15 Biology Programs for High School Students in Texas
If you are a high school student interested in biology, structured programs are a great way for you to explore your interest. These programs often combine classroom learning with laboratory work, field research, and mentorship, giving you exposure to the work professionals do in the field. You’ll also build critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills that prepare you for future studies.
Texas is home to several well-regarded universities, medical centers, and research institutions that run programs in biology and related areas. These programs are great for local students who want to save on long-distance travel and out-of-state students who wish to explore the opportunities available in the state. These opportunities allow you to learn from faculty, interact with researchers, and build a foundation in topics ranging from microbiology to environmental science.
To help you find the right option, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 biology programs for high school students in Texas.
1. Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: $6,800 stipend for the full 10-week program (or $6,120 for 9 weeks)
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Texas-resident high school seniors, 18+ at the start of the program.
During the 10-week Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program, you work in MD Anderson research labs under the supervision of faculty and staff mentors. You’ll spend most days on hands-on laboratory tasks, running experiments, learning common biomedical techniques, and analyzing data so you gain practical research experience. The program includes seminars and workshops on research topics and professional skills, plus short competitions (abstract, poster, elevator pitch) to build scientific communication. You collaborate with researchers and other students, and you have opportunities to observe clinical and research facilities to better understand how lab work connects to patient care and larger projects. By the end of the program, you’ll have practiced lab skills, data interpretation, and presenting scientific work skills that help you prepare for further study or careers in the life sciences.
2. Veritas AI – Deep Dive: AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual ; you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine track is an online research program designed for high school students interested in the applications of AI and machine learning (ML) in medical and genetics research. Founded and run by Harvard graduates, the program offers a deep dive into topics like genomics, medical imaging, and clinical decision-making using AI tools. Over several weeks, you'll learn to analyze genetic data, predict disease outcomes, interpret medical scans, and work on a flagship AI group project — all under the direct mentorship of leading AI experts. Previous student projects have explored areas such as predicting breast cancer from genes using various ML models. Here is the program brochure and the application form for more information.
3. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost / Stipend: Fully funded; $750 stipend
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors; must be at least 17 years old by program start date; U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Over the seven weeks of the Clark Scholars Program, you will work alongside university faculty on a research project aligned with your academic interests, whether in science, engineering, humanities, or related fields. You’ll carry out experiments, collect and analyze data, and develop skills in research design, critical thinking, and scientific writing. The program also offers weekly seminars, campus discussions, and occasional field trips or site visits to related labs or facilities. You’ll collaborate with mentors and peers, and at the end, present your findings in a formal presentation and submit a written research report.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Biology Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available!
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. November 24 for the upcoming winter cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4). No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with an immersive 12-week research experience, focusing on personalized one-on-one mentorship. You will select from a diverse range of topics, including biology, medicine, neuroscience, and more. Working with a PhD mentor, you will design and execute an independent research project. By the end of the program, you will have developed a comprehensive research paper reflecting your findings and insights. More details about the application can be found here.
5. Rice University Precise Advanced Technologies and Health Systems for Underserved Populations (PATHS-UP) Young Scholars Digital Health Summer Program
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Dates: June 9 – 26
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students residing in the Houston area
The PATHS-UP Young Scholars Digital Health Summer Program at Rice University is a free, three-week research experience designed for high school sophomores and juniors residing in the Houston area. This program introduces students to digital circuitry, computer science, physics, and engineering research with practical applications in the healthcare field. You will work with instruments such as pulse oximeters, accelerometers, and GPS devices to design and build prototypes that mirror real-world medical technologies. You will work with university staff, graduate students, and Houston-area educators to develop practical skills in engineering research, scientific writing, and communication. The program provides a chance to expand your peer network and explore diverse college options.
6. Texas Medical Center (TMC) Summer Research Internship Program
Location: Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided
Dates: 10-week program; specific dates vary by institution
Application Deadline: December 1 (annually)
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old. Specific eligibility criteria may vary by participating institution
The Texas Medical Center (TMC) Summer Research Internship Program offers you a rigorous 10-week research experience at top-tier institutions such as the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and Texas Children’s Hospital. During this program, you will work under the mentorship of experienced researchers, conducting independent or collaborative lab research. You will also 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. This opportunity allows you to gain hands-on experience in healthcare, medicine, and related fields, providing a solid foundation for future academic and career pursuits in the medical sciences.
7. Baylor College of Medicine’s Saturday Morning Science (SMS) Summer Research Program
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Cost / Stipend: No cost; participants are hired under the title of “Summer Project Intern” and receive a stipend roughly equivalent to Texas's minimum wage (subject to taxes)
Dates: June 11 – August 4
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Students at least 18 years old by June 1; prior participation in Saturday Morning Science or affiliation via partner institutions is generally required
Over eight weeks, you’ll work full-time in a Baylor College of Medicine research lab (about 40 hours per week) under the guidance of a faculty member, postdoctoral researcher, or graduate student. You’ll engage in lab experiments, data gathering, and analysis, while also participating in regular research group meetings to review progress and receive feedback. The program includes weekly “Lunch and Learn” seminars offering content on research ethics, scientific careers, and professional development. You’ll develop skills in writing scientific reports and preparing presentations, and at the end of the summer, you’ll present your findings in a symposium attended by fellow interns and faculty.
8. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center DACCPM Summer Research Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost / Stipend: None
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school seniors aged 18 or older by the start date and in good academic standing
During the 10-week DACCPM Summer Research Program, you’ll be paired with a faculty mentor and work on a defined research project that may span clinical and laboratory domains. You’ll conduct literature reviews using medical research library resources, learn institutional and federal research policies, and handle data collection, analysis, and experimental methods. Throughout the summer, you’ll join professional development sessions and mentoring seminars to deepen your understanding of research careers. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at a poster symposium and submit an abstract to be included in the CATALYST Summer Program abstract book.
9. Houston Methodist Hospital Summer Internship Program
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost: Free; no stipend provided
Dates: May 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High school students currently in their junior or senior year who will be at least 16 years old by May 27
The High School Emerging Researcher Experience at Houston Methodist Hospital offers a comprehensive 8-week summer internship for high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical research. You are paired with faculty mentors and engage in translational research projects, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and data analysis. The program has weekly seminars focused on career development and professional growth, equipping you with essential resources for college applications. Interns will also have the chance to attend informative lectures presented by scientists and physician researchers from Houston Methodist. The program culminates in a research symposium where interns present their findings, showcasing their work to peers and professionals in the field.
10. UT Health San Antonio Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy (VBRA)
Location: UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; A monetary Voelcker Student Award is provided at the conclusion of the summer program.
Dates: 7 weeks in the summer (Check the website for exact dates.)
Application Deadline: January 28
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores (current freshmen in the 2025–2026 school year) who will be at least 15 years old by June 15. Applicants must have a GPA of 90% or above in Math, Science, and English (85% if in Pre-AP, AP, or Dual Credit courses) and be nominated by their school
The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy (VBRA) at UT Health San Antonio offers a comprehensive three-year program designed to immerse high school students in biomedical research. In the first year, participants engage in a 7-week summer research program, working alongside faculty mentors in state-of-the-art laboratories. Throughout the program, students develop skills in scientific research, data analysis, and communication. They also have opportunities to present their findings at scientific symposia and receive mentorship in college preparation and career development. The VBRA aims to cultivate the next generation of biomedical scientists by providing hands-on experience and fostering a deep understanding of scientific inquiry.
11. University of Houston’s Mohan Lab Summer Internship
Location: MohanLab, University of Houston, Houston, TX
Cost / Stipend: No participation fee
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 26
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (completed 11th grade)
In the MohanLab Summer Internship, you begin with about one to two weeks of training in common laboratory techniques like pipetting, sample prep, centrifugation, gel electrophoresis, and possibly cell culture or molecular assays. After that initial period, you’ll engage in an 8-week research project under the mentorship of a scientist or grad student, applying those methods in real research settings, collecting data, performing assays, analyzing results, and keeping lab records. You’ll participate in research meetings or lab group discussions to get feedback and refine your approach. Toward the end, interns present their findings in a lab meeting (often the lab’s joint meeting) and sometimes contribute to manuscripts or ongoing lab work. This structure gives you sustained lab exposure, guidance from researchers, and experience in communicating and interpreting scientific data.
12. High School Research Academy (HSRA) Summer Program
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX (non-residential)
Cost / Stipend: $4,000 (due after you accept a spot); limited need-based scholarships are available that can cover full tuition and include a stipend
Dates: June 9 – July 16
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 or older by program start (rising 10th–12th graders considered)
Over the five weeks of HSRA, you’ll be placed in a UT Austin faculty member’s research lab and participate in real scientific research in fields like molecular biology, neuroscience, genome engineering, environmental science, or data analytics. The program begins with training in lab techniques and protocols, before moving on to independent or collaborative research, which includes experiment design, data collection, and analysis. Weekly seminars cover new topics in STEM, career development, and research ethics, providing context for the work. Mentors offer guidance throughout the program, and participants engage in group discussions. The program concludes with the production of a printed poster, which is presented at a closing symposium. As part of your participation, you’ll also complete assignments tied to UT’s extension course credit, reflecting on your research process and outcomes.
13. Health Sciences Summer Institute
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: $500; scholarships available for students qualifying for the federal free/reduced lunch program or experiencing financial hardship.
Program Dates: June 16 – 20 (June camp) and July 7 – 11 (Gear up residential camp)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications until full
Eligibility: High school students in 9th through 11th grade. Students from partner districts may require a school nomination.
The Health Sciences Summer Institute at UT Austin offers high school students an immersive, hands-on introduction to the medical field. Over the course of one week, participants engage in clinical simulations, laboratory sessions, and hospital visits, covering essential topics such as patient care, medical ethics, and healthcare systems. Students will have the opportunity to connect with experienced healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and researchers, gaining insights into various medical professions and guidance on navigating the path to medical school. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive view of healthcare careers, combining practical activities with professional mentorship to inspire and inform future medical professionals.
14. Texas A&M University Veterinary Enrichment Camp
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Cost: Approximately $850
Dates: November 13
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12; participants must be at least 15 years old by June 1
At the Texas A&M Veterinary Enrichment Camp, you'll engage in hands-on activities designed to introduce you to the field of veterinary medicine. Throughout the camp, you'll participate in animal care, laboratory work, and clinical skills training, providing a comprehensive overview of the veterinary profession. You'll have the opportunity to interact with veterinary students and professionals, gaining insights into their experiences and career paths. The camp also includes educational sessions on topics such as animal behavior, nutrition, and disease prevention. By the end of the program, you'll have a deeper understanding of what it means to be a veterinarian and how to pursue a career in this field.
15. Biomedical Excellence and Academic Training (BEAT) Academy
Location: UT Health Lozano Long Campus, San Antonio, TX
Cost: $1,000
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: June 20
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
At the BEAT Academy, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of biomedical research and medicine. Over the course of the week, you’ll engage in interactive seminars and hands-on lab activities led by faculty from the School of Medicine and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. You’ll explore topics such as anatomy, physiology, neurodegeneration, molecular biology, and aging research. The program includes visits to the human anatomy lab, opportunities to engage with both simulated and real patients, and college prep sessions to guide your academic path in healthcare or science. This experience is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the biomedical field and help you prepare for a future in health professions.
Image Source - Texas A&M University Logo