVue Robotics, are an opportunity for students to delve into the world of robotics and drone technology. Through hands-on learning experiences, you will learn about drone mechanics, flight dynamics, and programming. Led by expert instructors, these camps offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of drone technology, including drone design, construction, and autonomous flight. You will work with cutting-edge drone equipment and software and hone your skills in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Application deadline: Dates vary from year to year, applications typically open at the beginning of the year. Spots are limited.
Eligibility: Students aged 14+ can apply.
Program dates: Four 12-day cohorts between June 12, 2023 and August 4, 2023.
Location: Perot Museum
Fees: Free
The Perot Museum offers volunteer programs that offer a chance to engage in meaningful community service while exploring their interests in STEM fields. The Teen Crew program invites students to join a dedicated team of volunteers, assisting with educational programs, exhibits, and special events. Once accepted, you will acquire experience working alongside museum professionals and engaging with visitors of all ages. Through activities and training sessions, you’ll develop leadership skills, expand your knowledge of STEM subjects, and make a positive impact on the museum's mission to inspire curiosity and ignite a passion for learning.
A few more programs in Dallas in varied subjects worth considering:
One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are passionate about research, you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 2100 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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