16 Pre-College Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas

For high school students looking to explore college life, learn advanced subjects, and gain practical experience, pre-college summer programs offer an accessible (and structured) opportunity. These programs can help bridge the gap between high school and college, allowing you to experience advanced coursework, engage with university faculty, and connect with like-minded peers.

Unlike full-time college enrollment, pre-college summer programs are an affordable way to explore your interests before committing to a field of study, under the guidance of college faculty. Whether you’re considering STEM, humanities, business, or the arts, these programs can provide projects, industry exposure, and networking opportunities without the financial burden of a full semester of tuition.

To help you find the best fit, we’ve curated a list of 16 top pre-college summer programs for high schoolers in Texas, hosted by some of the state's most prestigious universities. Whether you’re looking to conduct research in a university lab or simply explore a future major at one of these universities, these programs provide a great way to spend your summer.

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

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.

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Cost: Full financial aid is available!

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.

Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.

Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

2. Texas Tech University – Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week residential summer research program for high school juniors and seniors. Each student is matched with a faculty mentor to conduct independent research across various academic disciplines, including STEM, humanities, and social sciences. The program includes daily seminars and a final presentation of findings. You will also participate in field trips and professional development sessions. Only 12 students are selected annually, making the program extremely selective. All participants receive a full scholarship, including housing, meals, and a stipend. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here. 

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective, 12 students accepted annually

Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Dates: June 22 – August 7

Application Deadline: February 24

Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors with strong academic backgrounds

3. University of Texas at Austin – Summer Discovery

Summer Discovery at UT Austin is a non-credit academic enrichment program offering two-week and three-week sessions for high school students. You can choose to live on campus or commute daily. The program offers a range of courses in subjects like biomedical engineering, law, music business, and sustainable fashion, taught by UT faculty and Austin-based professionals. You will attend classes on campus, participate in projects, guest speaker sessions, and field trips around Austin. Upon completing the program, you will receive a certificate of completion and a campus grade letter. 

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Medium selective, spots limited

Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

Dates: Session 1: June 15 – June 27 |  Session 2: June 29 – July 18

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, early applications recommended

Eligibility: Open to high school students

4. University of Texas at Austin – McCombs High School Summer Programs

The McCombs School of Business at UT Austin offers three competitive, week-long summer programs for high school students interested in business, leadership, and accounting. You will explore business concepts through workshops, projects, and case competitions while connecting with UT faculty and industry professionals. The McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA) and DYNAMC accounting program are open to sophomores and juniors, while Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders is for Texas high school juniors. All three programs are fully funded and held on the University of Texas at Austin campus. To apply, you must submit an online application, essay(s), transcript, and a recommendation letter. 

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, varies by program

Location: McCombs School of Business, UT Austin, Texas

Dates: McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA): June 1–6 | Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders: June 8–12 | DYNAMC (Accounting Careers Program): June 22–27

Application Deadlines: Subiendo: January 31; MFEA & DYNAMC: March 1

Eligibility: MFEA & DYNAMC: Open to high school sophomores & juniors | Subiendo: Open to current Texas high school juniors

5. Texas Tech University – School of Art Pre-College Immersion Program

The School of Art Pre-College Immersion Program at Texas Tech University is a week-long residential fine arts program for students entering grades 9–12. You’ll live on campus and take part in workshops led by TTU faculty, exploring disciplines such as traditional painting, ceramics, jewelry design, and 2D animation. The program provides access to professional-grade studio spaces and materials, with sessions that focus on technique development and creative exploration. You will also participate in after-hours art activities and community-building events with your peers. The week culminates in an exhibition and reception where you will showcase your work. 

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: selective; 40 students per cohort

Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Dates: June 9 – June 13

Application Deadline: Registration opens soon (check the website for updates)

Eligibility: Open to rising 9th–12th graders

6. Texas State University – Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC)

The Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) at Texas State University is a six-week residential program for high school students with a strong interest in advanced mathematics and research. You will take college-level math courses, attend daily problem-solving sessions, and engage in mentored research projects that may be submitted to competitions or journals. Returning students can continue their academic progression through research collaborations with faculty. The program also features colloquium lectures and guest speakers. Many student projects have earned recognition in national contests and publications. 

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, limited spots

Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas

Dates: June 15 - July 26

Application Deadline: April 16; decisions by April 30

Eligibility: Open to high school students, especially those with strong math backgrounds

7. Texas A&M University – Aggie STEM Summer Camp

The Aggie STEM Summer Camp at Texas A&M University is a one-week residential program for students entering grades 9–12 who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You will participate in project-based learning modules, exploring topics such as engineering design, mathematical modeling, and advanced technological tools. Instruction is led by Texas A&M faculty and STEM professionals, with classes and themes updated annually. The program includes workshops, research projects, and collaborative problem-solving activities. You will stay in dorm rooms with shared common areas and participate in a structured schedule of academics and evening activities.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Medium selective; limited spots

Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

Dates: Week 1: June 1 – June 7 | Week 2: June 8 – June 14 | Week 3: June 15 – June 21 | Week 4: June 22 – June 28 | Week 5 (Gaddis Girls Camp): June 22 – June 28

Application Deadline: April 28

Eligibility: Rising 6th–12th graders interested in STEM fields

8. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)

The Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a one-week summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in medicine and healthcare careers. Hosted by the TTUHSC School of Medicine, the program includes sessions on critical thinking, learning styles, professionalism, and leadership. You will engage in workshops designed to strengthen your academic readiness and explore pathways to medical school. The program is intended for Texas residents, with a focus on students from the West Texas region. SEP offers an early introduction to the expectations of medical education. Admission is selective and requires proof of Texas residency.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective

Location: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas

Dates: Summer; exact dates TBA

Application Deadline: Opens in March; exact dates TBA

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; open to Texas residents only.

9. Texas State University – NEXUS Musical Theatre Pre-College Intensive

The NEXUS Musical Theatre Pre-College Intensive at Texas State University is a two-week residential program for high school students interested in pursuing musical theatre at the college or professional level. You will receive training in acting, voice, dance, and audition techniques from Texas State’s faculty of working theatre professionals. The program includes wellness workshops, pop/rock performance training, and ensemble collaboration sessions designed to support sustainable artistry. You will also take part in the Musical Development Laboratory, where you’ll explore the actor’s role in shaping new musical theatre work. Admission is by video audition, with limited spots available.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 60 students accepted 

Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas

Dates: June 10 – June 20

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen through seniors

10. Rice University – Summer Scholars & Enrichment Programs

Rice University offers a range of summer programs for high school students, including credit-bearing courses and non-credit enrichment experiences. The Summer Scholars Program allows you to enroll in online college-level courses taught by Rice faculty and earn academic credit. In addition, Rice hosts several on-campus enrichment programs, such as the Aerospace Academy, Creative Writing Camp, and the Emerging Leaders in Technology & Engineering program. These options provide hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to specialized fields. Programs vary in format, offering both virtual and in-person options, depending on the subject. 

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by program, selective admissions

Location: Rice University, Houston, Texas

Dates: Varies by program (typically June–July)

Application Deadline: Varies, early applications encouraged

Eligibility: Open to high school students (grades vary by program)

11. University of Texas at Austin – High School Research Academy (HSRA)

The High School Research Academy (HSRA) at the University of Texas at Austin is a five-week, non-residential summer research program for high school students interested in STEM. You will work alongside UT faculty, undergraduates, and research staff in the College of Natural Sciences labs, conducting research in fields such as biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, and environmental science. The program includes weekly seminars, lab experience, and training in research techniques. You will earn college extension credit and present your findings in a research symposium with a poster. The program is in-person only, with no housing or transportation provided. Need-based scholarships are available to support participation.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, limited spots available

Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

Dates: June 9 – July 16

Application Deadline: March 23

Eligibility: Open to high school students 

12. Texas A&M University – Camp ARCH (Architecture, Construction Science, and Urban Planning)

Camp ARCH at Texas A&M University is a week-long residential program for high school students interested in architecture, construction science, landscape architecture, or urban planning. You can choose one of four focus areas and engage in studio-based learning, design projects, and group activities led by College of Architecture faculty. The program includes campus tours, skill-building sessions, and opportunities to interact with industry professionals. You will present your project at the end of the program in a final showcase. Camp ARCH is open to students entering grades 10–12 (excluding graduating seniors), with a limited number of need-based scholarships available. Admission is competitive and based on a complete application, including a transcript, essay, and recommendation letter.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, varies by program

Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

Dates: July 7 – July 12

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Open to rising 10th–12th graders (not graduating seniors)

13. Closer Looks: Art & Art History Summer Program

Closer Looks is a five-week art history summer program for high school students, hosted by Wonderworks in collaboration with Rice University’s Department of Art History. The program combines lectures, readings, film screenings, and group discussions with field visits to major Texas museums, including The Menil Collection, MFA Houston, and The Blanton Museum of Art. You will work on individual and collaborative projects, developing skills in cultural analysis, critical thinking, and visual literacy. No prior art history coursework is required, though students interested in AP Art History or museum studies will find the program particularly relevant. Sessions run Monday through Friday, and the program concludes with curated reflections and creative projects. Admission is competitive, with full-tuition scholarships available to students who demonstrate financial need.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, competitive admissions

Location: Rice University, Houston, Texas

Dates: June 16 – July 18

Application Deadline: June 1; early applications encouraged

Eligibility: Open to rising 10th–12th graders and graduating seniors

14. Dallas Baptist University – Pre-College Academy Summer Institute

The Pre-College Academy Summer Institute at Dallas Baptist University is a one-week residential program that offers high school students the opportunity to take dual-credit college courses. You’ll live in dorms, attend classes taught by DBU faculty, and join educational excursions across Dallas. Courses include Creative Writing, Fine Arts, Psychology, and American Government, each offering college-level instruction and transferable credit. Outside the classroom, you’ll participate in activities designed to introduce you to DBU’s campus culture. The program is open to students currently in grades 9–11, and students from partner schools are eligible for discounted tuition.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, limited spots

Location: Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas

Dates: June 8 – June 13

Application Deadline: June 1

Eligibility: Open to rising high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors

15. University of Texas at Austin – Computer Science Summer Academies

The UT Computer Science Summer Academies are one-week residential programs for high school students interested in coding, technology, and computing careers. The academies offer training in C++ programming, Arduino microcontrollers, project management, and teamwork guided by faculty from the University of Texas and current students. You can choose from tracks such as the Academy for Women, the Academy for Machine Learning, and the Academy for Game Development, each offering a focused curriculum and industry exposure. You’ll live in campus halls and attend sessions in the Gates Dell Complex, home to UT Computer Science. The program includes workshops with professionals, college admissions guidance, and networking opportunities. No prior coding experience is required, and travel scholarships are available for eligible students.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, varies by academy

Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

Dates: June 8 – June 14

Application Deadline: TBA (early applications encouraged)

Eligibility: Open to rising 11th & 12th graders

16. Baylor University – Accelerate Pre-College Program

The Accelerate Pre-College Program at Baylor University allows high school students to earn college credit by taking courses that fulfill Baylor's core curriculum requirements. You may choose from online or on-campus courses taught by Baylor faculty, gaining early exposure to university-level academics. A key component is the Accelerate2Baylor pathway, which offers you the chance to earn conditional acceptance to Baylor based on academic performance in the program. The program is open to high school students entering their junior or senior year. Courses are typically offered during the summer and may also be available during the academic year.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, varies by course availability

Location: Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Dates: Multiple summer sessions available

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, early applications encouraged

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

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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