13 Psychology Programs for High School Students in NYC
If you are a high school student interested in the human mind, psychology programs can be a great way to dive deeper into the field. These programs often include workshops and research exposure that help students build skills and explore practical applications of psychology. You’ll develop critical thinking and analytical skills and explore potential career paths in areas like counseling, cognitive science, or research.
New York City offers unique opportunities to study psychology thanks to the universities, hospitals, and cultural institutions it hosts. In-city students can save on long-distance travel with local programs. You can learn from professionals and experts in the field, and interact with like-minded peers to start building a network. Whether you are interested in neuroscience, cognitive psychology or something else, you can find a program that helps you learn more about your interests.
To help with your search, we have found 13 psychology programs for high school students in NYC.
1. Summer Neuroscience Program (SNP) — The Rockefeller University
Location: Rockefeller University, Manhattan, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; all expenses (MTA passes, meals, equipment, supplies) covered
Application Deadline: Typically opens in January and closes in spring (tentative)
Dates: August 4 – 15 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: NYC public high school students only; must be at least 16 years old by start of program (no exceptions)
The Summer Neuroscience Program is a two-week, in-person summer course designed for New York City public high schoolers, led by Rockefeller University graduate students. The curriculum includes interactive neuroscience lectures, reading/presenting scientific articles, designing original experiments, facility tours, and experiences such as brain dissections. You will engage with practising neuroscientists and explore current research topics, culminating in student-led projects. The program particularly encourages applicants with limited prior science opportunities. Applications require an online form and a teacher reference, with some candidates selected for interviews. Successful applicants receive full support for transportation, meals, and supplies, with a firm expectation of full attendance.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis; Specific dates vary based on cohort
Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students
Veritas AI, founded and managed by Harvard graduate students, offers programs designed for high school students interested in learning artificial intelligence. The programs are structured for both beginners and those with prior experience. If you are just getting started with AI, machine learning, or data science, the AI Scholars program provides an introduction through guided lessons, activities, and project-based work. For students with a stronger background, the AI Fellowship with Publication and Showcase offers the chance to develop an independent project under the guidance of mentors from leading universities. As part of this program, you can prepare your work for submission to high school research journals with support from Veritas AI’s publication team. To join, you should have either completed the AI Scholars program or already be familiar with Python and core AI concepts.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Psychology Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort.
Dates: Each program has a Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter session
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an online opportunity for high school students to pursue independent research. In this program, you will be paired with a PhD mentor who provides one-on-one guidance as you design and complete a research project. Through this experience, you will learn about research methods, practice critical analysis, and study advanced topics with structured support. If your interests include psychology, the program also offers a specific track focused on that field. You can find the application form here.
4. Columbia University Pre-College Programs — Social Sciences & Psychology Courses
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $6,840 per 3-week session (in-person), with additional fees for application ($80), activities, and possible residential housing; limited financial aid is available. No stipend
Application Deadline: Varies by session; for Summer courses, recommend applying by early to mid-May (rolling admissions until capacity; deadlines found on Columbia’s website for each session)
Dates: Residential Session 1: June 30 – July 18; Residential Session 2: July 22 – August 8 (tentative). Other commuter sessions and online options are also available
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12 or recent graduates; students must be at least 16 years old before the program starts for in-person housing eligibility
Columbia University’s Pre-College Program offers rigorous, college-level coursework across social sciences and psychology, including classes in sociology, psychology, child development, animal cognition, cognitive neuroscience, language studies, and psycholinguistics. Courses are seminar-style, led by Columbia faculty, and include discussion, project-based work, field excursions, and reading of primary scientific literature. Programs are structured for academic enrichment, skill development, and university preparation. You may choose multiple courses per summer if scheduling permits. The curriculum and instructors are subject to change each year; detailed, current course lists, application instructions, and tuition updates are always available on the program’s official website
5. BRAINYAC: Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia
Location: Columbia University Zuckerman Institute, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Unspecified on the site; program is generally free for accepted students and may include a stipend or travel support, depending on funding (students should confirm annually)
Application Deadline: Applications for the next year are expected to open here in October (tentative)
Dates: Not posted; typically runs for several weeks during the summer (see updates here)
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th grade students enrolled in select NYC partner programs (S-PREP, BioBus, Lang Youth Medical, Columbia Secondary School, Double Discovery Centre); must reside in New York City, with preference for Upper Manhattan and South Bronx
BRAINYAC provides a neuroscience research experience for eligible high school students in NYC by placing them in Columbia University laboratories under the guidance of neuroscientist mentors. The program focuses on exposing students to laboratory research, professional academic environments, and building skills for careers in science. BRAINYAC is competitive and aims to foster early engagement with neuroscience and research careers among local youth. Applicants must be affiliated with one of the listed partner programs and live in NYC to qualify. The application process is managed through these partners each fall; only those meeting residence and program requirements are eligible.
6. BrainSTORM Program — Columbia University Irving Medical Centre
Location: Columbia University Irving Medical Centre (CUIMC), New York, NY (virtual and in-person participation)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Application Deadline: Applications for next summer open October 1 of the previous year (tentative)
Dates: Monthly online seminars September through May; mentorship projects run for the academic year (June–May)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
BrainSTORM offers two components: (1) a monthly online seminar series where experts present on diverse brain-related topics such as Alzheimer’s disease, concussion, and cognitive experiment design, encouraging active discussion; and (2) a mentorship program for up to 25 students per year, pairing them with researchers to conduct guided neuroscience research projects in-person, virtually, or hybrid formats. The mentorship culminates in a year-end symposium with poster presentations. Open to motivated high school students, the program provides exposure to clinical and research perspectives in brain sciences. It is funded by the Groff Foundation and hosted by Columbia’s Department of Neurology and the Taub Institute. Students interested in the seminar series can join the free online sessions without application, while mentorship participation requires an application each year.
7. Exploring Psychology: Building an Understanding of Human Behavior — NYU SPS High School Academy
Location: NYU School of Professional Studies, New York, NY (Washington Square campus)
Cost/Stipend: $850 tuition, no financial aid or discounts available. No stipend
Application Deadline: Rolling admission; final deadline February 14, for spring courses (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: Upcoming Fall cohort: October 25 – November 22
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10, 11, and 12
This weekend workshop introduces high school students to foundational psychological principles with an emphasis on leadership, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills development. The course explores the biological bases of behaviour and applies psychology concepts to professional and personal contexts through problem-based learning, hands-on activities, and guest lectures. You will gain insights into current psychological research and diverse career paths in the field. The program fosters critical thinking about human behaviour and develops collaborative skills relevant to academic and career success. The structure supports students with a keen interest in psychology or social-emotional development during formative high school years.
8. Psychology Pre-College Camp | Manhattan University
Location: Manhattan University, Riverdale, NY
Cost/Stipend: Tuition TBD; $100 non-refundable registration fee; residential add-on available for additional cost. No stipend
Application Deadline: Not specified. More info here
Dates: Not specified. More info here
Eligibility: 10th to 12th graders
This psychology camp offers a mix of interactive lectures and activities covering various psychology disciplines such as clinical, forensic, cognitive, social, and sports psychology. You will engage in activities designed to introduce psychological concepts and develop critical thinking skills. The residential option provides housing and meals on campus. The program also uses campus laboratories and classrooms to create a learning environment like that of college students. The program emphasises hands-on learning and faculty interaction.
9. Psychology & Neuroscience | Barnard College
Location: Barnard College, Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: $5,898 (residential), $3,298 (commuter). No stipend
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: July 6 – 18; July 20 – August 1 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students
You will engage in activities such as brain dissections and classic psychological experiments to investigate the relationship between brain function and human behaviour. The curriculum includes exploration of mental health conditions and treatment strategies. Students also get opportunities to interact with professionals such as clinical psychologists, neurologists, and researchers. Career exploration is facilitated through visits and workshops involving neuroscience centres and experts in the field. A key component of the program is designing and conducting a psychological experiment, which culminates in presenting the findings to the class. The program takes place on a university campus and provides exposure to college-level academic and research environments.
10. Summer Pre-College: Psychology | Marist College
Location: Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY (near NYC)
Cost/Stipend: $3,650 (includes tuition, housing, meals, field trips, and course materials; travel not included). No stipend
Application Deadline: Unspecified. More info here
Dates: June 29 – July 12 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
The course provides an introduction to psychology as a scientific discipline and explores major subfields, including neuroscience, cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology. You will examine foundational theories, historical research by prominent psychologists such as B.F. Skinner and Jean Piaget, and contemporary empirical studies. The curriculum emphasises critical thinking, helping you evaluate and communicate psychological claims both in writing and discussion. You will also have opportunities to engage with Marist faculty from diverse psychology fields. Successful completion of the program earns three transferable college credits (PSYC 101). Coursework includes lectures, discussions, and field trips, with a requirement to bring a laptop for assignments.
11. Psychology Summer Courses | Fordham University
Location: Fordham University, New York, NY (Rose Hill and Lincoln Centre campuses)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies by course; 4-credit courses are commonly offered. No stipend
Application Deadline: Varies by course
Dates: Summer Sessions: May 27 – August 5 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students
Fordham University's summer courses cover broad psychological topics such as sensation and perception, learning, cognition, developmental and abnormal psychology, and social psychology. Some courses also introduce clinical psychology and statistical methods in psychology research. Sessions may be online, in-person, or hybrid, offering flexible options to accommodate student needs. The program supports academic preparation for college-level psychology studies through rigorous coursework.
12. Psychology and the Workplace: Social Functions of Emotions | NYU SPS High School Academy
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $2,579 tuition; $640 housing and dining fees; $50 application fee. No stipend
Application Deadline: TBA. Check back here in January for updates
Dates: TBA. Check back here in January for updates
Eligibility: This course is designed for high school students who have completed grades 9, 10, or 11
This course by NYU explores the biological basis of behaviour, how emotions influence experience and motivation, and ways to build resilience and achieve success in the workplace. The course includes reflective writing, activities, and guest lectures that connect psychological concepts to real-world contexts. While no college credit or certificate is granted, you will receive an official NYU transcript showing your grade upon completion. The program emphasises the development of transferable skills valuable across many career sectors.
13. Johns Hopkins University — Psychological Profiling
Location: Virtual
Cost: Tuition unspecified. Request information here. $85 application fee
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Dates: Session I: June 23 – July 4 | Session II: July 7 – 18 | Session III: July 21 – August 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply
This summer program focuses on the psychological approaches used in forensic settings, particularly how professionals support law enforcement during criminal investigations. You’ll study the tools and methods commonly used in the field, along with their practical limitations. The course also addresses important legal and ethical topics, including issues like racial profiling and the analysis of violent behaviour from a research perspective. Throughout the program, you’ll be expected to keep up with regular assignments and meet both daily and weekly deadlines. You’ll participate in discussions and collaborative work with students from a range of backgrounds, which offers the chance to consider different viewpoints and approaches to complex issues.
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