15 College Summer Programs for High School Students in New York

New York is home to some of the best universities in the world, and many of them offer high school students pre-college opportunities each summer. These programs can introduce you to college life while helping you explore your academic interests, build new skills, and connect with like-minded peers. 

These programs also offer you a chance to build useful technical and soft skills while you engage in college-level coursework or research on campus. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to interact with professors and university students, gaining insights into academic and career paths. These summer programs may also offer guidance on college applications and professional development opportunities.

Below is a list of 15 college summer programs for high school students in New York. Whether you are drawn to the arts, sciences, business, or social sciences, you will find a program on the list that aligns with your interests. 

1. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program

Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $1,000 stipend
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who live and attend school in New York City
Application deadline: February 21

ARISE is designed for high school students interested in conducting research at NYU. You will begin with four weeks of workshops, working on refining core research skills, learning lab safety protocols, and exploring academic writing. Then, you will spend six weeks in one of NYU’s 80+ labs, contributing to research under the guidance of a mentor. You will gain about 120 hours of lab experience in the process. You will also find opportunities to collaborate with peers and sharpen soft skills like public speaking. At the end of ARISE, you will present your work at NYU’s Colloquium as well as the American Museum of Natural History Poster Symposium.

2. Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program

Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: None
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are 16+ by the program start date
Application deadline: January 3

Hosted by the RockEDU Science Outreach team, SSRP is a research program for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in science. Over seven weeks, you will work in a team alongside peers and mentors from Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Weill Cornell to design and conduct original research in real lab environments. The program offers research training, elective courses, and guest lectures. At a final symposium, you will present your findings. 

3. Democracy Scholars @ New York University

Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: July 6 – 26
Eligibility: Rising seniors at NYC public high schools
Application deadline: TBA

Designed for rising high school seniors in New York City, the NYU Democracy Scholars program is a free, three-week residential summer experience that explores political philosophy, social justice, and civic leadership. You will participate in seminar-style classes led by NYU professors, live on campus, and gain exposure to college-level reading, writing, and critical thinking. The program also offers mentorship and personalized guidance on the college application process, including a letter of recommendation from an NYU professor. After the summer, you will continue engaging in the program during your senior year to develop and implement civic engagement projects. 

4. Innovation, Entrepreneurship and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th graders who are 15+ and NYC residents
Application deadline: May 15

Hosted by NYU Tandon School of Engineering, ieSoSC is a free five-week summer program for NYC high school students interested in learning about smart cities. During the program, you will explore the technological and entrepreneurial aspects of smart city innovations while gaining exposure to coding, electronics, and sensor systems. You will apply what you learn during the program to projects, building tech prototypes. You will also develop business and communication skills through theater-based workshops and product-pitch training. 

5. NYU Pre-college

Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: $700 – $14,000; precise cost is based on the credit load
Dates: July 2 – August 13
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
Application deadline: June 16 (Summer); August 15 (Fall)

NYU's Precollege Program is designed for high schoolers interested in earning college credits while exploring a wide range of subjects through college courses. You can choose online or in-person classes across disciplines, including arts, STEM, business, and social sciences. Beyond academics, you will get a taste of college life through social events, field trips, and lectures led by NYU faculty. You will also get to attend College 101, which is a series of sessions and workshops covering areas like college admissions, study skills, and financial aid.

6. NYFA Teen Summer Programs

Location: NYFA New York Campus, New York, NY
Cost: Varies by program and length
Dates: Vary by program; most begin in June or July
Eligibility: Students, ages 14–17
Application deadline: Open enrollment

The New York Film Academy’s summer programs offer students a chance to explore film, media, and performing arts. You will attend workshops on filmmaking, acting, musical theatre, screenwriting, photography, or game design, based on your interests. You will create original work under the mentorship of seasoned professionals. These programs combine artistic exploration opportunities with skill-building, focusing on the development of confidence, collaboration, and communication. Programs are offered in various formats, with both beginner-friendly and Level II (advanced) options.

7. Parsons Academy’s New York Summer Intensive Studies

Location: Parsons School of Design, The New School, New York City
Cost: $5,400 program fee + $255 university fee
Dates: Session 1: June 9 – 27 | Session 2: July 7 – 25
Eligibility: High school students who are 16–18 years old
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines between April 1 and June 1

New York Summer Intensive Studies is a three-week, credit-bearing summer program offering high school students an introduction to the world of art and design. The program blends hands-on studio work, industry guest lectures, and field trips across the city’s creative landscape. You will work closely with Parsons' esteemed faculty in small classes, developing technical proficiency and portfolio-ready work for future college applications. Whether you are interested in fine arts, fashion, or design thinking, this program offers a deep dive into the creative process in various art forms. Evening and weekend activities like social and cultural outings are also part of the experience. 

8. Fordham University’s Summer Leaders Academy

Location: Fordham University Rose Hill Campus in the Bronx, New York, NY
Cost: Immersions 1, 4, 5 (non-credit): $1,939 (residential) or $1,358 (commuter) | Immersions 2 and 3 (non-credit): $4,130 (residential) or $3,003 (commuter) | Immersions 2 and 3 (three credits): $4,800 (residential) or $3,673 (commuter) | Immersions 2 and 3 (four credits): $5,885 (residential) or $4,758 (commuter)
Dates: Immersion 1: June 23 – 27 | Immersion 2: July 7 – 17 | Immersion 3: July 21 – 31 | Immersion 4: July 21 – 25 | Immersion 5: July 28 – August 1 | 5-week commuter/online session: July 1 – August 5
Eligibility: High school students; typically, applicants are rising juniors and seniors

Application deadline: Multiple deadlines in April and May based on the chosen format and immersion

The Summer Leaders Academy is a pre-college program designed for high school students looking to challenge themselves academically, prepare for college, and explore NYC. You will choose one course per session from a wide range of disciplines, including Pre-Health, Pre-Law, Real Estate, and the Arts, taught by Fordham faculty on the university’s Bronx campus. Programs run in one- to two-week formats, with both residential and commuter options available. Outside the classroom, you will participate in college readiness workshops, career exploration, and guided social and cultural outings across NYC. Courses may be credit-bearing or non-credit, depending on the session and subject you choose.

9. Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Academy 

Location: Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Cost: $695, which covers food and activities; no tuition fee
Dates: July 6 – 12 | July 13 – 19 | July 20 – 26
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors) with a cumulative weighted GPA above 90
Application deadline: Rolling admissions until filled

Hosted by Mercy University’s School of Business, the week-long Summer Leadership Academy is designed for rising high school seniors interested in developing leadership skills and exploring careers in business. The program blends team-building, career exploration, and professional development. You will learn directly from the university faculty, explore Fortune 500 companies in NYC, and build skills through experiences like Shark Tank-style pitches and personal branding workshops. You will primarily explore topics like developing a career mindset, leadership archetypes, personal branding, and careers in finance, accounting, and marketing. The week will also be packed with activities, including communication hikes, career panels, and visits to companies like LinkedIn, Disney, and Google. 

10. Bossgirls Summer Program @ The City College of New York

Location: The City College of New York, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: June 30 – July 31
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th grade girls and nonbinary students from the tri-state area
Application deadline: March 31

Offered by the Zahn Innovation Center at The City College of New York, Bossgirls is a free, five-week summer program for high school girls and nonbinary students interested in entrepreneurship. The program offers insights into entrepreneurship as both a career path and a mindset, with mentorship from professionals at Standard Chartered. Here, you will learn how to develop innovative business ideas through human-centered design, market research, pricing, branding, and prototyping. You will also work with a team of peers and pitch your final ideas to an audience.

11. Columbia University’s NYC Residential Summer Program

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $12,764/three-week session
Dates: Session A: June 30 – July 18; Session B: July 22 – August 8 | Session AB (combined six-week program): June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students who are 15+
Application deadline: Rolling admissions until filled

Columbia University offers various pre-college opportunities, of which the NYC Residential Summer program offers high school students the chance to stay and study at Columbia’s historic Morningside campus in NYC for three to six weeks. You can choose from 70+ courses across disciplines to attend college-style classes taught by expert instructors in your field of choice. Options span various disciplines, including neuroscience, economics, finance, creative writing, law, biology, etc. The program offers access to on-campus supervised housing, dining facilities, campus resources, co-curricular activities, wellness programs, and outings in the city. With a cohort made up of students from around the world, this program can help you connect with peers from diverse backgrounds at an Ivy League university. 

12. NYU GSTEM

Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: $5,500 tuition + optional housing with meal plan: $3,840
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors
Application deadline: March 2

NYU’s GSTEM is a six-week summer research program. You will work with a professor or researcher on independent projects in areas like computer science, biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics. You will also engage in guest lectures, scientific writing and presentation workshops, and weekly field trips to STEM organizations. The program culminates in a symposium where you will present your work. Weekend activities and social events like Broadway shows and walking tours are also part of the experience.

13. Manhattan University’s Residential Summer Engineering High School Programs

Location: Manhattan College, New York City, NY
Cost: $2,500, which includes tuition, housing, meals, activities, supplies
Dates: August 3 – 9
Eligibility: High school students
Application deadline: March 17

For high schoolers curious about the world of engineering, this week-long residential program at Manhattan College offers a multidisciplinary experience. You will dive into sessions in chemical, civil, environmental, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The program also includes workshops, lab work, industry insights, and evening tours around New York City. You will interact with professionals to explore career paths in engineering.

14. Stony Brook Pre-College Summer Program

Location: Stony Brook University, New York, NY
Cost: Residential: Starts at $2,250 for one session | Commuter: Starts at $1,250 for one session + $45 application fee for either format; discounts available
Dates: Session One: July 6 – 11 | Session Two: July 13 – 18 | Session Three: July 20 – 25
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, ages 15 – 17
Application deadline: TBA

Stony Brook’s Pre-College Summer Program allows high schoolers to dive deep into college courses while experiencing life on a major university campus. With options ranging from biotechnology and cancer biology to creative writing and robotics, you can choose from 20+ engaging courses taught by Stony Brook faculty. The non-credit courses allow you to explore a new area of interest without the pressure of exams or grades. In addition to attending faculty-led lectures, you will participate in social events and college readiness workshops. You will also have access to university resources and facilities like libraries and labs.

15. Pratt Institute Summer Pre-College Program

Location: Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: TBA
Dates: Four weeks in the summer; dates TBA
Eligibility: High school students who are 16–18 years old
Application deadline: Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis

As a Pratt Summer PreCollege participant, you will enroll in two intensive studio courses taught by Pratt faculty, gain four college credits, and begin building a strong portfolio at the institute’s Brooklyn campus. Whether your interests lie in architecture, fashion, photography, animation, or writing, you will collaborate with a diverse community of young artists from around the world and get exposure to New York City’s cultural scene. The program includes studio hours, portfolio reviews, and co-curricular events like museum visits and workshops. Residential students stay in shared suite-style housing on campus. You will have access to the mentorship of current Pratt students.

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