15 Biology Summer Programs for High School Students in New York State

As a high school student, summer biology programs allow you to explore scientific inquiry, develop practical laboratory skills, and engage with research environments. These programs let you learn about data analysis, microscopy, wet-lab techniques, or fieldwork while also receiving mentorship from faculty and industry professionals. Many programs are hosted by universities and research institutions, giving you exposure to advanced biological tools and networking opportunities. 

Why should you attend a program in New York State?

New York State is home to various universities, hospitals, and scientific organisations, making it a strong location for biology programs during the summer. Institutions like Columbia University and Cornell offer programs that blend rigorous academics with experiential learning. Both in-state and out-of-state students may find New York’s range of offerings appealing, whether they are exploring biology for the first time or advancing an existing interest in the subject.

To help with your search, we’ve narrowed down 15 biology summer programs in New York State.

If you're looking for STEM programs in New York State, check our blog here.

1. Stony Brook University – Simons Summer Research Program

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided

Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~5% acceptance rate

Dates: July 1 – August 9

Application Deadline: February 7

Eligibility: Current high school juniors; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; must be 16+

The Simons Summer Research Program allows high-achieving high school juniors to conduct full-time research in STEM fields under the guidance of Stony Brook University faculty. You will participate in lab investigations and independent research projects in areas such as biology, engineering, mathematics, and chemistry. The curriculum includes research meetings, academic seminars, skills workshops, and campus events designed to support scientific growth. Students have opportunities to tour laboratories, interact with graduate researchers, and deepen their understanding of scientific methodology. At the conclusion of the program, participants present their findings through a research abstract or poster presentation. With an acceptance rate of around 5%, Simons is one of the most competitive biology-related summer opportunities in New York State.

2. Veritas AI – AI + Medicine Deep Dive

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: Program cost varies; financial aid available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort sizes

Dates: Multiple sessions offered throughout the year

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort. You can apply to the program here.

Eligibility: High school students with prior coding experience or completion of the Veritas AI Scholars Program

The AI + Medicine Deep Dive introduces students to the intersection of artificial intelligence, biology, and healthcare through structured, project-based learning. You will work with real medical datasets and build machine learning models, including convolutional neural networks used in biomedical imaging. The program teaches you how AI is applied in diagnostics, clinical decision-making, and treatment optimisation. Mentorship from PhD-level instructors supports the development of technical skills and guides you through independent problem-solving. Throughout the program, you will participate in coding labs, data preprocessing workshops, and concept discussions that connect AI methods to biological systems. The experience culminates in a collaborative capstone project that proposes an AI-based solution to a real medical or biological problem.

3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Summer Student Program

Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: $1,200 stipend

Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~2%; only 20 students selected

Dates: June 30 – August 22

Application Deadline: February 7

Eligibility: High school juniors; minimum GPA 3.5, at least 14 years old; must live within 25 miles of MSK Main Campus (NY, NJ, CT)

The MSK Summer Student Program provides a highly selective, immersive research experience in cancer biology and computational science. You will join a research lab under the guidance of a faculty mentor, working on projects involving genomics, immunology, pharmacology, or related biomedical fields. You will learn laboratory techniques, data interpretation, and experimental design while contributing to ongoing research. The curriculum includes seminars, workshops, and discussion groups focused on scientific communication and professional development. You will prepare and present a research poster at the end of the program, gaining experience in formal scientific presentation. With a 2% acceptance rate, MSK offers one of the most competitive biology summer programs for high school students in New York State.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Biology Track

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: Program cost varies; full financial aid available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort and 1:1 mentorship

Dates: 12-week cohorts offered year-round, including summer

Application Deadline: May/June for summer cohorts

Eligibility: High school students with strong academic performance

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project over 12 weeks. Students can conduct research in a variety of fields, including molecular biology, ecology, and neuroscience. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper and built skills in literature review, data analysis, and scientific writing while receiving individualized feedback from your mentor. You can find more details about the application here.

5. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) 

Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; travel costs covered; need-based stipends available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~32 students selected
Dates: June 23 – August 7

Application Deadline: January 3

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; must be 16 or older at program start

The Summer Science Research Program at Rockefeller University provides high school students with an intensive introduction to biomedical research within a leading life sciences institution. You will be paired with a research mentor and complete a full-time laboratory project, learning advanced techniques used in molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics. The program integrates elective mini-courses, faculty lectures, and discussion groups to help students understand broader scientific concepts and current research questions. Participants gain experience in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication. The program concludes with a formal symposium where students present their findings to faculty mentors and peers. Overall, SSRP is one of the most rigorous biology-focused opportunities available in New York State.

6. NYU – ARISE 

Location: New York University, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; includes a $1,000 stipend

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort size

Dates: June 3 – August 9

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who reside in NYC

NYU’s ARISE program provides New York City high school students with a 10-week introduction to university-level STEM research. You will join an NYU research lab, gaining hands-on experience in fields such as neuroscience, engineering, environmental studies, and more. The curriculum includes training in data analysis, experimental procedures, and scientific ethics. You will also attend workshops on inquiry-based learning and professional communication. Over the course of the program, participants log approximately 120 hours of lab work while contributing to ongoing research projects. The experience concludes with a final presentation where students share their findings with peers, mentors, and NYU faculty.

7. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Location: Multiple sites across the U.S., including New York City

Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend plus an all-expenses-paid Hutton Scholars Summit trip

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies by host site

Dates: 8-week summer program with flexible start/end dates

Application Deadline: January 19

Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, and recent graduates; at least 16 years old; residents of the U.S., Mexico, or Canada

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program offers students a paid research experience focused on aquatic science and fisheries management. You will work alongside fisheries biologists, contributing to field and laboratory activities such as fish population surveys, specimen analysis, habitat assessment, and electrofishing tasks. You will gain exposure to conservation strategies and scientific data collection methods used in fisheries biology. The program emphasises environmental stewardship and provides mentorship from experienced scientists. At the end of the internship, you will attend the multi-day Hutton Scholars Summit, which includes college preparation workshops, networking opportunities, and career exploration sessions. You will also present your project findings, developing experience in scientific communication.

8. Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) – Environmentor Program

Location: Far Rockaway, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; interns receive up to $1,200

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort; competitive placement

Dates: 6-week program, July – August

Application Deadline: Applications open in March and close in May

Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who live in or attend school near the Rockaway peninsula

The RISE Environmental Program offers students the chance to conduct independent research in coastal ecology with guidance from environmental scientists. You will design a project focused on the Rockaway shoreline, studying topics such as salt marsh restoration, air quality, or marine biology. The program incorporates outdoor exploration, field observations, and environmental monitoring techniques. You also participate in skill-building sessions that support scientific writing and communication. Additional activities, such as surfing and community engagement events, provide a well-rounded educational experience. This program is ideal for students interested in ecology, conservation, and place-based biological research.

9. Zuckerman Institute – BRAINYAC 

Location: Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behaviour Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective cohort; limited to nominees from partner schools

Dates: 5-week summer program (June–August)

Application Deadline: Opens in October

Eligibility: NYC students in grades 10–11 nominated by partner schools or programs; preference for students from upper Manhattan and the South Bronx

BRAINYAC offers a neuroscience-focused apprenticeship that places students in Columbia University research labs for a full hands-on research experience. You will conduct an independent project exploring neural communication, sensory processing, or brain structure, supported by a neuroscience mentor. The program offers training in laboratory skills, including neuroanatomy, microscopy, pipetting, and introductory Python for data analysis. You will attend workshops on scientific ethics, reading research papers, and communicating scientific results. The program is designed to expand access to neuroscience research for students from historically underserved communities in NYC. At the end of the program, you will present your projects and reflect on your scientific progress.

10. CCNY – College Now STEM Research Academy

Location: City College of New York (CCNY), New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; summer internship participants may earn up to $1,575

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students in spring course; ~10 selected for summer internship

Dates: Spring Course: February 11 – May 22; Summer Internship: June 30 – August 7 (subject to change)

Application Deadline: January 16

Eligibility: NYC public high school 10th–11th graders; must meet GPA and Regents score requirements

The CCNY STEM Research Academy begins with an in-person spring research course designed to introduce students to authentic scientific investigation. You will complete 45 hours of coursework, earning elective science credit while learning core research methods and inquiry-based problem solving. Students who successfully finish the spring course may apply for the competitive summer internship, which places about ten participants in CUNY or CCNY laboratories. Summer interns work full-time with faculty mentors on independent or team-based projects. The program includes research presentations on campus and a final showcase at the American Museum of Natural History. This two-part structure supports students in building strong research foundations before progressing to a hands-on summer experience.

11. Baruch College Now – STEM Research Academy

Location: Baruch College, Manhattan, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,000 stipend upon completion of summer research

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 25 students

Dates: January – August (spring course + 5–6 week summer internship)

Application Deadline: Early October (varies by year)

Eligibility: NYC public high school 11th graders (10th graders considered); must meet specific PSAT/SAT or Regents exam benchmarks; overall GPA and subject averages of 80+

The Baruch STEM Research Academy is a two-semester program designed to prepare students for authentic scientific inquiry through coursework and hands-on research. You will begin with a spring Introduction to Research course, learning hypothesis formation, experimental planning, and literature review skills. Students who successfully complete the spring course move into a 5–6 week summer internship, working with CUNY faculty on real research projects. You will gain experience with laboratory methods, data collection, and scientific communication. You may receive high school credit and can explore STEM career pathways through workshops and faculty interactions. You can earn a $1,000 stipend after finishing the summer research component.

12. BioRocket Internship – Genspace

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Cost/Stipend: $2,000 stipend

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small research cohort

Dates: July – August (summer internship); February – May (spring after-school program)

Application Deadline: Early January

Eligibility: NYC public or charter high school students; at least 15 years old by July 1; must live within 45 minutes of Genspace; teacher/mentor reference required

BioRocket provides students with hands-on research experience in biotechnology and synthetic biology through a combined spring and summer program. You will participate in a spring after-school course that introduces molecular biology fundamentals and prepares you for independent research. During the summer internship, students design and execute original biology projects in teams under the guidance of Genspace scientists. The program includes lab tours, field trips, and science communication workshops, including improvisation training, to build confidence in presenting scientific ideas. You will learn experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation in a community lab environment. The program culminates in drafting a scientific manuscript suitable for competitions or student research journals.

13. New York Bioforce

Location: Columbia University, Manhattan, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Paid internship

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies

Dates: May – August

Application Deadline: Typically, March

Eligibility: NYC public high school students; preference for juniors and seniors; must demonstrate economic or educational need (FRPL criteria)

New York Bioforce provides students with a structured workforce development program centred on biomedical research and laboratory skill-building. You will complete 100 hours of laboratory training, learning core molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, microscopy, and safe lab practice. After the training phase, you are matched with research mentors at Columbia University, Weill Cornell Medicine, or other partner institutions for 120 hours of project-based research. The curriculum emphasises scientific communication, career readiness, and networking with STEM professionals. The program is designed to expand access to research for students with demonstrated economic or educational need. Throughout the four-month experience, participants balance weekend and weekday sessions during the school year with full-time research in the summer.

14. DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory – Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP)

Location: CUNY City Tech, Brooklyn, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; $500 stipend upon successful completion

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort from completed course applicants

Dates: Year-round (after-school, school breaks, and summer sessions)

Application Deadline: Rolling; requires completion of mandatory introductory courses

Eligibility: NYC residents in grades 9–12 enrolled in public or private high schools

The Urban Barcode Research Program introduces students to biodiversity research through DNA barcoding, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. You will begin by completing the required foundation courses that teach DNA extraction, sequencing, and data analysis methods. Afterwards, you can propose and conduct a year-long independent research project addressing questions related to New York City’s urban ecosystems. Mentors from leading NYC scientific institutions support you and attend special events at organisations such as Rockefeller University and the American Museum of Natural History. The program emphasises scientific independence, analytical reasoning, and long-term project management. Students who meet all program expectations receive a $500 stipend at the end of the research cycle.

15. Science Camp 

Location: Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

Cost/Stipend: Sessions 1–3: $2,300 per session; Session 4: $1,325 per week

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: Session 1: June 29 – July 10, Session 2: July 13 – July 24, Session 3: July 27 – August 7, Session 4: August 10 – August 14

Application Deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Campers entering grades 2–10

Science Camp offers hands-on STEM enrichment through two themed programs: the STEM Workshop and Adventures in Science. You will explore scientific concepts through experiments, creative projects, and guided investigations that introduce biology, chemistry, engineering, rocketry, and more. The STEM Workshop emphasises problem-solving, creativity, and foundational STEM skills, while Adventures in Science provides an activity-based survey of major scientific fields. Campers rotate between academic programming and recreation, including instructional swim, sports, and group activities, depending on grade level and session. Session 4 features a full-day STEM Workshop schedule with some recreational components. The camp is designed to build curiosity, confidence, and a strong early foundation in STEM learning.

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