14 New York Summer Camps for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Apr 14
- 10 min read
Summer camps are an excellent way for high school students to combine learning, exploration, and fun during their break. Beyond outdoor activities, many camps offer academic and career-focused experiences that help you explore potential college majors and professional fields you are interested in. Attending a summer camp for high school students can give you a taste of college life, help you build new skills, and connect with mentors and peers who share your interests.
They often balance projects, site visits, and social activities, giving you an engaging experience and practical exposure. For students who want to explore advanced academics or career pathways, summer camps provide an opportunity to experience university-level learning and professional environments without the high cost of pre-college programs. In this list, we’ve rounded up 14 New York summer camps for high school students, selected for their educational value, selective admission, funding opportunities, and association with prestigious institutions.
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 2 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple cohorts throughout summer
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 currently enrolled in high school
The Career Insights Pathway is an industry-focused summer experience designed to help you explore real-world career paths in global cities. As a participant, you’ll work on practical projects with major businesses and organizations while gaining exposure to fields like medicine, law, business, engineering, journalism, and fashion. The program features interactive workshops, site visits to offices and industry hubs, and sessions with professionals who guide your project development. You’ll also participate in a final presentation to industry experts, showcasing your work and insights. The program includes weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and personalized feedback to help you refine your professional goals and communication skills.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free or low-cost depending on school partnership and funding
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by participating school and program
Dates: Typically June–August; 4–6 weeks
Application Deadline: Opens in spring; rolling admission through early summer
Eligibility: New York City public high school students
New York Edge offers summer camps that combine academic enrichment with creative and athletic activities to keep students engaged and inspired. As a high school participant, you’ll explore subjects like STEM, literacy, digital arts, and makerspace innovation through inquiry-based, project-driven learning. The curriculum is designed to align with Common Core standards, helping you build critical thinking and problem-solving skills while preparing for the upcoming school year. You’ll also participate in classic summer camp experiences like sports, visual arts, and team-building challenges.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; starts around $1,500. Housing available for residential students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admission; small class sizes
Dates: Multiple 1–4 week sessions in summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 14–17 interested in film, media, or performing arts
At NYFA’s Film, Media, and Performing Arts Summer Camps, high school students will gain hands-on experience across disciplines such as filmmaking, acting for film, screenwriting, photography, musical theatre, game design, and 3D animation. The camp follows NYFA’s signature “learn-by-doing” approach, meaning you’ll spend most of your time working on creative projects under the guidance of industry professionals. You will collaborate in teams to create short films, perform in scenes, or design original media productions. Beyond technical expertise, the program helps you strengthen key skills like teamwork, communication, and creative presentation. Students seeking a full campus experience can also opt for residential housing in New York City during the summer.
Location: New York City, NY; Cold Spring Harbor, NY; Sleepy Hollow, NY
Cost/Stipend: $600 per student
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small group format with individualized lab mentorship
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Early spring; registration open until sessions fill
Eligibility: Students entering grade 9, or World of Enzymes alumni entering grade 8
At Green Genes, you’ll take part in a biotechnology summer camp where you clone and express a gene that produces the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) found in jellyfish. Over the week, you’ll learn advanced molecular biology techniques such as restriction enzyme digestion, plasmid construction, bacterial transformation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and protein purification. Each experiment builds toward a final goal of producing a visible fluorescent protein from genetically engineered bacteria. The camp concludes with a Parent Participation Day, where you present your results and discuss your lab experience.
Location: Multiple locations in New York
Cost/Stipend: $600 per student (in-person); $420 (virtual on-demand)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small cohorts for guided lab work
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Early spring; registration open until sessions fill
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–10
At Forensic Detectives, high school students will step into the role of a forensic scientist and investigate a simulated crime scene using real-world laboratory techniques. This camp explores how professionals analyze evidence such as fingerprints, fibers, hair, and blood to solve cases. You’ll perform hands-on experiments in pathology, entomology, forensic profiling, and DNA analysis, gaining insight into the science behind evidence interpretation. Campers also discuss the ethical and technical challenges of forensic work, learning how to assess evidence reliability. The program concludes with a Parent Participation Day, where you share your investigative findings. A virtual on-demand version is also available for students who prefer to learn from home while still engaging in lab-based simulations.
Location: New York City, NY; Cold Spring Harbor, NY; Sleepy Hollow, NY
Cost/Stipend: $700 per student
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small group setting with advanced lab supervision
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Early spring; registration open until sessions fill
Eligibility: Students entering grade 10, or Forensic Detectives alumni entering grade 9
At Forensic Crime Lab, you’ll take an advanced look at the scientific methods used to analyze trace evidence in crime investigations. Designed as a follow-up to the Forensic Detectives camp above, this camp explores how biological and chemical analyses help link evidence to individuals. You’ll conduct a simulated investigation using tools from entomology, toxicology, chemical spectroscopy, and psychological profiling. Through hands-on lab work, you’ll perform DNA barcoding and spectrometric analyses, create DNA profiles, and interpret your results statistically. The program also examines the role of genealogy and the limitations of DNA evidence, helping you understand both the potential and challenges of modern forensic science.
Location: Manhattan Campus, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: $2,195–$4,295 depending on program and duration; housing available for residential students (~$1,990–$2,985)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective; small class sizes
Dates: Multiple 2–6 week sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18 with interest in creative or performing arts
At SOCAPA’s Teen Summer Arts Camps, high school students can explore creative fields such as filmmaking, acting, dance, photography, music, and screenwriting. Each camp emphasizes practical learning: you’ll write, shoot, edit, and perform your own projects under the guidance of working artists and industry mentors. Whether you’re creating short films, performing scenes for the camera, or producing original music, you’ll gain a strong portfolio and practical creative experience. SOCAPA’s programs foster artistic collaboration, confidence, and technical skill. Both day and residential options are available to suit different learning preferences.
Location: Camp Colby (Franklin County), Camp DeBruce (Livingston Manor), Camp Rushford (Caneadea), and Pack Forest (Warrensburg), NY
Cost/Stipend: $350 per camper per week; sponsorships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited enrollment
Dates: Weekly sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Registration opens in March; early application recommended
Eligibility: Youth ages 11–17; specific camps designed for different age ranges
At the DEC Summer Camps, you’ll immerse yourself in outdoor activity while learning about ecology, wildlife conservation, and sustainable living. Each program combines environmental education, outdoor adventure, and recreation to help you understand New York’s ecosystems and your role in protecting them. You’ll explore habitats through field studies, canoeing, hiking, and nature observation, and gain practical skills like camping, archery, and fishing. Campers also participate in labs examining biodiversity, forestry, and aquatic ecology, guided by instructors with backgrounds in environmental science and outdoor education. The week concludes with skits, campfires, and group activities that foster teamwork and leadership. Some receive financial sponsorships from conservation and community groups, making it an affordable and enriching New York summer camp for high school students interested in the environment.
Location: New York City, NY; Cold Spring Harbor, NY; Sleepy Hollow, NY
Cost/Stipend: $700 per student
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small cohorts for close lab supervision and mentorship
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Registration opens in spring; closes once sessions reach capacity
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12
At DNA Science, high school students will gain hands-on experience in the laboratory techniques that underpin recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering. Designed for high school students, this camp introduces you to the same tools and procedures used in professional research settings. Over the course of the week, you’ll perform experiments in DNA restriction, ligation, transformation, and plasmid analysis, culminating in the construction and characterization of a recombinant DNA molecule. You’ll learn to evaluate bacterial growth curves, calculate transformation efficiencies, and use gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA fragments. By the end of the program, you’ll have developed a strong foundation in molecular genetics while exploring the same scientific principles that drive modern biotechnology.
Location: New York City, NY; Cold Spring Harbor, NY; Sleepy Hollow, NY
Cost/Stipend: $700 per student (in-person); $420 (virtual on-demand)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small group format for guided lab and project supervision
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Spring registration; spaces fill quickly
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12
At DNA Barcoding, you’ll take on the role of a molecular ecologist by combining genetics, bioinformatics, and environmental science to explore biodiversity. Using a project-based approach, you’ll extract and amplify DNA from real tissue samples, then analyze your data using web-based bioinformatics tools to identify species origins. You’ll learn to create phylogenetic trees to map genetic relationships and explore real-world applications in conservation biology and food authenticity testing. The program culminates in an open-ended research project, where you design and execute an investigation—such as detecting mislabeled foods or assessing local biodiversity. Both in-person and virtual on-demand options are available, giving you flexibility to explore the science of life at the molecular level.
Location: Cold Spring Harbor, NY, and Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: $700 per student
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small, selective cohort
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Spring registration; early application strongly encouraged
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11–12 who have completed DNA Science or have advanced biology training (documentation required)
At BioCoding, you’ll explore the intersection of biology and computer science through hands-on coding and molecular biology. Designed for advanced students, this camp introduces you to bioinformatics—the use of computational tools to analyze biological data. You’ll learn to navigate the Linux operating system, write basic programs in Python, and apply computational approaches to study DNA and protein sequences. In the lab, you’ll extract and amplify DNA using PCR, sequence your samples, and analyze your results using databases and algorithms used by real researchers. The program culminates in a small-scale research project that combines molecular biology and coding to interpret real genetic data. Scholarship opportunities are available for students with ancestry in Latin America, making this an inclusive and impactful option for aspiring computational biologists.
Location: New York City, NY; Cold Spring Harbor, NY; Sleepy Hollow, NY
Cost/Stipend: $700 per student (in-person); $420 (virtual on-demand)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small, selective cohorts
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Opens in spring; closes once all sessions are filled
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11–12 who have taken DNA Science or AP Biology (documentation required)
At Genome Science, you’ll dive into molecular genetics to explore how scientists analyze and interpret entire genomes. This advanced camp guides you through techniques like PCR, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics to study genetic variation and human ancestry. You’ll use genomic data to investigate topics such as taste receptor genes, genetically modified foods, and evolutionary relationships, applying Nobel Prize–winning technologies in your experiments. You will also employ online bioinformatics tools for genome mapping and gene comparison, linking molecular data to real-world biological functions. A virtual on-demand option allows you to perform at-home experiments and submit DNA samples for lab analysis at the DNALC, offering flexibility for remote learners.
Location: Cold Spring Harbor Dolan DNA Learning Center, NY
Cost/Stipend: $700 per student
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; limited seats for advanced students
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Opens in spring; applications reviewed until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11–12 who have completed DNA Science and one other DNALC advanced camp, or equivalent lab or coding experience (documentation required)
At Sequence a Genome, you’ll take part in a cutting-edge genomics research experience using the same technologies that revolutionized modern biology. Working with Nanopore DNA sequencers, you’ll perform real-time sequencing of your own mitochondrial genome while collaborating with peers to assemble the complete genome of an adopted research organism. Designed for advanced students, the program integrates bioinformatics, data science, and molecular biology, teaching you how to assemble, annotate, and analyze genetic data. You’ll also explore ethical and applied aspects of genomics in medicine, agriculture, and conservation. Exceptional participants may be invited to continue their projects virtually in the fall, developing their work into independent research suitable for science fairs or publication.
Location: Avenues: The World School, 536 W 26th St, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Included with registration; lunch, snacks, and materials provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small-group learning environment
Dates: August 4–August 15
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until seats are filled
Eligibility: Rising 8th and 9th-grade students
At Avenues’ Summer Mastery Academy, you’ll explore the global challenge of microplastics and their impact on ecosystems and human health. Through project-based learning, you’ll investigate how microplastics move through the environment, food chains, and eventually the human body. Working alongside Avenues faculty, you’ll conduct experiments and work on creative problem-solving projects to identify and propose solutions to plastic pollution. The experience culminates in a final presentation where you share your scientific findings and environmental action plan. Beyond academics, the program emphasizes wellness and balance, with daily movement classes, healthy meals, and peer collaboration that nurtures both intellectual curiosity and community engagement.
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, check out students’ reviews of the program here and 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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