14 Biology Research Programs for High School Students in New York

Research programs are an excellent opportunity for high school students to gain practical experience in biology and related scientific fields. These programs allow you to develop laboratory skills, work on research projects, and connect with mentors and professionals in the field. Many research programs give you a finished product, like a research paper or poster, that you can reference in college applications and future opportunities. 

For those interested in exploring careers in biology, biotechnology, environmental science, or medicine, research programs can be a critical step toward understanding the scope of these disciplines. New York offers a variety of summer research programs hosted by top universities and organizations. 

We have carefully created a list of 14 biology research programs for high school students in New York, each featuring strong research components, mentorship, and opportunities for presentation or publication.

1. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) 

Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; travel expenses covered; need-based stipends may be available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~32 students selected

Dates: June 23 – August 7

Application Deadline: January 3

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old at program start

The SSRP at Rockefeller University offers high school students a chance to engage in detailed biomedical research within a prestigious laboratory environment. Participants are matched with a research mentor and involved in a full-time project that uses advanced laboratory techniques and scientific analysis. The program also features elective courses, guest lectures, and discussion groups with peers to broaden your understanding of life sciences. It culminates in a formal symposium where you will share your research findings with faculty, mentors, and fellow students.

2. Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; financial aid available

Dates: Varies depending on session; multiple cohorts throughout the year

Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines depending on cohort

Eligibility: High school students interested in healthcare with prior coding experience or completion of the Veritas AI Scholars program

The Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive introduces students to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. You will explore how AI and machine learning transform diagnostics, treatment, and healthcare delivery through interactive coding exercises and working with real healthcare datasets. The program includes hands-on projects such as building convolutional neural networks and preparing medical data. The program culminates in a final group project addressing a medical problem with AI, presented and evaluated by PhD mentors. This selective program blends biology, healthcare, and AI to provide a cutting-edge research experience.

3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Summer Student Program

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

Cost/Stipend: $1,200 stipend

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 2%; 20 students selected per year

Dates: June 30 – August 22

Application Deadline: February 7

Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 14 years old, have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and reside within 25 miles of MSK’s Main Campus in NYC (New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut)

This eight-week summer internship at one of the world’s premier cancer research institutions offers you hands-on experience in biomedical and computational science. Working under the mentorship of a faculty member, you’ll engage in laboratory techniques and a research project in areas like genomics, immunology, and pharmacology. The program involves designing and presenting a research poster, as well as participating in seminars and workshops dedicated to scientific communication and professional growth. This experience provides an in-depth look at translational cancer research, while also helping to develop key technical and communication skills.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: Varies; full financial aid available

Dates: Several 12-week cohorts each year, including summer

Application Deadline: May/June for summer sessions

Eligibility: High school students with strong academic performance

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers a virtual, mentor-guided research experience where you will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor over 12 weeks. You’ll design and carry out an independent research project, building skills in literature review, data analysis, and academic writing. The program provides tailored resources for your subject area and culminates in a polished academic paper suitable for submission to competitions or journals. This selective program is ideal for students seeking an immersive research opportunity from home.

5. NYU’s ARISE Program

Location: New York University, New York, NY

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

Dates: June 3 – August 9

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are residents of NYC

The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program at NYU offers a 10-week summer research experience for high school students in New York City. You will participate in research ethics seminars, engage in hands-on lab work, and receive training in data analysis and scientific inquiry. Matched with a research lab in your chosen STEM field, including engineering, neuroscience, or environmental studies, you’ll contribute to ongoing projects and develop valuable lab skills. The program concludes with a final presentation to showcase your research, and includes guidance on college applications and opportunities to enhance public speaking skills. You will gain approximately 120 hours of lab experience throughout the program.

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

Location: Far Rockaway, NY

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

Dates: 6 weeks; July – August

Application Deadline: Applications open in March and close in May

Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors living in or attending school near the Rockaway peninsula

The RISE Environmentor Program engages students in research on coastal ecology topics such as salt marsh restoration, dolphin morphology, and air quality. You will conduct an individual research project focused on the Rockaway shoreline while receiving mentorship from environmental scientists. The program combines scientific exploration with outdoor activities like surfing to offer a well-rounded experience. It aims to develop scientific and communication skills while supporting local conservation efforts.

7. Stony Brook’s Simons Summer Research Program

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend offered

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 5% acceptance rate

Dates: July 1 – August 9

Application Deadline: February 7

Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 years old

The Simons Summer Research Program offers a competitive internship for high school juniors to conduct full-time research alongside Stony Brook University faculty. You will engage in scientific inquiry, lab work, and research tailored to your interests across science, mathematics, or engineering disciplines. The program also includes academic seminars, workshops, tours, and social events designed for networking and skill development. The experience culminates in a final research abstract or poster presentation, providing comprehensive exposure to scientific research methodologies.

8. Zuckerman Institute’s BRAINYAC

Location: Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend offered

Dates: 5 weeks during the summer, June – August

Application Deadline: Applications open in October

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

BRAINYAC provides a neuroscience-focused summer research apprenticeship where you work closely with a Columbia University neuroscientist. During the five-week program, you will design and conduct an individual project exploring neural communication, sensory processing, or brain structure. You’ll receive hands-on lab training and mentorship, learning skills such as neuroanatomy, microscopy, pipetting, Python programming, and ethical research conduct. This program supports students from select NYC schools, aiming to diversify participation in neuroscience research.

9. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Location: Various locations throughout the U.S., including New York City 

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

Dates: Eight weeks during the summer; flexible start/end dates

Application Deadline: January 19

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates, at least 16 years old, living in the U.S., Mexico, or Canada

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program provides a paid internship that gives practical experience in fisheries and aquatic science. Interns collaborate with fisheries experts on projects focused on habitat protection, restoration, and management. Responsibilities include conducting fish population surveys, analyzing data, examining specimens, and performing electrofishing. The program culminates with a fully funded four-night trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit, featuring college prep sessions and career exploration. You will also present your research project, gaining valuable experience in scientific communication.

10. CCNY College Now STEM Research Academy

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

Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend up to $1,575 for summer internship participants

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students enrolled 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 or 11th graders in spring; strong academic standing with specific Regents exam scores and GPA requirements

The CCNY College Now STEM Research Academy begins with a 45-hour spring research science course held in-person twice weekly, focusing on inquiry-based, authentic scientific research. Successful students earn elective science credit and may apply for the summer research internship. The summer component pairs about 10 students with CUNY or CCNY faculty mentors for a five-week full-time research internship. You will work in labs, develop a project, and present findings both on campus and at the American Museum of Natural History. 

11. Baruch College Now STEM Research Academy

Location: Baruch College, Manhattan, New York, NY

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

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 25 students selected

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

Application Deadline: Typically early October (varies annually)

Eligibility: NYC public high school 11th graders (10th graders considered if meeting criteria); minimum test scores on PSAT/SAT Verbal or English Regents, Math Regents, and Living Environment Regents; overall GPA and subject averages of 80+

The Baruch College Now STEM Research Academy is a two-semester program designed to build scientific skills in NYC public high school students through inquiry-based learning. In the spring, you will take an Introduction to Research course covering formulating hypotheses, experiment design, and literature review to prepare for lab work. Successful students may then participate in a 5–6 week summer internship matched with CUNY research faculty, gaining hands-on experience. The program offers the opportunity for high school credit and career exploration, along with a $1,000 stipend for completing summer research.

12. BioRocket Internship – Genspace

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Cost/Stipend: $2,000 stipend

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, attending school within 45 minutes of Genspace, with a teacher or mentor reference

Genspace’s BioRocket program provides NYC students with hands-on experience in synthetic biology, biotechnology, and related life sciences fields. The program includes a spring after-school component and a summer research internship where you will work in teams to design and execute original research projects. You will receive mentorship from scientists, participate in lab tours and field trips, and engage in improv training to develop science communication skills. The program culminates in drafting a scientific paper suitable for college applications or submission to student 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 in March

Eligibility: NYC public high school students; preference for juniors and seniors; must demonstrate economic or educational need based on Free and Reduced Price Lunch (FRPL) criteria

New York Bioforce provides a workforce development internship that offers practical biomedical research experience for NYC high school students. The program features 100 hours of hands-on lab training in techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy, along with skills in science communication and networking. After training, you will be paired with a research mentor at Columbia University, Weill Cornell Medicine, or other NYC labs to conduct 120 hours of research. This four-month program balances weekend and weekday training during the school year with full-time summer research.

14. DNA Learning Center of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP)

Location: CUNY City Tech, Brooklyn, NY

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

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

Application Deadline: Rolling (application after mandatory courses)

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

The UBRP engages NYC high school students in biodiversity research through DNA barcoding and bioinformatics. After completing two mandatory courses, students design and conduct year-long authentic research projects with mentorship from experts at prestigious NYC institutions. The program supports scientific confidence and skills development while addressing urban biodiversity issues. You will attend special events at partner organizations, such as Rockefeller University and the American Museum of Natural History. Successful participants earn a stipend of $500 upon fulfilling program requirements.