14 Summer Programs for High School Students in Austin, TX
- Stephen Turban
- 6 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you’re a high school student looking to use your summer for something productive, there are wide range of programs that can help you grow academically and professionally. These experiences go beyond typical classroom learning by providing structured mentorship, skill-based projects, and college-level coursework that build independence and confidence. Whether your passion lies in STEM, arts, business, or public service, participating in a summer program allows you to explore your interests in depth while also getting ready for college and your future career.
Why should you attend a program in Austin, Texas?
Austin, TX, is home to universities, research institutions, and innovative companies that offer a range of summer opportunities for students. These programs place you in university labs, classrooms, nonprofits, or professional offices where you can conduct research, work on team-based projects, build technical skills, and present your findings. Whether you are a local student or visiting the city during the summer, you can find opportunities to help you build your profile and explore your interests.
In this blog, we’ve put together 14 summer programs for high school students in Austin, Texas.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
14 Summer Programs for High School Students in Austin, TX
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 31 – July 3
Application Deadline: April 3
Eligibility: Texas high school sophomores and juniors
The Welch Summer Scholar Program is a five-week immersive research experience for high-achieving Texas high school students interested in chemistry and related sciences. Hosted at several university campuses, including UT Austin, the program places students in active research labs where they work alongside graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Scholars learn to design experiments, perform complex lab techniques, and analyze their own data under the guidance of faculty mentors. Weekly seminars expose participants to career paths in both academia and industry, while daily lab work fosters technical competence and critical thinking. The experience culminates in a research symposium where students present their findings.
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate strong academic achievement.
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. 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, and review students’ program reviews here and here.
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective based on academic record, achievement, and interest
Dates: MFEA: May 31 – June 5 | Subiendo: June 14 – June 18 | DYNAMC: June 21 – June 26
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors interested in business or accounting; Subiendo for juniors at Texas high schools with leadership interest; encourages first-generation students
The McCombs High School Summer Programs include the McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA), Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders, and Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMC), which introduce students to business, leadership, and accounting through hands-on workshops, case studies, and group activities. Students develop skills in leadership, communication, strategic thinking, financial analysis, auditing, and business ethics while exploring topics like marketing, finance, and management. Mentorship from UT faculty, alumni, and professionals offers career insights and networking opportunities. Participants engage in team-based projects, site visits to local businesses or organizations, and presentations of ideas or business plans. The programs include real-world simulations and community-focused initiatives.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here
Eligibility: 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 have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity 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: Austin Angels, Austin, TX
Cost: Free; full financial aid is available, as the program is fully funded.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Flexible in summer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Enrolled high school students with GPA >3.67
The Austin Angels High School Ambassador Program allows students to support foster care communities through advocacy, outreach, and mentorship. You will attend educational seminars, organize fundraisers or supply drives, and learn about child welfare programs. Mentorship from staff provides guidance on community engagement. Participants work together on initiatives and earn verified volunteer hours. The program concludes with a letter of recommendation upon completion.
Location: Austin Community College, Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 6 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current 8th- and 9th-grade students who are low-income and/or first-generation college students from specific Austin high schools, including Eastside, LBJ Northeast, Navarro, and Travis.
The TRIO-Upward Bound program includes a six-week summer session focused on college preparation, with courses in math, science, composition, and foreign language. Students participate in tutorials, test preparation, and academic advising. Mentorship from staff provides guidance on college applications and careers. The program includes college and career field trips to provide practical exposure. Participants engage in cultural activities and community involvement.
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free, with full financial aid available through sponsorships as an outreach program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Week-long in summer (specific dates vary by academy)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students from underserved areas in Texas
GeoFORCE Texas introduces students from underserved areas to geosciences through geological field academies in Texas and across the US. Participants will engage in practical fieldwork, experiments, and career exploration in Earth sciences, guided by geoscience mentors and faculty. The program features visits to geological sites and opportunities to work with professionals. Participants can enhance their teamwork skills and engage in community outreach. Notably, many alumni choose STEM majors, emphasizing the program’s focus on cultivating future STEM leaders.
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free, including housing, meals, and local transportation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, cohort of approximately 25 students
Dates: May 19 – July 22
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores and juniors at least 16 years old, who have a strong interest in STEM
This program offers a hybrid experience with online modules and in-person research at UT Austin, focusing on Earth and space science projects using NASA data. Students develop skills in Python programming, remote sensing, and climate analysis through hands-on projects, such as analyzing environmental changes using satellite imagery. Mentorship from NASA scientists and UT researchers guides participants in collaborative teamwork and mission planning. A key component is site visits to facilities and collaboration with industry professionals. The program culminates in presentations at a virtual symposium, where students showcase their findings and receive certificates.
Location: Various sites in Austin, TX
Stipend: $13/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified.
Dates: June 1 – July 10
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Austin-area high school students, rising sophomores to seniors, ages 15-18
The City of Austin High School Summer Internship Programs offer placements in various career fields, including emerging leadership, STEAM, aviation, convention center operations, and automotive roles. Students perform hands-on tasks in professional settings, such as in finance, IT, marketing, or mechanics, depending on placement. Mentorship from city professionals provides career guidance and networking chances. Participants can take part in educational trips and community projects. The program concludes with reflections on practical experience and skill development. A distinctive feature is collaborations with organizations such as Bank of America and local dealerships, offering a variety of opportunities.
Location: Applied Research Laboratories, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Stipend: $20+ per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 4 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors admitted to UT Austin.
The Science and Engineering Apprentice Program provides recent high school graduates with hands-on research experience in engineering, computer science, physics, and mathematics. In this laboratory research and development setting, you'll work on individual projects, preparing technical reports and presentations. Mentorship from ARL: UT research and support staff provide technical seminars and guidance. Participants may study topics such as the effects of 3D printing on acoustic properties or develop mobile navigation apps. The program also features a tour of Lake Travis Test Station and student socials to encourage networking and peer discussion. Unique elements include a competitive presentation judging with prizes and compilation of reports into a publication distributed to sponsors and officials.
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 31 – June 6
Application Deadline: December 22
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th-grade students identifying as female.
This academy teaches computer science via coding lessons, Arduino projects, and engineering challenges. Students develop skills in C++ and hardware-software interaction, supported by faculty mentorship and small-group support. The program also features industry visits and campus tours. Participants work together on group projects and present their work. A travel scholarship is offered to improve accessibility.
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Standard Edition: June 7 – June 13 | Machine Learning Edition: June 14 – June 19
Application Deadline: December 22
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11-12 in the fall
The UT Computer Science Academy for All offers a week-long, residential program with hands-on programming, teamwork, and real-world applications: a Standard Edition using Arduino microcontrollers and C++, and a Machine Learning Edition using Python. Students develop programming skills, explore STEM applications, and learn the basics of machine learning, data analysis, and societal impacts. Faculty mentorship provides personalized support through a 10:1 student-to-mentor ratio. The program includes talks from professionals, industry connections, campus tours, and social events. Participants collaborate on group projects, such as coding Arduino for light shows or training ML models, and present their work.
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 14 – June 20
Application Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: Current 9th and 10th graders
Hosted by the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at UT Austin, this one-week summer program introduces high school students to foundational concepts in robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer science. You’ll learn to code and build robotic systems that can complete specific automation tasks, working in teams to solve technical challenges through hands-on experimentation. Instruction is designed for beginners, with mentorship from TACC researchers and staff who guide students through problem-solving techniques and project development. Throughout the week, students explore how AI intersects with robotics by programming sensors, motors, and logic-based responses.
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Tuition-based, but limited need-based scholarships provide full financial aid, including free tuition and a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, limited spots available
Dates: June 8 – July 15
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Texas residents prioritized, age 15+ by June 1, rising sophomores to seniors
The HSRA offers an immersive five-week interdisciplinary research experience in which students work in UT Austin labs on natural sciences projects. Students learn research methods, data analysis, and scientific communication through hands-on experiments and team collaboration. Faculty and graduate students mentor participants throughout the process. They attend seminars and have the opportunity to present their work at the conclusion of each session. The program also facilitates networking with peers and STEM professionals. Notable features include earning UT course credit and a focus on non-residential participation.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.
Image Source - Lumiere Education logo