Top Research Opportunities for High School Students in Texas

San Antonio River Walk - TX

Top Research Opportunities for High School Students in Texas

The top research programs available for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability

Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Conrad Challenge

See website

Hosting Institution

Conrad Challenge

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Houston, TX

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Psychology

Summary

This competition provides a platform for students aged 13-18 to address global issues by utilizing science, technology, and innovation, all while cultivating entrepreneurial skills and forming new connections. With guidance from industry professionals and a structured framework, participants can strengthen their collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication abilities. One of the best aspects of this challenge is that students can choose to work with a small team of their choosing, allowing them to collaborate with friends and enjoy the project together.

Regeneron ISEF

See website

Hosting Institution

Society for Science

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Dallas, TX

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Biology

Summary

The Regeneron ISEF isn't just your typical high school science fair. It's the most renowned science competition for high school students in the nation, attracting 1,800 finalists who compete for $8 million in awards and scholarships. Its reputation is highly respected by colleges and the scientific community. To participate in ISEF, 9th-12th grade students must first compete in a Society-affiliated fair and earn the opportunity to attend. Each fair has the opportunity to sponsor a certain number of projects, either team or individual, for the chance to compete at ISEF.

UT Austin’s McCombs Business School Summer Programs

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Texas

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Austin, TX

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

January 31, 2023

Categories

Business

Summary

Participating in summer programs can be costly, which is why this free 6-day program is a fantastic opportunity. Students can gain valuable skills in business and engage with industry representatives, McCombs faculty, and students. The program offers three options to choose from, including the McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA), Academy for Rising Leaders, and Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers.

Texas A&M’s Camp ARCH

See website

Hosting Institution

Texas A&M University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

College Station, TX

Cost

$1,200 USD

Application Deadline

April 15, 2023

Categories

Engineering

Summary

The Texas A&M School of Architecture sponsors a week-long program designed for high-achieving high school students. The program combines academic courses with social activities to create a research-focused pre-college experience on the ARCH campus.

Summer Research Internship in Infectious Diseases

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Houston

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Houston, TX

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Medicine, Biology

Summary

This program spans over 8 years and offers students direct, hands-on experience in generating, analyzing, validating, and reproducing research data under the guidance of the program director. Students will receive practical research training that encompasses laboratory analysis skills, literature review, handling of biological samples, performing PCR tests, and plating bacteria through laboratory testing and basic microbiological techniques.

Houston Methodist’s Summer Internship program for High Schoolers

See website

Hosting Institution

Houston Methodist

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Houston, TX

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

January 27, 2023

Categories

Biology

Summary

High school students can participate in this 9-week program, which provides training in translational research laboratories and a professional development curriculum covering college options, academic materials, and scientific writing. The program pairs students with distinguished faculty members at Houston Methodist, who guide them through laboratory procedures and assign them an area of study or concentration as well as an active research project.

Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program

See website

Hosting Institution

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Houston, TX

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

January 20, 2023

Categories

Medicine, Biology

Summary

Participants of the program have a unique chance to engage in a research project in one of the biomedical fields, supervised by a full-time MD Anderson faculty member. The program emphasizes the significance of fundamental principles that serve as the foundation of scientific research. In addition to laboratory experience, seminars are also provided.

Texas Tech’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Texas Tech University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Lubbock, TX

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

February 13, 2023

Categories

Biology, Medicine

Summary

This rigorous seven-week program offers outstanding students the chance to collaborate with exceptional professors at the University's General Health Sciences Center. While the program has a research focus, it also features weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips.

UT Austin’s High School Research Academy (HSRA)

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Texas

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Austin, TX

Cost

$3,500 USD

Application Deadline

March 26, 2023

Categories

Data Science, Engineering, Bio...

Summary

The 5-week program offers high school students a range of immersive and hands-on research opportunities. Participants engage in research projects and active laboratory work in the College of Natural Sciences (CNS), exploring various exciting fields such as biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analysis, and ecology.

ELITE Tech Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

Rice University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Houston, TX

Cost

$1,495 USD

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Engineering, Comp Sci, Medicin...

Summary

This summer program is designed for high school students interested in engineering and college readiness. It offers a rigorous STEM curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, problem-solving, and the practical application of engineering principles. Through intensive coursework and support from experienced instructors, students will gain valuable technical skills and an understanding of how to apply engineering to real-world challenges.

What is a Research Project?

Research projects involve conducting in-depth investigations on a specific subject matter, which presents an excellent opportunity for high school students to explore their interests, enhance their critical thinking and analytical abilities, as well as showcase their dedication and concentration, which can positively impact their chances of being accepted into college.

Why Do Research as a High School Student in Texas?

Over the years, many college admissions experts have seen that conducting research can drive strong results. Data from Harvard suggests that students that have demonstrated a history of “substantial scholarship or academic creativity”, including conducting independent research, have a much greater chance of gaining admission. In fact, 95% of students who completed our program were admitted to R1 universities. More importantly, Research allow students to pursue their passions, which helps develop self-esteem and leads to a variety of positive mental health outcomes

Are there many Research Opportunities for High School Students in the state of Texas?

Texas features a variety of academic opportunities for students, including several large public university systems (the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Texas State), prestigious private schools (Rice University), and HBCUs (Prairie View A&M University). Need more reasons? Texas' natural beauty offers students throughout the state the opportunity to pursue various outdoor recreational activities. Texas is home to beaches, mountains, lakes, and state and national parks, all of which are conducive to spending time outside. Students in Texas can hike through mountains and parks, climb natural rock faces, wake surf along the coast, or raft down rivers. These areas also offer numerous opportunities for camping and backpacking.

What research opportunities are available in other cities?

For a full set of research opportunity listings, see our guide to research opportunities for high school students.

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