12 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Texas
Summer research programs for high school students offer engaging opportunities for you to immerse yourself in scientific inquiry while gaining hands-on experience as you explore various fields of study. These research opportunities give you the opportunity to work alongside industry experts, thus growing your network, while offering you practical insights into the nuances of your field of interest.
By participating in summer research programs for high school students, you can interact with peers and improve your ability to collaborate, and enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills as you conduct your research. Here are 12 summer research programs for high school students that offer experiences that can help you lay the foundation for a successful academic and professional career.
1. University of Texas, Austin’s Summer High School Research Academy (HSRA)
Location: University of Texas at Austin campus
Program Dates: June 9 – July 16
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Texas residents; at least 15 years or older by June 1; a rising sophomore, junior, or senior for the upcoming academic year (rising juniors or seniors given preference)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Cost: $4,000. Scholarships are offered based on financial need
This is one of the best immersive 5-week summer research programs for high school students. As a participant, you will conduct research and participate in projects in the College of Natural Sciences laboratories. The program has a multidisciplinary approach to engage you in various fields such as neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, data analytics, ecology, genome engineering, genetics, environmental science, and more.
You will gain first-hand experience of what life as a researcher entails, and learn about cutting-edge research techniques. You will also benefit from valuable insights from UT students and faculty in the undergraduate research groups and during educational Wednesday Seminars with UT guest speakers. At the end of the program, you will present your research in a poster presentation at the closing HSRA Research Symposium.
2. Lumiere Research Programs
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year. Summer Cohort I: June 2 | Summer Cohort II: July 14
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort. Summer Cohort I: April 13 | Summer Cohort II: June 23
Eligibility: Current high school students across the world
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: Starting $2,990 (financial aid available)
Lumiere’s summer research programs for high school students give you the chance to conduct independent research with the 1-1 guidance and mentorship of a top PhD candidate. You’ll get to research various topics across different fields, including data science, economics, engineering, gender studies, chemistry, business and entrepreneurship, and more, and work on a noteworthy research paper. You can choose from two types of summer programs:
The Individual research program: This is a 12-week program that includes 9 individual sessions with a researcher, 2 individual sessions with a writing coach, and 5 workshops on research process to ensure that you can successfully conduct research and write a 15 page research paper.
The premium research and publication program: This is a 16-week program that includes 15 individual sessions with a researcher, 4 individual sessions with a writing coach, 5 workshops on the research process, and 4 individual sessions with a publication specialist. You’ll get to conduct research and work on your paper based on a publication plan.
3. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 14; U.S. citizens or permanent residents. A strong preference is given to students with math/computer programming skills and/or experience in healthcare projects
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: $40 application fee + $850 participation fee; financial aid is available
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging Summer Research Internship is a two-week summer research program for high school students that includes introductory and technical lectures on AI in healthcare fundamentals. It also includes mentoring activities with researchers and Stanford Student Leads, along with hands-on group sessions that will give you the chance to interact with seniors and peers, as you engage in research.
The program also includes social activities to further enhance your networking opportunities, along with a Virtual Career Lunch and Learns session with guest speakers that represent non-profits, the government, industry, and academia. You may also partake in an extended independent research internship designed to encourage you to develop innovative AI solutions to advance human health.
4. Veritas AI Programs
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Various 12-15 week cohorts throughout the year for spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling applications. Regular admission deadline for the summer cohort is April 27
Eligibility: AI fellowship applicants must have completed the AI Scholars program, or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Cost: Starts at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers two main programs: the AI Scholars program and the AI Fellowship program. These programs offer valuable learning opportunities as you delve into AI developments and research.
In the AI Scholars program, you will learn about AI fundamentals and build a guided project with the mentorship of an AI expert. This program spans 25 hours over 10 weekends, or 25 hours over 2 weeks in the summer break. It includes 1.5 hours of section lectures and 1 hour of group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. At the end of the program, you will complete a group project along with 3-4 peers.
In the AI Fellowship program, you will be mentored by an AI expert as you develop an independent AI project. This program spans 12-15 weeks and includes 12 mentorship sessions with an AI practitioner or researcher. You will work on a novel AI model in your field of interest and get a personalized mentor evaluation to assess your capabilities.
5. Cambridge Centre for International Research – CCIR Academy
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Summer dates are:
Early: May 1
Regular: May 15
Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic record
Acceptance Rate: Less than 20%
Cost: 1-1 Research Mentorship: $6,500 | Future Scholar Program: $3,900 (spring rates, summer rates are subject to change)
CCIR Academy offers prestigious research opportunities that are led by Oxbridge and top Ivy League university faculty. These summer research programs for high school students have an acceptance rate of less than 20%, and encourage independent research under the guidance of experienced mentors.
The Future Scholar program includes 12 weeks of lectures and supervision, with a university-level curriculum. You will also work on an independent research paper aimed at publication in undergraduate or industry-level journals, under the supervision of a faculty mentor. On the other hand, in the 1-1 Mentorship Program, you will work with a PhD academic advisor to craft a research experience tailored to you, and complete a journal-level research paper with their guidance and mentorship.
At the end of the program, you may receive a letter of recommendation and a signed evaluation report that highlights your performance throughout the program.
6. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) – Virtual
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: 5 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors living anywhere in the U.S.
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: None
Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) includes educational presentations, mentorship training, professional development training, and lessons in basic laboratory techniques and experiments. It will introduce you to neurological science research as you learn about data analysis, experimental design, and career pathways in the neuroscience and medicine industries. It is currently offered in two formats: in-person and virtual. At the end of the virtual program, you will receive a certificate of completion.
7. Foreign Policy Research Institute – Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: June – August for the summer cohort
Application Deadline: May (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students
Acceptance Rate: High selectivity
Stipend: May be awarded based on financial need
This is a highly selective program where you will work directly under an FPRI staffer, alongside scholars researching regions, such as the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Eurasia. This program encourages you to develop your skills with hands-on experience in analysing data, conducting research and gathering information, and assisting with policy reports. It offers professional development, mentorship, and potential publication opportunities, and thus requires polished writing and critical thinking. A proficiency in a foreign language may also be necessary in some roles.
8. Rice ELITE Tech Camp
Location: Rice University
Program Dates:
Commuter: June 23 – 27; July 7 – 11; July 14 – 18; July 21 – 25
Residential: June 22 – 28; July 6 – 12; July 13 – 19; July 20 – 26
Application Deadline: June 15 (tentative; based on 2024)
Eligibility: High school students
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Cost:
Commuter: $1,695
Residential: $3,795
Limited partial scholarships available
Rice ELITE Tech Camp is a pre-college summer program for high school students interested in engineering. It offers a vigorous, hands-on STEM curriculum that’s taught by engineering professors, researchers, professionals, and students and gives you the chance to apply technical, scientific, and analytical concepts. You’ll be exposed to university-level engineering and technology concepts like machine learning, AI, data science, 3D printing, data analytics, and more. You’ll also learn how to address real-world issues through group exercises and challenges. You can choose to participate in one of many one-week sessions.
9. Internships at the American Psychological Association
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Spring, summer, fall, and winter cohorts
Application Deadline: Depends on the internship
Eligibility: High school students must be enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution and must reside in one of the states where APA is a registered employer
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Stipend: Stipend or academic credit may be offered
The American Psychological Association offers internships in various positions, including research internships. As an intern, you will engage in various activities within your department and apply your theoretical knowledge to practical situations. You will have a range of learning objectives depending on your role, and will report directly to your supervisor, who will also offer guidance as you meet your objectives. You may also attend discussions and workshops and engage in group projects.
10. Internships at the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: 6 weeks to 1 year (part-time or full-time)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students interested in folklore, anthropology, music, or cultural heritage are eligible to apply
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: None
The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage’s summer research programs for high school students are a great option if you are looking to pursue anthropology, linguistics, ethnomusicology, or museum studies. In this internship, you will engage in projects that contribute to initiatives like the Smithsonian Folkways Recording, Web Production, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, educational outreach, and various cultural sustainability programs. You will also receive mentorship, research, and professional development training from the Center’s experienced professionals. This program is highly selective. You can work full-time or part-time, though at least 15-20 hours/week is preferred.
11. UC San Diego Research Scholars Program
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Varies, depending on the course
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students interested in related fields
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Cost: None
UC San Diego’s summer research programs for high school students give you the opportunity to conduct research in various fields, such as marine sciences, business, life sciences, bioengineering, and more. You will be immersed in collecting and analysing data, problem-solving, and experimental design as you benefit from the guidance and mentorship of UC San Diego faculty. You will develop your skills as you gain hands-on experience, and your research topic will be focused on real-world applications.
12. NASA and UT Austin’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES)
Location: Virtual and University of Texas, Austin, TX
Program Dates: June – July 5 (Virtual); July 6 – 19 (On-site); July 21 – 22 (Virtual Symposium)
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Current U.S. high school sophomores or juniors; at least 16; strongly interested in STEM
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Cost: None; transportation scholarships are awarded selectively
This is a nationally competitive STEM summer research program for high school students. It offers hands-on experience and will introduce you to NASA-supported research where you may learn to interpret satellite data and work alongside professional scientists and engineers in fields such as space geodesy, remote sensing, astronomy, climate science, natural hazards, and more.
This program empowers you to view and investigate NASA’s mission design, analysis of ice sheets, remote sensing data, Earth’s gravity field, and other observations, under the mentorship of project scientists. You will first complete your distance learning modules before July 1, then work remotely under the guidance of project mentors. Then, from July 6 – 19, you will work onsite, where housing, meals, and local transportation will be provided.