13 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
If you are a high school student interested in medicine, a structured program during your summer break can help you gain early experience in the field. These programs offer you the opportunity to explore various career paths in healthcare, biology, and research, while developing practical skills like communication and problem-solving. You can gain insights into the daily realities of medical careers and connect with faculty, professionals, and peers, creating networks that can prove valuable in the future.
Across Texas, universities, clinics, and organizations offer a diverse range of medical programs during the summer that reflect the state’s strong educational landscape. For students interested in medicine, health sciences, or research, these local programs provide direct exposure to relevant fields. These local programs are ideal for in-state students who wish to save on long-distance travel costs and out-of-state students looking to experience Texas’s healthcare opportunities. By participating, you can learn about the skills and commitments required in healthcare and future possibilities in the field.
In this guide, we’ve selected 13 medical summer programs for high school students in Texas that stand out.
1. University of Texas’s MD Anderson Cancer Center: High School Summer Program
Location: University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: $6,800 (10 weeks); $6,120 (9 weeks)
Application Deadline: November 18 – January 20
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Eligibility: Current Texas high school seniors (18+); U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or work-eligible visa holders; See more info here
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers a 10-week summer program that introduces Texas high school students to biomedical research and Allied Health careers. During the program, you will work full-time in a research laboratory under the mentorship of MD Anderson faculty, gaining hands-on experience and insight into the scientific process. Weekly seminars cover a variety of research topics, and you will have the chance to take part in activities such as poster competitions. By the end of the program, you will better understand potential career paths in Allied Health. The experience concludes with a formal research presentation.
2. Veritas AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Rolling basis
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students
Veritas AI is an artificial intelligence program designed for motivated high school students and led by Harvard graduate students. Its AI + Medicine Deep Dive introduces you to how AI is applied in healthcare and medical fields. As part of the program, you will work on real-world projects using AI and machine learning models to diagnose diseases, enhance medical scans, and interpret results to support doctors and patients. The program provides both technical learning and practical application through project-based work. You can review the program brochure and application form for more details.
3. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 stipend
Application Deadline: January 2 – February 16
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (17+)
During the seven-week Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University, you will engage in faculty-mentored research across a wide range of academic fields. You will join a cohort of 12 students from around the world and contribute to projects spanning biomedical science, technology, humanities, and the arts. Weekly seminars and field trips are included to expand both your research knowledge and academic outlook. With guidance from experienced faculty, you will gain the skills and support needed to make a meaningful contribution to an active research project. See here to explore the research areas offered.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Multiple sessions in a year that range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: Current high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research opportunity designed for high school students. Over the course of 12 weeks, you will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to design and complete an independent research project. The program allows you to explore a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, healthcare, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. By the end, you will have produced an original research paper that reflects your findings. The structure emphasizes individualized mentorship and academic rigor, providing you with a strong introduction to research practices. More details about the application process can be found here.
5. University of Houston MohanLab Summer Internship
Location: Mohan Lab, University of Houston, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 26
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
At the MohanLab Summer Internship, rising seniors gain an introduction to laboratory-based biomedical research. The program begins with a one to two-week orientation, where you receive instruction in basic laboratory techniques. You then participate in eight weeks of supervised bench research guided by graduate students or lab scientists. A key feature of the internship is the final presentation at the MohanLab joint laboratory meeting, where you share your research outcomes. In some cases, the data collected may support scientific publications. You may also choose to continue your engagement after the internship through manuscript writing or data analysis, offering an extended pathway for those interested in biomedical or health-related careers.
6. Houston Methodist Summer Internship Program for High Schoolers
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: December 1 – January 30
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors (16+) with a minimum GPA of 3.5
The Houston Methodist Summer Internship Program offers high school juniors and seniors the chance to step into the world of translational research. As part of the High School Emerging Researcher Experience, you’ll work alongside undergraduate interns in a fast-paced academic environment. Each participant is matched with a mentor, who assigns a summer project based on their area of expertise, while also teaching essential laboratory skills. The program includes seminars, didactic lectures, and career development sessions to help you prepare for college applications. At the end of the internship, you’ll present your findings at a research symposium through a formal poster presentation, gaining experience in both scientific communication and professional growth.
7. Dell Medical School: Gear Up Camp
Location: The University of Texas at Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – 11
Eligibility: High school students in 9th-11th grade from the following districts: Del Valle, San Marcos, Cold Springs, Oakhurst, Lufkin, Jasper, and Port Arthur
If you attend a GEAR UP-participating school district in Central Texas, Dell Med’s Gear Up Camp offers an opportunity to explore healthcare firsthand. You’ll train in simulation labs used by medical and nursing students, practicing skills such as drawing blood, checking vital signs, and performing intubations. The program also features lab science experiments and interactive sessions with healthcare professionals from different specialties. In addition, you will earn CPR/AED or first aid certification as part of the experience.
8. COHS Summer Camp
Location: Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
Cost: Fees confirmed after acceptance into the program
Application Deadline: Rolling till full
Dates: June 30 – July 2
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The COHS Summer Camp is a three-day residential program designed for around 30-40 high school students interested in health sciences. As a participant, you will take part in interactive sessions led by faculty across Nursing, Kinesiology, Human Sciences, and Public Health. The camp provides opportunities to connect with health professionals and current SHSU students in these areas. During your stay, you’ll live in dorms and tour the main SHSU campus. A chartered bus will also take you to the Woodlands Center for an introduction to the School of Nursing. The program combines academic learning with social activities to help you explore potential majors and career paths.
9. Pre-Med Camp at UT Tyler
Location: University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 1 – April 15
Dates: July 14 – 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in East Texas; Must be economically disadvantaged and in good academic standing
The Pre-Med Camp at UT Tyler offers a five-day program designed to give you firsthand exposure to JAMP-participating colleges and universities. This means you’ll learn about the admissions requirements, the courses and programs on offer, and so on. You’ll also gain insight into the medical school admissions and interview process. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to shadow healthcare professionals, interact with medical students, and learn about research and clinical experiences directly from medical staff.
10. Texas Tech Health El Paso Summer Medcamp
Location: Texas Tech Health El Paso, El Paso, TX
Cost: Not mentioned
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Camp 1: June 16 – June 27; Camp 2: June 30 – July 11
Eligibility: Current or rising high school students
Texas Tech Health El Paso’s Summer MedCamp is a two-week program for high school students interested in healthcare careers. Hosted on the El Paso campus, the camp admits up to 30 participants each session. You’ll learn about medical fields through interactive workshops with healthcare professionals, visits to sites such as the University Medical Center of El Paso, and hands-on activities at the TECHS simulation center. The schedule also features a mock crime scene investigation and a reality store exercise to introduce financial decision-making. In addition, guest lectures and college preparation sessions are included to support both academic and career exploration.
11. American Cancer Society: High School Program
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the institute
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors (16+)
The American Cancer Society’s High School Program is a two-week virtual summer experience that introduces students to cancer research. Aimed at those interested in careers in healthcare, health sciences, or cancer research, the program blends interactive learning with career exploration. You will collaborate with the eCLOSE Institute on research projects and case studies to strengthen your understanding of cancer biology and related professions. After the summer session, you can remain involved through year-round networking and career development opportunities. The program is designed to provide both practical exposure to research and guidance for future academic and professional pathways in science and health.
12. Stanford’s AIMI: Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee; Full financial aid available
Application Deadline: December 9 – February 28
Dates: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12 (14+) in the fall
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program that introduces high school students to the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. You will take part in lectures on AI fundamentals and their medical applications, while working on collaborative research projects with guidance from mentors. The program features guest speakers from academia, industry, and government who discuss new technologies in medicine. Career-focused “Lunch and Learn” sessions highlight different paths at the intersection of technology and healthcare. After the main program, you may continue with additional research opportunities. Students who complete the internship receive a Certificate of Completion to acknowledge their participation.
13. Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,595; Scholarships available
Application Deadline: December 15 – March 1
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 years
With a 12% acceptance rate, Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is a two-week intensive program focused on neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology. During the program, you will participate in interactive seminars with Stanford faculty and researchers, covering areas such as behavioral neuroscience, brain imaging, mindfulness, sports psychiatry, and the genetics of mental health. The program also includes sessions on career pathways in medicine and science, along with self-care strategies for young adults. Working in small groups, you will complete a capstone project that addresses real-world mental health issues and present your proposed solutions. Combining lectures, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, CNI-X offers an immersive introduction to clinical neuroscience.
Image Source - Stanford University Logo