7 Engineering Internships for High School Students in New York City (NYC)

Engineering internships give high school students an opportunity to explore design, technology, and problem-solving. By participating in these internships, you can gain experience in areas like mechanical, electrical, or software engineering, allowing you to see how concepts learned in the classroom apply to projects. An engineering internship can help you build practical skills and understand the various career paths within this field.

Exposure to engineering through internships also adds depth to your college applications. College admissions committees value students who pursue opportunities that align with their career interests. Demonstrating experience in a professional engineering setting highlights your commitment to the field, your ability to tackle complex challenges, and your readiness for advanced academic work.

To help you get started, here’s a list of 7 engineering internships for high school students in NYC!

1. Ladder Internships—Engineering Track

Ladder Internships is a virtual, selective program offering high school students the chance to work on real-world engineering and tech-related projects with startups. Founded by Harvard alumni, this 8-week program connects students with startups in fields like technology, machine learning, sustainability, and healthcare. Each intern collaborates with a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, gaining practical skills in project management, communication, and time management. Interns work 5-10 hours weekly, culminating in a project presentation.

Location: Virtual

Cost: $2,490 (financial aid is available)

Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit to 5-15 hours of work per week for 8-16 weeks

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

Dates/duration: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

2. Tech Flex Leaders

The Tech Flex Leaders program is a specialized out-of-school initiative for high school juniors and seniors in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami who are interested in technology careers. Through weekly technical sessions and career development workshops, you will learn coding and web development skills, including HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap, and explore advanced tracks such as UX Design, Data Science, and Product Management. The program culminates in a Demo Day competition and, for NYC students in good standing, offers access to summer internships within industry-leading companies, creating a foundation for future tech careers.

Location: The program is offered in a hybrid format across New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, with the summer internship taking place in New York

Cost: No cost (Stipend: $1,000)

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from public or charter schools in New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, or Miami-Dade/Broward County

Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Dates/duration: Programs run for 9 months. Check out more details here!

3. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace

The Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace combines engineering and biotechnology, making it ideal for students interested in bioengineering. This six-month program offers training in genetic engineering and laboratory skills. You will research biofilm behavior, water purification, and biosensor technologies. You will work alongside scientists, gaining essential skills in data analysis and the use of lab equipment while understanding the broader implications of biotechnology in modern engineering solutions. The program promotes the responsible and ethical application of biotech practices, with a particular emphasis on science communication.

Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY

Cost: No cost (Stipend: $2,000)

Eligibility: Applicants must be 16 years or older by the orientation date and either reside in NYC or attend a NYC public or charter school within 45 minutes of Genspace

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January

Dates/duration: Spring Session: February 21 – May 22 | Summer Session: June 30 – August 15

4. Columbia University’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers—Sustainable Engineering

Columbia University’s SHAPE program offers high school students an exploration of sustainable engineering. You will investigate the science behind climate change and sustainable practices, covering renewable energy, CO₂ reduction, and eco-friendly product design. Through projects, you will address environmental issues such as pollution and resource degradation. The program includes access to Columbia’s Makerspace for prototyping and practical labs, as well as college preparation workshops to help you pursue engineering in the future. There are other engineering tracks available as well; you can see the details here.

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY

Cost: $5,500 (financial aid available)

Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March

Dates/duration: Session 1: July 7 – 25 | Session 2: July 29 – August 15

5. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships

The AEOP High School Internships offer an engineering-focused experience that allows you to work with university and Department of Defense researchers on defense-related projects. Students interested in engineering can explore areas like electronic engineering and biochemical engineering, using advanced lab equipment and techniques to solve complex problems. This program includes mentorship from engineers and scientists, guiding you through technical tasks and experimental processes.

Location: AEOP has locations in nearly every state, including New York City.

Cost: No cost. A stipend is offered, but the amount varies depending on the location

Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents; additional eligibility requirements may vary by location. Check details here

Application Deadline: Rolling

Dates/Duration: This is a summer internship program, with specific dates varying by location

6. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

The ARISE program at New York University offers high school students a summer immersion in engineering. The program enables you to conduct research across various fields, including chemical engineering, robotics, machine learning, bioengineering, and artificial intelligence. Through a combination of lab experience, workshops, and sessions on ethics, data analysis, and college preparation, you will gain valuable STEM skills. Mentored by NYU faculty, you will spend six weeks on independent research projects and end the program with a presentation of your work. To learn more about this internship, check out our full guide here.  

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY

Cost: No cost. Students will receive a minimum of $750 as a stipend

Eligibility: Students residing in New York City who will complete 10th or 11th grade before the program starts

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March

Dates/duration: 4 weeks of remote after-school workshops in June, followed by 6 weeks of in-person labs beginning in July

7. SCA High School Summer Internship Program

The SCA High School Summer Internship Program provides NYC public high school students with a six-week, paid opportunity to gain experience in engineering and construction management. You will spend four days each week at your host company, engaging in civil engineering projects and learning industry practices. The program includes a day of educational workshops, a design challenge, and networking opportunities with professionals. You will also receive mentorship from a college supervisor to guide your development in engineering and related fields.

Location: New York City, NY

Cost: No cost. Students are paid $16/hour for 30 hours a week

Eligibility: NYC public high school students who are eligible to work in the United States

Application Deadline: Applications close in March

Dates/duration: 6 weeks between June and August 

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.