15 Data Science Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Texas
Summer research programs are an excellent option for high school students to gain experience, build practical skills, and form valuable academic and professional connections . Many top universities and institutions in Texas offer accessible summer opportunities that focus on research and technical training. These programs are especially beneficial for students looking to explore data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, where early exposure can shape future academic and career interests.
For Texas high school students interested in these areas, we’ve curated a list of 14 summer research programs that emphasize data-driven research and applied computational skills. Each program on the list takes place during the summer, offers a strong component in data science or related fields, and provides mentorship or research experience. These opportunities make it possible for you to explore advanced topics.
1. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) High School Summer Intern Program — NASA & UT Austin
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX (in-person for final two weeks)
Cost/Stipend: Free (housing, meals, and local transport provided during the on-site portion). Information regarding stipends is not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Application deadline: February 22
Dates: Virtual modules: May – July; On-site: July 6 – 19
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are U.S. citizens
SEES, run by NASA and UT Austin, is a nationally competitive STEM internship in which interns work with NASA subject-matter experts on projects involving data analysis, satellite imagery, and Earth science research. During the in-person phase, you can join teams on the UT campus to analyze large datasets, complete fieldwork, and engage in workshops covering remote sensing, satellite tech, and climate science.
The curriculum emphasizes the use of programming (such as Python) to interpret real satellite data and present research during a professional virtual symposium. Admission is highly selective, and the experience is a top preparation for a STEM, earth science, or data analytics career.
2. Veritas AI Scholars & Fellowship
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $2,490 (Scholars, 10 weeks); $5,900 (Fellowship, 15 weeks); need-based financial aid available. No stipend.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Application deadline: Rolling; multiple cohort start dates per year; fall application deadline is August 31
Dates: Year-round (cohorts launch in winter, spring, summer, fall)
Eligibility: High school students; some exceptions for motivated 8th graders with coding experience
Veritas AI offers two structured programs for high school students interested in exploring artificial intelligence. In the AI Scholars program, you’ll spend about 10 weeks learning foundational topics such as Python, machine learning, and data analysis through small group sessions. The curriculum covers neural networks, image recognition, natural language processing, and the social impacts of AI, with opportunities to apply what you learn through group projects.
If you already have some background in AI or programming, the AI Fellowship lets you focus on a more in-depth research project. You’ll work independently with support from a mentor, and you may have the option to share your work in a written or visual format. Both programs focus on practical skills and provide a setting where you can work alongside others who share an interest in AI.
3. Texas A&M Statistics and Data Science Summer Camp
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (in-person day camp)
Cost/Stipend: Free. No stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application deadline: May 12
Dates: June 2 – 6
Eligibility: High school students (priority given to Bryan/College Station area)
The camp explores foundational concepts in statistics and data science with an emphasis on interactive and project-based learning. You use statistical software and programming tools like R to analyze datasets, understand inferential statistics, and create data visualizations. Faculty will lead daily sessions that combine lectures, hands-on applications, and group projects to reinforce conceptual understanding.
You develop critical thinking skills necessary for interpreting data responsibly and effectively communicating your findings. The camp builds a solid foundation for students considering future study or careers in analytics, data science, or related STEM fields.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $3,190. Full financial aid available! You can check out the Lumiere Foundation, a non-profit research program, which offers assistance to low-income students. No stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The acceptance rate for this program is not publicly available
Application deadline: Four cohorts throughout the year, applications due in February, May, September, and December. The Fall Cohort application deadline is on August 24. You can apply here
Dates: There are four cohorts throughout the year: spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: All high school students
Lumiere’s research program pairs high school students with PhD mentors to work on an independent project. You can choose a topic from areas like data science, psychology, computer science, economics, international relations, or physics, or propose your own if it’s not on the list. With guidance from your mentor, you’ll plan and carry out a research project during the program. The structure gives you a clear introduction to academic research and helps you develop skills in analysis, writing, and critical thinking. You can apply to the program here.
5. UT Dallas High School Research Academy (HSRA) — Data Analysis Track
Location: University of Texas at Austin campus, Austin, TX (in-person; non-residential)
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 + additional $400 non-refundable deposit upon acceptance; need-based scholarships available (includes stipend + free tuition for qualifiers)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Application deadline: March 23 (tentative, based on previous years); applications may be accepted after, but may not be reviewed
Dates: June 9 – July 16
Eligibility: Texas residents preferred; rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are at least 15 by June 1; available and committed for all five weeks
The HSRA Data Analysis Track provides high school students with a hands-on, five-week research experience in active College of Natural Sciences laboratories at UT Austin. You will dive into real-world data analytics by working alongside UT students and faculty, learning techniques in data science, computation, and statistical modeling as used in biology, neuroscience, environmental science, and more.
The program combines lab work (15–25 hours per week) with workshops, weekly guest seminars, and collaborative research group discussions. You will present a research poster at the closing HSRA Research Symposium and earn college credit (NSC309) for your efforts. Tuition assistance is available for those with need, and the program prioritizes developing future scientists through immersive, interdisciplinary data analysis projects.
6. NextGen DATA Leadership Camp — University of North Texas
Location: UNT Frisco Landing, Frisco, TX (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: $350 for the 5-day camp (meals not included). No stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not selective
Application deadline: Unspecified
Dates: July 22 – July 26
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders through high school seniors
This intensive five-day Data Leadership Camp focuses on data science, analytics, and technological advancement, with emphasis on Python programming, coding, and analytics skills. You will participate in interactive activities centered around the principles of leadership and teamwork in data science, including sessions on artificial intelligence, data analytics, text analysis, and human-technology interaction.
The program is led by UNT faculty and Ph.D. students, providing exposure to cutting-edge research and academic mentorship. You will work on both individual and team-based projects that increase in complexity throughout the week, making it suitable for both beginners and students with coding experience. Laptops are required, and each day is structured with lunch and break times in an engaging, collaborative environment.
7. National High School Research Program (NHSRP)’s Data Science Track — The Coding School
Location: Virtual (live online instruction; some events may be regional or hybrid)
Cost/Stipend: $3,995 tuition (need-based and regional full scholarships available; payment plans offered). No stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The acceptance rate for this program is not publicly available
Application deadline: Applications close May 31 (rolling scholarship decisions until filled) (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: Each research track spans five weeks; Data Science: July 7 – August 8; Quantum Computing & Artificial Intelligence: June 23 – July 25; live sessions Monday–Friday, 12 p.m.–4 p.m. ET (9 a.m.–1 p.m. PT) (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Incoming 10th–12th graders and recent high school graduates (incoming 9th graders eligible for Data Science track); no prior experience required for Data Science
The NHSRP is an intensive, selective, five-week virtual research program in Data Science, Quantum Computing, or Artificial Intelligence, designed to prepare high school students to conduct independent research and real-world projects under the guidance of academic and industry mentors. The first two weeks provide technical training, after which you apply your knowledge to hands-on research and project construction during weeks 3–5.
You’ll collaborate with students nationwide, benefit from group mentorship, and present your final projects to peers and experts from major institutions. No prior technical experience is needed (except basic coding for some tracks), and all skill-building, coding, and research methods are taught by TCS staff and academic mentors. More than 100 full scholarships are available, and institutions like Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the U.S. Department of Defense STEM Consortium support the program.
8. UNT Tech Explorer Camp
Location: UNT Frisco Landing, Frisco, TX (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: $350. No stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not selective
Application deadline: July 5 (payment)
Dates: July 8 – 12
Eligibility: Middle or high school students (including incoming first-year students)
Tech Explorer Camp exposes students to the broad scope of information science, including data science, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. You engage in interactive labs that explore the role of data in decision-making, digital media, and technology ethics. Hands-on activities are guided by UNT faculty and graduate researchers, with an emphasis on collaboration and creative problem-solving. You can progressively build skills in data analytics, coding, and technology design throughout the week. The camp is designed to inspire curiosity and provide foundational skills critical for careers in data-driven fields.
9. UT Austin Computer Science Summer Academies
Location: UT Austin, Austin, TX (on-campus)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The acceptance rate for this program is not publicly available
Application deadline: Typically early spring
Dates: Summer; multi-week academies (varied dates)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12
These summer academies feature a variety of intense computer science and data science learning experiences, combining lectures, labs, and real-world projects. You learn programming, algorithms, data analysis, and computational thinking under the guidance of UT faculty and teaching assistants. Group projects emphasize solving practical challenges with data and code, culminating in presentations and demonstrations.
Mentorship and collaboration create a collegiate environment that prepares you for university-level STEM study. The academies promote problem-solving skills and encourage students to pursue careers in computing, data science, and technology.
10. UTDallas Digital Health Pioneers Data Science Camp
Location: UNT Frisco Landing, Frisco, TX (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: $350. No stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not selective
Application deadline: June 9
Dates: June 2 – 6
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders to high school seniors
Focused on health technology, this camp explores applied data science in telemedicine, wearable devices, and digital health innovation. You work on data analytics projects involving medical datasets, predictive modeling, and health informatics tools. Sessions emphasize interdisciplinary learning by combining computing, biology, and healthcare topics. Faculty and graduate student mentors lead workshops and team exercises culminating in presentations. This camp is well-suited if you are interested in healthcare analytics and the future of medical technology.
11. STEM Summer Institute — Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Location: Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX (in-person, on-campus)
Cost/Stipend: Ranges from $0 (Geospatial Camp) to $100 (STEM Camp); STEM-Tronics Camp is $40. No stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not selective
Application deadline: Registration opened March 3; each camp closes when full (registration for 2025 camps is closed)
Dates: Multiple sessions in June: STEM-Tronics Camp (June 2 – 6), STEM Camp, and Geospatial Engineering and Land Surveying Camp (June 23 – 27)
Eligibility: Primarily for middle school students ages 10–14 and rising 6th–8th graders; high school level (for 3D Printing Camp) info limited, contact the coordinator for updates
The STEM Summer Institute at TAMU-CC offers a range of week-long, in-person camps that introduce students to engineering, computer science, technology, and hands-on data-driven research. Highlights include the STEM-Tronics Camp, where you build projects involving mechatronics and robotics, and the STEM Camp, focused on the integration of science, tech, engineering, and math across various disciplines.
The Geospatial Engineering and Land Surveying Camp lets you use advanced equipment like drones, GPS, and LiDAR to map real-world spaces, create digital story maps using ArcGIS, and learn from professionals in the field. Campers engage in interactive competitions, geocaching activities, and presentations by guest speakers. There are also sessions on 3D printing, and if you are seeking high school-level programs, you may contact the outreach coordinators directly for the latest information on advanced data science and tech-focused opportunities.
12. UT Dallas Data Science & AI Summer Research Programs for High School Students
Location: UT Dallas campus, Dallas, TX (in-person and virtual options)
Cost/Stipend: Intensive research internship: $1,000; Summer workshops: $700 (in-person), $600 (virtual); Deep-dive AI workshop: $1,600 (discounts and scholarships available for low-income families). No stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Application deadline: Application window typically closes in spring; late requests may be considered by email
Dates: June 9 – August 1 (tentative, based on previous years) (8-week summer program; workshops may meet 2+ times per week or daily)
Eligibility: High school students, ideally finishing 10th or 11th grade (in-person: age 16+ by program start; workshops for age 15+; younger students limited to virtual attendance)
UT Dallas K12 offers rigorous summer opportunities, including Intensive Research Internships in Computer Science/Data Science labs, in-person and virtual research workshops, and a Deep-dive AI Workshop focused on data science and machine learning. Research lab internships are highly selective, requiring a strong academic background and independent motivation, with projects ranging from simulations and app development to research paper writing and data analysis.
Workshops are hands-on and project-oriented, introducing students to Python, machine learning, data processing, data analysis tools such as NumPy and pandas, and Deep Neural Nets with TensorFlow, culminating in a final project or research paper. The eight-week Deep-dive AI Workshop provides daily, in-depth training in advanced coding, neural networks, data visualization, and real-world project applications, taught by doctoral and graduate instructors. All participants receive a certificate and may be eligible for awards, recommendation letters, and further academic distinction based on their performance and project work.
13. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: NASA research centers in Texas (e.g., Johnson Space Center, Houston; in-person placements)
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Paid stipend (amount varies by assignment)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application deadline: Rolling; varies by project and session; apply here
Dates: Summer, fall, and spring placements; typically 8–10 weeks
Eligibility: High school students age 16+ with U.S. citizenship; view details here
The NASA OSTEM paid internship program enables high school students to contribute to NASA missions in data science, analytics, programming, engineering, and research. You’ll work directly with NASA scientists and engineers, analyze satellite data, support research on Earth and space science, and collaborate on innovative STEM projects.
As an intern, you will develop technical, programming, and communication skills through training and mentorship. The program strongly supports students interested in space science, research analytics, and federal STEM careers. Acceptance is competitive, based on academic achievements, essays, and references.
14. NSA High School Work Study and STEM Internships
Location: On-site placements for Texas students at NSA field offices and virtual/hybrid (occasionally)
Cost/Stipend: Free. Paid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The acceptance rate for this program is not publicly available
Application deadline: Annually in autumn for the following summer
Dates: Summer internships (8–12 weeks)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, high school juniors and seniors
This program offers high-achieving high schoolers real-world experience in data science and STEM disciplines , including math, computer science, programming, and analytics, at the National Security Agency. Interns are paid and assigned to technical projects using actual intelligence and analytics tools, developing skills in coding, cryptography, or cybersecurity, as well as data analysis. It includes mentorship and career panels, and you are often eligible for scholarships or future STEM opportunities. Some roles may be available via virtual connections if on-site eligibility is not feasible for a Texas-based student.
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