15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
- Stephen Turban
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 6 minutes ago
If you're a high school student in Texas, fully funded summer programs can be a practical way to explore academic interests, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for college—without the cost. These programs are typically hosted by universities or established organizations and cover a range of fields such as STEM, leadership, and the arts.
Most programs include college-level coursework, group projects, or mentorship from professionals, offering a structured environment to build skills and explore potential career paths. In many cases, you can also get to stay on a college campus and engage with peers from across the state or country.
Below is a curated list of fully funded summer programs for high school students in Texas. Each has been selected for its academic rigor, accessibility, and reputation.
Here are 15 fully funded summer programs for high school students based in Texas!
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4). No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June). Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school. Students must demonstrate a high
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend of $6,800 for the 10-week program and $6,120 if participating for 9 weeks.
Application Deadline: January 20
Program Dates: June 2 — August 8
Eligibility: Texas-resident high school seniors, 18+ at the start of the program.
The Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program is a 10-week research experience for high school students interested in biomedical sciences. Hosted by the University of Texas and MD Anderson Cancer Center, the free summer program allows you to take part in ongoing research projects in areas such as cancer biology or genetics.
You’ll work alongside researchers and MD Anderson faculty members, gaining hands-on experience with lab techniques, data collection, and analysis as you work on a research project in a biomedical discipline. In addition to lab work, the program includes seminars that introduce you to key topics in biomedical research and the broader scientific process. Only 10 students are chosen each year, making this a selective opportunity for those with a strong interest in the field.
Location: Texas Tech University campus, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students can get a $750 stipend at the end of the program.
Application deadline: February 24
Program dates: June 22 — August 7
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years old when the program starts can apply.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week summer research opportunity for high school juniors and seniors. As a participant, you’ll work closely with faculty members on a research project in a field that matches your academic interests, which may include areas in the sciences, engineering, or humanities. The program includes seminars, group discussions, and campus activities that provide insight into college-level academics and research environments.
You’ll develop skills in research methods, data analysis, writing, and presenting your work. Participants are also expected to prepare a final paper and share their findings through a formal presentation. Admission is highly selective, with 12 students chosen each year based on academic achievement, recommendation letters, and stated academic goals.
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free for all accepted participants
Application Deadline: April 4
Dates: June 9 — June 26
Eligibility: Houston-area high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. No prior programming experience is needed.
The PATHS-UP Young Scholars Digital Health Summer Program at Rice University is a free, three-week opportunity for high school students to explore the intersection of technology and healthcare. Through coursework and projects, you’ll study topics such as computer science, physics, digital circuits, and engineering, with a focus on how these areas apply to medical technologies.
The program includes hands-on activities involving devices like pulse oximeters, GPS modules, accelerometers, and audio systems. You will also combine devices to build new instruments! Admission is limited to 12 students, and a recommendation or endorsement from a teacher or school official is required as part of the application process.
Location: One of five universities in Texas
Cost/Stipend: None. All program-related expenses (including housing) of participants are covered
Application Deadline: March 16
Program Dates: The five-week program typically runs from June to July
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in Texas
The Welch Foundation Summer Scholars Program offers high school sophomores and juniors a five-week research experience in university laboratories across Texas. You’ll be placed in a lab that aligns with your academic interests and work under the supervision of a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher.
Throughout the program, you’ll be involved in daily lab work, gaining experience in research methods, data collection, and analysis. The program specifically focuses on chemistry, including tours of chemistry research facilities and opportunities to learn about current developments in the field.
Location: Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Program Dates: June 23–26
Eligibility: High school students
The Children’s Education Program at Bass Performance Hall provides free summer music camps for high school students, supported by donor funding. The choral camp focuses on developing vocal techniques, harmony, and ensemble singing skills.
In addition to rehearsals, students have opportunities to perform in group settings and work with experienced instructors. These camps are held in person, offering a collaborative environment for young singers. Details about the 2025 sessions, including dates and application information, are expected to be announced in the spring.
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Cost: None; Stipend of approximately minimum wage in Texas
Application Deadline: April 18
Program Dates: June 11 — August 4
Eligibility: High school students who are 18+ by the start date (some projects accept 16–17). Must have joined Saturday Morning Science or be linked to Texas Southern, Prairie View A&M, or similar minority-serving institutions
The SMS Summer Research Program at Baylor College of Medicine is an eight-week, full-time opportunity for high school students with an interest in science or medicine. You’ll spend approximately 40 hours each week working in a research lab on a project under the supervision of a faculty member, postdoctoral researcher, or graduate student.
As part of your lab involvement, you’ll attend regular research meetings related to your project to discuss progress and receive feedback. In addition to hands-on lab work, you’ll develop skills in writing scientific reports and presenting your research. The program also includes weekly “Lunch and Learn” sessions, which cover topics such as research ethics, STEM career paths, and preparing for college.
Location: MohanLab, University of Houston, Houston, TX
Cost: None
Application deadline: March 28
Program dates: June 2 — July 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Each summer, the University of Houston’s Mohan lab offers a 9 to 10-week internship for high school students interested in biomedical science, medicine, health, or bioengineering. The first 1 to 2 weeks of the program focus on training in basic lab techniques, such as pipetting, sample preparation, centrifugation, and gel electrophoresis.
Following this initial training, you’ll spend approximately 8 weeks participating in a research project under the supervision of a scientist or graduate student. Your tasks may include collecting and analyzing data, maintaining detailed lab records, and interpreting experimental results. Past student projects have included studies on protein biomarkers in bladder cancer.
Location: Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: June 10–August 2 (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who excel academically and attend at-risk schools are eligible to apply
The CIS Summer Legal Internship Program, offered through a partnership between the CIS Committee and Communities In Schools of Houston, provides a paid, eight-week internship at a local law firm. During the internship, you’ll take part in enrichment activities, receive mentoring, and gain experience through visits to places like the District Attorney’s Office, the District Clerk’s Office, and the federal courthouse. You will also receive guidance from HBA coaches to participate in a Mock Trial. Location: Various law firms and legal organizations across Houston, TX.
Location: Hybrid; the on-site portion of the internship is conducted at the University of Texas at Austin, TX
Cost: None; Housing, meals, and local transportation provided
Application deadline: February 22
Program dates: The program runs from May to August; however, the on-site experience is from July 6 to 19. The distance learning module runs from May 19 to July 1.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are US citizens
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) program, offered by the University of Texas at Austin in partnership with NASA, is a summer internship for high school students interested in Earth and space science. The program begins with virtual modules that introduce Earth and Space science topics and Python programming.
In July, you will attend an on-site session at the University of Texas at Austin, where you will work with NASA researchers to analyze satellite data. Under the guidance of project scientists, you will have the opportunity to examine NASA remote sensing data, mission design, and findings on ice sheets and the Earth’s gravitational field. After completing the program, you will receive a certificate from NASA. Your project team will present their research at the Virtual SEES Science Symposium at the end of the internship.
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: None; housing and meals provided
Application Deadline: a month and a half to a month before the program
Program Dates: June 8–14
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors who identify as female
The University of Texas at Austin offers a one-week summer program for high school girls interested in computer science. This program will teach you technical skills such C++ and using an Arduino microcontroller to build an LED display, while also exploring the dynamics of teamwork and project management. You will also have the opportunity to hear from women in the tech industry and make potential corporate connections for future opportunities.
13. High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)
Location: Virtual; In-person component at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Cost: None
Application Deadline: October 16
Program Dates: This is a year-long program. Check the program dates here
Eligibility: High school juniors residing in Texas
HAS is a year-long STEM program for Texas high school juniors that connects your classroom studies with NASA’s space exploration work. The program begins with a five-month online course during the school year, where you’ll study topics like Earth science, aeronautics, and space exploration. Throughout the course, you’ll complete design challenges and receive feedback from NASA scientists and engineers.
The highest-achieving students are chosen to participate in Moonshot, a five-day virtual program. During this experience, you’ll work in a student team to plan an Artemis-themed mission to the Moon and Mars, under the guidance of mentors and NASA scientists and engineers.
You’ll also receive guidance on potential STEM careers. Upon completion of the virtual experiences, you may receive a science elective credit from HAS. The top teams from Moonshot are invited to attend a residential experience at the Johnson Space Center.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: January 20
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Eligibility: High school seniors who are at least 18 years old and in good academic standing
The DACCPM (Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine) Summer Research Program is an 8-10-week training opportunity for students interested in medical research. During the program, you will receive training in both laboratory and clinical research, including reviewing medical literature using the online Research Medical Library and managing and analyzing data. Research topics may cover areas such as opioids, chemotherapy-related pain, perioperative immune function, and factors influencing cancer recurrence.
You will also learn about relevant institutional and federal research policies, lab safety procedures, and methods for collecting and presenting scientific data. You’ll work closely with a faculty mentor on a specific project and present your findings at a poster symposium at the program’s conclusion. Additionally, your research abstract will be published in the CATALYST Summer Program abstract book.
Cost: None. A stipend of $492.40/week is offered to participants.
Application Deadline: January 10
Program Dates: ARFL internships typically run 10–12 weeks in the summer, with a minimum requirement of 8 weeks. They can extend to 14 weeks based on mentor preferences and availability of funds
Eligibility: High school students who are 16+ and US Citizens. Check the detailed eligibility criteria here
The AFRL Scholars Program offers high school students a paid summer internship focused on aerospace engineering and STEM research. Depending on the Air Force Research Lab location you select, you may work on projects related to satellite navigation, machine learning, atomic physics, or rocket propulsion. You can apply to up to three research projects that align with your interests, and are encouraged to reach out to mentors whose projects you are interested in.
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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