15 Programs for High School Students in New York City (NYC)
If you are a high school student and want to explore your academic interests, structured programs are a solid option. These programs help you develop analytical and critical-thinking skills, provide exposure to professional environments, and explore areas such as medicine, computer science, engineering, and social sciences. Many of these experiences also give you mentorship, projects, and valuable professional connections and networking opportunities.
Why should you attend a program in New York City?
New York City is home to various universities, research institutions, and nonprofits such as NYU, Columbia, and CUNY, which provide you access to academic environments, diverse industries, and real community-based projects all in one place. Many programs let you take part in research, creative projects, or skill-based workshops that introduce you to how professionals in different fields approach their work. Whether you’re a local student or visiting from out of town, these programs let you experience New York’s unique mix of innovation and culture, while building skills that prepare you for future opportunities.
To help get started, we’ve narrowed down 15 programs for high school students in New York City (NYC).
If you are looking for free summer programs in NYC, check out our blog here.
1. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $1,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; around 70 students
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are residents of New York
This free 10-week STEM research program places you in an NYU research lab. You actively assist with real research projects, working alongside professional researchers in fields like machine learning, genomics, molecular bioengineering, and even music technology. The program also includes college application support, which many students find helpful. At the program's conclusion, you present your work at a formal poster symposium. Among programs for high school students in New York City, ARISE is well known for giving students true lab-based research exposure at no cost.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to the program type; need-based financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; AI Scholars: student-to-mentor ratio of 5:1; AI Fellowship: 1:1 mentoring
Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling basis across Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); apply here
Eligibility: AI Scholars: High school students worldwide | AI Fellowship applicants need prior AI or Python experience or completion of AI Scholars
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with 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 get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance 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.
3. Brain Research Apprenticeship in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend provided, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 20 students
Dates: 5 weeks during the summer (June – August)
Application Deadline: October 31
Eligibility: 10th and 11th-grade students currently enrolled in Zuckerman Institute partner programs and residents of New York City
BRAINYAC is an intensive neuroscience research apprenticeship that allows you to work directly with Columbia researchers. The program matches you with a neuroscientist to contribute to a real research project in the lab. The program begins with spring training, followed by the summer research experience, and your work culminates in a research poster and presentation. Past projects have explored topics like stress on brain development and animal behavior. Among programs for high school students in New York City, BRAINYAC is one of the few focused entirely on neuroscience research.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, 1:1 student-to-mentor ratio
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, or spring
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
The Lumiere Research Scholars Program is a 1-on-1 research program where you work directly with a Ph.D. mentor on an independent project. You choose a subject from areas like psychology, physics, economics, data science, engineering, or international relations. Over 12 weeks, you build your research question, conduct analysis, and write a full academic paper. The program also offers longer pathways up to one year. Everything is done remotely, which gives flexibility if you are balancing school or other commitments. By the end of the program, you will create a research paper worthy of submitting to science journals for publication or competitions. You also become eligible for a UCSD Extended Studies credit.
5. Met High School Summer Internship Program
Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,100
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; Approximately 36 students
Dates: July 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders who live or attend a high school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
This program delves into the inner workings of a major global museum, providing an insight into its operational functions. You gain practical experience by rotating across various departments such as education, digital imaging, exhibition design, and social media, collaborating directly with experienced museum staff and fellow students. Beyond departmental duties, you engage in public-facing events, including planning and leading activities for peers during Teen Fridays and the popular "Teens Take The Met" event. Ideal for students passionate about art, culture, and behind-the-scenes processes, the internship clarifies potential career trajectories in these fields.
6. RockEDU’s Jumpstart Program
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $500 stipend for Spring portion (Phase One); $3,250 stipend for Summer Science Research Program (Phase Two)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 16 students per cohort
Dates: February 26 – June 11 (after-school); June 22 – August 6 (Summer Science Research Program)
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: NYC high school juniors and seniors, at least 16 years old
RockEDU Science Outreach’s Jumpstart is a two-phase research program that first trains you in basic lab skills and then moves into real research. During the spring, you learn research tools through after-school sessions, and over the summer, you work in teams on a full research project with faculty mentors. Topics have included RNA viruses, nanobody structures, and biomaterials. You also go through the full research cycle, from hypothesis creation to data analysis and presentation. Among competitive programs for high school students in New York City, RockEDU is especially selective due to its small cohort size.
7. Columbia University’s Hk Maker Lab
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 22 – 24 students
Dates: July 6 – August 7
Application Deadline: December 5
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th graders who attend NYC public or charter schools
HK Maker Lab is an engineering-focused program that blends technical training with real-world digital problem solving. The first phase emphasizes project-based engineering courses such as robotics, biomedical engineering, and data science. The second phase focuses on building digital media solutions like websites or apps for global issues. You learn teamwork, design thinking, and technical execution. The program is structured to support students with limited access to engineering education. Within programs for high school students in New York City, Hk Maker Lab stands out for combining equity-based access with technical rigor.
8. CCNY College Now STEM Research Academy
Location: City University of New York campuses
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Eligible students get a $1,575 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 25 students
Dates: Spring course: February 10 – May 23; Summer: July 6 – August 6
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: NYC public high school 10th or 11th graders (spring semester) with a minimum overall GPA of 80, plus either a 75+ on NYS ELA or Living Environment/Earth Science Regents, or an 85+ in English or U.S. History, and a passing score of 66+ in at least one NYS Regents math exam (Algebra, Algebra II, or Geometry)
The STEM Research Academy combines classroom instruction with a lab-based research experience. During the spring, you take a research science course to build foundational skills, whereas in the summer, it places you in a CCNY or CUNY research lab under faculty mentorship. You end the program with a completed research project and poster presentation held at both CCNY and the American Museum of Natural History. The academy also tries to match students with labs that align with their interests. This structured research-based program for high school students in New York City helps you develop critical scientific skills.
9. Metropolitan Museum of Art – Spring Semester Internships for High School Students
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $1,100 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; roughly 36 students
Dates: Bootcamp: January 31; Departmental Placement: February 10 – May 29
Application Deadline: October 27
Eligibility: High school students who are in grade 10 or 11 in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut | Must not have completed another internship at The Met | Should provide either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Spring Semester Internship provides paid, career-oriented roles for high school students in grades 10 and 11 across New York City. This semester-long commitment is designed to build essential professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and networking through direct engagement with creative professionals. You are assigned a 40-hour placement in various museum departments, from curatorial and educational roles to scientific research, marketing, and design, to explore the breadth of museum careers. Key activities also include participating in staff-led Career Labs and helping execute the substantial "Teens Take The Met!" event.
10. NYU’s Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 45 – 50 students
Dates: July 13– August 7
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Current NYC, New Jersey, and Nassau County 10th or 11th-grade high school students
This three-week cybersecurity program blends coding with digital security fundamentals, where you study cryptography, white-hat hacking, steganography, digital forensics, and privacy. The program includes hands-on programming and real-world security simulations. You actively use software tools to identify system vulnerabilities, investigate cyber incidents, trace digital threats, and recover hidden data, covering topics like steganography. A unique feature is its theater-based communication workshops that help you explain technical ideas clearly. Many students finish the program, developing both technical and communication skills. It is one of the more specialized programs for high school students in New York City in cybersecurity.
11. NYU’s Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (iESoSC)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 25 – 50 students
Dates: ieSoSC I: July 6 – August 7; ieSoSC II: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Current 9th - graduating 12th graders living in NYC, aged 15 and above
This interdisciplinary program focuses on urban innovation and entrepreneurship, where you explore how cities use technology for transportation, infrastructure, and sustainability. The curriculum includes the use of coding, microcontrollers, economics, and product development in real smart city projects. You’ll explore the business side by studying planning, branding, pitching, economics, and legal topics like copyrights and patents. You will also attend communication workshops that will help you develop better communication and presentation skills using theater-based techniques. By the end, you develop a product or service related to urban living and strengthen your technical and presentation skills.
12. Summer Arts Institute - New York City Department of Education
Location: Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, Queens, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 12 – 16 students per year
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Rising 8th – 12th-grade high school students enrolled in or planning to enroll in a New York City Department of Education public school
The Summer Arts Institute offers students an immersive, four-week creative experience focused on daily studio practice, guided by Department of Education arts specialists and renowned guest artists. You select a primary discipline, such as dance, theater, music (instrumental or vocal), film, or visual arts, dedicating your time to rehearsals, performances, and portfolio development. The training takes place at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, providing a professional-grade atmosphere designed to mirror industry standards. Furthermore, you engage with prestigious cultural organizations like Carnegie Hall and the New York Philharmonic, offering exposure to creative career paths and culminating in collaborative projects, performance attendance, and a final showcase.
13. Columbia University’s State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid in the BRAINYAC program, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, limited cohort sizes
Dates: Summer: July 6 – 31; Academic Year: Typically, October – May
Application Deadline: Summer: April 15; Academic Year: November 1
Eligibility: Economically disadvantaged New York State Residents and students enrolled in grades 7 -12 who have an 80% grade average in math and science
The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is tailored for students in grades 7 through 12 who aspire to careers in medicine or other STEM disciplines. It focuses on enhancing the educational paths and representation of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged youth in mathematics, science, technology, and health. The summer curriculum features rigorous courses in subjects like anatomy, statistics, and PSAT readiness, complemented by college preparation and career development workshops. You also benefit from individualized academic counseling, college tours, and exclusive field trip opportunities. Furthermore, successful S-PREP applicants gain eligibility for both the BRAINYAC and YES in THE HEIGHTS programs.
14. Sadie Nash Leadership Project’s Summer Institute
Location: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Newark
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend provided based on participation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 100 students
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive high school students living in New York City or Newark
This humanities and leadership program focuses on social justice, identity, and civic engagement, in which you take courses centered on activism, education, and the anthropology of gender. During the program, you participate in two core classes: Power, Identity, and Privilege and a Leadership Seminar. These are supplemented by elective courses that cover specific topics, such as education policy, storytelling, and art-based activism. The program also includes workshops like self-defense and professional development, along with field trips to museums and digital media companies, which are part of the experience. Many students report strong community involvement during the program.
15. Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom
Location: Fordham University (Bronx/Manhattan), Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses; Hybrid or fully remote formats available
Cost: $1,100 + $100 application fee; financial aid is available, and need-based discounts are available for students with family incomes below $50,000 per year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Week 1: June 16 – 20; Week 2: June 23 – 27; Week 3: July 21 – 25; Week 4: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12
The Gabelli School of Business hosts an intensive, week-long business bootcamp designed to immerse students in the fundamentals of finance and economics. The curriculum blends academic instruction, focusing on concepts like investments and banking, with case studies. You gain real-world exposure through frequent interactions with the financial industry, including keynote guest speakers and exclusive, guided visits to leading Wall Street firms. This access provides firsthand insights into careers and environments, such as trading floors. The program concludes with you collaborating on a capstone finance project, allowing you to practically apply your foundational knowledge.
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