15 Engineering Summer Research Programs for High School Students in New York
If you’re a high school student in New York interested in engineering, summer research programs offer a practical way to apply classroom knowledge to projects. Across top colleges and organizations in New York, students can engage in affordable, project-based experiences to learn more about their fields of interest and develop practical skills.
Engineering summer research programs for high school students in New York not only build technical skills, from coding prototypes to testing materials, but also foster valuable connections with faculty mentors, graduate students, and industry professionals. By participating in local offerings, you can explore fields like aerospace and biomedical engineering while saving on travel and housing costs.
To guide your search, we’ve reviewed numerous opportunities and narrowed them down to the 15 best engineering summer research programs for high school students in New York.
15 Engineering Summer Research Programs for High School Students in New York
1. NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: 15% / Roughly 50–60 students
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising high school junior or senior attending school and residing in New York City during the upcoming academic year
In this 10-week program, you’ll begin with four weeks of workshops covering lab safety, data analysis, scientific writing, and public speaking. After this foundational phase, you’ll spend roughly six weeks (about 120 hours) conducting research in one of over 80 NYU Tandon labs, collaborating with faculty members and graduate student mentors on topics such as robotics, environmental science, neuroscience, or AI. Throughout the program, you’ll build both technical expertise and soft skills through structured guidance and peer collaboration. In the final week, you’ll share your work at a public poster symposium hosted at the American Museum of Natural History, as well as at an NYU colloquium.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost / Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available / None
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Selective | Small cohorts
Dates: Multiple sessions year-round;
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; final summer deadline is July 20; you can apply here
Eligibility: AI Scholars is open to all high school students | The AI Fellowship is for students who either have prior experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI offers two programs for high school students who want to learn and apply artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is a 10-session boot camp where you learn Python and key AI and machine learning concepts through live classes and coding projects. If you want to go deeper, the AI Fellowship gives you 12–15 weeks to work one-on-one with a PhD mentor on a personalized AI research project. Your project can be in areas like finance, medicine, gaming, or sports, and you’ll build something you can publish or present in a final showcase. The programs are taught by instructors from institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton.
3. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost / Stipend: None / need-based stipends available
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Highly selective / 32 students
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (must be 16+ by program start)
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University is a rigorous, team-based research experience for high school juniors and seniors eager to dive into authentic scientific investigation. In this program, you’ll work as a member of a small research team in a leading biomedical science laboratory. You’ll collaborate with scientists at Rockefeller, Memorial Sloan Kettering, or Weill Cornell, making practical contributions to projects in areas like molecular biology, bioengineering, or biochemistry. The experience includes lab techniques training, monthly lectures, and professional-development sessions. Your summer culminates in a final research poster presentation and opportunities to interact with the broader scientific community.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost / Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available / None
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Highly selective / 50-100 students
Dates: Vary by cohort and are offered in summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year; Summer II cohort: July 14
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; Summer II cohort: June 23; Apply here
Eligibility: 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)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive one-on-one research opportunities 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 and be eligible to earn credit from the University of California at San Diego (UCSD). You can choose research topics from subjects such as physics, data science, computer science, engineering, and more.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Multiple labs across the country
Cost / Stipend: None / New participant: $4,000; Returning participant: $4,500
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: 3-13% / 100+
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer with an optional 2-week extension
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in high school or early college courses | Age 16 or older by the program start date | Graduating seniors may apply; some labs may have additional criteria
As a SEAP intern, you’ll work full-time as part of a DoN research team, collaborating with professional scientists and engineers on projects in domains such as mechanical engineering, cybersecurity, robotics, and materials science. You’ll be matched with a lab based on your interests, and model systems in ANSYS, help with cybersecurity simulations, or analyze components of naval tech. You’ll apply research methods, perform lab or field work, and develop communication skills, culminating in a final presentation or quad-chart for your lab. The program emphasizes mentorship and work, making it a strong choice if you’re looking to explore engineering in an organized research setting.
6. Biorocket Research Internship Program (Genspace)
Location: Genspace, NY
Cost / Stipend: None / $2,000
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: 15-20% / 12-13 students
Dates: Orientation day: February 21 | Spring Session: February 27 – May 22 | Summer Session: June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: Typically early January
Eligibility: Students who live or attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace | 16 years or older by the orientation date
In this program, you’ll engage in both spring and summer research experiences at Genspace’s biotechnology lab in Brooklyn. During spring evenings, you’ll build foundational skills in genetic engineering, molecular biology, and science communication. In the summer, you’ll join a cohort of about 13 high school interns to develop and conduct your own biotechnology research project under the guidance of experienced scientist mentors. The program includes lab tours, field trips to biotech companies, improv-based science communication training, and mentorship in English for effectively presenting complex ideas. You’ll build a draft research paper suitable for college applications or submission to student journals.
7. Engineering the Next Generation (ENG) – Columbia University
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost / Stipend: None / $15/hour for approximately 25 hours/week
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Highly selective / 20-24 students
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: Typical mid-April
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current 11th graders) from local partner schools in New York City | Must comply with Columbia’s vaccination requirements (MMR)
Engineering the Next Generation (ENG) at Columbia University is an intensive summer research program designed for underrepresented and highly motivated high school students who are passionate about STEM. You’ll be assigned to a Columbia Engineering faculty-led research lab and possibly partnered with graduate or undergraduate mentors. Expect to work on substantial engineering research projects in areas such as biomedical engineering, environmental systems, or computer science. Throughout the six-week program, you’ll develop experimental and data analysis skills, attend seminars and workshops, including on science communication and college planning, and collaborate with peers. The experience culminates in a presentation or poster session sharing your project outcomes with the Columbia community.
8. HK Maker Lab Summer Engineering Design Program
Location: Columbia University, Morningside Campus, NY
Cost/Stipend: None / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective / Typically less than <30 students are accepted.
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: 10th–11th graders attending NYC public or charter high schools
In this program, you’ll spend five weeks at Columbia University diving into engineering design and innovation guided by Columbia faculty and staff.
You’ll choose between a biomedical engineering track or an innovation & design track, tackling health or social challenges through digital prototyping. Working in teams, you’ll build interactive apps or devices and learn design software, 3D modeling, rapid prototyping, and basic circuit integration. You’ll be part of workshops on entrepreneurial thinking, pitching ideas, and communicating technical concepts clearly to peers and mentors. If selected, you may be matched with a paid summer placement in a Columbia-affiliated lab or healthcare research setting following the program.
9. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Location: Multiple U.S. Army research labs, university centers, and defense R&D facilities across the country
Cost / Stipend: None / Provided (varies by site)
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: <15% / Generally more than 300 across locations
Dates: Summer sessions lasting 5–10 weeks (typically between May and August), depending on the specific site
Application Deadline: Rolling (opens around December; close dates depend on the specific location)
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Site-specific requirements apply
This program connects you with university researchers and Department of Defense scientists on STEM challenges. As an intern, you’ll join a full-time, commuter‑based research placement in the U.S. Army Research Laboratory or affiliated university lab. You’ll collaborate with scientists and engineers on STEM projects in fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, cyber‑security, materials science, environmental science, or computational modeling. You’ll receive one‑on‑one mentorship, attend structured skill-building workshops, and engage with AEOP’s virtual peer network. Your final deliverable is typically a research abstract suitable for submission to the AEOP Research Journal or presentation at a poster symposium.
10. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University campus, Stony Brook, NY.
Cost / Stipend: None, but on-campus housing and meals cost $2,360.25, plus $500 for extra food | Provided, amount unspecified
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Around 5% / About 40 students
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school junior (11th grade) at the time of application | U.S. citizen or permanent resident | At least 16 years old by the start of the program.
In this program, you’ll spend seven weeks on campus, deeply engaged in faculty-led research across science, mathematics, or engineering. Once admitted through your high school’s nomination, you’ll be matched with a mentor and take ownership of a project that culminates in crafting a written abstract and presenting a poster at the program’s end-of-summer symposium. You’ll attend weekly faculty talks, participate in workshops and campus tours, and gain experience with research tools and lab protocols. Projects may involve tasks such as lab-based research, building algorithms for high-performance computing, and more. Living options include commuting or on-campus housing.
11. Cooper Union Summer STEM
Location: Cooper Union, 41 Cooper Square, Manhattan, NY.
Cost / Stipend: $3,950 for the 6-week courses; $1,950 for the 3-week course; financial aid is available / None
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: About 20-25% / 18-22 students.
Dates: Session 1 (3 weeks): July 7 – July 24 | Session 2 (3 weeks): July 28 – August 14
Application Deadline: Typically March
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–11 at the time of summer (completed 9th grade required) | U.S. residents | International students with permission to study in the U.S.
Cooper Union Summer STEM includes college-level in-person engineering courses that cover diverse engineering topics revolving around design, match, science, art, and programming. Over your chosen 3-week session, you’ll tackle college-level engineering challenges in areas such as electrical, chemical, civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering. Projects reflect engineering design and application, often mirroring work done by Cooper Union undergraduates. You’ll participate in labs and site-based activities Monday through Thursday, with evenings and weekends free to explore New York City. The program includes workshops, team collaboration, and presentations culminating in a closing showcase.
12. Columbia Pre-College Engineering Program
Location: Columbia University, NY
Cost / Stipend: $12,764 (Residential) | $6,310 (Commuter) / None
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: 3-15% / 20-40 students
Dates: Residential & Commuter (In‑Person) Sessions: Session A: June 30 – July 18 (move‑in June 29) | Session B: July 22 – August 8
Commuter‑Only Extension: Session C: August 11 – August 15 (commuter format only)
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Rising 10th‑12th graders and recent high school graduates | At least 15 years old
The Columbia Pre-College Engineering Summer Program invites high school students to experience project-based learning on Columbia’s New York campus, working with real faculty and immersing themselves in STEM fields. You’ll engage in a focused 3‑week engineering experience at Columbia’s Morningside campus. You select one course, such as robotics, biomedical engineering, walking robots, or product design, each led by Columbia faculty and characterized by project-based learning. You’ll work in teams to prototype, analyze, and present technical designs using tools like simulation software and Arduino, with regular feedback from instructors. The program also includes electives, workshops on public speaking and college prep, and campus tours.
13. Computer Engineering for Good (CE4G)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost / Stipend: $4,500 + $957 Housing Fee + $597 Mandatory Meal Plan
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Moderately selective / 20-30 students per session
Dates: Program Session 1: June 16 – July 2 | Program Session 2: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Current 9th graders to graduating 12th graders | Aged 15 and above
In this three-week program, you’ll explore how embedded computing can address social and environmental challenges. Working with platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi, you’ll prototype internet-connected solutions centered on themes like public health, sustainability, or infrastructure accessibility. Through labs, coding, and circuit design, you’ll gain skills in IoT and hardware interfacing, while also learning design thinking and system integration. The curriculum combines engineering instruction with problem analysis. You’ll engage in lectures, team projects, and prototype testing, and receive feedback from faculty and mentors. The experience helps develop technical fluency, social impact awareness, and critical thinking.
14. GSTEM (Girls & underrepresented Students in STEM)
Location: New York University (NYU), Courant Institute, NY
Cost / Stipend: Tuition $5,500; optional on-campus housing with meal plan $3,840; need-based financial aid available / None
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: 10-12% / 40 students
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade high school students
Over six weeks, you’ll be matched one-on-one with an NYU researcher or professor to carry out an individual project in biology, chemistry, computer science, math, or physics. You’ll sharpen practical skills through structured workshops on programming, lab techniques, scientific writing, and public speaking, with graduate assistants guiding small groups. Each week, you’ll join field trips across New York City to visit labs and meet women professionals in STEM, gaining insight into diverse career paths. An end-of-program symposium lets you present your findings to peers, faculty, and family. If you opt for housing, you can live on campus and participate in curated evening and weekend activities.
15. Columbia University Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Location: Columbia University, NY
Cost / Stipend: Commuter: $5,880; Residential: $10,705; need-based scholarships are available / None
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Highly selective / 20-40 students
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – 25 | Session 2: July 28 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Commuter: All current high school students (freshmen to seniors) | Residential: Students who are 16 and above
SHAPE provides options such as robotics, computer science & AI, biomedical engineering, sustainability, and electrical design. You’ll work in teams to design and build prototypes, such as a robotic car or a biomedical device, using MakerSpace resources, 3D printers, and laser cutters. You’ll attend electives and workshops on research skills, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and applying to college. You’ll participate in site visits to engineering companies and network with Columbia students, alumni, and industry partners. You’ll receive a Certificate of Completion and a personalized letter of recommendation from your SHAPE course instructor upon finishing. You'll gain exposure to engineering problems tied to “Engineering for Humanity.”