Summer Programs
+Fly-In
Here you can find a variety of summer programs, from fly-in experiences at top universities to hands-on research and career exploration. Some are local, some are virtual, and many are completely free. Whether you are looking to get a head start on college prep, explore a field you are passionate about, or simply make the most of your summer, there is something here for you. Our biggest advice: do not count yourself out before you apply. These programs are built for students just like you.
UT Austin McCombs Summer High School Programs (3)
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Dates:
• McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA): June 1 - June 6
• Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders: June 8 - June 12
• DYNAMC: June 22 - June 27
Application Deadline: Subiendo: January 31 | MFEA & DYNAMC: March 1
Eligibility: Open to current high school sophomores and juniors. Only Texas juniors are eligible for Subiendo. A strong academic record and demonstrated interest in business or leadership are recommended.
UT Austin Academy for All (Standard & Machine Learning Editions)
UT Austin Academy for All (Standard & Machine Learning Editions)
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free; includes tuition, housing, and meals
Dates:
• Standard Edition: July 6 - July 12
• Machine Learning Edition: July 27 - August 2
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Open to students entering 11th and 12th grade. All skill levels welcome. Travel scholarships are available for those with financial need.
UT Austin STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES)
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free; includes housing, meals, and local transportation (limited travel scholarships available)
Dates: On-site: July 5 – July 18, 2026 | Virtual: June – July 3, 2026 Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Open to current high school students with an interest in STEM careers. Selection is based on academic records, essays, an introduction video, and a recommendation form.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost: Free; includes housing, meals, and weekend activities. Scholars receive a $750 stipend upon completion. Travel to/from program not covered.
Dates: June 21 - August 6, 2026
Application Deadline: February 16, 2026
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are at least 17 years old by the program start date and graduating in 2026 or 2027 (rising seniors or recent graduates).
Rice Architecture Summer Immersion Program
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: Free; tuition-free residential program including housing and meals
Dates: June 7 - June 18, 2026
Application Deadline: April 5, 2026
Eligibility: Open to current 10th and 11th grade students (age 16+) residing in the Greater Houston area.
Preference given to students attending Title I schools.
The Welch Summer Scholar Program (WSSP)
Location: Six university sites across Texas - UT Austin, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, University of Houston, Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University
Cost: Free; all housing, meals, lab expenses, books, transportation, and materials covered by the Welch Foundation wssptx.org
Dates: May 31 - July 3, 2026 (five‑week residential program)
Application Deadline: April 3, 2026 (10:59 PM CDT); recommendation letters accepted until April 10, 2026
Eligibility: Open to current high‑school sophomores and juniors attending school in Texas; homeschooled students eligible; PSAT/SAT/ACT scores required; full five‑week attendance mandatory
Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost: Free; includes a $6,800 stipend
Dates: June 2 - August 8
Application Deadline: January 15 - 20 (varies slightly by listing)
Eligibility: Current Texas high‑school seniors; must be 18+ by program start; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or work‑eligible visa holders
USC Bovard Scholars
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free; includes transportation to and from campus for students traveling from outside Southern California
Dates: July 13 to August 1, 2026 (three-week summer intensive), followed by ongoing college application support through senior year
Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 at 5pm PT (Varies by year)
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors enrolled in a U.S. school with a 4.0 weighted GPA or higher, Algebra II or above, demonstrated financial need, and AP/IB coursework if available at their school. Selection is holistic.
Dartmouth Bound
Location: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Cost: Free; includes travel, housing, and meals
Dates: Session 1: July 19 to 22, 2026 | Session 2: August 2 to 5, 2026
Application Deadline: Application period has ended (Varies by year)
Eligibility: Open to all rising high school seniors currently living and attending school in the U.S., regardless of citizenship status. Students from underserved communities are especially encouraged to apply, including first-generation college students, students from low-income or rural backgrounds, and those from under-resourced high schools.
Penn Early Exploration Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Cohort 1: Wednesdays July 15 to 29 | Cohort 2: Wednesdays August 5 to 19 (7 to 9pm ET); typically held over three weeks in July and August
Application Deadline: Deadline varies by year; check the program website for current dates
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors attending school in the U.S. (including DoDEA schools) who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. Best suited for students who identify as first-generation college students, from limited financial means, or from rural or small-town communities (under 50,000 residents).
Barnard Bound
Location: Virtual and On-Campus (New York City)
Cost: Free (on-campus experience is fully funded)
Dates: Weekly virtual programming September 13–October 19; select attendees invited for on-campus experience in October
Application Deadlines: Round 1: July 10 | Round 2: August 8 (rolling admission; students interested in the on-campus program encouraged to apply in Round 1)
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors and juniors attending school in the United States who are first-generation college students and/or come from a low-income background
Yale in Motion
Location: On-Campus (New Haven, CT)
Cost: Free (all transportation, meals, and on-campus accommodations covered)
Dates: October 2–4, 2026 (programming begins evening of October 2, concludes morning of October 4)
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026 (decisions released via email by early August)
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors attending school in the United States or its territories; preference given to students who would otherwise be unable to travel to New Haven