15 Summer Science Programs for High School Students in New York
- Stephen Turban
- 4 days ago
- 11 min read
If you're a high school student in New York interested in science, participating in a summer program can be a valuable way to gain early exposure to advanced academics and practical skills. These programs often allow you to work alongside professors, researchers, and industry professionals, helping you build an experience that can strengthen college applications and future career plans. Many summer science programs are free or low-cost, making them an accessible way to explore specialized fields without a heavy financial burden.
Through hands-on projects and mentorship, you can dive deeper into subjects you're passionate about and start building valuable connections in academic and professional circles.
We’ve compiled a list of 15 summer science programs for high school students in New York for you to check out!
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June). (Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school; students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4); no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
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.
2. Veritas AI
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Location: Virtual
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest
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.
Cohort Size: 32 students are accepted
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory at The Rockefeller University
Cost: No cost. Stipends may be awarded to students experiencing financial hardship
Program Dates: June 23 — August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors aged 16+
The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to conduct hands-on biomedical research under the mentorship of scientists from Rockefeller, MSK, and Weill Cornell. As a participant, you will work in dedicated RockEDU labs as part of structured research teams, gaining experience in experimental design, lab techniques, and scientific communication. The program includes electives, guest lectures, and workshops that deepen understanding of biomedical science and career pathways.
You will also engage with scientific literature and develop skills in collaboration, data interpretation, and research ethics. SSRP scholars may present their findings and connect with professionals during networking and community events.
Acceptance Rate: Around 5%
Location: Stony Brook campus
Cost: No cost. Stipends may be awarded to students
Program Dates: June 30 — August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors aged 16 years or older. Applicant must be a US citizen
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University offers academically advanced high school juniors the opportunity to engage in full-time research in science, math, or engineering. You will be paired with faculty mentors and join active research teams, taking ownership of a project that culminates in a research abstract and a poster presentation at the program’s closing symposium.
Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience with research methods, attend faculty lectures, and participate in workshops and campus tours. The program provides a deep dive into university-level research and lab culture, helping students develop both technical and communication skills. Fellows also receive a stipend in recognition of their work and contribution to the research community.
Cohort Size: No set acceptance number
Location: Syracuse University campus
Cost: $1,908 — $5,743 depending on the course
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from July to August. Check dates here
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 years or older
The Syracuse Summer College Program offers high school students the chance to explore college—level academics across disciplines such as forensic science, computer coding, writing, visual arts, and more. With both credit and noncredit options available, students take rigorous courses taught by Syracuse University faculty and engage in hands-on learning through labs, lectures, and field trips.
The program simulates the college experience with residential and commuter options, giving students a taste of campus life. Small class sizes ensure personalized mentorship and academic support. Students can earn a Certificate of Completion and, for credit-bearing courses, Dual Enrollment credit. The program also includes social events, fostering a collaborative and immersive learning environment.
Acceptance Rate: Specific acceptance rates for summer programs are not mentioned
Location: New York University (NYU)
Cost: $700 — $14,000 depending on the course/credits
Program Dates: July 2 — August 13
Application Deadline: June 16
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
The NYU Precollege Program is a six-week academic experience for rising high school juniors and seniors to take real college courses and earn up to 8 college credits. You can choose from a wide range of subjects across Arts and Media, STEM, Humanities and Social Science, and Business, studying under NYU faculty in small, engaging classes. The program offers full access to university resources like libraries, tutoring centers, and dining halls, allowing students to experience college life in the heart of New York City.
Outside the classroom, students attend Broadway shows, baseball games, and cultural excursions, adding a vibrant social element to their academic journey. You will also participate in College 101 workshops, covering topics like admissions, study strategies, and financial aid.
7. GSTEM
Cohort Size: 40 students
Location: New York University (NYU)
Cost: Tuition: $5,500. Housing w/ Meal Plan: $3,840 (Optional); need—based financial aid available
Program Dates: June 30 — August 8
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in the 11th grade
GSTEM is a six—week summer research program designed for high school students interested in STEM fields, particularly those historically underrepresented in science and engineering. Students are matched with a professor or researcher and work on individual projects in areas like biology, chemistry, computer science, math, or physics, gaining hands-on experience in real labs.
Alongside their research, participants develop skills in programming, lab techniques, scientific writing, and public speaking through structured workshops. Weekly field trips introduce students to women professionals in STEM and expose them to real-world STEM environments across New York City. The program includes social events and guest lectures and ends with a symposium where students present their projects to peers, family, and faculty. Optional on—campus housing and curated evening and weekend activities round out the immersive experience.
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Location: Ithaca College
Cost: $4,055.55 (commuter), $5,672 (residential)
Program Dates: July 7 — July 25
Application Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: Students entering 9th grade or in high school, aged 14 years or older
Ithaca Summer College for High School Students is a three-week residential program where participants can earn three college credits while exploring subjects like communications, environmental science, health, and natural sciences. Students take a specially designed undergraduate-level course and engage in hands-on learning that prepares them for college academics.
Outside the classroom, the program emphasizes community-building through organized social events and mentorship from Resident Advisors. Reflecting Ithaca’s values, the program encourages open discussions around race, equity, and inclusivity, creating a thoughtful and supportive learning environment. You will also get a taste of campus life, from dining halls to dorm living.
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: No cost. Students will receive $1000 as a stipend
Program Dates: June 2 — August 8
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year
The NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program is a fully funded, ten-week summer research experience for high school students with a strong interest in STEM. Over the course of the program, you'll spend approximately 120 hours working in NYU research labs, gaining hands—on experience in areas like neuroscience, robotics, environmental science, and engineering.
The first four weeks focus on foundational training, including lab safety, data analysis, college writing, and reading scientific literature, while the final six weeks are devoted to mentored research alongside NYU faculty and graduate students. You'll also sharpen soft skills through workshops and prepare a formal research presentation.
The program concludes with a public poster symposium at the American Museum of Natural History, where students present their work to the NYU community. You’ll receive a $1,000 stipend, college application support, and continued access to research and mentoring opportunities.
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY
Cost: No cost
Program Dates: July 7 — August 8
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Current 9th — graduating 12th—grade students, aged 15+ years, living in NYC
The Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC) program at NYU Tandon is a free, five-week summer initiative designed for NYC high schoolers in grades 9 through 12 who want to combine STEM with real-world problem-solving. Students work in teams to design and prototype smart city technologies, applying hands-on skills in coding, circuit building, microcontrollers, and sensors. Alongside technical training, the program includes an entrepreneurship curriculum covering economics, product development, intellectual property, and project management.
Participants also develop their public speaking and collaboration skills through improv-based communication workshops. The program culminates in a “Shark Tank”-style pitch event where students present their innovations to a panel of industry professionals.
Cohort size: There are no set acceptance numbers
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,100 — $1,200
Program Dates: July 7 — August 1
Application Deadline: February 1 (early); March 31 (regular)
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA above 3.0
The High School Bioinformatics Summer Camp, hosted by The RNA Institute at the University at Albany, is a four-week virtual program focused on RNA sequencing data analysis and neurodegenerative disease research. You will learn foundational skills in bioinformatics, including the basics of R coding, and apply them to complete an independent research project. The program includes daily live lectures, seminars, and small-group mentoring sessions led by UAlbany faculty and affiliated researchers.
Throughout the camp, students explore RNA biology and computational methods, gaining experience in data visualization, experimental design, and scientific communication. The program culminates in an “RNA Day” where participants present their projects to peers and university faculty.
Cohort size: 35 — 40 students
Location: Various locations across the United States
Cost: No cost. A $3,000 stipend will be provided
Program Dates: Start and end dates are flexible and determined by the selected student and their mentor
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors at least 16 years old
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid internship that offers high school students an immersive experience in fisheries science and aquatic ecosystem research. Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, the program matches students with professional mentors for field and lab work, which may include fish sampling, electrofishing, habitat assessment, and water quality testing. As an intern, you will gain exposure to scientific methods, data analysis, and environmental stewardship while working in diverse settings such as rivers, labs, or research vessels.
The program is designed to increase diversity in the fisheries profession and is open to students across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. You’ll receive a $3,000 stipend and attend the Hutton Scholars Summit, where they present their work and network with peers and professionals.
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Location: There are AEOP locations in almost every state. Students may select their preferred location
Cost: No cost. Stipend will be provided
Program Dates: Summer Internships are generally 6—10 weeks in May—August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents
The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships provide paid, full-time summer research experiences at U.S. Army Research Laboratories and affiliated university labs across the country. Designed for high school students with strong STEM interests, this commuter-based program offers hands-on exposure to advanced fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, computational modeling, and military engineering. Interns collaborate directly with professional scientists and engineers, gaining insight into real-world research methodologies and lab technologies used in defense innovation.
You’ll receivestructured mentorship, skill-building workshops, and a network of peers and near-peer mentors through AEOP’s virtual community. You’ll also complete a research abstract for possible publication in the AEOP Research Journal
Acceptance Rate: Around 10%
Location: Several locations across the United States. Check the detailed information here
Cost: No cost. Stipend will be provided
Program Dates: Start dates may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Upper—level high schoolers with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
AFRL Scholars Program is a competitive pathway for students aiming to build experience in defense, innovation, and science policy environments.Hosted by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the program immerses students in advanced research alongside experienced scientists and engineers. Interns contribute to real—world projects in fields such as aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, materials science, and sensor technologies. Depending on the site, students may also explore education-focused research and STEM outreach initiatives.
You’ll gain valuable technical and analytical skills while working in a collaborative, professional lab environment. The program also includes professional development activities such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and career exploration sessions.
Cohort Size: No set acceptance numbers
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost
Program Dates: 5 weeks from July to August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from across the United States
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) virtual track is a free, five-week research program designed for high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds. This neuroscience-focused program offers an immersive experience in brain sciences through guided research projects, live seminars, and one-on-one mentorship from Johns Hopkins scientists. As a participant, you will explore topics such as neuroanatomy, cognitive neuroscience, and experimental design while learning essential lab techniques like electrophysiology, imaging, and data analysis.
In addition to scientific content, JHIBS provides training in scientific writing and includes professional development workshops covering research ethics, STEM career pathways, and college preparation.
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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