15 Fall Internships for High School Students in NYC
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 21
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 18
If you are a high school student in New York City looking to learn beyond the classroom during the school year, a fall internship is worth considering.
Unlike summer programs, which often demand full-time commitment, fall internships are typically part-time and more flexible, making them easier to manage with classes. This makes them accessible ways to explore new fields, academic interests, and career paths while engaging in real work. These opportunities can also offer exposure to sought-after professions in finance, media, tech, and nonprofits, letting you observe and contribute to professional work environments. The experience can help your college application and resume stand out by offering you relevant early work experience - before summer begins!
As an intern, you will pick up practical skills, like communication, time management, and teamwork. Many internships also offer mentorship, resume feedback, or networking opportunities that can lead to future opportunities.
Here we have listed 15 fall internships for high school students in NYC.If you are looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on selected format; financial aid available
Dates: Starts on September 14
Application deadline: August 24
Eligibility: High schoolers, undergrads, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8 to 12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program offering you the opportunity to work with a high-growth start-up. Start-ups that offer such internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on the application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. During the program, you will work closely with your manager and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company.
Location: BioBase Harlem at Columbia University, New York, NY
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Dates: September in the first year – June in the next year; requires commitment of one day/week
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: 9th to 11th graders who identify as women, non-binary, or gender non-conforming and live or attend school in Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood
BioBus offers paid research internships to NYC high school students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM. Here, you will work in Columbia University’s Biobase lab, contributing to team-based or independent biology projects using advanced microscopes and lab tools. Throughout fall, you will design experiments, analyze data, and present your findings. You will also gain experience as a peer educator, leading science activities for local youth and community members. Additional program offerings include mentorship, career talks, and college readiness workshops to support your growth in science and leadership.
Location: Various sites in New York City, NY
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Dates: September – April; dates TBA
Application deadline: August (tentative, based on past years)
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older and residents of New York City; applicants must have valid working papers at the time of application
The NYC Mayor’s Office offers a fall-through-spring internship to help you explore the workings of city government and learn how public policy and services are shaped in the region. You can request placement in a department that aligns with your interests, choosing from areas like housing, sustainability, or youth services, and get to work directly with city staff. Your responsibilities might include research, event planning, data analysis, responding to public inquiries, or preparing briefing materials. Beyond your daily work, you will attend a speaker series featuring high-level city officials and get insights into municipal leadership and career paths in public service. You will also work on a collaborative community impact project with other interns, allowing you to apply your skills to a real-world service initiative.
Location: Virtual, hybrid, and in-person at various NASA centers across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Free; most interns receive stipends
Dates: Late August/early September – mid-December; 16 weeks
Application deadline: May 22
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old and enrolled full-time in high school or college
NASA’s high school internships offer you the chance to work on real research and technical projects alongside NASA scientists and engineers. Whether you opt for a virtual or in-person opportunity, you will dive into challenges in space systems, Earth observation, robotics, and computational modeling. You may get to work on data-driven projects, such as using machine learning to analyze satellite imagery, building components for simulated lunar missions, or studying how climate systems behave. You might find yourself coding wildfire prediction models, testing materials for space hardware, or designing mechanical parts for rovers. You may also get to build skills in Python, prototyping, or data interpretation while contributing to active NASA missions.
Location: Select NYC Parks across the five boroughs
Cost: Free; community service hours offered to interns
Dates: Available for eight weeks each in the fall and spring; commitment of one afternoon each week
Application deadline: Rolling; contact your local Urban Park Ranger to join
Eligibility: High school students
The Ranger Conservation Corps (RCC) is a semester-long environmental internship for high school students led by NYC Urban Park Rangers. Here, you will gain firsthand experience in urban ecology and natural resource management while working in some of the city’s largest flagship parks. During the session, you will commit to working just once a week after school for around 2–2.5 hours, a format that can help you balance your schoolwork with fieldwork. As an intern, you will learn about local wildlife, assist in forest and trail restoration, and take part in ecological stewardship projects. The program also includes unique field experiences, like canoeing or overnight camping trips—depending on your location.
Location: Bronx Zoo, Bronx, New York, NY
Stipend: $350 for the fall internship
Dates: September – December (14 Saturdays) + summer commitment of 3 days/per week in July and August
Application deadline: Typically early March
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors residing in the Bronx; must be in good academic standing and comfortable in both indoor and outdoor environments
Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology), supported by the National Science Foundation, offers high school students opportunities to engage in ecological research at the Bronx Zoo. As an intern, you will collaborate with undergraduate STEM majors, Fordham University researchers, and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) educators to explore urban biodiversity and conservation. In the summer, you will conduct fieldwork focused on NYC's green spaces and local wildlife. In the fall, you will meet on Saturdays to resume data collection, analysis, and finalize your group’s independent research project. This internship offers a hands-on introduction to scientific field methods and urban ecology, ideal if you're curious about environmental science or research careers.
Location: New York Historical, New York, NY
Stipend: $700
Dates: Late October – early June
Application deadline: August 24
Eligibility: High school students who are entering grades 10–12 and living in and attending school in the NYC metro area (includes NYC’s five boroughs, parts of NY State, NJ, and CT)
The Student Historian Internship at the New York Historical lets you explore American history through hands-on research and digital storytelling. Over fall and spring, you will work on creative projects that interpret primary sources, collaborate with peers, and use the institution’s collections to examine the theme “Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America.” You will interact with museum professionals and gain insight into fields like public history, curation, and digital humanities. Throughout the program, you will develop historical thinking, research, and communication skills while producing original digital content. The program can offer insights into how history intersects with civic identity, education, and media.
Location: Everett Children’s Adventure Garden at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), New York, NY
Stipend: $700
Dates: Flexible internship period in the fall; a commitment of 125 volunteer hours required over six months or less
Application deadline: April 22
Eligibility: High school students
The NYBG Explainer Program offers high schoolers opportunities to become volunteer educators for the garden’s visitors. You will begin your internship learning about the NYBG’s three-part mission, focusing on enhancing science, education, and horticulture through interactive, hands-on tours and activities. Then, you will work with your assigned team and conduct citizen science phenophase research in the Thain Family Forest. You will also explore horticulture at the Edible Academy and develop teaching skills to conduct activities for children and families at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden Pop-Up.
Location: Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: A stipend may be offered
Dates: Internship offered throughout the year
Application deadline: Varies based on position
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors residing or attending school in Brooklyn, NY
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s High School Internship Program gives students a hands-on introduction to the criminal justice system. If selected, you will work in the DA’s Office in one or more departments, like Homicide, Domestic Violence, Civil Rights, and Victim Services. You will help with tasks like legal research, trial preparation, and organizing court documents. You will also get to attend trials, help with investigations, and contribute to community outreach programs. The experience can offer insights into legal careers and the daily operations of the DA’s office.
Location: New York University (NYU), New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Dates: TBA
Application deadline: Applications open in late August for the Fall program
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
NYU’s Medical Ethics Internship offers a two-week introduction to bioethics through the lens of health care, law, and public policy. Here, you’ll explore ethical issues tied to real-world medical dilemmas, like end-of-life decisions, reproductive rights, and the use of AI in medicine, while building skills in reading, discussion, and analytical writing. Led by faculty from NYU’s High School Bioethics Project, the program includes guest talks with professionals in public health, biotech, patient advocacy, and law. You will engage in seminar-style conversations, respond to readings, and write short reflections. The internship culminates in a final paper where you can investigate a bioethics issue that interests you.
Location: Alley Pond Environmental Center, Queens, NY
Cost: $150 participation fee with financial aid available; unpaid internship
Dates: September 27 – November 1; Saturdays
Application deadline: August 1
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14 and up
Alley Pond’s Field Biology Internship (FBI) is designed for high school students interested in environmental science, ecology, or field-based research. Over five weeks, you will gain hands-on experience in urban ecology while working directly in Alley Pond Park and other green spaces across Queens. The program emphasizes field methods, data collection, and ecological analysis and offers guidance from experienced educators and environmental scientists. As an intern, you will conduct biodiversity surveys, test soil and water quality, analyze macroinvertebrates, observe bird behavior, and participate in habitat restoration efforts. The experience can help you explore how biology is applied in real ecosystems and build foundational research skills.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: September – November
Application deadline: July 8
Eligibility: High school students aged 13–17
The Junior Academy is a free, online STEM program where you will join students around the world to tackle real-world science and technology challenges. In a small team, you will choose from a set of industry-sponsored projects, such as improving air quality or designing systems for extreme environments, and then research, analyze data, and propose practical solutions. Mentors from STEM fields will guide your team through each step, helping you sharpen your problem-solving, communication, and project management skills. You will also gain experience using the Academy’s virtual platform, Launchpad, to share findings and collaborate with others. STEM professionals will review your final submissions and announce the winners. Past projects have addressed issues in environmental science, health, and urban systems.
Location: Virtual options available for NYC students
Cost: Free
Dates: September – December
Application deadlines: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
FPRI’s high school internship program offers you the chance to explore international relations and foreign policy through research and mentorship at a respected think tank. You will work closely with scholars working on global research areas like Eurasia, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and develop skills in policy research, writing, and data analysis. As an intern, you will attend virtual seminars, contribute to internal briefings, and get the opportunity to publish your own research/article on the FPRI Intern Corner. You will also get access to events with diplomats, national security experts, and academics. Your tasks may also include offering social media support to scholars and editing articles.
14. CrowdMath
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Year-round
Application deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school and college students worldwide
CrowdMath is a collaborative online research initiative co-hosted by MIT PRIMES and the Art of Problem Solving. This year-round program invites students globally to engage in advanced mathematical research in concepts such as number theory, linear algebra, etc. Each year, CrowdMath focuses on a unique research topic that will give you an idea of college-level research and aid you in your computational research ambitions. As a participant, you will collaborate with others on open-ended problems, contributing to ongoing individual and group projects and potentially co-authoring published papers. While not exactly an internship, CrowdMath offers valuable experience in collaborative research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Location: Virtual opportunities available for NYC students
Cost/Stipend: $35 application fee + $1,980 program fee; no stipend provided
Dates: Fall session: September 10 – November 12
Application deadline: Summer session: February 24 | Fall session: June 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and undergraduate pre-medical students
Stanford University’s CSI program is an opportunity to explore real-world clinical practice through lectures, medical case simulations, and diagnostic workshops. The program is led by Stanford faculty and clinicians and focuses on helping you build skills in surgery, core clinical reasoning, and communication. You will also get to practice techniques like suturing and administering injections, and conducting physical exams. Additionally, you will engage in hands-on simulations and specialty-focused sessions to learn about the medical and healthcare field and explore career pathways.
One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you want to pursue independent research under the guidance of a mentor, consider applying to Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective high school programs founded in partnership with Harvard and Oxford researchers. In the past, 4,000+ students applied for just 500 spots in the research program. You can learn about the application and available programs on the application form here.
Also, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a research mentor to develop a research paper.
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