13 Camps for High School Students in New York State
Summer camps can be a valuable way for you to explore your interests as a high school student while learning outside of your regular classes. They give you the chance to develop skills across different subjects in a structured setting while engaging with new ideas and topics. You can also connect with peers and mentors, which can help you better understand your interests and future academic paths.
Why should you attend a camp in New York State?
New York State is home to universities and organizations that offer camps across a wide range of subjects, from STEM and business to healthcare and the humanities. Depending on the camp, you might take part in academic sessions, projects, or discussions while developing relevant skills and exploring different fields. These opportunities can be worth considering, whether you are a local student looking for options nearby or an out-of-state student interested in exploring a new academic environment.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 13 Camps for High School Students in New York State.
If you’re looking for AI summer programs in New York State, check out our blog here.
1. University at Buffalo: Experiential Learning in Emerging STEM Technologies
Location: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Stipend may be provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 31
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school students, enrolled in a high school in Buffalo or Western New York
The University at Buffalo Experiential Learning in Emerging STEM Technologies is a four-week program that introduces you to areas across AI, cybersecurity, drone technology, and the Internet of Things. You’ll begin with programming sessions, learn Python basics, and build simple programs, followed by introductory work in web development. You can then choose from advanced topics such as cybersecurity operations, AI, IoT systems, or robotics. Sessions take place in campus labs, where you complete hands-on tasks and small projects using research facilities. The program also includes opportunities to present your work at science fairs or related events.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type | full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple 12 to 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) | apply to the program here.
Eligibility: 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 and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM): High School Programming
Location: BEAM Los Angeles and New York offices
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round support
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students from underserved communities who show mathematical promise
The Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics is a long-term program that supports high school students from underserved communities in pursuing advanced math. While not a traditional camp, you’ll participate in weekend classes and enrichment sessions, and receive ongoing academic support through high school. Outside of classes, you can attend office hours to work on assignments, projects, or application materials with guidance from staff and volunteers. You also receive individualized advising and support for summer programs, internships, and college planning over multiple years.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type | full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies depending on the cohort – summer, fall, winter, or spring | options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program designed specifically for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a wide range of academic areas. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. The program pairs high school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper. You can find more details about the application here.
5. The University at Buffalo: National Grid Leadership Camp
Location: The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 20 – 23
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Western New York Students entering grades 10-12
The National Grid Leadership Camp at the University at Buffalo is a three-day residential program in which you work on an engineering challenge in teams. You’ll participate in lab sessions, computer-based exercises, and hands-on design activities tied to the challenge. The program includes a site visit to National Grid and group discussions with its engineers and professionals. You also attend a business-style lunch and engage in structured conversations about STEM careers. Outside of sessions, you join campus tours and group activities with other participants.
6. Cornell International Debate Camp
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: $3,750 (residential), $1,000 (commuter)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not available
Dates: July 25 – August 3
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment, positions fill out by late spring
Eligibility: High school students with English language proficiency
The Cornell University International Debate Camp is a one-week program for high school students interested in debating. Here, you train in the World Schools Debate format through daily lectures and practice rounds. You’ll learn how to structure arguments, respond to opposing teams, and handle both prepared and impromptu topics in 3-on-3 debates. Faculty and guest lecturers introduce current political and social issues, which form the basis for debate topics. You’ll participate in small-group debates with feedback from coaches and college-level debaters. The program concludes with a tournament where you compete against other participants using the World Schools Debate format.
7. Manhattan College Entrepreneurship Pre-College Camp
Location: Manhattan University, Riverdale, NY
Cost: $1,400 plus a $50 non-refundable registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 23
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: 15-17-year-old high school students; open to international students
The Manhattan College Entrepreneurship Pre-College Camp is a three-week camp for high school students interested in business. You will work in a team to build a business idea into a developed venture plan. In the first phase, you brainstorm concepts. Then, you draft financial projections, conduct market research, refine your value proposition, and finally assemble a pitch deck. You’ll explore finance, marketing, and business strategy through faculty-led sessions. The program ends with a formal presentation where you pitch your idea to a panel.
8. The University at Buffalo: CSExplore Camp
Location: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: High school students
The University at Buffalo CSExplore Camp is a three-day program where you work through introductory computing and engineering concepts on campus. You move from basic hardware ideas, such as circuits, to writing simple programs and understanding software logic. Sessions include hands-on activities such as programming a robot and designing a simple video game. You’ll also visit campus labs where computing is used in applied research settings.
9. Hofstra University: Careers in Healthcare and Medicine
Location: Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Cost: $780/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: August 10 – 14
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12
The Hofstra University Careers in Healthcare and Medicine camp is a one-week program for high school students interested in healthcare. You’ll explore different medical fields through daily sessions and practical activities. You move through areas such as nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and cardiovascular science, working through basic clinical tasks and case-based exercises. Sessions include activities like observing hearing tests, practicing patient intake, and working through simple lab simulations. The schedule also includes college and pre-med advising. You also participate in discussions and workshops focused on healthcare careers and related skills.
10. The University at Buffalo: Chem-E Camp
Location: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Cost/Stipend: $400/week (all camp materials, food, and transportation). Need-based scholarships available to cover the full cost of the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Students entering 11th and 12th grade in the fall of the current year. Students should have already completed Regents Chemistry (juniors are expected to be enrolled in Regents Chemistry in the fall)
The University at Buffalo Chem-E Camp is a one-week program that explores chemical engineering through practical work and digital simulations. You participate in lab sessions and campus-based work in the university’s chemical and biological engineering department. The program includes site visits to industry partners such as Linde, as well as additional tours of companies and research facilities. You also interact with faculty, students, and professionals working in the field. The schedule also includes group activities and discussions on college pathways and engineering careers.
11. Stanford Introduction to Logic: Intrologic Summer Camp
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $1,500; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 24 students
Dates: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions ending May 31
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th grade students; Students must be familiar with basic algebra and set theory
The Stanford University Introduction to Logic course is an online program for high school students interested in exploring symbolic logic through problem sets. You’ll work through topics like logical statements, proofs, and symbolic reasoning, applying them to puzzles and real-world scenarios. Each day includes lectures and individual and group exercises, in which you test arguments and build solutions step by step. The program uses material from the International Logic Olympiad, so that you can simultaneously prepare for the competition. You also participate in discussions and guided activities on constructing and evaluating arguments.
12. Historical Games Pre-College Camp
Location: Manhattan University, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: TBD. Check the website for the latest updates
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Not specified. Check the website for the latest updates
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders
The Historical Games Pre-College Camp at Manhattan College introduces you to Ancient Greek history through role-based simulations and debates. You’ll take on the role of a historical figure and work on a game set in Athens after the Peloponnesian War, debating questions around governance, justice, and political decisions. Primary texts by writers such as Herodotus, Thucydides, and Plato form the basis for discussions and arguments. You’ll also participate in workshops on public speaking and persuasive writing. The experience combines guided reading, debate sessions, and role-based decision-making across the program.
13. UPenn’s Wharton Global Youth Program: Future of the Business World
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099 plus $100 non-refundable application fee; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – 26 | July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: Priority deadline January 28; rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9 to 12
The Future of the Business World Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School is a two-week virtual program for high school students interested in business. The core of the program is exploring business and economic trends through live sessions and independent project work. You’ll engage in discussions and simulations that introduce frameworks such as design thinking, competitor analysis, and scenario planning. Sessions are led by faculty, focusing on how businesses respond to changing global conditions. You work in a group to develop a final project that examines future challenges and opportunities in business.
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