BRAINYAC Internship - An Honest Review
- Stephen Turban
- May 26
- 4 min read
Internships are an excellent way to build skills and gain exposure to a field you’re interested in. Colleges value students who demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to learning outside the classroom. An internship showcases these qualities and provides networking opportunities and exposure to professionals in your field. In our blogs, we’ve covered internship programs in different fields with diverse aims. Our blog today focuses on the BRAINYAC Internship and how it provides a hands-on learning experience, helps you explore potential career paths, and builds critical skills.
What is the BRAINYAC Internship?
The BRAINYAC (Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia) Internship is offered by the Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University. The program gives high school students from Upper Manhattan and the Bronx exposure to neuroscience research with mentorship from Columbia University faculty in a professional lab. It is an excellent opportunity if you’re interested in science and want to explore neuroscience in-depth. You will learn research techniques, analyze data, and develop critical thinking skills. The program also encourages students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in science.
How is the BRAINYAC Internship structured?
The BRAINYAC Internship is a rigorous program that runs during the spring and summer. It is designed for high school sophomores and juniors from the following partner schools and organizations in New York City:
You will be matched with a mentor from a lab at Columbia University and spend 8-10 weeks working on neuroscience research in active projects. You will run experiments, collect data, and assist your mentor with research. You’ll also attend workshops to learn laboratory techniques and ethical research practices. Mentorship is a key highlight, as it lets you obtain one-on-one guidance from scientists and lab staff. You will work in Columbia’s state-of-the-art neuroscience labs, and you will also get access to cutting-edge tools used in brain research.
Is it prestigious?
The BRAINYAC Internship is highly selective, admitting only around 14 students annually. While the program is restricted to students from the Upper Manhattan and Bronx areas, it is still well-regarded due to the high quality of mentorship and exposure, making it a valuable addition to your college application. You will gain access to a network of scientists and professionals, which can open doors to future opportunities. The exclusivity and rigorous training offered make this internship an achievement for aspiring scientists.
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply for the BRAINYAC Internship, you must:
Be a high school sophomore or junior in New York City, with preference given to upper Manhattan and South Bronx residents.
Attend one of the partner schools or organizations.
Demonstrate an interest in science, particularly neuroscience.
Be able to commit to the whole duration of the program.
How does the application process work?
Applications for BRAINYAC typically open in October and are due on October 29. Keep an eye on the website for details on how to apply.
How much does the BRAINYAC Internship cost?
The program is free for accepted students.
Pros and cons to consider
Pros
You will gain research experience: You’ll work on neuroscience projects at one of the leading universities in the country.
You will receive mentorship: The program offers 1-on-1 guidance from scientists and lab staff.
You will have access to networking opportunities: The small batch size and one-on-one mentorship allow you to build connections with professionals and peers in the scientific community.
You will attend free of cost: The program is free, ensuring accessibility.
Cons
Extremely selective admission: The program’s exclusivity means not everyone who applies will get in.
The time commitment is significant: The internship requires considerable time, which might clash with other responsibilities.
Limited eligibility: You can only apply for the program if you’re an NYC resident and also attend one of the partner programs, limiting the applicant pool.
Should you apply?
The BRAINYAC Internship is an excellent opportunity for students interested in neuroscience. It provides research experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can set you apart in college applications. While the program is intensive and highly selective, it is ideal if you’re deeply interested in science and willing to invest time in learning. If you meet the eligibility requirements and can commit to the program, BRAINYAC could be a valuable step in your academic career.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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