15 Psychology Summer Programs for High School Students in New York State
If you’re a high school student interested in understanding human behavior and the mind, psychology summer programs can help you go beyond classroom learning. These programs combine laboratory research, behavioral experiments, and structured academic exploration across fields like neuroscience, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology. You gain valuable research experience, strengthen your academic foundation, and work closely with mentors from leading universities through residential, commuter, and online formats.
Why should you attend a program in New York State?
New York offers exceptional opportunities for psychology students through its universities and research centers, including Columbia, Cornell, NYU, and Rockefeller University. In these programs, you conduct behavioral experiments, analyze cognitive data, explore neuroscience through laboratory projects, and engage in mental health research. These opportunities are ideal for local students seeking connections with nearby institutions and for out-of-state students eager to experience New York’s diverse academic and cultural environment.
Below, we have listed 15 psychology programs for high school students in New York State.
If you're looking for STEM programs in New York State, check our blog here.
1. Columbia University – BRAINYAC (Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia)
Location: Columbia University, Manhattan, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 14 students
Dates: June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: October 31
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-11 residing in NYC; enrollment through partner programs (S-PREP, BioBus, Lang Youth Medical, Columbia Secondary School, Double Discovery Center)
BRAINYAC provides free summer research experiences for NYC high school students at Columbia University's neuroscience and psychology research centers. You work on original research projects investigating cognitive science, mental health, developmental psychology, social psychology, or behavioral neuroscience under faculty mentorship. The program provides structured research training, access to university laboratories and facilities, and professional development workshops. You engage in authentic research on real-world questions while developing scientific communication skills. The program emphasizes hands-on investigation, data analysis, and presentation of findings, preparing students for college-level research participation.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Varies according to the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); apply here
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
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. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Rockefeller University – Summer Neuroscience Program (SNP)
Location: Rockefeller University, Manhattan, New York
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 20 students selected annually
Dates: August 4 – 15 (tentative)
Application Deadline: March 15 (tentative)
Eligibility: NYC public high school students only; grades 10-12; minimum age 16 by the program start date
The Summer Neuroscience Program introduces NYC public school students to contemporary neuroscience research through hands-on learning led by Rockefeller graduate students. The two-week curriculum covers brain structure and function, neural communication, and sensory processing. You participate in brain dissections, examine research papers, discuss brain-behavior relationships, and design small-group experiments. The program emphasizes experiential learning with direct laboratory access and exposure to ongoing research at a world-class biomedical institution. You also attend neuroscience lectures, visit research facilities, receive graduate researcher mentorship, and present experimental findings at program conclusion.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Psychology Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. You can apply here
Eligibility: Strong academic record (typically 3.3+ GPA); demonstrated psychology interest; no prior research experience required
Lumiere pairs high school students with PhD researchers from Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, and MIT for personalized one-on-one mentorship on independent research projects. The Psychology Track students can select research in cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, clinical psychology, organizational psychology, neuroscience, or behavioral economics. The 12-week program progresses through structured phases: weeks 1-2 for mentor meetings and topic selection, weeks 2-4 for literature review, weeks 5-8 for methodology design, weeks 9-11 for data analysis, and weeks 11-12 for paper completion. The Premium tier includes publication coaching. At the end, you will publish your paper and become eligible for a UCSD Extended Studies credit.
5. Syracuse University Pre-College – Social Psychology
Location: Syracuse University, NY
Cost: Residential: $4,995; Commuter: $4,024 + $65 nonrefundable application fee; discounts and scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 10–25 students per class
Dates: July 19–31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are 15 or over by their move-in date
In the Syracuse University Social Psychology program, you will explore how social environments shape human behavior, thoughts, and emotions. You’ll dive into topics like social influence, prejudice, and interpersonal relationships through engaging lectures and peer-led discussions. During the session, you will participate in hands-on group exercises, interact with expert guest speakers, and practice formulating testable research hypotheses. The program provides an immersive residential experience on campus, featuring a personalized 9:1 student-to-instructor ratio that ensures direct mentorship. Through this program, you’ll develop essential skills in critical thinking, research methodology, and oral communication. This experience ultimately provides a certificate of completion and a genuine head start on university-level academic expectations.
6. Fordham University Summer Sessions Pre-College – Foundations of Psychology
Location: Online/Virtual
Cost: $3,402 + $75 application fee; limited financial assistance is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; average class size is 23 students
Dates: June 30 – August 4
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
In Fordham’s Foundations of Psychology program, you will explore human behavior through topics like social influence, cognition, and personality development. You’ll engage in hands-on activities like replicating classic experiments, analyzing behavioral data, and writing professional APA-style lab reports. A standout feature of this program is earning three transferable college credits while studying alongside current undergraduates at Fordham’s New York City campuses. This Jesuit-informed curriculum sharpens your skills in critical thinking, scientific observation, and ethical research methodology. By immersing yourself in this rigorous commuter environment, you will develop the academic confidence needed for future university success.
7. Marist University Summer Pre-College – Psychology
Location: Marist College Campus, Poughkeepsie, NY
Cost: $3,700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 15–25 students per course track
Dates: June 28 – July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (sophomores may be considered on a space-available basis)
In this two-week program at Marist College, you will explore the scientific study of behavior through topics like neuroscience, cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology. You will engage in hands-on activities such as analyzing real research data for a final project, reviewing classic Milgram experiments, and participating in sensory process workshops. The program offers the chance to earn three transferable college credits while living on a scenic Hudson Riverfront campus. By the end, you’ll gain a realistic preview of university life and the ability to articulate complex behavioral findings clearly.
8. Ithaca College – Non-degree Courses in Psychology
Location: Ithaca, New York / Online
Cost: $1,892 per credit; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 15–20 students per class
Dates: Session I: May 26 – July 3; Session II: July 6 – August 12
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: All high school students
Through Ithaca College’s non-degree psychology courses, you can explore the fundamentals of human behavior by enrolling in undergraduate classes like General Psychology or Media Literacy. You will dive into diverse topics such as social influence, cognitive development, and the psychological impact of digital media on our beliefs. During the program, you’ll actively analyze research data, compare academic findings with popular media myths, and participate in peer-led discussions on contemporary mental health issues. You can earn three transferable college credits while experiencing authentic campus life or the flexibility of online learning. You will walk away with sharpened critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills, ready to evaluate complex psychological claims with confidence.
9. Manhattan University – Psychology Pre-College Camp
Location: Manhattan University Campus, Riverdale (Bronx), New York City, NY
Cost: $1,500; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohorts
Dates: July 6–10
Application Deadline: Domestic: May 30; International: March 16
Eligibility: High school students currently in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
At Manhattan University’s Psychology Pre-College Camp, you will explore clinical, developmental, social, forensic, and sports psychology, along with animal cognition and neuroscience. During this immersive week, you'll conduct hands-on experiments in campus labs, engage in "Psychology Blitz" challenges, and design a final project to showcase your findings. You will live on the NYC campus and learn directly from university faculty in a professional research setting. You will develop essential skills in scientific reasoning and critical thinking while investigating the biological roots of human behavior. This program gives you a head start on college-level analysis by connecting psychological theory to complex real-world applications.
10. Hofstra University – Summer Science Research Program (Psychology Track)
Location: Hofstra University Campus, Hempstead, Long Island, NY
Cost: $2,315
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies as per track
Dates: July 6–31
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, at least 15 years old by the program’s start, and completed one year of any high school research course
In this intensive four-week program at Hofstra University, you will work alongside faculty mentors to conduct original research in behavioral science and psychology. You will explore diverse topics like cognition or social behavior while spending your days performing laboratory work and participating in weekly lunch seminars. During the session, you’ll design an experiment, analyze your data, and finally present your results at a professional poster session for your peers and family. A unique aspect is the potential to use your project as an entry for prestigious national science competitions like Regeneron. This experience offers a genuine preview of what it’s like to be a professional psychological researcher.
11. Barnard College Summer Springboard – Psychology & Neuroscience
Location: Barnard College, Columbia University Campus, Manhattan, New York
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $5,998; Commuter: $3,298; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohorts vary by session
Dates: Session 1: July 5–17; Session 2: July 19–31
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Summer Springboard's Psychology & Neuroscience program introduces the brain-behavior relationship through classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory experiences. You engage in psychology simulations and neurology workshops to understand neuroanatomical structures, conduct classic psychology experiments on memory and perception, explore mental health conditions and treatment approaches, and collaborate on independent research design. The program combines interactive lectures with discussions and hands-on activities, including brain dissections and real-world experiments. As a capstone, students design and execute original psychology experiments, analyze results, and present findings to peers and instructors. Past students have toured NYU Psychology labs, met with professionals from Harvard and UCLA, and visited neuroscience centers and innovative mental health institutions.
12. Adelphi University – Psychology & Pop Culture
Location: Adelphi University Campus, Garden City, New York
Cost: Residential: $4,540; Adelphi Employee rates: $4,090 | Commuter: $3,540; Adelphi Employee rates: $3,190
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; approximately 18–24 students per course session
Dates: July 12 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
In this three-week program at Adelphi University, you will explore the link between human behavior and the media you consume daily, diving into topics like social influence, identity development, and mental health by analyzing social media, advertising, and contemporary music. Through hands-on experiments and college-readiness workshops, you will develop sharp observation and research skills while engaging in peer-led discussions. A unique highlight is the ability to earn three transferable college credits and qualify for a $1,000 annual scholarship if you eventually enroll at Adelphi. By experiencing residential life on campus, you’ll gain a true head start on university expectations while learning how pop culture impacts human emotions.
13. Columbia University Pre-College Summer – The Science of Psychology
Location: Columbia University, Morningside Campus, Manhattan, New York
Cost: Residential: $12,829; Commuter: $6,375 + $50 for textbooks and field trip-related costs; limited need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; maximum 24 students per course section
Dates: Summer A: June 29 – July 17; Summer B: July 21 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12
In this intensive Columbia University program, you will explore the foundational pillars of psychological science, including neuroscience, social behavior, memory, and mental health. Throughout the course, you’ll engage in hands-on activities like conducting mock experiments, analyzing real-world case studies, and collaborating on a final group research project. The program provides the opportunity to learn directly from Ivy League scholars on Columbia’s historic New York City campus, providing an authentic taste of university life. By participating in these seminars, you will sharpen your critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and data interpretation skills. This immersive journey helps you gain a profound understanding of why humans think and act the way they do.
14. CCNY College Now – Applications of Psychology in the Modern World
Location: Online
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; usually capped at 25–30 students per section
Dates: July 6–31
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: NYC Public High School Students (primarily rising 11th & 12th graders) who meet CUNY benchmarks: 75+ on ELA Regents or 480+ on SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing or a minimum 20 ACT score
In this CCNY College Now course, you will explore human behavior through topics like social prejudice, life-span development, and psychological disorders. You will engage in activities such as performing data analysis in Excel, reviewing classic behavioral experiments, and writing a comprehensive research paper. The program enables you to earn three transferable college credits while satisfying university core requirements as a high school student. You will develop practical skills in scientific reasoning, quantitative literacy, and effective oral communication. This experience provides a rigorous, hands-on introduction to university-level academic expectations.
15. Cornell University Precollege Studies – Psychology Courses
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $1,940 per credit + $75 application fee; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Three-week Session 1: June 1–19; Three-week Session 2: June 22 – July 10; Three-week Session 3: July 13–31; Six-week Session: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: Three-week Session 1: April 28; Three-week Session 2: May 5; Three-week Session 3: June 2; Six-week Session: May 5
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 15 and 19 who have completed their sophomore year
Cornell's Precollege Studies allows high school students to enroll in actual undergraduate courses taught by Cornell faculty, earning official college credit applicable to future university enrollment. Psychology course offerings include Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology, Sports Psychology, Environmental Psychology, and many more. Courses follow a college-level academic pace with lectures, discussions, readings, and exams. You experience an Ivy League education while collaborating online in co-curricular activities with peers. For New York State high school students, Cornell's world-class online education provides flexible pathways to rigorous, credit-bearing psychology coursework.
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