15 Math Research Programs for High School Students in Texas
As a high school student, math research programs can be a practical option for you to explore the subject beyond standard coursework. These programs often introduce you to skills such as mathematical modeling, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving, all of which are relevant to both academic research and industry settings. Beyond technical growth, these opportunities provide networking opportunities.
Why should you attend a program in Texas?
Texas hosts a wide range of math research programs run by universities and national organizations, such as UT Austin and Texas A&M. These programs offer you access to campus facilities and mentorship from experienced faculty, helping you research areas such as algebraic number theory and applied mathematics. Whether you are a local or out-of-state student, you can find research opportunities in the state that help you build skills and explore your interests.
To help you get started, we have found 15 math research programs for high school students in Texas.
If you are looking for internships in Texas, check out our blog here.
1. The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost except for the $25 application fee | $750 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective (under 3%); 12 students
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 17 years old, who are graduating in the application year or the next year | Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week summer research program for highly qualified high school juniors and seniors who want early exposure to academic research. The program focuses on hands-on, faculty-mentored research, where you will work closely with Texas Tech professors on an individual project in a research-intensive environment. You can select from multiple research areas, including computer science, physics, and other STEM fields that may involve mathematical analysis and problem-solving. Alongside your research work, you will attend weekly seminars and academic discussions that introduce you to research practices and career pathways. The program is fully funded, covering on-campus housing and meals.
2. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1:1 student-mentor ratio
Dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Students should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Rice University’s Young Summer Math Days
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically around 20–30 students per session
Dates: June 23 – 27 (tentative; subject to change)
Application Deadline: April 1 (tentative; subject to change)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors
Rice University’s Young Summer Math Days is a short, in-person program for high school students entering grades 10–11 that introduces them to how mathematics is explored at a research university. The program includes interactive lectures and hands-on workshops led by faculty and graduate students in applied and computational mathematics. You may study a range of topics such as calculus, mathematical modeling, mathematical analysis, parallel computing, and real-world applications of mathematics in fields like biology, engineering, and art. Each day combines conceptual instruction with problem-solving activities that emphasize how mathematicians approach complex questions. By the end of the program, you will gain a clearer understanding of the role of math in interdisciplinary research.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Math Tracks
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as math, physics, data science, computer science, engineering, and more.
5. UH RESET in STEM
Location: University of Houston (Main Campus), Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 10 high school students per summer
Dates: June 10 – July 25
Application Deadline: Typically late March to early April
Eligibility: Public high school students in the Third Ward region and the surrounding neighborhoods of the University of Houston
In the UH RESET in STEM program, you will dive into the world of mathematics and science through an immersive six-week summer research experience at the University of Houston. This initiative specifically bridges the gap for students from underrepresented communities, allowing you to explore complex topics like applied mathematics, computational modeling, and data analysis in professional university labs. Throughout the program, you will engage in high-impact activities such as conducting original lab research, drafting scholarly project proposals, and presenting your findings to a community of peers and experts. By participating, you develop essential technical skills in mathematical literacy and scientific inquiry.
6. Texas Academy of Mathematics & Science - Summer Research Fellowship
Location: University of North Texas (UNT), Denton, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost for fellowship students; the rest can apply on a self-funded basis, for which costs are not explicitly stated / $4,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 60 scholarships awarded annually
Dates: Late May – Early August (10-week duration)
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: Admitted TAMS student (either an incoming "Junior" or a "Senior" between their two years at the Academy); not open to the general public or other high school students | minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA
In the TAMS Summer Research Fellowship, you will dive into a 10-week intensive program at the University of North Texas, working 35 to 40 hours weekly on high-level projects. While the fellowship spans various STEM fields, math-focused tracks often explore areas like number theory, combinatorics, algebra, and computational modeling. You’ll engage in hands-on activities like solving complex daily problem sets, conducting independent data analysis, and collaborating directly with faculty mentors or graduate students. A unique feature of this program is its professional integration; you are treated as a university researcher and can even earn college credit for your work. Beyond math, you will develop critical skills in technical writing, formal presentation, and peer collaboration.
7. Program for Research in Mathematics (PReMa) at Texas A&M University
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (may also include virtual and hybrid sessions)
Cost: $300 per semester (fee reductions and waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically 10–15 students per year
Dates: Academic Year Program. It runs for the entire school year, typically starting in September (Fall semester) and concluding in May (Spring semester)
Application Deadline: Typically September/early October
Eligibility: Talented high school students interested in advanced mathematics research from Texas and neighboring states
In this program, you will work on individual group research projects under the guidance of academic mentors from the Texas A&M mathematics department, focusing on how mathematical ideas are developed, tested, and refined. The program is structured in stages, starting with learning core mathematical concepts and selecting a mentor, followed by a research and discussion phase for students who continue onto a project. PReMa also runs seminar-style math modeling sessions in the summer, which emphasize collaborative problem-solving, group discussion, and student presentations. Overall, the program is designed to give you practical experience with the STEM research process while working alongside peers who share a strong interest in mathematics.
8. Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) at Texas State University
Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Cost: $6,600; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; roughly 60 students
Dates: June 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until the camp is full
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12
HSMC at Texas State University is a six-week, full-time residential program for high school students focused on mathematical concepts and research. You will participate in an immersive, in-person learning environment designed to develop problem-solving, analytical thinking, and research skills. The program is structured as a multi-summer experience, with returning students in their second and third years working in research teams on original math research projects under the guidance of research mentors. These projects are defined in advance by mentors, and you rank your preferred research topics before being assigned to a team. Alongside research work, you become part of a close-knit academic community that emphasizes collaboration and sustained engagement with mathematics.
9. Tapia STEM Camps – Techniques of a Pro Mathematician
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: $2,500; scholarships and discounts are available ($2,200 if paid before February 1)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; around 4 students per team
Dates: Session 1: July 5 – 10; Session 2: July 12 – 17; Session 3: July 19 – 24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students who have completed a geometry course and are familiar with the definitions of sine, cosine, and tangent (SOHCAHTOA), including the ability to sketch plots of sin(x) and cos(x) by hand
Techniques of a Pro Mathematician is a week-long residential summer camp at Rice University for high school students who excel in mathematics and are seeking a more rigorous academic experience. You will focus on core techniques used by professional mathematicians, emphasizing mathematical thinking, problem-solving strategies, and clear mathematical communication. The program includes structured practice, guided problem-solving, and opportunities to incorporate feedback as you refine your approach to tackling challenging math problems. You will also prepare and deliver a technical mathematics presentation, which introduces you to how mathematicians explain and defend their ideas, an important skill in research settings.
10. Rice University School Mathematics Project (RUSMP)
Location: Rice University Campus, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: $500 – $1,500 (depending on the specific course/duration)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; typically 12–15 students per section
Dates: Session 1: June 15–26; Session 2: July 6–23
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
The Rice University School Mathematics Project (RUSMP) provides you with a unique bridge into the collegiate math community, moving beyond standard classroom drills to emphasize a problem-solving approach to research-grade concepts. You will explore advanced topics such as the geometry of fractals, number theory, and the real-world applications of non-Euclidean geometry. Throughout the program, you will engage in activities like collaborative group projects, solving complex puzzles and riddles, participating in healthy math competitions, and using AI tools to reinforce your investigative learning. A standout feature of RUSMP is its dual-mentorship model, where you work directly with both Rice University math faculty and award-winning master teachers in a relaxed campus setting.
11. The University of Texas Research & Statistics Camp
Location: The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: $2,700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically aims for a small group
Dates: June 15 – July 23
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen and sophomores | Must have a minimum score of 85 in Math, Science & English (a minimum of 80 is allowed for advanced courses) | Must have a minimum of 70 in all other courses
The University of Texas Research & Statistics Camp is a five-week summer program designed for students interested in early exposure to university-level research. The program helps you build foundational skills in probability, statistics, research methods, and technical writing while working on an independent inquiry project. You will apply these concepts directly to your own research with guidance from instructors, UT student interns, and university staff. The camp also includes lab-based experiences and tours of UT research facilities, giving you insight into how data and statistics are used in academic research. In addition to research work, you will take part in career talks and college exploration activities that shed light on future academic and professional opportunities.
12. UT Austin CNS High School Research Academy
Location: UT Austin Main Campus
Cost: $4,000; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 40–60 students
Dates: June 8 – July 15
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors living in Texas who are 15 years or older by June 1
At the UT Austin CNS High School Research Academy, you will dive into the world of professional mathematics by joining active research streams like Discrete Mathematics or the Geometry of Space. Throughout this five-week program, you cover diverse topics ranging from symmetry groups, number theory, and linear algebra to the computational geometry of the universe. Your daily activities include formulating original research questions, programming in Python to analyze astronomical data, proving complex mathematical statements, and designing a professional research poster. What makes this academy unique is its integration into the Freshman Research Initiative, allowing you to earn college credit while working alongside UT faculty and undergraduate mentors in genuine university labs.
13. MIT PRIMES-USA
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 12 – 15 students
Dates: Year-long program from January 1 – December 31
Application Deadline: November 18
Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores and juniors residing outside the Greater Boston area
MIT PRIMES-USA is a free, year-long online research program for high school sophomores and juniors in the U.S. who are interested in advanced mathematics. As the program begins, you will complete an advanced reading phase, where you study mentor-recommended material and submit a written report to demonstrate research readiness. You then move into an active research phase, working on an original research project in areas such as algebraic combinatorics, algebraic number theory, computational knot theory, ergodic theory, geometry, or other math-related topics. Over the summer and fall, you will continue refining your work through independent study and structured research reports. The program concludes with a finalized paper that may be submitted to competitions or research journals for publication.
14. MathQuantum High School Fellowships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 10 students
Dates: July 14 – 25 (tentative; subject to change)
Application Deadline: Late February
Eligibility: All high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
MathQuantum High School Fellowships is an online research-focused program from the University of Maryland that introduces you to the mathematical foundations of quantum information science (QIS). The program runs for around two weeks and supports students with varying levels of prior exposure to QIS concepts. You will participate in lectures, seminars, and hands-on activities that connect theoretical and applied mathematics to QIS. Alongside this coursework, you will complete a mentor-guided mini-project that emphasizes mathematical reasoning and basic research skills. Selected participants may also receive the opportunity to attend the Quantum Computing Summer Camp for High School and University students at no cost.
15. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) Online Academic Enrichment
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,750 (additional course materials may cost up to $100); Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <10%; 64 participants
Dates: Program I – Abstract Algebra & Number Theory: June 15 – July 3 (Session One); July 6 – 24 (Session Two) | Program II – Algebraic Topology: June 15 – July 3
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11 at the time of application | Must have experience writing and reading mathematical proofs, and be well-versed in high school geometry and algebra
This program offers two tracks, each focused on a distinct area of higher mathematics, and is built around live lectures, guided exploration of mathematical ideas, and structured problem-solving sessions. Over the course of the program, you will work through advanced topics such as abstract algebra, number theory, or algebraic topology, while developing proof-writing and mathematical reasoning skills. A core requirement is a final research project, which you will work on throughout the program and present at the end, allowing you to practice communicating complex mathematical concepts. You will also collaborate regularly with peers and instructional assistants in real-time online sessions, with active participation expected throughout.
Image source - RICE University