# Welch Summer Scholar Program

Five-week, fully funded residential chemistry research program for Texas sophomores and juniors at six universities including UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech - housing, meals, and lab costs all covered by the Welch Foundation.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | The Welch Foundation |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 10–11 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Austin, TX |
| Apply | https://www.wssptx.org/how-to-apply |

## About this program

# Welch Summer Scholar Program

The Welch Summer Scholar Program (WSSP) places Texas high school students in working university chemistry labs for five weeks each summer, funded by the Welch Foundation, one of the nation's largest private funders of chemical research. Scholars live on campus at one of six sites - the University of Texas at Austin, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University - and contribute to active chemistry or biochemistry research projects.

## What You'll Do

- Conduct university-level research in a working lab under graduate student and postdoctoral supervision
- Learn modern laboratory techniques while contributing to an active chemistry or biochemistry project
- Attend guest lectures, workshops, and facility tours alongside social excursions
- Complete a research paper and deliver a final presentation and/or poster on your project

## Who Should Apply

Texas high school students who are sophomores or juniors at the time of application and serious about chemistry. Selection is competitive, based on academic performance and recommendations, and scholars must remain in residence at their site for the full program. Housing, on-campus meals, and laboratory expenses are all covered by a Welch Foundation grant. Applications for 2026 closed April 3; the 2027 application opens in mid-December 2026.

## Outcomes

WSSP scholars finish with five weeks of authentic bench research experience, a completed research paper and presentation, and mentors who can speak to their lab work - a strong foundation for science fairs, future research programs, and college applications in chemistry and related fields.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Welch Summer Scholar Program cost?

Welch Summer Scholar Program is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Welch Summer Scholar Program?

Welch Summer Scholar Program is open to high school students in grades 10–11. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Welch Summer Scholar Program online or in person?

Welch Summer Scholar Program is an in-person program based in Austin, TX.

### How do I apply to Welch Summer Scholar Program?

Apply directly through The Welch Foundation's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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