15 Free Programs for High School Students in NYC
If you are a high school student looking to learn more about your interests, you should consider applying for a free structured program. These no-cost programs offer you an accessible option to develop skills, explore college-level topics, or work with professionals in fields like medicine, tech, or business. They are either free of cost or offer financial assistance to help you focus on your work without any financial burden.
New York City is home to some of the most competitive and enriching academic and pre-professional programs in the country. Whether you’re a local student looking to save on transportation and housing or someone from outside the city hoping to take advantage of NYC’s world-class institutions, there are opportunities here to match your goals. These free programs are often selective, but they come with strong mentorship, practical learning, and the chance to make connections that can shape your future.
To guide you through the best opportunities available, we’ve compiled a list of 15 free programs for high school students in NYC.
15 Free Programs for High School Students in NYC
1. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: None | $1,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who reside and attend school in New York
ARISE is a 10-week summer program that introduces high school students to academic research in STEM fields such as engineering, machine learning, psychology, and environmental science. The first four weeks take place online, focusing on lab safety, ethics, and research skills, along with college preparation guidance. Students then move into a six-week placement in an NYU lab, where they contribute about 120 hours to active projects under the mentorship of faculty and graduate students. Participants take on practical tasks like collecting and analyzing data, testing systems, and developing solutions to scientific and engineering problems. The program also offers theater-based workshops to help students present their work effectively. The experience concludes with a research symposium, where participants share their findings at NYU and at the American Museum of Natural History.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students; AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard alumni, offers high school students the chance to explore artificial intelligence through structured mentorship programs. The AI Scholars program is designed for beginners, introducing core concepts in AI, machine learning, and data science through ten sessions that include both instruction and applied projects. More advanced students can pursue the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, where they develop individualized research under the guidance of mentors from leading universities. Fellows work on original projects, receive editorial assistance, and are encouraged to submit their findings to student research journals. Past participants have created projects across diverse domains, demonstrating how AI can be applied to real-world challenges.
3. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 32 students
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application deadline: January 3
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who are age 16+ at program start
Rockefeller University’s SSRP is a fully funded experience that places motivated high school students into active biomedical research labs. After an initial week of training in lab safety and techniques, participants join teams led by PhD-level scientists to pursue projects in fields such as genetics, neuroscience, or immunology. You’ll be directly involved in designing experiments, analyzing data, and preparing research findings, gaining a realistic sense of how collaborative science operates. The free program for high school students in NYC also includes electives and workshops that introduce broader perspectives on biomedical research and career paths. At the conclusion of the program, students present their work in poster sessions during a formal symposium, sharing results with peers, faculty, and guests.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Virtual
Cost: Full need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall. Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program runs the Breakthrough Scholar Program, a free initiative that pairs high school students from low-income backgrounds with Ph.D. mentors for one-on-one research. Modeled after Lumiere Education’s Individual Research Scholar Program, it allows participants to design and complete a 12-week independent research project. Students work across fields such as psychology, economics, physics, computer science, chemistry, and international relations, depending on their interests. By the end of the program, each participant produces a formal research paper, gaining experience in academic writing and analysis. Mentorship comes from doctoral-level scholars who guide the process from topic selection to completion.
5. Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: July 1 – August 2
Application deadline: April 14
Eligibility: New York City residents currently enrolled in grades 8–10 with a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in STEM
NYU Tandon’s ieSoSC program is a five-week summer initiative focused on applying STEM and entrepreneurial skills to urban challenges. Participants study design thinking, coding, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies while exploring how smart infrastructure can improve city life. In the latter half of the program, students form teams to design, prototype, and present devices or apps aimed at addressing real-world problems, with a small budget provided for materials. The free program for high school students in NYC incorporates training in communication and improvisation through collaboration with Irondale Theater. This training helps students prepare for the final public presentation, where they pitch their prototypes to an audience that includes engineers, planners, and community members.
6. Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS)
Location: NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~48 students
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Applicants must be studying in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade at the time of applying and must be residents of New York City or nearby areas such as Jersey City, Newark, or Hempstead
CS4CS, hosted at NYU Tandon, is a three-week summer program that introduces high school students to core principles of cybersecurity and computer science. The curriculum covers topics such as ethical or “white-hat” hacking, cryptography, steganography, digital forensics, and data privacy, giving you both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students also explore the human side of cybersecurity, such as how phishing and identity theft operate, alongside strategies to counter them. A distinctive feature of this free program for high school students in NYC is its collaboration with Irondale Theater, where improv-based training strengthens communication and public speaking skills.
7. CUNY STEM Research Academy
Location: Spring semester pre-college course is offered at 10 CUNY campuses across four boroughs
Cost/Stipend: Free | $1,575 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically 25 students for spring course, 10 for summer internship
Dates: Spring Semester: February 11 – May 22 | Summer Research: June 30 – August 7
Application deadline: January 16
Eligibility: New York City Public School (NYCPS) students in grades 10-11. Highly motivated 9th-grade NYCPS students are considered on an individual basis.
The CUNY STEM Research Academy is a two-semester program for New York City public high school students that combines coursework with hands-on research. In the spring, students enroll in a pre-college course through the College Now program that introduces them to the fundamentals of scientific inquiry, including designing experiments, formulating questions, and analyzing data. Those who complete the course move into a six-week summer placement in a CUNY research lab, where they work alongside faculty on real projects in fields such as biology, chemistry, or physics. At the program conclusion, participants present their findings at a research exhibition hosted at the American Museum of Natural History.
8. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program of the New York City Bar
Location: Various locations across New York City
Cost/Stipend: Free | $16 – 22/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: 6 – 8 weeks, beginning in March
Application deadline: January 13
Eligibility: NYC public high school students
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program TMSLIP connects high school students in New York City with paid placements at law firms, corporate legal departments, nonprofits, and government agencies. The program begins with a series of workshops in the spring that prepare students for professional environments by covering topics such as interview skills, workplace readiness, and legal ethics. Once placed, you may handle responsibilities such as organizing case files, preparing documents, conducting basic research, or assisting with administrative tasks. Interns also have opportunities to observe hearings, client meetings, or courtroom procedures, providing direct exposure to legal practice. Beyond the day-to-day work, the program includes professional development events, such as networking with attorneys and panels on diverse career paths in law.
9. Tisch Future Artists
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: January 31 – May 9
Application deadline: November 10
Eligibility: High school students who are currently enrolled in grades 9–11
The Tisch Future Artists program is a 14-week spring semester opportunity for high schoolers who want to study the arts at a university level. Meeting on Saturdays, the program offers seven tracks, including film, dramatic writing, dance, photography, recorded music, digital game design, and theater, all taught by Tisch School of the Arts faculty. Students take part in full-day classes and workshops that mirror the rigor of undergraduate-level training, giving you a sense of what it means to pursue arts education in college. Specialized tracks, such as Future Music Moguls and Future Imagemakers, also highlight intersections between creativity, industry, and social issues.
10. High School Law Institute
Location: NYU's Washington Square Park campus, West Village, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Classes are conducted on Saturdays throughout the academic year
Application deadline: August 23
Eligibility: Open to students entering, or currently enrolled in grades 9-12 who live within commutable distance to NYU's Washington Square Park campus in NYC's West Village
HSLI at NYU is a student-run free program for high school students in NYC that introduces participants to legal studies during the academic year. Classes meet on Saturdays and cover subjects such as constitutional law, criminal law, and speech and debate, offering insight into the workings of the U.S. legal system. Instruction is led by teams of NYU Law and undergraduate students who are trained by law faculty, and the program emphasizes discussion-based learning. Students analyze case studies, practice building arguments, and work on assignments designed to strengthen critical thinking and advocacy.
11. Summer Arts Institute
Location: Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, Astoria, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Application and audition required
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Students entering grades 8 to 12 who are currently enrolled in or will enroll in a New York City Department of Education public high school
The Summer Arts Institute (SAI) is a program for New York City public high school students who want to pursue intensive training in the arts. Students major in one of several disciplines, including dance, theater, film, visual arts, concert band, strings, or vocal music, and work under the guidance of professional artists and NYC arts teachers. Daily studio sessions are supplemented with rehearsals, workshops, and visits to cultural venues across the city. Partner organizations such as the New York Philharmonic, American Ballet Theatre, and Carnegie Hall provide mentorship and professional exposure. You also attend live performances and learn about pathways to careers in the arts. The program concludes with a public exhibition and performance where students present original work developed during the summer.
12. Summer Shakespeare
Location: 65 Broadway, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 22 students
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Application deadline: June 20
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in a New York City high school and have demonstrated financial need (students who qualify for SNAP benefits will receive priority), as well as demonstrated need or lack of access to arts programming
Summer Shakespeare is a free, five-week conservatory-style program in New York City that immerses high school students in classical theater. Each summer, about 22 students are selected to train five days a week in acting, voice, movement, improvisation, and ensemble work. The program includes around 50 hours of intensive classes led by experienced theater instructors, giving you the chance to strengthen both performance technique and stage presence. Working as part of a small group, participants rehearse and prepare an abbreviated Shakespeare play, applying the skills learned throughout the free program for high school students in NYC. It culminates in a final production that is performed before a live audience.
13. Kode with Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Virtual | In-person camp in New York City
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on session
Dates: Multiple two-week sessions from June to August
Application deadline: March
Eligibility: Girls, gender nonconforming, and trans students between the ages of 13-18
Kode With Klossy offers two-week free programs for high school students in NYC that teach coding and computer science to high school students from underrepresented genders in STEM. Campers choose from four curricula: web development, mobile app design, machine learning, or data science. In the web development track, you’ll learn to build responsive websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while the mobile app track introduces Apple’s Swift language and Xcode platform for creating iOS apps. Machine learning focuses on algorithms, datasets, and natural language processing, with projects such as training a chatbot in Python. In data science, students use Python and SQL to analyze information and create meaningful visualizations around topics of personal interest. By the end of camp, participants leave with a completed project, practical coding skills, and a network of peers interested in technology.
14. Met High School Internship Program
Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | $1,100
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~45 students
Dates: July 2 – August 8
Application deadline: March 7
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders who either live or attend a high school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
The Met High School Internship Program provides paid summer internships for students who want to gain firsthand experience in the operations of a major museum. Interns are placed in departments such as education, editorial, conservation, marketing, or scientific research, where they support projects and daily work while learning from museum professionals. The program includes career labs, group workshops, and team meetings that build skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with peers and staff through cohort-based activities and museum-wide events. Interns reflect on their learning through structured discussions and presentations, helping them link their work to larger questions about art, culture, and museums.
15. TECH360: Intro to AI
Location: America on Tech (New York City)
Cost/Stipend: Free | $500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Cycle 1: June 30 – July 17 | Cycle 2: July 28 – August 14 | Demo Day: August 21
Application deadline: May 25
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors currently attending a New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, Miami-Dade/ Broward County, or Atlanta high school
TECH360: Intro to AI, run by America on Tech, is a free program that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its role in daily life and the workforce. Over the course of the program, you’ll study how AI has developed, the difference between generative and predictive models, and the ethical concerns raised by emerging technologies. Lessons draw on concepts from data science and machine learning to explain how AI tools function, providing you with both theoretical background and applied knowledge. The program concludes with a group project where teams design an AI-powered tool and pitch it to mock clients, simulating real-world applications. The strongest projects are selected to be presented at a Demo Day before an audience of judges and peers.
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