15 AI Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
If you are a high school student interested in AI, a summer program is a great way to explore this field while building skills that go beyond the classroom. These programs will introduce you to coding, machine learning, robotics, and ethical problem-solving while providing a preview of college-level coursework. They encourage you to tackle real-world challenges, consider the ethical implications of AI, and collaborate with peers who share your curiosity, while being guided by researchers and experts in the field.
Several prestigious colleges and institutions in Texas offer AI summer programs for high school students. Programs often give you the chance to work with modern tools, experiment with real datasets, and apply AI concepts to areas like healthcare, business, and engineering. With guidance from mentors and exposure to the ways AI is shaping industries and everyday life, you’ll gain a strong foundation for future studies or career paths.
In this list, we’ve covered 15 AI summer programs for high school students in Texas that you can check out!
1. UT Austin’s Academy for All: Computer Science Summer Academies
Location: UT Austin
Cost: Free; Travel scholarships of up to $500 available
Dates: July 6 – 12 (Standard Edition); July 27 – August 2 (Machine Learning Edition)
Deadline: January 12 (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising 11th-12th graders
Hosted at the University of Texas at Austin, the Academy for All offers high school students a weeklong deep dive into computer science. You can choose between two tracks: the Standard Edition, which focuses on C++ and Arduino microcontrollers, or the Machine Learning Edition, which is centered on Python and AI concepts. Both editions combine technical workshops with teamwork, project management, and career exploration, giving students not only coding skills but also a sense of how these tools fit into future opportunities.
2. Veritas AI: AI Scholars Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,490; Need-based scholarships are available
Dates: Varies based on cohort
Deadline: Varies as per cohort
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders
Founded and run by Harvard graduates, Veritas AI offers the AI Scholars program, which is designed for high school students interested in exploring artificial intelligence through a mix of theory and hands-on coding. Over the course of 10 weeks (or an intensive 2-week summer option), you will start by building a foundation in Python and data science before moving into advanced topics like regression, neural networks, and natural language processing. As the program progresses, you will work on projects involving image classification, deep learning, and sentiment analysis, while also reflecting on the ethical dimensions of AI. With guidance from mentors, the program offers both academic rigor and practical exposure, making it a strong choice for students aiming to understand how AI shapes today’s world!
3. Code@TACC
Location: The University of Texas at Austin
Cost: Free
Dates: June 22 – 28
Deadline: May 24 (priority)
Eligibility: Current 9th-10th graders (rising 10th-11th)
The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at the University of Texas hosts a weeklong residential program that introduces you to programming, robotics, electronics, and artificial intelligence through hands-on, project-based learning. Designed for beginners, it creates space for creativity while building STEM skills in a collaborative environment. As a participant, you will also gain continued access to Back@TACC STEM workshops throughout the year, extending the learning beyond summer!
4. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts year-round
Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in academic research
The Horizon Academic Research Program is an intensive, online research experience designed for motivated high school students worldwide. Over 10-16 weeks, you will work closely with professors and PhD scholars from universities like Harvard, MIT, and Yale to produce a 20-page academic research paper. The program features two tracks: Horizon Seminars, which consist of small group classes with 3-6 students, and Horizon Labs, a fully personalized, one-on-one research mentorship. With writing clinics, office hours, and personalized feedback, you will be equipped with research skills, critical thinking, and writing experience that prepare you for future academic success.
5. AEOP Internships
Location: Various U.S. Army Research Laboratories and university labs across the U.S., including Texas
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend offered
Dates: Varies by placement
Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents in high school, undergraduate programs, or within 60 months of completing a degree
The AEOP (Army Educational Outreach Program) Internships provide high school and undergraduate students with hands-on research experience in STEM fields. As an intern, you will work full-time or part-time alongside professional scientists and engineers at Army labs or top university research centers, contributing to projects that address national challenges. The program emphasizes mentorship, giving students personalized guidance and exposure to advanced lab environments. With opportunities nationwide, AEOP internships not only strengthen technical skills but also offer a competitive edge for college admissions and future STEM careers!
6. University of North Texas: Camp Learn AI
Location: UNT Discovery Park, Denton, TX
Cost: Free
Dates: May 26 – 30; June 2 – 6; June 9 – 13; June 16 – 20; June 23 – 27
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
This five-day camp at the University of North Texas introduces high school students to the foundations of programming and artificial intelligence through a team-based approach. During the program, you will learn Python in Microsoft’s VSCode and apply it to both AI hardware platforms and robotic systems. Small group challenges will let you explore how code translates into real-world applications, making the concepts of AI tangible and exciting. The camp is led by UNT faculty and teaching assistants, ensuring a structured yet engaging experience. With no cost to attend, it’s an excellent opportunity for motivated students to gain practical exposure to coding and AI.
7. SEES – University of Texas at Austin
Location: University of Texas at Austin + Online (hybrid)
Cost/Stipend: Free; Limited travel scholarships available
Dates: May 1 – July 22
Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors (16+) interested in STEM careers
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer Intern Program, hosted by NASA and the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research, is a nationally competitive opportunity for high school students. As an intern, you will gain first-hand experience analyzing NASA satellite data and working alongside scientists and engineers on projects related to astronomy, remote sensing, natural hazards, climate science, and planetary research. The program combines distance learning with hands-on research, culminating in a two-week on-site internship at UT Austin and a final Virtual Science Symposium. You will get to collaborate with mentors on authentic NASA-supported research and present your findings to the wider SEES community.
8. Anson L.Clark Scholar Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost: $25 application fee; Stipend of $750
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Deadline: January 2 – February 16
Eligibility: U.S. rising seniors or recent graduates (17+)
Texas Tech University's Anson L. Clark Scholars is a highly selective program that offers the opportunity to conduct research over the summer. Each year, just 12 students are selected to spend seven weeks working one-on-one with top faculty across diverse academic fields, from natural sciences and engineering to humanities and fine arts. In addition to their research, you will take part in weekly seminars, discussions, and activities that encourage intellectual curiosity and career exploration. The Clark Scholars Program stands out because it welcomes exceptional students from a wide range of fields, not just math and the sciences, but also the humanities and fine arts.
9. UTSA: Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Camp
Location: UTSA Klesse College Campus, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Day Camp $550; Overnight $750; Tuition assistance available
Dates: July 7 – 11
Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12
UT San Antonio offers several Summer Camps for High School Students, including the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Camp. You will engage in both hardware and coding activities at this camp. Over the course of five days, you will also work alongside UTSA faculty, student mentors, and members of the Robotics and Automation Society to design, build, and program your own robotics projects. You’ll join workshops, lab tours, and faculty-led sessions to explore how AI is shaping research and industry today!
10. Rice ELITE Tech Camp
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: $3,795 (Residential); $1,695 (Commuter); Limited scholarships available
Dates:
Residential Camps: June 22 – 28, July 6 – 12, July 13 – 19, July 20 – 26
Commuter Camps: June 23 – 27, July 7 – 11, July 14 – 18, July 21 – 25
Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The Rice ELITE Tech Camp is a prominent pre-college engineering program that provides comprehensive technical knowledge and leadership development. The camp blends advanced STEM instruction with hands-on projects and college readiness preparation. As a participant, you will explore fields like machine learning, AI, data science, 3D printing, IoT, deep learning, and analytics, all while practicing the engineering design process to solve real-world challenges. In addition to technical training, the camp emphasizes leadership, project management, and communication, helping students stand out as future innovators.
11. UT Dallas: Deep-Dive AI Workshop
Location: University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) + Virtual
Cost: $1,600; 50% discount available for students from low-income families
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Motivated and advanced high school students (16+), ideally finishing 10th and 11th grade; Must be familiar with Python and high school-level math
Over eight weeks, you will attend full-day sessions where you will learn Python programming skills, gain practical experience with data analysis, and build AI/ML models to tackle real-world problems. The curriculum encompasses data processing, machine learning fundamentals, neural networks, and deep learning frameworks, such as TensorFlow. You will participate in structured learning modules, engage in project work, deliver presentations of your findings, and receive a performance-based recommendation letter. Upon completing the program, you will have the opportunity to present your projects, with awards and special certificates available for exemplary submissions. This is a rigorous but rewarding opportunity for students serious about pursuing AI!
12. MIT FutureMakers
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S. and Puerto Rico (esp. under-resourced communities); Early college students also considered
This six-week online program trains high school and early college students to design with AI and digital technologies for real-world impact. Through a mix of technical training, responsible design principles, and leadership development, you will build skills in coding, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. The program combines a 4-week technical track with a 2-week capstone project, supported by mentors in AI and a webinar series featuring industry experts. With multiple tracks for different experience levels, FutureMakers ensures that even students new to coding can participate meaningfully.
13. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Remote
Cost: $850 program fee + $40 application fee; Scholarships available
Dates: June 16 – 27
Deadline: December 9 – February 28
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (entering grades 9-12, age 14+) with strong math/programming interest
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a two-week virtual summer internship for high school students interested in the intersection of AI and healthcare. The program combines lectures on AI fundamentals, mentoring with Stanford researchers, group research projects, and guest speaker sessions featuring experts from academia, industry, and beyond. As a participant, you will gain both technical and clinical perspectives while also developing teamwork and communication skills. Those who complete the full program earn a Certificate of Completion; select students may have the opportunity to continue with extended research.
14. Harvard Computer Society AI Bootcamp
Location: Remote
Cost: $495 (regular), $695 (Final Priority pricing)
Dates: August 25 – 29
Deadline: August 12 (standard); August 19 (final)
Eligibility: High school students with a strong math background (calculus preferred) and Python programming skills
This five-day intensive program gives high school students a chance to learn directly from Harvard graduate researchers and undergraduates about the latest developments in AI and machine learning. The bootcamp blends lectures, coding exercises, and mentorship, and even lets students design their own mini-research project. With Introductory and Advanced tracks, it’s suited for both students new to AI and those ready for a deeper research experience. If you’re serious about exploring AI at a high level, this is a strong option to consider!
15. Berkeley Coding Academy – Data Science: The AI Journey
Location: Online
Cost: Starting at $2,699; Limited scholarships available
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 12-18 (Python knowledge required; optional prep course available)
This three-week program introduces high school students to the world of data science and artificial intelligence through coding and project work. You will learn how to code confidently in Python, create data visualizations, and build machine learning models while working on real-world applications. The course is designed to help students leave with a strong foundation in AI, an impressive portfolio project, and a Data Science Scholar Certificate. It’s an especially good choice if you want both structured learning and something concrete to showcase afterward.
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