15 Science Programs for High School Students in NYC
- Stephen Turban
- 5 hours ago
- 11 min read
As a high school student, participating in science programs is a strong option for you if you want to gain exposure to college-level academics and professional research environments. Structured science programs offer practical learning experiences along with opportunities to build technical skills, connect with expert mentors, and gain experience in academic or research settings. If you are interested in pursuing STEM in the future, science programs can also provide meaningful insight into potential career paths while helping you boost your college applications.
Why should you attend a program in New York City?
New York City is home to various universities, hospitals, and research institutions that offer science programs for high school students. Whether you want to study neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computer science, or environmental research, NYC programs offer access to leading institutions, experienced mentors, and diverse lab settings. You’ll also find opportunities to network with professionals and peers from across the city, helping you build connections that can guide your academic and career path.
To help you with your search, here are 15 science programs for high school students in NYC.
If you are looking for research programs in New York City, check out our blog here.
Location: New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free (program fully funded; stipend provided)
Program dates: June 1 – August 14
Application deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are full-time NYC residents attending NYC public schools
ARISE is a highly competitive, fully funded 10-week summer research experience for New York City high school students interested in STEM fields. You will begin the program with four weeks of foundational training that includes laboratory safety, research methods, college writing workshops, and professional skill development. During the remaining six weeks, you are placed in one of over 50 NYU research labs, where you will work closely with faculty members, graduate students, and research mentors on active science and engineering projects. Throughout the summer, you will gain approximately 120 hours of hands-on lab experience while developing public speaking, collaboration, and scientific communication skills. The program culminates in formal research presentations, including a colloquium at NYU and a poster symposium hosted at the American Museum of Natural History. ARISE also offers college application support, long-term mentorship opportunities, and access to an alumni network.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Program dates: Varies by cohort (summer, fall, winter, or spring); options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research program designed for high school students seeking an in-depth academic experience beyond standard coursework. As a participant, you will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to design and complete an independent research project in a field of your choice, such as physics, data science, computer science, engineering, psychology, or chemistry. Throughout the program, you will learn how to conduct literature reviews, formulate research questions, and apply appropriate research methods. The experience emphasizes academic rigor, critical thinking, and scientific writing. By the end of the core 12-week program, you will have produced a complete, independent research paper.
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: Free; limited need-based stipends available
Program dates: June 22 – August 6
Application deadline: January 2 (letters of recommendation due January 5)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by program start and can commit full-time
SSRP is a selective, seven-week program that offers 32 high school students each year advanced scientific training and research experiences. You will work full-time on a mentored research team led by scientific trainees from the Tri-Institutions: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, The Rockefeller University, and Weill Cornell Medicine. Your daily work will mirror the structure of a real research lab, allowing you to explore research questions, learn laboratory techniques, and analyze experimental data. In addition to hands-on research, the program offers access to elective courses, guest lectures, professional development workshops, and networking events with scientists. The experience culminates in a formal poster presentation at a research symposium.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Program dates: Multiple 12–15 week cohorts throughout the year (spring, summer, fall, and winter)
Application deadline: Rolling. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should have prior AI/Python experience or have completed the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
Location: The City College of New York (CCNY), New York, NY
Cost: Free
Program dates: Spring: February 10 – May 23; Summer: July 6 – August 6
Application deadline: January 16
Eligibility: NYC public high school students in grades 10 and 11 with strong academic performance in Regents exams and a minimum 80 GPA
The STEM Research Academy at CCNY is a two-phase, fully funded research program designed to help high school students develop advanced scientific thinking and hands-on research skills. During the spring, you will enroll in a 45-hour research course on the CCNY campus, where you will engage in inquiry-based learning, laboratory techniques, and experimental design under faculty guidance. On completing the spring course, you will be eligible to receive high school science elective credit and participate in a summer internship. If selected, you will spend the summer working with CUNY or CCNY faculty mentors in laboratories on an independent research project aligned with your interests. You will gain over 100 hours of lab experience, engage in seminars and workshops, and develop scientific communication skills. The program culminates in formal research presentations on the CCNY campus and at a poster session at the American Museum of Natural History.
Location: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,500 stipend + daily meal vouchers + an OMNY card for transportation available for summer participants
Program dates: Summer: Late June – August (eight weeks, full-time); Academic Year: September – May (weekly sessions)
Application deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Bronx high school students who are rising juniors or seniors, ages 16 and up, with a strong interest in science and research
The BEYOND ALBERT High School Research Program is a paid biomedical research opportunity for Bronx high school students hosted by the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center. During the eight-week summer program, you work full-time in an active research laboratory, gaining hands-on experience in cancer biology, biomedical science, and experimental techniques under the guidance of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and medical students. The program also runs workshops and educational sessions focused on scientific thinking, professional development, and research ethics. You will also prepare independent research presentations and present your findings to faculty and peers. Additionally, the program offers college-readiness support, including guidance on academic pathways and applications, as well as the opportunity to earn up to 3 college credits through the Lehman College Now Program.
Location: NYU, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Cost: Free (full scholarship; no application or participation fees)
Program dates: July 13 – August 7
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th grade students who are residents of NYC or eligible counties in New Jersey and Nassau County
CS4CS (Cyber Security for Computer Science) is a four-week, fully funded summer program that introduces high school students to the foundations of cybersecurity and computer science. Designed for students with little to no cybersecurity or programming experience, the program covers topics such as ethical hacking, cryptography, steganography, digital forensics, privacy, and data protection. You will participate in hands-on labs and coding activities that simulate real-world cybersecurity challenges and help you understand how modern systems are protected and attacked. You will also engage in theatre-based workshops to build communication skills.
Location: Genspace, New York City, NY (in-person with limited virtual components)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000 stipend provided
Program dates: Spring session: February 25 – May 21 + Summer session: July 6 – August 14
Application deadline: TBA; applications open on November 1.
Eligibility: NYC public or charter high school students, ages 16 and up, who live or attend school within commuting distance of Genspace
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a six-month, paid science research experience designed for New York City high school students interested in biology and genetic engineering. You will gain hands-on laboratory training in modern biology techniques while working closely with scientist mentors and fellow students to design and carry out a research project. The program emphasizes authentic lab work, allowing you to build foundational skills in experimental design, data collection, and scientific reasoning. In addition to lab research, you will participate in science communication training, including improv-based workshops that help you explain complex scientific ideas to different audiences. The program also includes behind-the-scenes lab tours, visits to biotech companies, and career exploration opportunities that expose you to real-world pathways in science and technology.
Location: Multiple U.S. universities and research labs (including NYC sites)
Stipend: Educational stipend available (amount varies by placement)
Dates: 6–10 weeks; typically between May and August
Application deadline: Rolling; varies by specific opportunity
Eligibility: High school students; requirements vary by internship site
AEOP High School Internships are Army-sponsored research opportunities for students interested in STEM fields. You will work under the mentorship of university faculty or Department of Defense scientists on real research projects. Your responsibilities may include experimentation, data collection, and data analysis, depending on the placement. In addition to lab work, you will have access to professional development workshops, webinars, and online learning modules. The program is designed to strengthen your research skills and prepare you for future STEM coursework and careers.
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost: Free (tuition fully covered; no program fee)
Dates: July 6 – August 7
Application deadline: December 5
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending NYC public or charter high schools; applicants must demonstrate educational and/or economic disadvantage.
Hk Maker Lab is a free, five-week, hands-on engineering design program for NYC high school students from low-resource backgrounds who are interested in STEM and innovation. The program is split into two phases: a three-week academic experience through Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE), followed by a two-week Hackathon for Health Equity. During the SHAPE phase, you take a college-level engineering course taught by Columbia faculty in areas like biomedical engineering or innovation and design, gaining exposure to real scientific problem-solving and design thinking. In the second phase, you will collaborate with peers to develop creative, technology-driven solutions to real-world health challenges, applying what you learned during the academic portion of the program.
Location: RISE, Far Rockaway, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; up to $1,200 stipend available
Dates: June – mid-August
Application deadline: Applications open in March; interviews in May
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 9 – 11 living in or near the Rockaway Peninsula
Environmentor is a fully in-person environmental research mentorship program for high school students focused on Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway shoreline. You will work with scientists from local universities and research institutions to design and carry out an individual research project centered on coastal and environmental science. The program runs four days a week and emphasizes hands-on fieldwork, data collection, and scientific analysis. In addition to research, you will receive training in water safety and CPR and participate in experiential activities such as kayaking and biking. You will earn community service hours during the program.
Location: NYU, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Cost: Free (funded by National Grid)
Dates: ieSoSC I: July 6 – August 7 | ieSoSC II: July 13 – August 7
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: NYC high school students, ages 15 and up
NYU’s ieSoSC is a four- to five-week, hands-on summer program that introduces high school students to smart city design through computer science, engineering, and entrepreneurship. You will explore design thinking, prototyping, and Internet of Things (IoT) concepts while working with NYU faculty and students. In a small team, you will design and build a device or app that addresses a real-world urban challenge. The program emphasizes collaboration, technical skill development, and creative problem-solving. It concludes with a public presentation of your prototype to engineers, urban planners, and community members.
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Stipend: Available (amount not specified)
Dates: June – August (full-time summer program)
Application deadline: October 31
Eligibility: NYC students in grades 10 and 11 enrolled in select partner programs; preference for students from Upper Manhattan and the Bronx
BRAINYAC is a selective neuroscience research apprenticeship for high school students based in New York City. You will work closely with a Columbia University neuroscientist on hands-on laboratory research, gaining exposure to experimental techniques and scientific inquiry. In addition to lab work, you will attend seminars and workshops that introduce neuroscience research pathways and careers. The program emphasizes long-term mentorship and preparation for future study in science.
Location: The City College of New York, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend may be available
Dates: July 7 – August 7; free spring and fall programs also available
Application deadline: May 25
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 12
CCNY STEM Institute is a free program that offers students a structured introduction to STEM, arts, and business concepts in the summer, spring, and fall. The program runs various tracks, including courses in physics, math, entrepreneurship, rocketry, astronomy, chemistry, and robotics. Additionally, you will work on research projects and engagement activities while learning from experienced STEM educators. The program also focuses on college and career skills development and test prep. At the end of the program, you will present your research project at a poster symposium.
Location: BioBase Harlem at Columbia University, New York, NY, and Lower East Side Community Lab, New York, NY
Stipend: $17/hour
Program dates: Summer option: July – August; Academic year option: October – June (weekly sessions)
Application deadline: Cycle opens in January
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 9 – 11 with a strong interest in science, research, and science communication; Harlem internships are open to applicants who live AND/OR attend school in Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood, and Lower East Side internships are open to students who live in and/or go to school in the Lower East Side or Chinatown.
The BioBus Junior Scientist Internships are paid research and education internships for New York City high school students interested in hands-on science and teaching. As a Junior Scientist, you will receive training and mentorship from professional research scientists while developing foundational laboratory and research skills. The program blends scientific inquiry with science communication, allowing you to work on independent or team-based projects while learning how to explain complex concepts clearly. Through this experience, you will gain experience in public speaking, mentorship, and classroom facilitation while reinforcing your own scientific understanding. Internships are offered during the summer and the academic year, with academic-year participants typically meeting once per week.
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 mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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