13 University Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
- Stephen Turban
- 19 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you're a high school student in Texas interested in exploring an undergraduate degree in medicine, university medical summer programs can be a solid starting point. These programs offer a structured (college) environment where you can learn about human biology, public health, patient care, and the broader healthcare system. Since they’re hosted by universities in the state, they can give you a taste of college-level academics and life, often on the very campuses you may later apply to.
If you’re considering a future in medicine, these university programs can help you build your resume, develop technical skills, and shortlist your college list after graduation.
We’ve compiled this list of 13 university medical summer programs for high school students in Texas based on a few important factors: rigor, mentorship opportunities, access to resources, low acceptance rates, and overall prestige.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Eligibility: Current Texas high school seniors with strong academic records
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Stipend: $6,800 for 10 weeks; $6,120 for 9 weeks
The Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program is hosted by the University of Texas and MD Anderson Cancer Center. The program offers a rigorous research experience for 12 academically strong Texas high school seniors interested in biology and medicine. Over 9–10 weeks, you’ll work alongside MD Anderson researchers on real-world biomedical projects while learning essential lab techniques and scientific inquiry methods.
In addition to hands-on lab work, the program includes faculty-led seminars covering current topics in oncology and medical research. A competitive stipend and mentorship from leading scientists help you pursue careers in healthcare, cancer research, or biomedical science. The program ends in a formal research presentation at a celebratory luncheon, where you’ll present your findings and the skills you’ve developed.
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who will be at least 16 years old by June 9 with a minimum 3.5 GPA
Application Deadline: January 31
Program Dates: June 9 – August 1
Cost: Free; scholarships available for room and board
The Houston Methodist High School Emerging Researcher Experience is a competitive 10-week program that introduces high school and early undergraduate students to translational biomedical research. Working in research labs, you’ll assist faculty mentors with ongoing medical studies while learning essential lab skills, research methodologies, and scientific writing.
Beyond the lab, the program includes a structured professional development component covering topics such as college admissions, scholarship applications, and STEM career pathways. This program offers a unique and supportive introduction to university-level research in one of the largest medical centers in the world.
Location: Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old. Specific eligibility criteria may vary by participating institution
Application Deadline: December 1 (annually)
Program Dates: 10-week program; specific dates vary by institution
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided
The TMC Summer Research Internship Program offers a rigorous 10-week research experience for high school students interested in healthcare, medicine, and related fields. Based at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, the program places you in top-tier institutions such as the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and Texas Children’s Hospital.
You’ll work under the mentorship of experienced researchers, conduct independent or collaborative lab research, and participate in seminars designed to foster scientific learning and community-building. Research areas span a wide range, including biology, chemistry, psychology, pre-med, pre-vet, and even biomedical arts.
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX (non-residential)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12, aged 15 or older by June 1
Application Deadline: March 23
Program Dates: June 9 – July 16
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 (need-based scholarships available that cover tuition and provide a stipend)
The High School Research Academy (HSRA) is a five-week summer research program tailored for high school students who are passionate about STEM and medicine. The program is hosted by the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Natural Sciences. The program places you in active university research labs, where you will conduct hands-on investigations in fields such as neuroscience, biochemistry, genetics, and genome engineering.
You will work with undergraduates, faculty, and peers while earning UT Austin extension course credit (NSC309). You will present a research poster in the final research symposium and attend weekly guest seminars. Need-based scholarships are available for students seeking university medical summer programs in Texas that combine affordability, rigor, and real-world lab experience.
Location: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from Texas interested in medicine
Application Deadline: April 14
Program Dates: June 23 – 28
Cost/Stipend: Free
The Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers a week-long, residential experience for high school students exploring careers in medicine. Through a mix of hands-on training, clinical simulations, and career exploration, SEP allows you to gain a comprehensive introduction to the healthcare field.
You will learn basic clinical skills like suturing and administering injections, diagnose simulated patients, and work in teams in a realistic clinical setting. The program also features workshops on medical ethics, healthcare communication, and policy, along with talks from practicing physicians across specialties.
Location: UT Health Lozano Long Campus, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: July 14 – July 18
Cost: $1,000
The BEAT Academy at UT Health San Antonio is a week-long summer program designed for high school students passionate about biomedical research and medicine. Taught by faculty from the School of Medicine and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the program introduces you to real-world biomedical topics through interactive seminars and lab-based activities.
Throughout the week, you’ll explore subjects like anatomy, physiology, neurodegeneration, molecular biology, and aging research. You’ll conduct hands-on biomolecular experiments, visit the human anatomy lab, and engage with both simulated and real patients. The program also includes a college prep session to help you plan your academic path in healthcare or science.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Eligibility: High school seniors who are 18 years or older and in good academic standing, or graduating
Application Deadline: January 20
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Cost: Free
The DACCPM Summer Research Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center offers research experience within the Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine. Over 8 to 10 weeks, you’ll engage in clinical and laboratory-based research, learn how to conduct medical literature reviews, manage data, and work directly with experienced faculty on a dedicated project.
You’ll present your findings at a final poster symposium, and your research abstract will be published in the annual CATALYST Summer Program abstract book. The program also includes workshops on graduate school preparation and career exploration in healthcare and biomedical research, making it a standout opportunity for students pursuing a future in medicine.
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Eligibility: Students 18+ (some projects may accept 16–17-year-olds); must have participated in SMS or be affiliated with partner institutions such as Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M
Application Deadline: April 18
Program Dates: June 11 – August 4
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipends available that amount to around minimum wage in Texas
The SMS Summer Research Program at Baylor College of Medicine is an 8-week research internship for high school and undergraduate students who have previously participated in the Saturday Morning Science program or are affiliated with specific partner institutions. You will work 40 hours per week, working on a faculty-mentored research project in biomedical sciences.
Alongside your research, you'll take part in weekly Lunch and Learn sessions, attend lab meetings, and participate in professional development seminars. The program culminates in the SMS Summer Research Symposium, where you’ll present your research findings to peers and faculty. This is a valuable opportunity to deepen your scientific knowledge, gain hands-on lab experience, and build connections in the biomedical research community.
Location: University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine, Tyler, TX
Eligibility: Students who have completed 9th, 10th, or 11th grade; homeschool students are also eligible
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: June 1 – 5
Cost: $400 (includes housing, meals, and all program materials)
The Pathways SUPERNet Summer Medical Scholars Academy is hosted by the University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine. It is a five-day residential camp that introduces high school students to careers in healthcare and public service. The program combines hands-on learning with expert-led sessions to help you explore your interests and understand the academic paths required for medical and health professions.
As a participant, you’ll stay in on-campus housing and participate in a variety of experiential learning activities. These activities include hospital visits, medical campus tours, simulation labs, clinical skills training, job shadowing opportunities, field trips to local healthcare facilities, and workshops on medical procedures and public health. This program offers a unique chance to explore the world of medicine while living on a university campus.
Location: UT Health San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores (current 9th graders in 2024–2025) from the Greater San Antonio Area
Application Deadline: March 7
Program Dates: 7 weeks during the Summer for 3 years
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes a monetary Voelcker Student Award
The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy (VBRA) is a prestigious three-year summer research program for rising high school sophomores in the Greater San Antonio Area. You will commit to 7 weeks each summer, participating in hands-on biomedical research, academic enrichment, and professional development activities at UT Health San Antonio.
During your first summer, you will engage in research projects, attend scientific seminars, and participate in academic activities under the mentorship of university researchers. You'll present your work at an award reception, and are also expected to present at your school. All first-year scholars receive a Voelcker Student Award for their participation. The program continues beyond the first summer with academic-year activities and additional research experiences over the following two years. Attendance is critical, with only three excused absences allowed each summer.
Location: UT Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, TX
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students in Central Texas; district-based nomination or open application
Application Deadline: April 30
Program Dates: June Camp: June 16 – 20 (Day Camp) and GEAR UP Residential Camp: July 7 – 11
Cost/Stipend: June Camp: $500 (scholarships and tuition waivers available for qualifying students) and GEAR UP Camp: Free (housing and meals provided; limited to partner districts)
The Health Sciences Summer Camps at Dell Medical School are week-long programs designed to spark high school students’ interest in healthcare careers. Held on the UT Austin campus, these camps offer hands-on experience in simulation labs, where you will learn clinical skills such as IV placement, intubation, CPR, and taking vital signs. You will also participate in laboratory science, explore medical technologies like the Da Vinci surgical robot, and earn First Aid and CPR/AED certification.
You will spend your days exploring health professions, engaging with physicians and health professionals, and enjoying campus life with recreation time at Gregory Gym and the Texas Union. Following the summer experience, you can continue your engagement through the Health Sciences Yearlong Academy during the academic year.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Eligibility: High school students who are 17 years old by June 16 and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: February 24
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Cost/Stipend: Free; $750 stipend awarded upon successful completion
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a highly selective, seven-week research internship hosted by Texas Tech University. Only 12 students are selected annually for this opportunity to work closely with expert faculty in research labs across disciplines. You’ll gain hands-on experience in fields such as biology, microbiology, neurobiology, nutritional sciences, and other medicine-related areas both at the main campus and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
In addition to lab work, participants attend weekly seminars, enjoy social activities, and go on field trips. The program emphasizes both practical research skills and the development of soft skills, culminating in a stipend of $750. To apply, you must submit an online application, high school transcripts, college admission test scores (e.g., SAT/ACT), and letters of recommendation.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: U.S. based high school students aged 14+; undergraduate students with computer science experience may apply as student leads
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27
Cost/Stipend: $850 + $40 application fee
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is an intensive two-week virtual program for 20 students each year that explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine. Offered by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI), it gives you a chance to explore the exciting intersection of AI and medicine.
You will participate in live lectures, hands-on coding workshops, and collaborative research projects guided by Stanford faculty, researchers, and engineers. You’ll also gain valuable career insights during “Career Lunch & Learn” sessions featuring professionals from academia, healthcare, and the tech industry. The internship culminates in a final presentation, where you'll showcase your research findings to mentors and peers.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
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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