15 Paid Internships for High School Students in New York State
Stepping into a paid internship during high school gives you an early opportunity to start working with real systems. These environments often mirror professional settings, giving you early exposure to how engineers collaborate, troubleshoot, and iterate on designs. Along the way, you build technical skills that are hard to acquire in a typical classroom, while also developing problem-solving and communication skills. Another major advantage is access to mentors who can shape your interests and introduce you to future pathways in robotics and engineering. The fact that many of these internships are paid makes them even more impactful, recognizing your work while making the experience more accessible. With several prestigious organizations offering such opportunities, these internships can serve as a meaningful first step into the field.
Why should you intern in New York State?
New York State is home to universities, museums, research centers, and government organizations that offer paid internships across a range of fields. Depending on the internship, you can explore areas such as biomedical research, engineering, law, public policy, or arts administration while developing professional and technical skills through structured work experiences. These opportunities are worth considering, whether you are a New York student seeking local experience or an out-of-state student interested in exploring internships in a different professional environment.
To simplify your search for the best options, we’ve compiled a list of 15 paid internships for high school students in New York State.
If you’re looking for computer science summer programs in New York State, check out our blog here.
1. Science Enrichment Program (SEP) – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY
Stipend: $4,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: November 15 – August 26 (research component in the summer)
Application Deadline: September 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who have completed a full year of biology courses and are members of groups historically underrepresented in medicine and science
A long-term research experience like SEP lets you build scientific skills gradually before stepping into full-scale lab work. During the school year, you engage in sessions that introduce cancer biology, lab techniques, and research fundamentals, helping you develop a strong conceptual foundation. By summer, you transition into an intensive mentored internship, working closely with researchers on a focused project tied to ongoing studies. Depending on your placement, you might explore areas such as genomics, immunology, or drug development. Regular assessments and feedback help track your growth across the program. The experience culminates in a formal poster presentation where you communicate your findings to a scientific audience.
2. NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Remote sessions: June 1 – 25 | In-person lab: July 6 – August 14
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are New York City residents attending NYC schools
ARISE guides you through an immersive introduction to STEM research, beginning with foundational training before moving into hands-on lab work. Early sessions focus on essential skills like lab safety, research ethics, and scientific writing, preparing you for real-world research environments. Once placed in an NYU lab, you collaborate with faculty and graduate mentors on active projects across fields such as engineering, environmental science, or machine learning. Your role may involve running experiments, analyzing data, and participating in lab discussions. Alongside research, you attend workshops that strengthen communication and presentation skills. The program concludes with formal presentations and a research poster showcased at a major public symposium.
3. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship Program
Location: New York City
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 – August 28 (Summer term)
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old, live in New York City (for fall and spring internships), have work papers at the time you apply, and be in high school or already accepted into college
This paid internship for high school students in New York State places you directly within a New York City government office, giving you a close look at how public systems operate. Based on your interests, you may contribute to projects involving policy research, data analysis, community outreach, or event coordination. Your day-to-day work often includes assisting staff, organizing information, and supporting ongoing initiatives within your department. Beyond your placement, you attend a Speaker Series where senior officials share insights into leadership and public service. Site visits to city agencies add another layer of exposure to municipal operations. You also collaborate with fellow interns on a service project designed to address community needs.
4. Ladders for Leaders Program
Location: Various locations across NYC
Stipend: Minimum $16.50/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 6 weeks; Dates vary by employer
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: High school students (ages 16 and above) residing in NYC
Through Ladders for Leaders, you prepare for professional environments even before your internship begins. The program starts with training in resume writing, interviewing, and workplace expectations, ensuring you enter your role with confidence. Once placed, you work in a variety of industries, including corporate offices, nonprofits, and government agencies. Your responsibilities depend on your placement but may involve research, administrative support, or project-based tasks. Mentorship and professional development sessions continue throughout the internship, reinforcing key workplace skills. You also gain exposure to networking opportunities that connect you with professionals in your field of interest.
5. The Met Internship Program for High School Students
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,100
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: School-year internships: February 10 – May 29 | Summer internships: July 7 – August 7
Application deadline: Summer Internship: March 13 | School-year Internships: October 27
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors based in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
Spending time at one of the largest museums in the country allows you to explore careers that intersect with art, culture, and public engagement. During this paid internship for high school students in New York State at the Met, you work alongside professionals in curatorial research, education, design, or digital media. Your tasks may include supporting departmental projects, assisting with programming, or contributing to creative initiatives. Career Labs introduce you to different roles within the museum through interactive sessions with experts. You also collaborate with peers in cohort-based discussions and activities that deepen your understanding of museum work.
6. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~5%
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application deadline: February 5
Eligibility: Students currently in their junior year of high school (11th grade) who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
This program places you in a university lab where you take on a defined role within an active research team. Working under a faculty mentor, you contribute to projects in science, mathematics, or engineering, gaining exposure to real investigative processes. Your work may involve designing experiments, analyzing datasets, or building computational models, depending on your field. Weekly lectures and workshops provide context, helping you understand how researchers approach complex questions. The program also emphasizes scientific communication through writing and presentations. It concludes with a research abstract and poster presentation at a formal symposium.
7. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program of the New York City Bar
Location: Various locations across New York City
Stipend: $16 – 22/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 6–8 weeks in summer (April-August)
Application deadline: January 12
Eligibility: NYC public high school students who will be 16 years or older by June 1
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program engages you in the legal profession through both training and real workplace experience. Before your internship begins, you participate in preparatory workshops covering legal ethics, interviewing skills, and workplace expectations. Once placed, you may assist with organizing case materials, conducting basic research, or supporting legal teams in administrative tasks. Many participants also observe court proceedings or client interactions, offering insight into legal practice. This paid internship for high school students in New York State also includes career panels where attorneys discuss different paths within the field.
8. American Chemical Society Project SEED Program
Location: Varies based on lab choice, check here
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: More than 350 students participate in the program each year
Dates: 8 to 10 weeks, June–August
Application deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates, with one completed high school chemistry course (preference is given to students whose maximum family income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size)
ACS Project SEED places you in a professional chemistry lab, where you work alongside scientists on ongoing research projects. Depending on your assignment, you may explore fields such as organic chemistry, materials science, or pharmaceutical development. Your time in the lab includes conducting experiments, collecting data, and learning standard research techniques. The program also incorporates enrichment sessions focused on lab safety, scientific writing, and career pathways in chemistry. Mentors guide you through interpreting results and understanding their broader significance. You gradually develop independence as you contribute to your project. By the end, you will have completed a formal research summary that documents your findings.
9. Brooklyn Museum’s Museum Apprentice Program
Location: Brooklyn Museum, New York, NY
Stipend: $16.50/hour; Second-year Museum Apprentices get $17.50/hour; MetroCards will be provided to support weekend and summer work.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: November – August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: NYC high school students
This paid internship for high school students in New York State immerses you in museum education, where you learn how to engage audiences through art. Working with educators and curators, you develop lesson plans and practice teaching strategies for visitors of different age groups. Your responsibilities may include assisting with tours, supporting family programs, and contributing to educational initiatives. Discussions throughout the program explore topics like public access, community engagement, and the role of museums in social change. You also interact with artists and professionals who share insights into their work. Over time, you build confidence in presenting ideas and leading group learning experiences.
10. Brooklyn Museum’s Creative Practice
Location: Brooklyn Museum, New York, NY
Stipend: $16.50/hour + MetroCards provided for working weekends
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: September – May
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: New York City teens, ages 15–19, who are enrolled in high school as sophomores, juniors, or seniors
Creative Practice gives you hands-on experience in art education by working directly with teaching artists. You assist in preparing materials, organizing studio spaces, and supporting classes for learners of all ages. Along the way, you explore how art connects to broader themes such as culture, design, and social justice. The program encourages you to develop your own creative work while learning instructional techniques. Conversations with artists and educators offer insight into creative careers and community engagement. You also practice collaboration and classroom management in real teaching settings.
11. Youth Action Institute Fellowship
Location: Center for Justice Innovation
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 20 youth
Dates: Not specified
Application deadline: Typically September
Eligibility: New York City residents aged 16-21
The Youth Action Institute Fellowship centers on public policy research, allowing you to investigate issues affecting young people. You begin with training in qualitative research methods, policy analysis, and social justice frameworks. From there, you identify a topic of interest and develop a research question that guides your work. This paid internship for high school students in New York State involves multiple phases of research, analysis, and idea refinement. You present your findings to community organizations and policymakers, receiving feedback to strengthen your recommendations. Final outputs may include reports, presentations, or educational materials. This opportunity allows you to contribute ideas that can influence public conversations and policy.
12. Brooklyn Interns for Arts and Culture (BIAC)
Location: Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer: 1 week in August; Fall: October – December; Spring: February – June
Application Deadline: June
Eligibility: Rising seniors attending a high school in one of the five New York boroughs (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, or the Bronx); Must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher
BIAC immerses you in the inner workings of arts organizations through a multi-session internship. As an intern in this paid internship for high school students, you gain exposure to areas such as event planning, arts administration, and creative production. Workshops throughout the program focus on public speaking, wellness, and career readiness. You also receive guidance on college applications and post-high-school planning. Interactions with professionals in media, design, and performing arts broaden your understanding of creative industries. You work alongside peers in a collaborative cohort environment.
13. Museum of the Moving Image Teen Council
Location: Queens
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: November – May
Application Deadline: October 17
Eligibility: High school students (15+) in grades 10-12
As part of Teen Council, you take on an active role in shaping youth-focused programming at a media museum. You collaborate with peers to plan events such as film festivals, workshops, and public programs. Mentorship from filmmakers, educators, and museum staff supports your development throughout the experience. You also explore the history and technology behind film and digital media. Responsibilities include project planning, coordination, and creative decision-making. Through your contributions, you help design programs that engage broader audiences.
14. Weill Cornell Department of Pediatrics – Summer Internship
Location: Weill Cornell Medicine, NY
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 6 or 10-week program from June 1 to August 7
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students
Through the Summer Internship at Weill Cornell’s Department of Pediatrics, you get to explore pediatric medicine through a combination of research and clinical exposure. You are matched with a division aligned with your interests, such as policy, patient education, or specialized medical research. Your work may include reviewing literature, analyzing data, or observing healthcare professionals during clinical activities. Mentors provide guidance as you navigate both scientific and healthcare-focused tasks. The experience highlights how research informs patient care in real settings. You also gain insight into the collaborative nature of medical teams.
15. New York Bioforce
Location: Columbia University, NY
Stipend: Paid
Dates: May – August
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Students attending NYC public high school during the academic school year who demonstrate economic or educational need based on set criteria
New York Bioforce is a multi-month program designed to prepare high school students in New York State for work in biomedical research through a combination of training and a paid internship. In the initial phase, you complete intensive weekend sessions that introduce core lab techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy, while also building communication and networking skills. After this foundation, you move into a full-time summer placement, where you spend several weeks working on mentored research projects. Depending on your placement, you may join labs at major universities, medical institutions, or biotech companies. Throughout the internship, you gain firsthand exposure to how biomedical labs operate on a day-to-day basis.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we have had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. Check out a past student’s experience in the program here. You can apply here!