15 Free STEM Programs for High School Students in NYC
If you're a high school student interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, there are many free STEM programs in NYC that provide practical learning experiences without the burden of tuition. These programs are excellent entry points for you to gain exposure to tools, lab techniques, and career paths in STEM-related fields.
Whether you're interested in biomedical research, environmental science, or machine learning, these opportunities allow you to build technical skills while collaborating with peers and professionals. From project-based bootcamps to research-intensive internships, there’s a range of options that align with different STEM interests and experience levels.
We've compiled a list of 15 free STEM programs for high school students in NYC!
1. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory @ The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free. Stipend opportunities available.
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 32 students
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
The SSRP is a seven-week, full-time summer internship that immerses high school students in authentic biomedical and bioinformatics research. You will be matched to a lab based on your interests and collaborate with peers and mentors on a research project conducted at Rockefeller University’s RockEDU lab. Daily activities include experimental work, data analysis, technical workshops, and guest lectures from leading scientists. Participants attend elective classes and community-building sessions to expand their knowledge of research careers. Stipends are provided for students facing financial hardship who meet attendance and project requirements, making the program accessible to a diverse range of applicants.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Moderately Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Open to high school students with prior experience in Python or AI, or who have completed the Veritas AI Scholars program
The Veritas AI Fellowship is a fully virtual, research-oriented program that allows high school students to develop independent artificial intelligence projects with personalized mentorship. You will work one-on-one with an expert mentor to explore advanced topics like neural networks, model evaluation, and data preprocessing, all while building a project tailored to your interests. Past projects have addressed challenges in healthcare, economics, sustainability, and more. The 15-week structure includes weekly meetings, milestone reviews, and a final showcase to present your work. Up to 100% need-based financial aid is available, making this opportunity accessible to qualified students regardless of financial background.
3. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free. $1000 stipend available on program completion.
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; ~76–80 students accepted
Dates: June 2 – August 8 (first 4 weeks remote after school, next 6 weeks in-person on weekdays)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Open to NYC high school students who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June
ARISE is a ten-week summer research program at NYU offering high school students practical experience in advanced STEM areas such as robotics, machine learning, chemical engineering, and data science. The program begins with virtual seminars that cover lab safety, research ethics, and computational tools, before transitioning to in-person lab work guided by faculty and graduate mentors. You’ll be assigned to active NYU research labs, where you contribute to real projects across various disciplines. The program includes workshops on college access and concludes with a formal presentation of your work.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Varies by program
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Open to high school students with strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a fully virtual research experience that allows high school students to conduct original research under the mentorship of a Ph.D. scholar. You will work one-on-one with your mentor to select a topic, formulate a research question, and conduct a literature review and analysis. The program supports a range of STEM fields, with resources and guidance tailored to your specific area of interest. Over 12 weeks, you'll build technical and academic writing skills while producing a polished research paper. Full financial aid is available based on need, making this opportunity accessible to academically strong students from all backgrounds.
5. Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)
Location: New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Open to NYC resident students in grades 10 and 11
CS4CS is a three-week, fully funded summer program designed to introduce high school students to the field of cybersecurity through technical and interdisciplinary learning. You will participate in hands-on workshops on ethical hacking, cryptography, steganography, and digital forensics, utilizing real tools to identify and address cyber threats. The program additionally covers behavioral science subjects like phishing and social engineering to emphasize the human aspect of cybersecurity. A distinctive feature is its partnership with the Irondale program, which incorporates theater-based activities to aid students in developing communication and teamwork skills.
6. New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) High School Summer Internship Program
Location: New York City School Construction Authority, Long Island & NYC, NY
Cost/Stipend: $16.50 an hour for 30 hours a week
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; varies by year and placement availability
Dates: 6 weeks between June and August (placement-dependent)
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: Open to NYC public high school students who are eligible to work in the U.S.
The SCA High School Summer Internship Program offers a paid, six-week experience for students interested in engineering, architecture, construction management, or IT. You will work four days a week with a professional team at SCA or one of its partner firms, gaining insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of STEM-related careers. Fridays are reserved for structured programming, including skill-building workshops, guest speakers, and a design challenge. The program also includes mentorship to help guide your academic and career planning. You will earn $16/hour for 30 hours per week, making this both a professional and financially accessible STEM opportunity.
7. Tech Scholars Programs
Location: Tech Commons, New-York Historical Society, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not available
Dates: Tech Scholars: Podcasting – Cohort 1: July 7 – 11 | Tech Scholars: Web Design – Summer: July 21 – 25 | Tech Scholars: Podcasting – Cohort 2: August 18 – 22
Application Deadlines: Podcasting: May 19 | Web Design: May 26
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12 who live in and attend school in the NYC metro area (including NYC’s five boroughs, and parts of NY, NJ, and CT)
The Tech Scholars Programs offer high school students immersive training in digital media production and design within a historical and social justice framework. You can choose between podcasting and web design tracks, where you'll gain hands-on experience with tools like HTML/CSS, audio editing software, and storytelling frameworks. Programs are hosted in the New-York Historical Society’s Tech Commons and include mentorship from museum professionals. You will conduct historical research and develop projects that explore civic and cultural themes. These free programs blend technology, humanities, and creative expression in a unique museum-based learning environment.
8. HK Maker Lab Summer Engineering Design Program
Location: Columbia University, Morningside Campus, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: July 8 – August 13, with a mandatory orientation in late June
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: Open to 10th–11th graders attending NYCDOE public or charter high schools with an interest in STEAM fields
The HK Maker Lab is a free, five-week summer program hosted at Columbia University that immerses high school students in engineering, biomedical science, and digital design. You’ll choose a track, either biomedical engineering or innovation and design, and take university-level courses before collaborating on a team project that addresses a real-world health challenge. Participants gain experience using design software, building prototypes, and presenting solutions in a pitch format. The program is led by Columbia faculty and includes access to campus labs and resources. You may also be placed in a paid internship following the program, offering continued exposure to research or healthcare environments.
9. Environmentor Program – Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE)
Location: RISE, Far Rockaway, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free. Stipends available upto $1200
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: 12–15
Dates: 6 weeks; July–August
Application Deadline: Applications open in March and close in May
Eligibility: Open to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who live in or attend school within or near the Rockaway peninsula
The RISE Environmentor Program is a six-week, community-focused environmental science internship that connects students with working scientists to explore local ecosystems. You will carry out your research on topics like dolphin morphology, salt marsh restoration, or air quality monitoring, all focused on the Rockaway shoreline. Mentors from scientific and conservation groups will guide students through every stage of their project, from fieldwork to final presentation. The program also includes outdoor activities such as surfing and nature hikes to provide a balanced experience. You will receive up to $1,200 for your participation, making it both an educational and financially accessible opportunity.
10. Project SEED – American Chemical Society
Location: Varies by lab placement; includes opportunities in New York City
Cost/Stipend: $4000
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Supports 350+ students nationwide each summer
Dates: 8–10 weeks, June to August
Application Deadline: Typically closes in April
Eligibility: Open to current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (including recent graduates) who have completed at least one high school chemistry course; preference given to students with family income ≤300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Project SEED is a fully funded summer research experience for high school students interested in chemistry and chemical engineering. You will spend 8–10 weeks conducting full-time research in a professional lab setting, whether at a university, government agency, or private industry site, under the guidance of an experienced chemist. You will assist with experiments, analyze results, and may contribute to ongoing research projects. Many placements offer college prep activities like campus tours, STEM panels, or conference presentations. Participants will receive a $4,000 stipend, making this one of the most comprehensive paid STEM experiences available to high school students.
11. Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)
Location: In-person at New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Open to NYC students currently in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade
The ieSoSC program at NYU Tandon is a five-week, hands-on summer experience focused on the intersection of urban infrastructure, innovation, and STEM. You will study concepts in computer science, engineering, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, applying them to real-world urban challenges. The curriculum blends entrepreneurship and design thinking with technical skills, preparing you to develop and pitch smart city solutions. In the second half of the program, teams tackle a city-themed design challenge and present their prototypes to a panel of industry professionals. Public speaking skills are also developed through workshops led by the Irondale Theater team.
12. STEM Research Academy
Location: Hybrid (on-campus at City Tech, Brooklyn + remote sessions)
Cost/Stipend: $1500 and other amenities provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: Spring Course: February 8 – May 31 | Summer Internship: June 26 – August 15
Application Deadline: December 13
Eligibility: Open to NYC public high school sophomores or juniors from partner schools
The STEM Research Academy at City Tech is a two-part program designed to equip students from under-resourced schools with research experience in science and engineering. Initially, you'll participate in a 15-week spring course covering experimental design, literature review, and fundamental lab and fieldwork techniques. After completing the course, you'll become eligible for a paid summer internship with City Tech faculty on a research project. The internship concludes with a presentation at the Summer Science Symposium at the American Museum of Natural History. You will receive a stipend of $1,575, a MetroCard, lab supplies, and free lunch on Mondays, making the program both educational and well-supported.
13. Summer Engineering Awareness Program
Location: Manhattan College, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not available
Dates: Main Program: July 7 – 11 & July 14 – 18 | Extension 1: June 25 – 28, June 30 & July 1 | Extension 2: July 21 – 25 & July 28
Application Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors from the NYC metro area, with a focus on minority and female students strong in math and science
Manhattan College’s Summer Engineering Awareness Program is a free, multi-week summer experience designed to introduce students to various STEM fields through hands-on learning. You will explore disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering through lab experiments, design projects, and exposure to professional tools, including CAD software. The program highlights support for underrepresented students and covers topics such as scholarships, financial aid, and college pathways. Participants will also hear from guest speakers and visit a design firm on a field trip.
14. EDIT ML Summer Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not available
Dates: Onboarding from April 15 – June 15
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Open to high school students with a background in computer science
The EDIT ML Summer Internship is a free, research-based virtual program focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. You will work with authentic clinical data to develop machine learning models for medical imaging, natural language processing (NLP), and predictive healthcare analytics. Using tools like Python and R, you'll collaborate with medical researchers and data scientists. The program focuses on both technical skills and scientific communication, culminating in a final presentation to peers and professionals.
15. Chemical Engineering Summer Program
Location: Manhattan College, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not available
Dates: July 30 – 31
Application Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors with an interest in STEM disciplines
This free two-day summer workshop introduces students to chemical engineering through interactive labs, competitions, and campus experiences. You will explore how chemical engineers contribute to industries such as green energy, biotechnology, and food production, using hands-on activities to understand the basic principles. You will learn from Manhattan College faculty, alumni, and industry professionals, and participate in lab tours and college preparation sessions. The program covers topics like computer-based design and campus activities through engineering clubs. Participants will get free breakfast and lunch, a Certificate of Completion, and a $75 waiver for the Manhattan College Chemical Engineering application fee.