10 Welcoming Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Texas

If you're a high school student in Texas interested in research, summer research programs can be a valuable way to gain early exposure to advanced academics and practical skills. These programs often allow you to work alongside professors, researchers, and industry professionals, helping you build an experience that can strengthen college applications and future career plans.

Students interested in areas like science, engineering, technology, and medicine would especially benefit from exploring research opportunities early on. You’ll have the chance to learn how to approach complex problems, work with real data or tools, and see how research operates outside the classroom.

Why should I apply for a welcoming research program?

If you’re just beginning to explore research, you don’t necessarily need to aim for the most selective or competitive programs right away. Welcoming programs—those with acceptance rates of 15% or more—can be a great place to start. These programs still offer rigorous academic content and hands-on experiences, but they’re designed to support students with a range of backgrounds and skill levels.

That means you’ll likely find more accessible mentorship, a collaborative environment, and space to learn foundational research methods without needing previous experience. These programs can help you decide whether research is something you want to pursue long-term, all while building a resume and skillset that prepares you for more advanced opportunities down the line.

To make your search easier, we've pulled together a list of 10 welcoming summer research programs for high school students in Texas that are worth checking out.

1. UT Austin’s High School Research Academy (HSRA)

Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX

Cost: $4,000 (Need-based scholarships available)

Application Deadline: March 23

Program Dates: June 9 – July 16

Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors, 15 years or older, are eligible. 

The High School Research Academy (HSRA) at UT Austin offers a five-week, hands-on research experience for high school students passionate about STEM. You’ll work directly in the College of Natural Sciences labs on projects in fields like biochemistry, neuroscience, genetics, environmental science, and data analytics. 

Throughout the program, you'll learn comprehensive research techniques and collaborate closely with UT Austin students and faculty researchers. This experience can give an authentic taste of scientific discovery while building practical skills.

2. University of Houston’s Mohan Lab Summer Internship

Location: MohanLab, University of Houston, TX

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: March 28

Program Dates: June 2 – July 25

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors

The Mohan Lab Summer Internship at the University of Houston offers rising high school seniors a deep dive into biomedical, bioengineering, and health-related research. You’ll start with 1–2 weeks of lab training, then spend eight weeks conducting bench research alongside scientists and graduate students. 

The experience culminates with a research presentation, and depending on your project, you might even contribute to a publication. Students also have the option to extend their internship to focus on manuscript writing and data analysis. It can be an excellent stepping stone for anyone considering a future in science or medicine.

3. UT Dallas’ NanoExplorers Program

Location: University of Texas, Dallas, TX

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: March 28

Program Dates: June 3 – August 1

Eligibility: High school students entering the 10th - 12th grades

The NanoExplorers Program at UT Dallas gives high school students in grades 10–12 a hands-on introduction to real nanotechnology research. You’ll join faculty labs, work on funded projects, and learn techniques like using scanning electron microscopes and creating nanomaterials. Through seminars, you’ll also explore how nanotechnology is shaping industries like medicine and energy. Students work as part of a research team, tackling real-world challenges like improving batteries or developing drug delivery systems.

4. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center DACCPM Summer Research Program

Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: January 20

Program Dates: June 2 – August 8

Eligibility: High school seniors who are 18 years or older and in good academic standing.

The MD Anderson DACCPM Summer Research Program is a 10-week experience for students interested in cancer biology, pain medicine, and perioperative care. You’ll be matched with a faculty mentor, work on a real research project, and participate in clinical observations to explore future career paths. 

The program starts with a Cancer Biology boot camp and offers seminars on research skills and graduate school preparation. During the summer, you will acquire lab skills, conduct data analysis, and learn to present scientific results. The experience wraps up with a poster symposium, where you’ll showcase your research to the MD Anderson community.

5. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

Location: Several locations across the United States. Students in Texas can choose the AFWERX site in Texas.

Stipend: High school students will receive a $501.60 weekly stipend. 

Application Deadline: January 10

Program Dates: ARFL internships typically run 10–12 weeks in the summer. Start dates may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying.

Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply. Check the detailed eligibility criteria here.

The AFRL Scholars Program offers high school students the chance to dive into aerospace engineering and STEM research alongside professional scientists and engineers. As an intern, you will work on real projects in areas like machine learning, atomic physics, astrodynamics, and satellite navigation. You’ll also tour AFRL labs and get hands-on experience with advanced research tools and technologies. 

Past interns have tackled topics like launch vehicle system design and rotating detonation rocket engines. This program gives you a unique opportunity to develop research and problem-solving skills in a world-class aviation research environment.

6. ACS Project SEED Program

Location: Virtual and several locations across the state, including Texas. Check all locations here. 

Cost: None

Application Deadline: April 14

Program Dates: The program typically runs 8–10 weeks from June to August.

Eligibility: High school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are eligible.

The ACS Project SEED Program offers high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to conduct hands-on research in chemistry over 8–10 weeks. You will work under the guidance of scientists in academic, industrial, or government labs at various locations across Texas and through virtual opportunities. 

The program also includes college preparation workshops, career exploration activities, and professional development sessions. Students often receive fellowship awards for their participation, with the chance to compete for Project SEED college scholarships. It's a strong starting point for those curious about pursuing chemistry or related fields in college.

7. Rice University Pre-College Programs

Location: Virtual

Cost: $1,495

Application Deadline: Rolling

Program Dates: Multi-length courses are available throughout the year

Eligibility: High school students aged 13 or older

Rice University’s Pre-College Programs are designed for high school students who want to explore academic subjects in depth and connect with their passions. Students can take courses in fields like genome engineering, physiology, aerospace, law, and more. With a wide range of options, including research-focused courses, the program gives students the chance to build knowledge, develop new skills, and get a head start on their academic journey.

Each course features dynamic video lessons taught by Rice faculty, access to mentors, and a flexible online format that allows students to study at their own pace year-round. You’ll work on a capstone project for each course and earn a Certificate of Completion from Rice University.

8. AEOP High School Internships

Location: Various locations across states, including Texas. Check details here. 

Stipend: Students will receive a stipend (amount not specified)

Application Deadline: Rolling

Program Dates: Varies depending on opportunity and location

Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents 

The AEOP High School Internship program allows students to work one-on-one with a university researcher or Department of Defense (DoD) scientist mentor on real-world science and engineering projects. Through this unique summer experience, you’ll spend time in a university lab or U.S. Army Research Laboratory, experiencing innovative research, advanced technology, and the dynamics of a professional STEM setting.

Along with hands-on research, you’ll benefit from formal mentorship, connect with peers across the country, and build college readiness and professional skills through virtual workshops and webinars. AEOP interns also receive a stipend and become part of a larger community focused on innovation that supports the nation's biggest scientific challenges.

9. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine’s Summer Enrichment Program (SEP)

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

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: April 14

Program Dates: June 23 – June 28

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors interested in medicine.

The Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine is designed for rising high school juniors and seniors from West Texas who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Over the course of one week, students participate in sessions focused on critical thinking, learning styles, professionalism, and leadership, all aimed at building the skills needed for success in college and beyond. SEP offers students practical guidance, encouragement, and resources to help them prepare for their future medical education and career pathways.

10. Welch Summer Scholars Program

Location: One of five Texas universities — UT Austin, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, the University of Houston, or Texas Tech University.

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: March 16

Program Dates: June 8 – July 11

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors

The Welch Summer Scholars Program (WSSP) offers Texas high school sophomores and juniors a five-week chemistry research experience at a partner university. You will work in a university lab under the mentorship of graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and faculty. 

The program includes lectures, workshops, facility tours, and hands-on research using advanced equipment. It concludes with a research paper, formal presentation, and poster session. The Welch Foundation fully covers housing, meals, and lab expenses. Selection is competitive and based on academic performance, test scores, extracurricular activities, and teacher recommendations.

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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