SAN ANTONIO, Texas (November 3, 2026) — Valero has renewed its three-year commitment to the Valero Young Scientist Program at Texas Biomedical Research Institute, continuing its support for an immersive STEM education program that introduces San Antonio-area high school students to careers in biomedical science.
The renewed investment will allow Texas Biomed to continue providing local students with hands-on research experiences and mentorship as they explore potential careers in science. Since launching in 2024, the summer program has served more than 150 high school juniors and seniors.
“We are deeply grateful to Valero for its continued partnership and investment in San Antonio’s future,” said Sara Wise, Vice President of Development at Texas Biomed. “This renewed commitment allows us to continue giving local high school students hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence and help them discover their potential. It is incredibly rewarding to see students begin to envision what a future in science could look like for them.”
During the four-week program, students work in a dedicated laboratory alongside Texas Biomed educators and scientists. They participate in laboratory activities which mirror real-world biomedical research and explore research areas including infectious disease, genetics and environmental science.
The program also introduces students to the various career paths available within STEM. Through conversations with researchers, students gain insight into the roles and opportunities that exist in science and the education and skills needed to pursue them.
“Students often know they are interested in science, but they may not yet understand just how many ways they can transform that interest into a career,” said Rosemary Riggs, Ph.D., Director of Education Outreach at Texas Biomed. “Our goal is to provide a window into the wide range of STEM careers available to them, including opportunities here in San Antonio, where our growing life sciences community needs talented young people with the skills and curiosity to shape its future.”
In addition to laboratory and research experiences, students develop communication, presentation and networking skills and have opportunities to build relationships with Texas Biomed scientists and staff.
The program has expanded to include a summer internship program for VYS alumni. Within the Valero Bridging Internship program students collaborate with scientists in active research labs.
“Valero is proud to continue investing in the next generation of scientists and innovators in our hometown,” said Mr. Seymour Battle, Senior Vice President of Communications, Public Relations & Engagement at Valero. “The Valero Young Scientist Program gives students the opportunity to see themselves in STEM careers and helps strengthen the talent pipeline for San Antonio and beyond.”
The Valero Young Scientist Program is part of Texas Biomed’s commitment to strengthening the STEM pipeline in San Antonio. Through educational initiatives serving students from kindergarten through higher education, the Institute reaches more than 16,000 K-12 students, teachers and parents across 17 local public-school districts.
For more information, please visit: https://www.txbiomed.org/education-outreach/valero-young-scientist-program/
About Texas Biomedical Research Institute
Texas Biomed is a nonprofit research institute dedicated to protecting the global community from infectious diseases. Through basic research, preclinical testing and innovative partnerships, we accelerate diagnostics, therapies and vaccines for the world’s deadliest pathogens. Our San Antonio campus hosts high containment laboratories and the Southwest National Primate Research Center. Our scientists collaborate with industry and researchers globally and have helped deliver the first COVID-19 vaccine, the first Ebola treatment and the first hepatitis C therapy. For more information, please visit txbiomed.org or follow Texas Biomed on LinkedIn.