Program Overview
The Valero Young Scientist Program is an immersive, multidisciplinary program for San Antonio area high school students entering their junior or senior year in the fall of 2025. During this four-week summer program successful applicants will investigate infectious disease research through hands-on labs that mirror those conducted by Texas Biomed infectious disease researchers, maintaining a professional-level lab notebook which they can reference throughout their academic years. Students will also conduct inquiry-based projects exploring other research areas such as environmental science and genetics.
Through opportunities to engage with Texas Biomed scientists and a variety of STEM professionals, students will explore different career pathways and present a research project on a topic discovered during the program. Students will also participate in Prepping for Your Future sessions with activities to develop soft skills such as networking, communication, and presentation skills. Participants will have the chance to build lasting relationships with their peers as well as Texas Biomed scientists and staff. At the end of the four-week program, parents are invited to attend the VYS Student Showcase where students will present their collaborative research project.
Program Dates
The program will run from June 23rd — July 18th. We will not meet on July 4th. Lunch will be provided every day.
**PLEASE NOTE: per institutional policy, Valero Young Scientist students are not permitted in active research labs**
Application Information
The Young Scientist Program is not currently accepting applications.
Applications for Summer 2025 will be accepted from January 6 – February 13, 2025. Two letters of recommendation completed by a teacher, school counselor, or current school administrator are required. Please review your application before submitting as no changes can be made after it is submitted. Only one submission per applicant. Student email will be the main point of contact. The student email will receive an automated message, verifying the application has been received. All students will be notified of their application status by March 7, 2025. We encourage students to check their email regularly for updates.
Successful applicants and their parent/guardian are required to attend one of two information meeting at Texas Biomed: May 7 (Wednesday evening) and May 10 (Saturday afternoon).