11 Physics Programs for High School Students in New York State
If you are a high school student interested in physics, a structured program can be a great option to explore. These programs often combine research mentorship, project work, and skill-building workshops, helping you gain experience and improve your understanding of theoretical concepts. You’ll also have opportunities to meet peers and learn from researchers and educators working in the field.
New York State has many reputable universities and institutions that offer physics programs to high school students. The state’s mix of research universities, laboratories, and science centers provides opportunities to study everything from classical mechanics to modern astrophysics and quantum theory. Whether you are a local or want to explore the state’s academic culture, these experiences can help build your profile and broaden your network.
To make your search easier, we have made a list of 15 physics programs for high school students in New York State.
If you're looking for more programs in New York State, check our blogs here and here.
1. Applied Research In Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending schools in NYC
The Applied Research in Science and Engineering (ARISE) is a free, stipend-based program for high school students. You will participate in foundational training with hands-on research through a 120-hour laboratory experience. The initial four weeks of the program will focus on safety training, college writing workshops, and research skills development. In the next six weeks, you will get to work in over 80 NYU research labs and assist faculty and researchers on real-world projects. The program will conclude as you present your work at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Poster Symposium. The program will help you develop soft skills like public speaking, contribute to valuable research, and receive networking opportunities.
2. Veritas AI's AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies with program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Upcoming winter cohort: November 30. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students with a basic understanding of Python or completion of the AI scholars program
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. You will work on your research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest.
3. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Current junior year high school students (Grade 11), must be permanent U.S. residents, minimum age: 16 years
The Simons Summer Research Program by Stony Brook University is a free residential program for high school students. You will be guided by faculty mentors from the University, will join a research team, and work on a project in areas including physics, chemistry, or engineering. You will participate in tours, events, special workshops, and attend weekly research talks. The program will conclude as you will present a written research abstract and a research poster. You will receive a stipend award at the closing poster symposium.
4. Lumiere's Physics Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies with program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Upcoming winter I cohort: November 16
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere’s Physics Track is an intensive research program for high school students. The program will offer you 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas. You will be paired with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you will present an independent research paper. You can choose research topics from subjects such as physics, economics, psychology, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 32 students
Dates: June 22 – August 6
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
The Summer Science Research Program is a free, team-based research program for high school students. You will be guided by scientific trainees from the Tri-Institutions (Rockefeller, MSK, and WCMC). During the seven-week program, you will be introduced to research techniques and laboratory norms, explore research questions with guidance from scientist-mentors, analyse data, and present your research findings by designing a poster. The program is a great opportunity for you to attend guest lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities.
6. NYU Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSc)
Location: New York University Campus, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: To be announced
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: High school students (Grade 9-11), residents of New York, with a basic understanding of Physics and coding
The NYU Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities program is a free five-week program for high school students. The program will help you master fundamentals in coding and electronics, learn smart city technologies, develop entrepreneurial skills, and build presentation and business skills. It is a great opportunity to work on hands-on technology projects. You will also gain valuable insights into economics, project management, pitch presentation, and navigating patenting and copyrights.
7. CMAP Research Experience for High School Students (REH) at the University of Rochester
Location: University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One-month program (dates may vary)
Application Deadline: Regarding nomination deadlines, please contact the CMAP program administrator at adriana.cabiedes@rochester.edu.
Eligibility: High school students nominated by their teachers from Pittsford Central School District or the Rochester City School District.
The Centre for Matter at Atomic Pressures’ (CMAP) Research Experience for High School Students is a free, one-month summer internship. In this internship program, you will get to experience campus life and learn about a number of topics, including high-energy-density physics, Python, and planetary science. You will work on real-world projects with Rochester physics and astronomy graduate students and perform experiential demonstrations. You will also get the opportunity to tour the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, explore a successful career in STEM, and receive college application support.
8. Simons-NYU Science Explorations Program
Location: New York University Campus, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 80 students
Dates: July 5 – 25
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (minimum age: 16 years) must be permanent U.S. citizens or residents
The Simons- NYU Science Exploration Program is a rigorous, three-week residential program for high school students. The program will give you an experience of college-level research and coursework, along with an opportunity to learn from NYU faculty and guest speakers. You will get to attend lectures, workshops, and participate in laboratory research. The program is a great learning opportunity if you are interested in studying physics, biology, neural science, chemistry, and psychology at the introductory college level. You will learn about the basic principles of these disciplines, and also take part in social and cultural activities.
9. Columbia University’s State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
Location: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: Summer session: July 6 – 31; Academic year: October – May
Application Deadline: Summer: April 15; Academic year: November 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: 7th - 12th grade students
S-PREP by Columbia University is a free program for high school students interested in medicine or STEM-related fields. The program will prepare you for college by improving your understanding of math and science. There are two sessions offered by the program: the summer session and the academic year. There are multiple courses you can choose from, including: Physics, Anatomy, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Brain & Cognitive Science, Biochemistry, Ready for PreMed, Psychology, Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, and more. You will also be offered preparation courses for the SAT and PSAT. You will get to participate in career development workshops, field trips, college & academic counselling services, and college tours.
10. Stony Brook Physics Summer Camp
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $650
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 14 – 18 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: May 1 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10,11, and 12, with a strong interest in math and science
The Stony Brook Physics Summer Camp is a week-long hands-on program for high school students who have not taken a physics course yet. In this program, you will learn in-depth about interesting physics concepts like Newtonian Mechanics, Electricity, Light, and Quantum Mechanics. You will get to participate in both indoor and outdoor activities, including interactive sessions, guided tours of research and campus facilities. You will work on designing, building, and testing everyday projects and explore interesting physical phenomena. The program will conclude with a family showcase where you will present projects and discoveries.
11. SPARC: Summer Program in Automation, Robotics, and Coding
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,300 + Additional Costs (Housing and Meals)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Two weeks in summer (exact dates to be announced)
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Grade 9-12 high school students, knowledge of AP Math, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, students with PreCalc completion, and AP enrollment are given preference
The Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding is a two-week program that will introduce you to the basics of robotics, mechatronics, and programming. The program will give you an opportunity to learn about applications for interface sensors, microcontrollers and build foundational programming skills. You will also get to participate in exciting robot competitions and challenges. SPARC is a great opportunity to gain experience with electronic components, circuitry, and automation systems.
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