Research Programs in Texas 2026 | Rice, UT Austin & NASA Johnson

Research experience is one of the strongest signals a high school student can show selective colleges. Working on a real project — in a university lab, a structured mentorship, or an independent study — demonstrates intellectual initiative that grades and test scores cannot. Texas features Rice, UT Austin, and Texas A&M alongside NASA's Johnson Space Center and major energy and medical centers.

Well-known options include the Research Science Institute (RSI), Stanford's SIMR, the Summer Science Program (SSP), Pioneer Academics, and Polygence, alongside hundreds of university and hospital lab placements.

Admissions officers value research because it shows you can ask a question, stay with a hard problem for months, and clearly communicate what you found.

How to get started with research programs

  1. Pick a field you'd happily read about on a Saturday — biology, economics, machine learning — and narrow it to one specific question.
  2. Build a shortlist: structured mentorships (Polygence, Pioneer), free selective programs (RSI, SSP), and 8–10 professors whose recent papers you actually skimmed.
  3. Email professors a short, specific note — what you read, one question it raised, and how you'd help — rather than a generic 'can I join your lab.'
  4. Apply to 2–3 structured programs as a backup and track every deadline in the free Activities Tracker.
  5. Once you have results, share them: submit to a journal like JEI, present at a science fair (ISEF), or turn your project into a Common App essay.

Featured programs

Browse 10+ curated programs for high school students:

  • Clark Scholars Program — Texas Tech: Elite summer research program for high school juniors and seniors. Gain hands-on STEM experience, earn a $750 stipend, and boost your college applicat
  • Texas Tech Clark Scholars Program — Texas Tech University: Elite seven-week, fully funded research across disciplines.
  • Anson L. Clark Scholars Program — Texas Tech University: 12 students selected. $750 stipend + free housing. Research across STEM, humanities, social sciences.
  • UT Southwestern STARS Summer Research Program — UT Southwestern Medical Center: Gain hands-on research experience in biomedical labs through this free summer program for high school juniors and seniors. Boost your STEM skills and
  • Rice Office of STEM Engagement Programs — Rice University: Transform your summer with hands-on STEM research and engineering projects at Rice. Perfect for high school students aiming to boost skills and streng
  • Welch Summer Scholar Program — The Welch Foundation: Five-week, fully funded residential chemistry research program for Texas sophomores and juniors at six universities including UT Austin, Texas A&M, an
  • Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) — Texas State University Mathworks: Six-week residential math camp at Texas State University built around number theory and original student research, with need-based scholarships. 2026
  • Junior Historians of Texas — Texas State Historical Association: The Texas State Historical Association's chapter-based history program for grades 4-12, founded in 1939: oral history, landmark research, cemetery stu
  • Texas Academy of Science High School Awards — Texas Academy of Science: Recognition for Texas high school students presenting research at Texas Academy of Science annual meeting.
  • High School Research Academy (HRA) — The University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences: High school research academy offering hands-on STEM experience in biology, physics, and data science. Build skills for college applications in this fr

Frequently asked questions

Are these research programs only in Texas?

These programs are based in or strongly tied to Texas, but many also accept students from out of state and some offer virtual participation. Always check eligibility on each listing.

Do I need prior experience to join a research program?

Most beginner-friendly options (Polygence, Pioneer, and many university labs) look for curiosity and commitment rather than published work. Start by emailing professors or applying to a structured mentorship.

Are high school research programs free?

Some are fully funded or paid (RSI, SSP, and many NIH and university labs), while mentorship platforms charge tuition. Filter by cost on the list below and look for need-based aid.

Can I publish my research as a high schooler?

Yes. Students publish in journals such as JEI and present at fairs like ISEF and the Regeneron Science Talent Search. See our guide on publishing research as a high schooler.