15 Chemistry Summer Programs for High School Students in New York State
If you’re a high school student curious about chemistry, summer programs can be an effective way to explore the field and college-level chemistry. These programs give you the chance to work with tools, concepts, and lab techniques that aren’t always covered in a typical high school curriculum. Many programs also connect you with researchers, graduate students, or industry professionals, allowing you to see how chemistry is used in fields ranging from healthcare to engineering.
Why should you attend a program in New York State?
Throughout New York State, high school students have many chances to engage with different aspects of chemistry through practical experiences. Some programs may introduce you to foundational concepts in flow chemistry and biochemistry, while others may allow you to explore interdisciplinary topics such as chemical engineering, drug development, or nuclear research. Whether you live in New York and want to work with local institutions or you’re an out-of-state student hoping to explore the state’s academic and research landscape, you can find a program to help you develop your interests and expand your scientific skill set.
Here’s a list of 15 chemistry summer programs for high school students in New York State to get you started.
If you're looking for STEM programs in New York State, check our blog here.
1. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost | Stipend: Free | $1,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from NYC
NYU’s ARISE program is a free, 10-week summer experience that offers high school students hands-on research experience in university labs. You will spend the first four weeks developing core skills through workshops on safety training, research techniques, and college writing. Afterward, you'll move into a six-week placement in one of over 80 active NYU research labs. Under the guidance of faculty and graduate mentors, you’ll assist with real projects in areas that may include environmental engineering, applied micro-bioengineering, or chemistry-focused fields such as crystal engineering or flow chemistry. Throughout the program, you can develop technical lab skills as well as soft skills like public speaking, collaboration, and scientific communication. You’ll also share your work at the ARISE Colloquium and later present a research poster at the American Museum of Natural History.
2. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a 12–15 week online program where you work one-on-one with an AI expert to design and complete an independent AI project grounded in your interests. If you want to work on chemistry-related projects, you can focus your research on applications like analyzing chemical datasets or using neural networks to predict carbon dioxide emissions. Over the first several weeks, you’ll learn core AI concepts, refine your research question, and assess the feasibility of your project through data exploration. You’ll then spend the remainder of the fellowship developing and troubleshooting your model with support from your mentor. At the end of the program, you’ll present your completed project to your peers and may even choose to submit your research to academic journals.
3. American Chemical Society (ACS)’s Project SEED Program
Location: Locations across the U.S., including New York State (virtual summer camps are available)
Cost | Stipend: Free | Minimum of $4,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: More than 350 students participate in the program each year
Program Dates: 8–10 weeks in June – July/August
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school students with an annual family income that does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size | Must have completed at least one course of high school chemistry | Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors are preferred
The ACS Project SEED program offers a paid summer research experience lasting 8 to 10 weeks, aimed at providing high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with exposure to chemistry and related scientific disciplines. Throughout the program, you’ll perform practical research in a professional laboratory environment, such as at a university, industry, government agency, or nonprofit organization, guided by an experienced scientist. You’ll build a strong foundation in scientific inquiry as you learn essential lab techniques, analyze data, and contribute to an ongoing research project. You’ll also receive academic and professional development support through workshops, seminars, campus visits, and mentorship opportunities. At the end of the program, you’ll complete a research report and receive a competitive stipend, with additional opportunities to return for a second summer of more advanced work.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Chemistry Track
Location: Remote —you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 12.5%
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a virtual research experience where you work one-on-one with a PhD scholar to develop an independent project in a field of your choice, including chemistry. You’ll meet regularly with your mentor to explore your topic, refine your research question, and learn how to carry out a college-level research project. During the program, you’ll develop a complete research paper while enhancing your analytical, writing, and communication skills through personalized feedback. Finally, you’ll present your completed project at a symposium and receive an evaluation of your work. Students in the publication track may continue working with a publication expert to prepare their paper for submission to an academic journal.
5. Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center’s Summer Student Program
Location: MSK Cancer Center, New York, NY
Cost | Stipend: Free | $1,200
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 2% acceptance rate with 20 interns selected per summer
Program Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut within 25 miles of the Main Campus of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on the Upper East Side in Manhattan | Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. | Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in science subjects | Must be 14 years or older
The MSK Summer Student Program is an eight-week research internship for high school juniors interested in biomedical and computational science. You’ll work full-time in an MSK research lab under the guidance of a mentor, developing technical skills while contributing to a self-directed project that supports the lab’s broader scientific goals. Students interested in chemistry can gain experience in areas such as chemical biology, pharmacology, drug development, or structural biology, depending on the lab they are placed in. Throughout the program, you’ll also participate in lab meetings and educational sessions that introduce you to the scientific community at MSK. Also, professional development events hosted by MSK departments offer additional insight into how clinical and translational research works.
6. Simons -NYU Science Explorations Program
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 80 students
Program Dates: July 5 – 25
Application Deadline: End of January/Beginning of February – March 13
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors, as well as recent high school graduates who live in the U.S. | Must be at least 16 years old | Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Simons -NYU Science Explorations Program is a three-week residential experience designed to introduce high school students to college-level study in the physical and life sciences. You will participate in lectures conducted by NYU faculty, covering essential topics in biology, chemistry, neural science, physics, and psychology, helping you identify the fields that intrigue you the most. In the lab portion of the program, you’ll take part in hands-on experiments in organic and inorganic chemistry, along with applications in other core scientific disciplines. You’ll also follow a structured daily schedule that mirrors a typical college day, giving you early insight into academic life at a major research university.
7. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP)
Location: Lamont Campus, Columbia University, Palisades, NY
Stipend: Students are paid a stipend, but the exact amount is not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 40 high school students (exact numbers vary each year)
Program Dates: 6 weeks in June – August
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors enrolled in one of Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s partner schools
SSFRP is a six-week summer research experience for high school students interested in environmental science, chemistry, and field-based inquiry. As part of the program, you will participate in sessions conducted by Lamont researchers and delve into topics related to earth science and chemistry, including groundwater chemistry, nutrient cycling, natural carbon sequestration, and sediment analysis. You’ll also spend significant time at Piermont Marsh, an active field site where you’ll collect samples, refine research questions, and follow scientific protocols to study changes in the marsh ecosystem. Along the way, you’ll gain experience in data analysis, field-based research techniques, sampling protocols, collaboration, and scientific communication. The program ends with you completing a research poster and delivering a formal presentation at the program’s end-of-summer symposium.
8. Brookhaven National Laboratory’s STEM-Prep Summer Institute
Location: Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: 3 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: TBA; applications open in February
Eligibility: Grade 9 students with an interest in STEM subjects | Must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents | Must have active health insurance for the duration of the program, as well as access to reliable transport to and from the laboratory
The STEM-Prep Summer Institute at Brookhaven National Laboratory is a three-week commuter program aimed at introducing ninth graders to fundamental STEM fields through organized, practical learning experiences. You’ll spend each week focused on a different module, covering topics in physics, biology, chemistry, atmospheric sciences, and scientific computing. Guided by experienced educators, you’ll take part in lab-focused activities connected to the scientific work supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission. By the end of the three weeks, you’ll leave with early exposure to professional STEM research practices and a clearer sense of how different areas of STEM, including chemistry, apply to larger scientific challenges.
9. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost | Stipend: Tuition is free, but there may be housing and dining costs if you choose to stay on campus (click here for more information) | Participants receive a stipend at the end of the program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective with an acceptance rate of less than 5%
Program Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program | Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Simons Summer Research Program is a STEM research fellowship for high school students interested in conducting hands-on research at Stony Brook University. You’ll be matched with a university faculty mentor and placed in an active research group based on your interests, where you’ll take on a defined project for the duration of the program. Chemistry-related placements may involve projects such as developing circular solutions in food, water, and environmental systems, or working in biochemistry labs studying cell behavior. You’ll attend weekly faculty research talks, participate in workshops and tours, and gain experience with standard laboratory techniques and tools. By the end of the program, you’ll produce a research abstract and conclude your work by presenting your findings at a poster symposium.
10. Brookhaven National Laboratory’s High School Research Program (HSRP)
Location: Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are at least 16 years old | Must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents | Must have active health insurance for the duration of the program
Brookhaven National Laboratory’s HSRP is a six-week summer program that gives you the chance to work directly with scientists, engineers, and technical staff on research projects that connect to the Lab’s mission. As a participant, you’ll spend your summer embedded in a professional scientific environment, contributing to hands-on projects that support energy, environmental, and nuclear research. You may work on studies that use a range of computational tools, laboratory techniques, and research methodologies, depending on the project you are matched with. You’ll also develop scientific communication skills by presenting your work in a poster session or oral presentation at the end of the program. Throughout the experience, you’ll have access to Brookhaven’s unique scientific facilities and research teams, gaining firsthand insight into how a large-scale national laboratory functions.
11. Columbia University Pre-College Summer Programs – Intensive Modern Chemistry Laboratory
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $12,764 (Residential) | $6,310 (Commuter) | Financial aid available for Commuter Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 29 – July 7 (Summer A) | July 21 – August 7 (Summer B)
Application Deadline: March 2 (Residential) | April 2 (Commuter)
Eligibility: High school students; only students who are 15 years or older can apply to the Residential Program | Prerequisites are Algebra 1 & Algebra 2, as well as one year of high school chemistry
Intensive Modern Chemistry Laboratory is a college-level course available through Columbia University’s Pre-College Summer Programs. You’ll be exposed to modern research techniques in Columbia’s research labs, working through experiments that introduce you to key themes in contemporary chemistry, including medicinal, environmental, and materials chemistry. The course emphasizes hands-on training, giving you experience with spectroscopy, chromatography, data analysis, and computer simulations using professional laboratory instruments. In addition to lab work, you’ll take part in class discussions, hear from guest lecturers in both academic and industry fields, and collaborate on group projects. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a small research project, write a scientific paper, and deliver a group presentation that reflects your work.
12. Garcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces – Research Experience for High School Students
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $4,000 laboratory usage fees + additional room, board, and health services fees (tentative; based on previous years)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 24 – August 7
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above | Minimum unweighted GPA of 95/100 (3.8/4.0) | Must have standardized test scores (SAT/Regents) of at least 60% (or 60th percentile) | Must have taken at least 3 of the following subjects (Honors or AP a plus): English, Chemistry, Mathematics/Calculus, Physics, or Biology
The Research Experience for High School Students at the Garcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces is a seven-week summer program that immerses you in polymer chemistry and materials science research. Hosted by Stony Brook University, the program combines formal instruction with hands-on laboratory work, giving you the chance to design an original research project under the guidance of Garcia Center faculty and staff. You’ll work as part of a research team and may explore chemistry-focused topics such as Polystyrene analysis, polymer synthesis, nanocomposites, or graphene-based materials. Along the way, you’ll learn how to design experiments, interpret data, and communicate scientific findings. If you want to continue your work beyond the summer, the year-round Mentor Program allows you to extend your research with a faculty mentor and build a long-term project. Many past participants have presented their research at regional and national science competitions or published in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting the program’s emphasis on rigorous, collaborative scientific work.
13. Columbia Engineering's Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $5,880 (Commuter Program) | $10,705 (Residential Program) | Need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Average class size is 25 students
Program Dates: July 6 – 24 (Session 1) | July 27 – August 14 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: March 2 (Regular) | December 22 (Priority)
Eligibility: Current high school students | Only students who are 16 and above can apply to the Residential Program
SHAPE is a three-week pre-college program for students interested in exploring engineering through hands-on, college-level coursework. If you’re looking for chemistry-related options, you might be able to take a course like Intro to Chemical Engineering: Material and Energy Balance, where you learn how chemical engineers analyze reactions, evaluate processes, and approach quantitative problem-solving across industries. You’ll engage in faculty-led instruction, project-based assignments, and activities that explore how chemical engineering connects to environmental and energy challenges. Beyond the main course, SHAPE also includes electives, workshops led by Columbia staff, and supervised time in the university’s Makerspace, where you may work with tools like 3D printers or laser cutters, depending on your class.
14. NYU GSTEM
Location: NYU or other academic institutions in New York City, NY
Cost: $5,750 + optional Housing with Meal Plan worth $3,840 (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 40 students per summer
Program Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors with a high aptitude for STEM
The NYU GSTEM program is a six-week research experience that allows you to work closely with a STEM mentor on an individual project, including opportunities across a wide range of chemistry-focused areas. You’ll spend Monday through Thursday in a lab conducting hands-on research while strengthening your scientific writing and data analysis skills with support from graduate Course Assistants. Each week, you’ll also take part in GSTEM’s Friday field trips, which include visits to STEM institutions and panels featuring women scientists discussing their career paths. The experience concludes with a formal Symposium Day, where you present your research project to family, friends, and special guests.
15. University at Buffalo’s Chem-E Camp
Location: University at Buffalo’s Amherst campus, Buffalo, NY
Cost: $400 (need-based scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: August 11 – 15 (tentative; subject to change)
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors | Must have already completed Regents Chemistry or be enrolled to take Regents Chemistry in the upcoming school year if you are a junior
The University at Buffalo’s Chem-E Camp is a weeklong experience that introduces you to chemical engineering through hands-on projects, lab activities, and interactions with faculty, students, and industry professionals. You’ll spend time in UB’s chemical and biological engineering labs, where you can explore how chemical processes are applied in real research and industry settings. A major highlight of the camp is a full day of tours and activities at Linde’s industrial facility, along with additional off-site visits to companies such as DuPont, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and SAMCO. The camp also includes opportunities to speak with professionals in the field about college pathways and career options.
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