15 Programs for High School Students in NYC
- Stephen Turban
- 36 minutes ago
- 10 min read
Meta Description: Discover 15 enriching programs for high school students in NYC that enhance skills, foster creativity, and prepare for future success. Explore your options today!
If you’re a motivated high schooler looking to gain a competitive edge in the college admissions process, consider participating in academic or professional programs. There are hundreds of options available, and the best ones provide exposure to undergraduate-level academic depth, practical skills, industry exposure, and valuable connections.
Why should I participate in a program in high school?
Participating in a structured program gives you the opportunity to show colleges how you use your time outside of schoolwork. If the program is selective, it can help admissions officers better understand your academic preparation and level of initiative. In New York City, high school students can access a wide range of programs through universities, research institutions, nonprofits, and cultural organizations, spanning fields such as STEM, humanities, business, and the arts.
To help you navigate the many options available, we’ve narrowed down our list of 15 top programs for high school students in NYC. We’ve factored in the rigor of the program, the networking opportunities on offer, whether it has a low acceptance rate, and if it’s hosted by a prestigious organization.
Location: The Rockefeller University, Manhattan
Cost: Fully funded; some students may be eligible for stipends based on their financial status. Check the FAQ for details
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective, only 32 students accepted per year.
Dates: June 22 – August 6
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors aged 16+
The Rockefeller University SSRP is one of the most prestigious programs for high school students in NYC. This mentored biomedical research program places you in a research team guided by scientific trainees from the Tri-Institutions, Rockefeller, MSK, and WCMC. Your work will mirror that of laboratory research teams, and you’ll work in one of the dedicated RockEDU teaching labs. Beyond laboratory work, you’ll also participate in guest lectures, networking events, and workshops that build essential scientific literacy and communication skills. The program culminates in a poster presentation where you will display your findings to the scientific community.
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan.
Cost: Fully funded (housing and transport not included); students receive a $1,200 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Current high school juniors residing within 25 miles of NYC, with a 3.5 GPA in science subjects; check the website for details
The MSK Summer Student Program is one of the premier STEM programs for high school students in NYC, offering a rigorous internship experience in biomedical sciences. You’ll spend eight weeks in an MSK research lab paired with a mentor, working full-time within a team researching critical topics in fields like cancer biology, genomics, immuno-oncology, and structural biology. Within the mentor’s overall research, you will need to complete a self-directed project contributing to their goals. The curriculum also includes professional and personal development opportunities such as a lecture series from MSK faculty, mentorship from graduate students and postdocs, and the preparation of a final presentation. This program is highly valued for its rigorous focus on laboratory techniques and translational medicine.
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies according to program. Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
The Career Insights Program lets high school students explore careers in major global industry hubs. The New York summer school offers courses in subjects like medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, architecture, business management, and more. You’ll be staying at Barnard College, a part of Columbia University, offering an authentic Ivy League experience in the heart of the city. You will engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters. The program also includes in-person weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalized feedback on your resume and overall profile. You’ll also present your findings to industry experts at the end of the program. You can find more details about the application here!
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn.
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 2 – August 27, comprising 4 weeks of remote workshops followed by 6 weeks of in-person work in labs | June 2 - August 8 (3-4 weeks of remote workshops followed by in-person work in labs, with the colloquium presentation date on August 8)
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: NYC residents in the 10th or 11th grade
NYU ARISE is a free, ten-week program designed for students with a strong interest in STEM who want research experience. You will be placed in an NYU Tandon School of Engineering lab where you’ll work on projects ranging from civil engineering to robotics and chemical, biomolecular, and mechanical engineering. The program includes college-level coursework, lab safety training, and a final colloquium where students present their work to NYU faculty and peers.
Location: American Museum of Natural History, Manhattan.
Cost: Fully funded, students receive a $2,500 stipend.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 1 month Summer Institute in August, twice-weekly mentored research sessions throughout the academic year, and monthly workshops
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 10 or 11 who have either completed one of AMNH’s preparatory courses or attend one of their partner high schools or programs.
The SRMP at the American Museum of Natural History offers one of the most comprehensive long-term programs for high school students in NYC. You will be paired with a Museum scientist to conduct research in fields such as astrophysics, genetics, evolutionary biology, and anthropology. The program spans an entire academic year, allowing for deep engagement with the scientific process, data analysis, and science communication. The program comprises an intensive month-long Summer Institute, followed by the research mentorship that spans the entire academic year. There are also monthly workshops to further provide professional development.
Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, Manhattan.
Cost: No cost, interns receive a $1,100 stipend.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive.
Dates: Summer.
Application Deadline: Applications open early February; keep an eye on the website for details
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 and 11 residing in NYC, NJ, or CT
If you’re interested in a career in the arts and humanities, The Met offers one of the most distinguished programs for high school students in NYC. As a Met Intern, you will connect with museum professionals in fields such as curatorial work, education, design, and social media, gaining access to one of the world's largest art museums. The program provides several opportunities for professional development, allowing its batch of interns to network with experts and participate in "Teen Fridays" and other public-facing events. It’s a front row seat to understanding careers within the arts and cultural sector.
Location: New-York Historical Society, Manhattan
Cost: No cost; interns are paid a $700 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Every Wednesday evening in the academic year from October 29 to June 24
Application Deadline: August 24
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 living and attending school in the New York City metro area
This program puts you in the shoes of a historical researcher, using the resources of the New York Historical Society to conduct research on American history. Interns work collaboratively to develop digital projects, build informative resources for the public, and engage in historical inquiry, bridging the gap between academic history and public education. The program is rigorous and academic, requiring you to engage with primary sources and complex historical themes. It is an excellent choice if you’re passionate about history, library sciences, and museum studies.
Location: NASA GISS, Morningside Heights, Manhattan.
Cost: Fully funded, this is a paid internship.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective.
Dates: Internships are available in the autumn, spring, and summer terms.
Application Deadline: September 12 for Spring, February 27 for Summer
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16+ with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI) at NASA GISS offers a highly technical research opportunity for high school students in NYC. Interns work with NASA scientists on climate research projects, utilizing satellite data and climate models to study the Earth's systems. The program requires a strong foundation in math and science, as you will contribute to actual NASA research objectives. It is extremely selective, with most positions going to undergraduate and graduate interns, with very few open to high school applicants, making it a highly prestigious choice.
Location: Various placement sites across NYC.
Cost: No cost; these are paid internships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection process.
Dates: Varies by internship position.
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: High school students who are NYC residents aged 16+ with prior work/volunteer experience.
Ladders for Leaders is a nationally recognized program that offers high school students the opportunity to participate in paid professional summer internships with leading corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Unlike standard summer jobs, this program includes 30 hours of pre-employment training covering résumé writing, interview skills, and business etiquette. It is one of the essential professional development programs for high school students in NYC looking for corporate exposure. The positions are highly competitive, and you will be selected based on your academic performance and interview evaluations. This makes the program a concrete achievement to add to your CV.
Location: Cooper Union, Manhattan
Cost: $3,150 for 3-week courses, $5,150 for 6-week courses, need-based financial aid available, with priority given to students from New York City public schools, and who reside in New York City and its boroughs- check details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 6 – 23 and July 27 – August 13 for 3-week courses, July 6 – August 13 for 6-week courses.
Application Deadline: March 22
Eligibility: Current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders
The Cooper Union hosts a Summer STEM program that offers multiple courses in college-level engineering design and problem-solving. You’ll choose from subjects like water quality engineering, circular design, digital fabrication, and Python, benefitting from a hands-on curriculum that has you solving real-world engineering problems. While the courses are paid, students can apply for a complete fee waiver based on financial need. If you want experience in hands-on prototyping and design thinking, the Cooper Union courses are a solid bet.
Location: Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn
Cost: No cost, apprentices are paid $16.50/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Thursdays, Fridays, and weekends during the academic year from November to June
Application Deadline: Applications open in July; keep an eye on the website for details
Eligibility: NYC high school students
The Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program is a paid internship where you learn about art history, museum education, and community engagement. Apprentices are trained to teach camp groups and visitors about the museum’s collection, developing public speaking and leadership skills. This program is distinct from other programs for high school students in NYC because of its heavy focus on peer-to-peer education and social justice within the arts.
Location: Wave Hill, Bronx.
Cost: No cost; interns are paid a $2,275 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort, highly competitive
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: NYC high school students capable of physical fieldwork
If you’re interested in environmental science and urban ecology, the Wave Hill Forest Project is a unique paid internship in the Bronx. Interns form a field crew that works on woodland restoration, invasive species removal, and trail maintenance, combined with coursework in ecology. It is one of the few outdoor, field-based programs for high school students in NYC. It also features a college-credit bearing course in restoration ecology, providing both hands-on and theoretical exposure to environmental science.
Location: New York, NY
Cost: Free. You can earn a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 6 – August 13
Application Deadline: January 12 for Foundations of Research, March 1 for Center for Smart Streetscapes
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors for Foundations of Research. The Center for Smart Streetscapes requires rising high school seniors from Harlem and the surrounding area
Columbia University’s ENG program is a six-week summer research experience designed to develop your academic and professional skills. You will choose one of two tracks, Foundations of Research or Center for Smart Streetscapes, and be matched with research mentors at Columbia Engineering working on active projects. Foundations of Research focuses on a full research experience in subjects like Biomedical, Computer Science, Environmental Engineering, and more, while the Center for Smart Streetscapes has projects at the intersection of engineering and social science, investigating how tech can shape urban life. The program also emphasizes professional development, offering workshops on scientific communication and college preparation alongside the technical work.
Location: NYC non-profit placement + Washington D.C. Summit
Cost: No cost; this is a paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective, only 300 students selected nationally
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
While a national initiative, the NYC market for the Bank of America Student Leaders program is incredibly prestigious and impactful. Selected students participate in an eight-week paid internship at a local non-profit organization and attend a week-long leadership summit in Washington, D.C. It is one of the top leadership programs for high school students that combines civic engagement with professional work experience. The program covers all expenses for the D.C. summit, including travel and housing.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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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