SAN ANTONIO, Texas (June 5, 2025) – An immersive science education program for high school students launched at Texas Biomedical Research Institute in 2024 has grown by more than 50% as it prepares for its second summer session.
A total of 53 students have been selected to attend this year’s program, which is generously funded by Valero, a leading producer of liquid transportation fuels headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The program operates at Texas Biomed’s 200-acre campus and provides San Antonio high school students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with biomedical science through advanced laboratory experiments that mirror skills used in biomedical research.
“The Valero Young Scientist Program is a transformative educational initiative designed to equip San Antonio high school students for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Texas Biomed is proud to partner with Valero to bring this initiative to life for these inspiring young people,” said Larry Schlesinger, M.D., President and CEO at Texas Biomed.
The comprehensive four-week program, which is open to high school juniors and seniors, is designed and facilitated by Texas Biomed’s Education Initiatives team.
“We were delighted and inspired by the success of the program in 2024. Our goal was to foster interest in our youth for careers in biomedical research through advanced lab experiments and activities to develop foundational lab and data analysis skills,” said Rosemary Riggs, Ph.D., Texas Biomed’s Director of Education Outreach Programs. “We encouraged students to explore career possibilities as they consider their further education and future career paths.”
In 2024, the students selected for the program were from diverse backgrounds that are underrepresented in science, including 93% from historically underserved groups, 65% identifying as Hispanic/Latino and 63% as female. About 83% of the students were from schools with a majority economically disadvantaged population.
“There is a need in our community to open doors for our youth. We see tremendous growth in these young people when they are given the opportunity to explore and excel. Valero is helping to make this possible,” said Dr. Riggs.
Texas Biomed’s educational initiatives now serve more than 15,000 K-12 students from the 17 public school districts that serve San Antonio and the surrounding areas.
For more information, please visit: https://www.txbiomed.org/education-outreach/valero-young-scientist-program/