13 Chemistry Programs for High School Students in Texas
If you are a high school student and are interested in chemistry, structured programs can be the perfect starting point. These programs help you develop problem-solving, research, and critical thinking abilities while deepening your understanding of atomic structure, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and kinetics. Some chemistry programs, especially internships or summer research programs, offer high school students exposure to real research environments where they collaborate with professionals.
Texas follows the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards for high school chemistry, ensuring a curriculum covering atomic structure, bonding, reactions, thermodynamics, and more. Universities such as Texas A&M University and Texas State University offer many accessible high school chemistry courses, including online or local school-affiliated programs. For in-state students, they help to save on travel and housing, while out-of-state students interested in studying in Texas can also benefit from the resources these institutions offer and make a more informed decision about their college.
Below, we have listed 13 chemistry programs for high school students in Texas.
1. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee / $750 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 participants
Dates: June 22 - August 7
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors | At least 17 by the start date | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Graduating this year or next
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program, offered by Texas Tech University, is a highly selective summer research experience that pairs you with faculty for an intensive 7-week project. Funded by an endowment from the Anson L. Clark Foundation, the program pairs you with outstanding faculty for one-on-one research in various areas, including chemistry, natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and fine arts. Chemistry, including biochemistry, is among the fields students can choose to explore during the program. You gain valuable practical research experience, attend seminars and field trips, and develop advanced skills while living on campus.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year including winter, fall, spring, and summer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Spring sessions have a January deadline, Summer programs have a May deadline, Fall programs have a September deadline, and Winter cohort has a November deadline; apply here
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All high school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have been AI Scholars participants or have some familiarity with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI offers a range of programs designed to introduce and deepen high school students' understanding of artificial intelligence. In the AI Scholars program, you begin by learning Python programming and foundational data science skills and then move on to explore essential AI concepts such as regression, neural networks, and natural language processing. For those ready to work more independently, the AI Fellowship pairs students with expert mentors who guide them through designing, developing, and testing their own AI research projects in fields like healthcare, climate change, and finance. Over several weeks, participants build coding expertise, refine research methods, and implement AI models to address real-world challenges.
3. Welch Summer Scholar Program (WSSP)
Location: Hosted at any of six Texas universities
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective
Dates: June 8 – July 11
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
The Welch Summer Scholar Program (WSSP) is a highly competitive, five-week summer research program for Texas high school juniors and seniors. It allows you to spend time living on a university campus, getting hands-on experience with cutting-edge chemistry and biochemistry research. You'll work one-on-one with faculty and grad students at one of six partner universities, learning modern lab techniques and presenting your original findings, all while getting a taste of college life. The program is fully funded, covering your room, board, and lab expenses, making this competitive opportunity super accessible for motivated students like you.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Chemistry Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, spring, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; Winter Cohort: November 16; apply here
Eligibility: Current high school students; demonstrated high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
This program offers high school students a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors from top universities worldwide. You engage in a 12-week virtual research experience where you develop an independent, college-level research project under expert guidance. Throughout the program, you conduct in-depth research on chemistry topics such as molecular structures, chemical reactions, or other specialized areas you choose with your mentor. Activities include researching current scientific literature, formulating research questions, conducting experiments or theoretical analyses, and writing a comprehensive research paper with support from writing coaches. By the end, students gain hands-on experience in authentic scientific inquiry and produce a formal research paper that can showcase their expertise for college applications and become eligible for a UCSD credit.
5. Trinity University Chemistry Summer Research Program
Location: Trinity University, San Antonio, TX
Stipend: Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Typically May to July
Application Deadline: Typically mid-April
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Trinity University's Chemistry Department hosts a summer research program where you get to work side-by-side with professors on real-world chemical and biochemical projects. The program covers topics spanning modern chemical instrumentation, interdisciplinary research, and real-world chemical problem-solving. You engage in hands-on lab work, data analysis, scientific communication through oral and written presentations, and collaborative research projects. You can even co-author papers or present at national conferences and earn one hour of course credit. This early exposure to professional research helps students decide if chemistry is a career path they want to pursue and strengthens their college applications.
6. Texas A&M REACT Chemistry Summer Program
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Texas A&M REACT Chemistry Summer Program is a specialized summer enrichment program designed for high school students interested in exploring advanced chemistry concepts and practical skills. The program covers topics such as UV/Vis spectroscopy, chromatography, titration, and NMR spectroscopy, providing students with a deep dive into analytical and physical chemistry techniques. You engage in activities like conducting lab experiments with real instruments, analyzing chemical samples, participating in scientific discussions, and attending field trips to see chemistry applications in industry. Through this experience, you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical laboratory skills.
7. ACS Project SEED
Location: Various Locations across the US, including TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 350+ students annually
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Typically April
Eligibility: High school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
The ACS Project SEED is a paid summer research internship program designed to encourage economically disadvantaged high school students to explore careers in the chemical sciences. You engage in real research projects, including activities such as making new compounds, testing and analyzing data, and learning advanced laboratory techniques. The program also offers mentorship, college readiness workshops, and professional development activities, helping students build critical scientific and research skills. A unique feature of the program is its focus on supporting students from low-income backgrounds, providing them with opportunities they might not otherwise have, including stipends and potential scholarships. Overall, you develop skills in scientific research, teamwork, problem-solving, and scientific communication.
8. UT Southwestern STARS Chemistry Camp
Location: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: July 10 – 18
Application Deadline: Typically January
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students who will be taking sophomore-level chemistry the following year
This camp, held at the prestigious UT Southwestern Medical Center, allows you to engage in hands-on lab work in a university lab. It teaches you about chemistry concepts such as chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and thermodynamics, which reinforce your critical content knowledge of chemistry. The Chemistry Camp also allows you to study biochemistry through lab tours and DNA experiments, which are critical experiences in a research environment. It provides a structured, educational environment where students can explore chemistry concepts in depth and develop practical laboratory skills while engaging in collaborative and real-world scientific activities.
9. U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO)
Location: Multitiered Local sections, including Texas
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by tier
Dates: Local Exam: February 27 – March 16; National Exam: April 10 – 19; Study Camp: June; International Olympiad: July
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: U.S. high school students nominated by ACS Local Sections
The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) is a multi-tiered competition sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to identify and train the top high school chemistry students in the nation. It begins with the Local Exam in February-March, followed by the National Exam in April for top nominees, administered at various host sites. The top 20 scorers on the National Exam earn an invitation to an all-expense paid two-week Study Camp in June for academic and lab training. Finally, four of you are selected from the camp to represent Team USA at the prestigious International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) in July, competing against students globally.
10. Texas Woman's University ChemCamp
Location: Texas Woman’s University campus, Denton, Texas
Cost: $125; limited need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 9 – 13
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Texas Woman's University ChemCamp for high school students is a hands-on, interactive summer program designed to introduce young scientists to chemistry. The program covers topics such as microplastics, green chemistry, solar cells, and chemical recycling, showcasing real-world applications of chemistry. Activities include hands-on labs, engaging experiments, simulations, and 3D modeling guided by TWU chemists. Unique features of the camp include direct interaction with research scientists and field experts and the use of cutting-edge technology to visualize scientific concepts. You develop practical lab skills, problem-solving abilities, scientific communication, and a deeper understanding of chemistry careers.
11. Texas State University Chemistry Readiness Program
Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
Cost: $30
Acceptance rate/cohort size: May depend on space availability and student qualifications
Dates: Usually offered during Summer sessions or academic terms; exact dates vary yearly
Application Deadline: Specific deadlines vary; generally, applications close a few weeks before program start
Eligibility: High school students preparing for college chemistry courses
The Texas State University Chemistry Readiness Program for high school students is designed to prepare students for college-level chemistry by reinforcing foundational concepts and lab skills. The program covers essential topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, reactions, and basic laboratory techniques. You engage in activities including hands-on experiments, problem-solving workshops, group discussions, and interactive demonstrations to deepen their understanding. Unique features of the program include personalized mentoring by university faculty and small class sizes that foster close interaction and support. The program emphasizes practical skills such as accurate measurement, chemical safety, data analysis, and scientific communication.
12. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies – Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Location: Online
Cost: $3,080 + $100 additional cost; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Session One: June 17 – 28; Session Two: July 8 – 19
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11; must have completed Algebra and be comfortable with atoms, atomic mass, and molecular mass
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Chemical and Environmental Engineering course is a two-week online program that introduces you to the core principles of designing and analyzing chemical processes. It covers fundamental engineering principles used to analyze chemical processes occurring naturally and by human design, with a strong focus on energy and environmental challenges. Topics include diagramming engineering processes, identifying and converting process variables, and setting up material and energy balances to find steady-state solutions. You'll learn essential engineering skills, like creating process diagrams and setting up material and energy balances, all while applying them to major real-world challenges like renewable energy and water purification.
13. ASU Universal Learner Course: CHM 101 – Introductory Chemistry
Location: Online
Cost: $25 to start; $400 to receive credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: 16 weeks, multiple sessions offered throughout the year; next date is January 13
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All high school students
The ASU Universal Learner Course: CHM 101 – Introductory Chemistry is a 16-week online course designed to provide foundational knowledge in general chemistry. It covers essential topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, aqueous solutions, chemical reactions and energy, entropy and kinetics, and redox reactions including batteries and electrochemistry. The course includes lab components, quizzes, exams, and learning activities, providing a comprehensive introduction to chemistry with practical applications in health sciences, materials science, and energy. It is a 4-credit course that satisfies the scientific thinking general studies requirement at Arizona State University, and students receive official college credit upon successful completion.
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