14 Summer Programs for High School Students in Dallas
Summer programs provide a valuable opportunity for high school students to explore academic interests, gain practical experience, and prepare for college. These programs extend beyond the classroom, offering you opportunities to develop skills, connect with mentors, and explore potential career paths in fields such as STEM, healthcare, business, technology, and the arts.
Whether you’re looking for in-person experiences in Dallas or flexible virtual options, there’s something here to match your goals. To help you get started, we’ve curated 14 summer programs for high school students in Dallas to help you make the most of your summer break.
1. Engineering Design Experience at Southern Methodist University
Location: SMU Lyle School of Engineering, Dallas, TX
Cost: $1,400 (includes meals, lodging, and supplies)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~20 students per session
Dates: June 2 – 6 & 16 – 20 (female camps) | June 9 – 13 & 23 – 27 (male camps)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close around April or May
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students interested in STEM; no prior experience required
This immersive five-day residential camp takes place in Southern Methodist University’s cutting-edge Deason Innovation Gym. You’ll work in teams to tackle real-world engineering challenges using tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and power tools. In addition to project work, you enhance your analytical thinking, design skills, and presentation abilities through skill-building workshops and mentorship from Lyle undergraduates and alumni. The program also offers a glimpse into college life through campus tours and dorm living experiences. It concludes with a showcase event where you present your final prototypes to families and SMU faculty.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Summer Research Opportunities (STARS)
Location: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited by available lab placements and funding
Dates: 8 weeks during summer (typically June–August; exact period varies annually)
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school juniors (age 16+ and U.S.-work-eligible)
The STARS Summer Research Program places North Texas high school juniors into real biomedical labs for an eight-week, hands-on internship alongside faculty and graduate researchers. You engage in authentic lab projects, learning techniques like data collection, experimental design, and result analysis. Professional development seminars, research presentations, and peer collaboration are integrated throughout the experience to develop communication and critical thinking skills. Interns conclude the program by presenting their findings at a campus symposium and often return to share their insights at their home high schools.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records (typically GPA 3.3 out of 4); no prior research experience required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers an immersive, mentor-led research experience designed to help motivated high school students explore original projects in fields ranging from physics and economics to biology and AI. Over 12 weeks, you work one-on-one with a top-tier Ph.D. mentor to develop and execute a research study, culminating in a formal paper and presentation. Weekly workshops cover research fundamentals and polished writing, while dedicated mentor sessions ensure personalized guidance and academic growth. This program also offers optional publication support if you are aiming to share your work beyond the summer. With its blend of rigorous content, expert mentorship, and flexible virtual access, Lumiere enables students to make meaningful contributions to scholarly fields from anywhere in the country.
5. Summer Research Workshops at the University of Texas at Dallas
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
Cost: $700 (in-person) / $600 (virtual)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; dozens per cohort
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: Varies by workshop
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10–12); 15+ for in-person
UT Dallas offers a diverse suite of eight-week research workshops covering areas like computational biology, quantum computing, NLP with Python, and cybersecurity. Modeled after college courses, students attend weekly sessions, complete capstone projects or papers, and engage in hands-on assignments. These workshops are led by UT Dallas faculty and advanced graduate students, with options for both in-person and virtual formats. Students benefit from a flexible learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, coding, and data science skills. While less intensive than the lab track, these workshops can provide meaningful research exposure and polished deliverables.
6. UT Dallas Summer Biology Research Workshop (SBRW)
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
Cost: $1,500 fee; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited lab spots for top candidates
Dates: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders, age 15+ by June 1; must meet Program for Minors compliance
UT Dallas’s Summer Biology Research Workshop offers high school students a hands-on immersion into real lab research, starting with a week of intensive laboratory training followed by three weeks of mentor-guided investigation. You join the biology faculty and graduate students to contribute to ongoing projects, spanning microbiology, molecular analysis, and computational biology, while also improving technical and data-driven skills sets. Weekly departmental seminars and informal lab talks foster a collaborative research atmosphere and promote effective scientific communication. The experience culminates in a formal presentation at the university’s summer research symposium.
7. Texas Christian University (TCU) Nurse Camp
Location: Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Cost: $980 (includes five nights on-campus housing, meals, a T-shirt, stethoscope, CPR certification); limited scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, 40 students per session
Dates: Session 1: June 22 – 27 | Session 2: July 6 – 11
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
TCU’s Summer Nurse Camp provides an interactive look into nursing practice and healthcare, led by TCU faculty and student mentors. Over five days, you develop core patient-care skills including wound management, vital sign monitoring, and understanding medical terminology, through hands-on practice with patient simulators and a visit to a local hospital. Interactive sessions reinforce the integration of anatomy, physiology, and communication, and all participants earn an American Heart Association CPR certification.
8. Arete: An Introduction to the Classics at the University of Dallas
Location: University of Dallas, Irving, TX
Cost: $895 (includes housing, meals, and materials)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort for personalized discussion-based learning
Dates: June 8 – June 21
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Arete offers students a two-week deep dive into Western classics, led by university faculty in small, discussion-centered seminars. You will examine texts like Oedipus Rex, The Republic, and Henry V, engaging thoughtfully with questions about virtue, leadership, and what it means to live a “noble life.” The residential program offers campus accommodation and shared meals. Group trips to local cultural attractions such as the Modern Art Museum and Shakespeare shows help bring classical literature to life. By combining close reading, philosophical reflection, and cultural immersion, Arete offers a comprehensive experience in liberal education.
9. University of Dallas – Summer Art Academy
Location: University of Dallas Art Village, Irving, TX
Cost: $450; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots to ensure personalized instruction
Dates: June 12 – 16
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 7–12; no prior art experience required
The Summer Art Academy invites young creators into a vibrant studio environment to explore visual arts through drawing, ceramics, and printmaking. Over the course of a week, you engage in hands-on art creation alongside art history lessons conducted by experienced instructors, enhancing your technical abilities and fostering creative growth. Each day culminates in mini-projects that encourage reflection on technique, narrative, and expression. With art mentors guiding group critiques, you learn how to develop your artistic voice and present the work. The week concludes with a curated exhibition, providing students with the opportunity to showcase their pieces and celebrate their artistic growth.
10. Dual Credit Program at Dallas College
Location: Multiple Dallas College campuses
Cost: Varies by course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to qualified students; enrollment depends on capacity and campus limits
Dates: Year-round (fall, spring, summer terms available).
Application Deadline: Varies by district and term; for summer enrollment, applications typically due by early May
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) in Dallas ISD area
Dallas College’s Dual Credit Program allows motivated high school students to earn both high school and college credits by taking college-level courses taught on campus or in their own schools. Whether you are interested in STEM, the arts, business, or technical fields, the program offers a wide array of subjects with a rigor that matches the undergraduate classroom. Courses are taught by accredited college faculty or qualified high school instructors, giving you a genuine taste of college expectations. The program provides structured support, including academic advisement and counselor collaboration, to help students manage the transition and succeed academically.
11. University of North Texas (UNT) Digital Health Pioneers Camp
Location: UNT College of Information, Frisco, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to ~30 high school students
Dates: June 2 – 6
Application Deadline: May 22
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders
The Digital Health Pioneers Camp introduces students to the intersection of technology and healthcare, offering hands-on workshops and collaborative projects focused on telemedicine, wearable health devices, and digital health data analysis. Led by UNT faculty and graduate mentors, the camp blends interactive seminars with practical sessions that teach real-world applications of digital health tools. You will examine how data can inform patient-focused solutions and test sensor and app prototypes that tackle present medical issues. Small-group collaboration fosters peer learning and adaptability, while end-of-week presentations build confidence in communicating technical ideas.
12. University of North Texas (UNT) Digital Creators Institute
Location: UNT College of Information, Frisco, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to approximately 30 students per session
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 23
Eligibility: Rising middle school to high school seniors
The Digital Creators Institute offers a vibrant one-week summer program focused on the convergence of technology, storytelling, and design. High school students learn to leverage AI and large language models to create engaging digital content, while exploring web design, digital art, and video production. With expert guidance, students refine their digital literacy and practice ethical use of technology through hands-on projects. The program encourages collaboration and creativity as small teams develop prototypes and polish their portfolios.
13. Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Health Sciences Summer Camp
Location: Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Hospital, Temple, TX
Cost: Free
Dates: Session I: June 16 – 20 | Session II: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: May 1 (Session I) | May 31 (Session II)
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th graders
McLane Children’s Health Sciences Summer Camp gives high school health sciences students a rare behind-the-scenes introduction to pediatric medicine over a full week. Participants shadow professionals across key departments like NICU, radiology, oncology, PT, and more, observing daily clinical routines and engaging with healthcare teams. You also take part in hands-on simulations and patient-care demonstrations led by medical staff. Through this immersive experience, you connect academic learning with real-world pediatric practice and build professional awareness.
14. Nasher Sculpture Center – Summer Institute for Teens
Location: Nasher Sculpture Center & The Warehouse, Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free (materials, meals, and transportation stipend included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective — up to 30 students
Dates: June 9 – 13
Application Deadline: Priority by April 13; rolling until filled
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders
The Summer Institute for Teens brings together creative high school students for a weeklong, immersive museum experience in Dallas’s vibrant art community. You interact directly with museum professionals and artists, examining modern and contemporary sculptures via hands-on projects and gallery visits exploration. Field sessions at various museum venues help clarify how cultural institutions operate and explore potential careers in the art world. With all costs covered and a focused small-group format, this institute offers a compelling introduction to creative leadership, art appreciation, and professional museum environments.
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