15 Chemistry Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
Participating in chemistry programs as a high schooler is a good way for you to gain practical experience, lab training, and exposure to scientific research at an early stage. Many chemistry programs emphasize technical skills and scientific inquiry, helping you prepare for college-level coursework. They’re also often an affordable way of exploring your academic interests while building connections with mentors, peers, and industry professionals.
In Texas, several leading universities and research institutions host a range of chemistry and interdisciplinary STEM programs each summer. These opportunities cater to both local students and those from other states seeking a strong research environment. With the state’s growing focus on scientific research, you can find various programs that suit your interests and needs.
To help make your search easier, we’ve selected 15 chemistry summer programs for high school students in Texas.
1. The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 stipend
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 2 – February 16
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors (17+)
The seven-week Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University is a highly selective program that admits only 12 students per year. As a participant, you will be immersed in advanced research under the mentorship of university faculty across diverse disciplines, including chemistry. Collaborating with talented peers from around the world, you’ll contribute to projects in science, technology, the humanities, and the arts. You’ll also attend weekly seminars and field trips that will broaden your academic perspective and deepen your understanding of research practices. With dedicated guidance and access to campus resources, you’ll play an active role in a faculty-led research project. See here to learn more about the available areas of study.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard alumni, provides high school students with research experiences focused on artificial intelligence. If you’re just beginning, the AI Scholars program offers a 10-session introduction to AI, machine learning, and data science, allowing you to apply concepts through real-world projects. If you have prior experience, you can join the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase for an advanced, research-driven experience. In this track, you’ll work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities to design and execute a personalized project. You’ll also receive support from the publication team to prepare and submit your work to high school research journals.
3. Project SEED by American Chemical Society
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including Texas (virtual options available)
Stipend: $4,000
Application Deadline: February – April 14
Dates: 8-10 weeks from June – August
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors; Must have completed at least one course of high school chemistry.
Project SEED, run by the American Chemical Society, is a summer research initiative that offers high school students from underserved backgrounds hands-on experience in chemistry. Each year, more than 350 students are paired with mentors to conduct 8-10 weeks of research in academic or industrial labs. You’ll also take part in a virtual summer camp focused on college readiness, lab skills, and exploring careers in chemistry and chemical engineering. With a legacy spanning over 50 years and a network of 11,000+ alumni, Project SEED stands as one of the most impactful and enduring STEM programs.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students; No previous experience necessary
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with the chance to conduct personalized, in-depth research under expert mentorship. You’ll be paired with a Ph.D. mentor to design and complete a one-on-one independent project over 12 weeks, culminating in a full research paper. The program spans multiple disciplines, allowing you to explore subjects such as psychology, computer science, international relations, and data science. With individualized guidance throughout, you’ll gain hands-on experience in academic research and writing. You can explore available topics and begin your application through the link provided here.
5. HSRA Summer Program
Location: The University of Texas at Austin, TX
Cost: $4,000; Limited need-based scholarships available (includes stipend + free tuition)
Dates: June 9 – July 16
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Texas rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (15+)
The High School Research Academy (HSRA) at UT Austin gives you the chance to join real scientific research for five weeks during the summer. You’ll engage in active College of Natural Sciences laboratories studying subjects like organic chemistry, genome engineering, ecology, biochemistry, and more. The program emphasizes hands-on experimentation, data analysis, and mentorship from UT faculty and students. Every Wednesday, you’ll attend seminars hosted by guest speakers who share insights into scientific careers and discoveries. To mark your progress, you’ll present your project in a printed poster at the HSRA Research Symposium. This program is designed to introduce you to the authentic process of academic research.
6. REACT @ TAMU
Location: Texas A&M University, TX
Cost: Free
Dates: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: January 5 – May 9 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
REACT @ TAMU Chemistry is a selective six-day summer research program hosted by Texas A&M University’s Department of Chemistry. You’ll participate in technical workshops covering UV/VIS spectroscopy, FTIR and microplastic analysis, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and NMR. Training also includes quantitative solution preparation and literature search strategies for scientific research. The program invites up to 20 motivated high school students for an immersive laboratory experience. You’ll gain familiarity with modern instruments and experimental procedures central to chemistry and molecular science.
7. Welch Summer Scholar Program (WSSP)
Location: Various Texas universities
Cost: Free
Dates: June 8 – July 11
Application Deadline: December – March 16
Eligibility: Current Texas high school sophomores or juniors at the time of application
The Welch Summer Scholar Program (WSSP) is a highly competitive program during which you’ll spend five weeks immersed in scientific research at a participating Texas university. Working closely with faculty and graduate mentors, you’ll perform experiments, analyze results, and gain exposure to chemical research practices. The program includes lectures, workshops, and tours of research facilities to enhance your academic experience. You’ll also complete deliverables such as a research paper, presentation, or poster summarizing your work. Sponsored by the Robert A. Welch Foundation, WSSP helps you understand the research process and experience life on a college campus.
8. UT Southwestern Chemistry Camp
Location: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: July 10 – 18
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students who will be taking sophomore-level Chemistry next year
UT Southwestern’s Chemistry Camp introduces ninth-grade students to key chemistry concepts through lab-based learning and interactive sessions. You’ll explore topics like chemical reactions, mole concepts, stoichiometry, ions, and thermodynamics. The program combines lectures with hands-on experiments to strengthen your understanding of matter and the periodic table. Afternoon activities include team-building challenges, a DNA lab, and a biochemistry lab tour. The camp offers a balanced mix of academic study and collaborative experiences to help you build a foundation in chemistry.
9. TWU ChemCamp
Location: Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX
Cost: $125; Limited need-based scholarships available
Dates: June 9 – 13
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Students completing 8th-12th grade and are 14 years old by the date of the camp
At TWU ChemCamp, you’ll explore core chemistry concepts through interactive labs and guided experiments. The program introduces you to topics like green chemistry, solar cells, chemical recycling, and microplastics. You’ll also use simulations and 3D modeling to visualize chemical processes under the supervision of TWU chemists. Aside from this, you’ll attend sessions featuring talks from research scientists who share real-world applications of chemistry in various fields. The camp welcomes students of all experience levels and focuses on building curiosity through hands-on learning.
10. Engineering Overview Camps
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio, TX
Cost: $550 – $750
Dates: June 9 – 13; June 30 – July 4
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The Engineering Overview Camp, offered twice each summer, gives high school students the chance to explore six major engineering disciplines, including Biomedical, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering. Through interactive labs and practical activities led by UTSA faculty, you’ll learn about each field’s focus areas and related career opportunities. The camp also familiarizes you with UTSA’s academic programs and admissions process. Created as a welcoming and low-pressure experience, it helps you discover which branch of engineering best matches your interests and long-term aspirations.
11. George Mason’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 application fee; Waivers are available
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 years or older by program start (remote)
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers high school students the chance to conduct advanced research under the guidance of faculty mentors. You can choose to work with mentors specializing in chemistry or biochemistry projects. During the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience using modern laboratory equipment and develop core research skills. You’ll also strengthen abilities in scientific writing, communication, and problem-solving while networking with STEM professionals. You might also get to share your findings at conferences or publish in journals.
12. Arizona State University’s Universal Learner Courses: Introductory Chemistry
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 application fee and a $400 fee that you pay only if you pass the course
Dates: Self-paced; 16 weeks
Application Deadline: None; Open enrollment
Eligibility: High school students; MAT 117 College Algebra or MAT 142 College Mathematics is recommended as a prerequisite
ASU’s Universal Learner Courses let high school students earn four college credits while exploring academic interests. The 16-week Introductory Chemistry course builds a strong foundation in general chemistry for students considering nursing, kinesiology, or scientific research. You’ll study atomic structure, molecular bonding, and real-world applications such as blood pH balance and energy systems. The curriculum includes video lectures, guided notes, practice problems, quizzes, and virtual labs with instant feedback. Through this course, you’ll develop skills in analyzing molecular behavior, evaluating chemical properties, and applying core concepts to health and environmental contexts.
13. Brown University’s Acid/Base Chemistry: From Food to Everyday Phenomena Course
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,218; Scholarships available
Dates: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: High school students completing grades 9-12 who are 14-18 years old
Brown University’s Acid/Base Chemistry course introduces you to one of the fundamental areas of chemistry. You’ll start by reviewing essential concepts and exploring how acid-base theories have evolved. Real-world examples, such as environmental systems and food science, demonstrate how these principles apply beyond the classroom. Coursework involves calculating pH, examining dissociation constants, and interpreting graphical data. You’ll also gain familiarity with laboratory tools like pH meters and volumetric pipets. Combining conceptual understanding with hands-on practice, the course equips you to analyze acid-base reactions in scientific and practical contexts.
14. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes: Topics in Biochemistry Course
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080; Financial aid available
Dates: July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11
Stanford’s Topics in Biochemistry course offers high school students a two-week introduction to biochemical science. You’ll study macromolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, and examine how their dysfunction can lead to major health conditions. The course includes live lectures, asynchronous assignments, small group discussions, and collaborative presentations. For your final project, you’ll explore interdisciplinary topics like mRNA vaccines, CRISPR-Cas9, the keto diet, or antibiotic resistance. Designed for students interested in health sciences or medicine, the course builds foundational knowledge useful for future biochemistry studies.
15. Johns Hopkins University’s Pre-College Program: Applications of Chemistry in Medicine Course
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,950 tuition + $85 application fee; Financial aid is available
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – 18; Session 2: July 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 9th grade before the start of the program and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4; A background in Chemistry and Biology is strongly recommended
Johns Hopkins University’s Pre-College Online Summer Programs give high school students the opportunity to experience college-level learning while earning academic credit. In the Applications of Chemistry in Medicine course, you’ll explore how chemistry drives advancements in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and materials science, with emphasis on drug development and medical innovations. The program is offered online in a flexible, mostly asynchronous format, allowing you to study at your own pace while meeting scheduled deadlines. Optional live sessions—such as office hours and discussions—help you engage with instructors and peers. Upon completion, you’ll earn one academic credit from Johns Hopkins University.
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