15 Internships for High School Students in New York City (NYC)
If you’re a high school student looking to step beyond the classroom and engage with professional environments, internships can be the ideal way to get you started. They provide early exposure to professional expectations, help you apply what you’ve learned in new settings, and show how academic interests connect to different career paths. Internships can be a testing ground, helping clarify what you enjoy, what challenges you, and what kinds of careers you may want to pursue further.
Why should you intern in New York City?
New York City offers internship opportunities across science, business, technology, art, and public service, hosted by universities, research institutions, and non-profit organizations. As an intern, you might assist ongoing projects, collaborate with research teams, contribute to community programs, or explore creative work alongside experienced professionals. Whether you live in the city or come for the summer, interning in New York exposes you to a vibrant professional environment that values learning, collaboration, and curiosity.
To help you navigate these options, we have compiled a list of 15 internships for high school students in New York City.
If you are looking for free summer programs in NYC, check out our blog here.
1. The Met High School Internship Program
Location: New York City (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Dates: Summer (exact dates announced annually)
Cost: Free; includes a $1,100 paid stipend
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-11 residing in NY, NJ, or CT; must meet work authorization requirements
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in early February
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s High School Internship Program offers paid summer internships for students in grades 10 and 11 to gain behind-the-scenes exposure to how a world-class museum operates. As an intern, you work in small cohorts and connect directly with museum professionals across various departments, including curatorial, education, social media, imaging, design, and visitor engagement. The program emphasizes professional skill-building, mentorship, and career exploration, helping you understand how interests in history, storytelling, design, technology, or community work can translate into real roles within cultural institutions. No prior background in art or art history is required - just curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.
2. Immerse Education’s Career Insights Pathway
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Dates: Two weeks during the summer
Cost: Varies according to program; financial aid available
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15 – 18
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
The Career Insights Program offers high school students an introduction to professional environments across multiple industries. As a participant, you can expect to engage in hands-on projects with established companies and connect with industry experts through interactive workshops. You'll also visit operational sites, including offices, factories, and headquarters. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work to industry professionals. You can explore career paths in subjects such as medicine, engineering, law, business, journalism, fashion, and more. The program also includes weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalized feedback. You can find more details about the application here!
3. Columbia University Zuckerman Institute - BRAINYAC
Location: New York City
Dates: Summer
Cost: None; stipend not specified
Eligibility: NYC residents in grades 10-11 enrolled in partner programs (S-PREP, BioBus, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, or Columbia Secondary School)
Application Deadline: October 31
BRAINYAC is a highly selective summer research internship that places New York City high school students inside active neuroscience labs at Columbia University. You are matched one-on-one with Columbia neuroscientists and contribute to real, ongoing research projects, gaining hands-on lab experience and exposure to academic science at a professional level. The program is designed for students already engaged in structured science enrichment and emphasizes mentorship, research skills, and scientific thinking rather than classroom-style instruction. You leave with a deeper understanding of how laboratory research translates into practical discovery. This program is especially well-suited for students considering careers in neuroscience, medicine, or research who thrive in rigorous, mentor-driven environments.
4. Ladder Internships
Location: Online
Dates: Rolling cohorts throughout the year (summer and school-year options)
Cost: Free to apply; stipends are provided
Eligibility: High school students (typically grades 9-12)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Ladder Internships is a paid, remote work-learn platform that connects high school students with fast-growing startups for real-world project experience. Instead of shadowing or simulated tasks, you work directly on active business, tech, marketing, and research projects under the guidance of startup founders and team leads. The program is designed to build practical skills like communication, problem-solving, and independent work - while giving you exposure to how early-stage companies actually operate. Because the internships are fully remote, students in New York City can participate without commuting, making it a flexible option during the school year or summer.
5. STEM Research Academy — City College of New York (CCNY)
Location: New York City (CCNY campus)
Dates: Spring Course: Feb 10 - May 23 | Summer Internship: July 6 - Aug 6 (dates subject to change)
Stipend: Up to $1,575 for students who complete the summer research internship
Eligibility: NYC public high school students in grades 10-11; academic requirements apply
Application Deadline: Jan 16
The CCNY College Now STEM Research Academy is a selective, two-part research pathway for NYC public high school students interested in scientific inquiry and lab-based work. You begin with a Spring research science course focused on hands-on, inquiry-driven learning, and top performers are invited to continue into a Summer research internship matched with CUNY or CCNY faculty. The program emphasizes scientific thinking, research design, and exposure to real academic labs - making it a strong option for students considering STEM majors or research careers. Participation in the spring course is required to be considered for the summer internship.
6. BEYOND ALBERT High School Research Program
Location: Bronx, New York (Albert Einstein College of Medicine)
Dates: Summer: Late June - August (8 weeks) | Academic Year: September - May
Stipend: $2,500 for summer participation (plus meal vouchers and transit support)
Eligibility: Bronx high school students, rising juniors or seniors, age 16+, must attend a Bronx high school
Application Deadline: Not specified (varies by year)
The BEYOND ALBERT High School Research Program is a paid, in-person research opportunity for Bronx high school students interested in biomedical science and cancer research. Hosted by the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, the program combines an intensive eight-week summer lab experience with continued academic-year mentorship and workshops. You work directly with faculty researchers, gain hands-on laboratory experience, and build skills in scientific thinking, presentation, and college readiness. The program is designed to support students from the Bronx who are curious about research careers and want sustained exposure beyond a single summer.
7. Biorocket Research Internship Program
Location: New York City (in-person at Genspace; limited virtual sessions)
Dates: Spring Session: February 25 - May 21 | Summer Session: July 6 - August 14
Stipend: $2,000
Eligibility: NYC public or charter high school students, age 16+, able to commit February-August
Application Deadline: Applications open November 1
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a paid biology research experience for New York City high school students interested in lab work and science communication. Designed for students aged 16 and up, the program blends real laboratory training in genetics and biology with mentorship, field trips, and creative science communication (including improv-based training). You work alongside scientists to design and carry out a research project, while also gaining exposure to careers in science, biotech, and design. The program strongly encourages applications from students historically underrepresented in the sciences and emphasizes access, mentorship, and confidence-building alongside technical skills.
8. BioBus Junior Scientist Internships (NYC)
Location: New York City (Lower East Side & Harlem program sites)
Dates: Summer: July - August | Academic Year: September – June
Stipend: $17/hour
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 9-11; some tracks have neighborhood or identity-specific requirements (e.g., Harlem Women in STEM track)
Application Deadline: Check BioBus website for exact submission deadlines
The BioBus Junior Scientist Internships are paid, year-long research programs for New York City high school students who want an immersive lab experience alongside teaching and leadership exposure. As an intern, you work closely with BioBus research scientists, develop your own independent research projects using professional-grade microscopes, and learn how to communicate science to younger students through community programs. A defining feature of BioBus is its commitment to expanding access to STEM for students historically excluded due to race, gender, income, or access barriers. Prior lab experience is not required; curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn matter far more. This program is especially well-suited for students who enjoy both scientific exploration and working with others in collaborative, community-facing environments.
9. Project TRUE
Location: Bronx Zoo, Bronx, New York City
Dates: Summer: 3 days/week, July-August | Fall: Saturdays, September-December
Stipend: Summer: $750 or $16/hour via SYEP if eligible; Fall: ~$350
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who reside in the Bronx; comfortable with indoor and outdoor fieldwork; interested in science and the environment
Application Deadline: Check the WCS Project TRUE website for application dates (typically opens in early winter)
Project TRUE is an immersive urban ecology and youth development program for high school sophomores and juniors in the Bronx. As an intern, you conduct real research alongside Fordham University undergraduates and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) staff, studying NYC wildlife and ecosystems. From tracking mammal species and bird communities to analyzing water quality and managing invasive species, you gain hands-on field and laboratory experience. Beyond research, you build skills in science communication, data analysis, and teamwork, culminating in presentations to peers, scientists, and the public. The program also fosters a supportive community, offering mentorship, environmental stewardship, and ongoing engagement through alumni networks.
10. American Museum of Natural History – Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York City
Dates: August - June
Stipend: $2,500 upon completion of program requirements
Eligibility: NYC residents in 10th or 11th grade; passing all classes
Application Deadline: March 1
The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History offers NYC high school students an immersive, year-long research experience. As an intern, you work closely with museum scientists on original research projects spanning genetics, astronomy, archaeology, and more. Through laboratory work, data analysis, and coding, you develop essential research, communication, and teamwork skills. Mentorship, peer collaboration, and professional networking opportunities provide a supportive environment for students to explore STEM careers.
11. Wave Hill – Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship (WERM)
Location: Wave Hill, Bronx, New York City
Dates: July - August (Phase I: Summer; Phase II: Academic Year; Phase III: Second Summer)
Stipend: Approximately $3,500 over the length of the program
Eligibility: NYC high school students, 16+; able to work in outdoor environments; available for all three program phases; eligible to work in the U.S.
Application Deadline: February 27
The Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship (WERM) at Wave Hill is a 14-month immersive ecology program for NYC high school students. As an intern, you gain experience in urban ecology and conservation by contributing to practical field research alongside scientists and restoration practitioners. The program combines fieldwork, independent research, and coursework in ecology, GIS mapping, and research methods. You develop scientific skills, professional connections, and an understanding of NYC’s natural areas, while receiving mentorship, career guidance, and access to an alumni network. WERM emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging students from under-resourced communities to apply.
12. Simons Summer Research Program – Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, New York (Long Island)
Dates: June - August 7
Stipend: Awarded upon completion of the program (amount not specified)
Eligibility: High school juniors (11th grade), US citizens or permanent residents, at least 16 years old by program start, interested in science with demonstrated creativity and independence
Application Deadline: February 5
The Simons Summer Research Program offers high school juniors an immersive research experience at Stony Brook University. You are paired with faculty mentors and join research teams to take on independent projects in science. As a fellow, you gain hands-on laboratory experience, develop technical and analytical skills, and participate in weekly faculty talks, workshops, and campus events. The program culminates in a poster symposium where you present your findings and receive a stipend. Simons SRP emphasizes creativity, independence, and scientific problem-solving, providing a strong foundation for future STEM careers.
13. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Islands (mentor-dependent, local placements prioritized)
Dates: Flexible 8-week period between June-August (start and end dates determined with mentor)
Stipend: $3,000 over eight weeks
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors, 16 years or older by internship start, interest in fisheries/aquatic science, and ability to perform field and lab activities
Application Deadline: January 25
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship for high school students passionate about fisheries, aquatic science, and environmental conservation. As a scholar, you are paired with professional mentors and placed in locations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Islands, giving you experience in fieldwork, laboratories, and office environments. Activities include fish population surveys, electrofishing, water quality testing, aquatic habitat assessments, and assisting with educational programs. You also attend the Scholar’s Summit and receive guidance to explore science as a career, all while building professional connections and developing real-world skills.
14. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Summer Student Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Upper East Side, Manhattan, NYC (students must live within 25 miles of campus)
Dates: June 29 - August 21
Stipend: $1,200 for the summer
Eligibility: Current high school juniors; 14 years or older; reside within 25 miles of NYC (NY, NJ, or CT), legally authorized to work in the U.S.; 3.5 GPA in science subjects.
Application Deadline: Applications open soon (check MSK site for submission dates)
The Summer Student Program offers high school juniors an 8-week immersive experience in biomedical and computational research at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK). As an intern, you are paired with a mentor to develop technical skills and complete self-directed research projects that contribute to ongoing lab work. Beyond the lab, you participate in professional and personal development events, gaining insight into translational medicine, the MSK community, and career paths in biomedical science. Areas of research include cancer biology, immunology, pharmacology, structural biology, computational biology, engineering, and more.
15. Partners for the Future - Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Location: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (Long Island)
Dates: September - March of senior year (10+ hours per week)
Stipend: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students entering senior year; nominated by school science chairperson (2 nominations per school)
Application Deadline: Application opens in January
Partners for the Future (PFF) provides Long Island high school students with an opportunity to engage in hands-on biomedical research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a world-leading institution in molecular biology and genetics. Students entering their senior year are nominated by their school’s science chairperson and, if selected, work closely with scientist mentors on original research projects. The program emphasizes both technical skills in molecular biology and the realities of working in a professional lab environment, culminating in oral presentations to mentors, lab staff, and peers.
Image source - Ladder Internships