| Application deadline | February 1, 2027 (2027 cycle) | Unconfirmed — check official site | May 3, 2027 (2027 cycle) |
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| Cost | Free attendance; check separate expenses (2027 cycle) | Unconfirmed — check official site | Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Financial aid | Unconfirmed — check official site | Unconfirmed — check official site | Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Expenses and aid conditions | Unconfirmed — check official site | Unconfirmed — check official site | Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Stipend or pay | Unconfirmed — check official site | Unconfirmed — check official site | Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Eligibility | Grades 10–11 when applying; summer rising grade is one higher | Unconfirmed — check official site | Grades 11–12; Grade timing: Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Additional eligibility | Residency: Texas high school students; Requirement: Open to students currently in grades 10–11 when applying; Requirement: Not enrolled in summer school during the program dates (full-time attendance required) | Ages 13–17 | Requirement: Open to grades 11–12 |
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| Session dates or duration | Starts June 6, 2027; Ends June 11, 2027; 1 week (2027 cycle) | Unconfirmed — check official site | Starts July 19, 2027; Ends August 13, 2027; 4 weeks (2027 cycle) |
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| Format | In person | In person | In person / Online |
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| Housing and supervision | Residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site | Non-residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site | Non-residential. Supervision and housing details: Unconfirmed — check official site |
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| Location | Austin, TX | Apple Valley, MN | Boston, MA |
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| Selection and application | Application materials: Essay(s); One letter of recommendation | Selection: The zoo closes applications when the summer cohort is filled, but it does not publish applicant counts, cohort size, interview process or selection rate. | Application materials: One-page statement of purpose; Portfolio of 6-8 photographs of your strongest work (for-credit applicants); Portfolio description list (for-credit applicants); One letter of recommendation (for-credit applicants) |
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| Official sources | Source 1 · checked 2026-10-24 | Source 1 · checked 2026-10-24 | Source 1 · checked 2026-10-24Source 2 · checked 2026-10-09 |
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