10 Engineering Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Texas
If you’re in high school and are interested in exploring STEM careers, consider participating in summer research programs hosted for high school students. These experiences offer more than just classroom learning; they give you a taste of real engineering work, often through projects, team collaboration, and university mentorship. If you’re in Texas, or are considering an undergraduate program in a Texas university, you’re in luck!
Many top Texas research programs for high school students are affordable or even fully funded, making them accessible to a wide range of students.
Engineering is a booming field across the state, and early exposure can make all the difference in shaping your goals. From aerospace design to biomedical research, the range of opportunities is impressive. We’ve compiled a list of 10 engineering summer research programs for high school students in Texas to help you explore what fits your interests.
1. UT Dallas Research Program for HS Students
Location: Virtual/ In-person
Cost: $600 – $1,000
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Eligibility: Students finishing 10th and 11th grade; 16 years and older for in-person programs
The UT Dallas Research Program offers high school students a chance to spend their summer exploring coding and technology through immersive research experiences. You can choose between an intensive lab internship or a flexible research workshop, depending on your interests and schedule. Workshops meet at least twice weekly, are offered both in-person and virtually, and end with a project or paper. All participants receive a certificate and an experience letter. Top submissions will receive awards and special certificates.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 – $6,900; Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Dates vary based on cohort
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students
Veritas AI offers AI-focused learning opportunities for high school students through programs led by Harvard graduate students. The AI Scholars Program is a 10-session boot camp designed to introduce you to core concepts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. You’ll also work on real-world projects to apply what you learn.
For more advanced learners, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase allows you to work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities. Each fellow completes an individual project with the potential for publication, supported by Veritas AI’s in-house editorial team. However, to participate, you should have experience with Python or other coding concepts or have participated in the AI Scholars program. Both tracks provide structured exposure to the growing world of AI research. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Anson L. Clark Scholar Program
Location: Texas Tech University
Stipend/Cost: $750 stipend; $25 application fee
Application Deadline: February 24
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; At least 17 years of age by the program start date
The Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University offers prestigious seven-week research programs for high school students. As a scholar, you will work closely with faculty in areas such as cancer bioimaging, mechanical engineering, and beyond. The program supports academic development through seminars, interactive discussions, and career exploration.
You’ll also receive complimentary housing, meals, and weekend programming on campus. Open to gifted students across disciplines, including humanities and the arts, it fosters critical thinking and long-term goal setting. Admission is based on academic performance, teacher recommendations, and clear career objectives.
4. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Summer Intern Program
Location: The University of Texas at Austin
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 22
Dates: May 19 – July 22
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors; 16+ by July 5
NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Summer Intern Program gives students hands-on experience with space and Earth research. You’ll collaborate with engineers and scientists to explore topics like environmental monitoring, planetary geology, or deep space engineering. You’ll also work with real satellite datasets, engineer prototypes, and develop coding skills for hardware and simulations.
Projects cover themes such as Mars exploration, climate science, and the physics of high-altitude flight. The program challenges you to solve authentic NASA research questions using creativity and STEM knowledge.
5. Texas A&M University Young Scholars
Location: Hybrid
Cost: $2,000
Application Deadline: April 4
Dates: June 9 – July 27
Eligibility: Sophomore or junior in Los Fresnos CISD or Sharyland ISD, South Texas ISD; Ages 16 or older
The PATHS-UP Young Scholars Program at Texas A&M University invites high school students to a three-week summer experience in biomedical engineering. Held at the College Station campus, the residential program includes lodging, meals, and travel expenses. You’ll work on research that tackles chronic health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease in underserved communities.
The curriculum emphasizes scientific writing, communication, and exposure to engineering careers in healthcare innovation. You’ll connect with peers and mentors, building a network while gaining firsthand research experience. This program is ideal for students interested in science, engineering, and health equity.
6. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,990 onwards
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 out of 4
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is designed specifically for high school students seeking real research experience. You’ll engage in 1-on-1 mentorship with Ph.D. mentors across a wide range of subjects. If you're interested in engineering, the program’s engineering track lets you dive into disciplines like mechanical engineering.
Over 12 weeks, you’ll conduct independent research, culminating in your own research paper. It’s a fantastic way to explore academic interests while developing your analytical and writing skills. For application deadlines, eligibility details, and subject options, you can learn more by visiting the official program page here.
7. HSRA Summer Program
Location: The University of Texas, Austin
Cost: $4,000
Application Deadline: March 23
Dates: June 9 – July 16
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors living in Texas; 15 years or older by June 1
The High School Research Academy (HSRA) at UT Austin offers five-week, non-residential summer research programs for high school students looking to gain hands-on research experience. As a participant, you will work in active College of Natural Sciences labs in fields like engineering, neuroscience, ecology, and data analytics.
You'll learn advanced research techniques, collaborate with undergraduates and faculty, and attend seminars led by UT researchers. Each student earns UT course credit and presents their work at the final Research Symposium. The program offers a deep dive into scientific discovery and lab-based learning. It’s an ideal opportunity for students interested in exploring real STEM research.
8. ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 1 – February 15
Program Dates: June 24 – August 21
Eligibility: High school junior or senior during program participation (applicants can be rising juniors or seniors); 15 years or older by June 1; minimum GPA of 2.8
Johns Hopkins APL’s ASPIRE program offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to dive into STEM careers through mentored research. With an acceptance rate of around 10%, this is one of the top research programs for high school students. During the program, you’ll be paired with experienced mentors to work on engineering-centered projects and gain real-world skills in robotics and mechanical design.
Projects tackle engineering tasks like drone development, autonomous systems, laser cutting, and 3D printing. The program sharpens your problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills in a workplace-like environment. While the experience is unpaid, you’ll gain hands-on exposure to advanced engineering tools and methods.
9. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
Location: Virtual/ In-person
Stipend: Paid and unpaid internships available
Application Deadline:
Spring: September 12
Summer: February 27
Fall: May 22
Program Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; Full-time students aged 16 at the time of application; 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) gives high school students the chance to intern in fields such as science, engineering, technology, and aerospace. These internships are offered year-round and can be completed on-site at NASA centers or from home.
You’ll collaborate with NASA professionals on real projects, gaining hands-on experience while building valuable technical skills. Alongside your work, you can also participate in research involving engineering topics like mechanical systems and innovation. These opportunities help you deepen your knowledge through guided learning and teamwork.
10. ELITE Tech Camp
Location: Rice University
Cost: $1,695 – $3,795
Application Deadline: Depends on the program you apply for
Dates: Various sessions from June to July
Eligibility: High school students
Rice ELITE Tech Camp offers premier summer research programs for high school students interested in engineering and technology. Led by Rice University’s School of Engineering and the Center for Engineering Leadership, the camp blends hands-on STEM learning with leadership and college prep. You’ll explore topics like AI, machine learning, robotics, bioengineering, and 3D printing through team-based projects and real-world problem-solving.
Sessions are one week long and feature small-group instruction, allowing you to apply technical, research, and analytical skills. You’ll also gain insight into engineering majors and careers by learning from faculty and professionals.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
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