15 Research Programs for High School Students in New York State

High school can be a great time to explore new interests and build key skills, and research programs can help you do just that. Research programs can offer you real-world lab or field research experience as well as opportunities to work alongside scientists, professors, and industry professionals while building skills in lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. As a participant, you will develop collaboration, problem-solving, and presentation skills that can serve you well in college and beyond. 

New York offers a wide range of opportunities led by credible hosts, from universities like NYU to institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, providing you with access to professional labs, expert mentorship, and networking opportunities. While such research opportunities are ideal for NY students looking for local learn experiences, out-of-state students can enroll in these programs to experience the state’s vibrant academic and research environment. Depending on your interests, you can explore fields such as medicine, biology, computer science, engineering, and environmental science through research projects. 

To help you get started, here’s a list of 15 research programs for high school students in New York State. 

1. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) @ Rockefeller University

Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory at The Rockefeller University, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; need-based stipends available 

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 32 scholars/cohort

Program dates: June 22 – August 6

Application deadline: January 2

Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old

The SSRP at The Rockefeller University is a seven-week, full-time research experience designed for high school juniors and seniors. Here, you will join a small research team led by scientists from Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Weill Cornell Medicine. Each team will choose and investigate a research question related to their topic, analyze data, and design a scientific poster. The program offers access to hands-on laboratory research, workshops, and guest lectures that introduce you to current topics in science and research methods. The experience concludes with a research symposium where you will present your findings, gaining a practical introduction to scientific communication. 

2. Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies; full financial aid available

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Program dates: Vary by cohort; multiple cohorts each year, scheduled in the summer, fall, spring, and winter

Application deadline: Varies by cohort — January deadline for spring cohorts; May deadlines for summer cohorts; September deadline for the fall cohort; November deadline for Winter sessions

Eligibility: High school students who have completed Veritas AI’s AI Scholars program or have some experience with AI concepts or Python

Veritas AI runs programs that are designed to provide high school students with a suitable environment to explore artificial intelligence. The AI Fellowship program combines collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship, allowing you to learn about AI as well as practice what you learn. You will spend 15 weeks learning from mentors and collaborating on AI-focused exercises. As a participant, you will pursue independent AI projects, which can be research reports that focus on the applications of AI in fields like finance, healthcare, and business. You can find examples of previous projects here.

3. Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center Summer Student Program (SSP)

Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering research labs in NY

Stipend: $1,200

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 2% acceptance rate; 20 interns/summer

Program dates: June 29 – August 31

Application deadline: February 6

Eligibility: High school juniors, ages 14 and up, living in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut within 25 miles of the Main Campus of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on the Upper East Side in Manhattan; a GPA of 3.5 or higher required in science subjects

SSP at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center offers high school students a hands-on introduction to biomedical and computational research. Over eight weeks, you will work in an MSK research lab alongside scientists, gaining exposure to research areas such as cancer biology, immunology, pharmacology, and computational biology. You will take part in independent lab-based projects, attend research meetings, and build technical skills essential for scientific inquiry. Apart from lab work, you will explore topics in translational medicine and research and professional development through sessions hosted by MSK’s clinical and educational departments. You will present your work at a poster session held at the end of the program.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Program dates: Varies by cohort (summer, fall, winter, and spring); options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.

Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort

Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a virtual mentored research program tailored for high school students. It offers 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas, including health, engineering, physics, social sciences, business, and psychology. You will work with a Ph.D. mentor 1-on-1 on an independent research project in your field of choice. You will also work with a writing coach to learn how to present your research findings. At the end of the program, you will produce an independent research paper! You can find more details about the application here.

5. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) @NYU 

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,000 stipend available

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective

Program dates: June 1 – August 14

Application deadline: February 21; applications open on January 6

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in NYC

ARISE is a 10-week summer research program that gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience within NYU’s STEM labs. The program begins with four weeks of safety and research training, followed by six weeks of full-time lab work alongside NYU faculty and graduate mentors. As a participant, you can find opportunities to explore and contribute to research in biomedical engineering, computer science, materials chemistry, or other STEM fields. You will also get to develop practical lab, research, and presentation skills. At the end of ARISE, you will present your findings at a research colloquium and poster symposium at the American Museum of Natural History. 

6. CUNY STEM Research Academy 

Location: Offered at 10 CUNY campuses across four boroughs in New York City, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend of $1,000 – $1,575 available, depending on the campus
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Varies by campus; typically, ~25 students are accepted for the Spring component

Program dates: Weekly classes during the Spring Semester + six-week summer research experience; exact dates vary based on campus

Application deadline: Varies by campus

Eligibility: New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) students in grades 10 and 11 + highly motivated grade 9 NYCPS students considered on a case-by-case basis; check individual campus pages for campus-specific prerequisites.

The CUNY STEM Research Academy offers New York City public high school students the opportunity to conduct hands-on research alongside CUNY faculty while earning college credit. This two-semester program begins with a spring pre-college course that introduces you to scientific research methods, followed by a six-week summer research experience in a CUNY laboratory. Here, you will find opportunities to develop scientific literacy, data analysis, and research communication skills while working on faculty-mentored projects. At the end of the program, you will present your research project at a summer exhibition hosted by the American Museum of Natural History. You will receive a stipend, an MTA MetroCard, and access to a network of mentors and peers within the NYC Science Research and Mentoring Consortium.

7. New York Bioforce

Location: Columbia University and various academic, industry, and healthcare labs across NYC

Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend available, but the exact amount is not specified

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: April 5 – August 15 (includes spring sessions and summer internship)

Application deadline: February 20

Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who can demonstrate educational and/or economic disadvantage, who attend an NYCDOE public or charter high school that has an Economic Need Index (ENI) of 0.8/80% or higher (check your school’s ENI here), and/or have a family income that qualifies for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or other similar government aid

New York Bioforce offers free research training and paid summer internships to NYC high school students from low-resource backgrounds who are interested in STEAM fields. You will begin with spring sessions, which involve 100 hours of Saturday training at Columbia University to help you learn laboratory techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy, along with communication and professional skills. Following the training phase, you will complete a six-week mentored internship at a research lab or healthcare institution, such as Columbia Engineering, Weill Cornell Medicine, or the New York Proton Center. During the internship, you will gain hands-on experience conducting real research while learning from scientists and professionals in the field. The program concludes with a poster presentation at the American Museum of Natural History, where you will share your findings and reflect on your research experience.

8. Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)

Location: Columbia University Zuckerman Institute, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend available, but the exact amount is not specified

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; around 20 students (subject to change)

Program dates: June 30 – August 15 (tentative; subject to change)

Application deadline: October 6 – October 31

Eligibility: NYC students in grades 10 and 11 who are currently enrolled in one of BRAINYAC’s partner programs: S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, and BioBus; preference is given to students from upper Manhattan and the South Bronx

As a BRAINYAC participant, you will gain hands-on experience in neuroscience research while engaging in a full-time lab internship at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute. Under the mentorship of a Columbia neuroscientist, you will work on an original research project, from conception and experimental design to creating a poster showcasing your findings. In the process, you will learn about essential laboratory techniques and explore topics related to brain function and behavior. The program can also introduce you to the scientific process and the wider professional academic environment of Columbia University. 

9. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free to participate, but housing and dining costs apply if you elect to stay on campus (check here for more information); stipend available. 

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: ~5%

Program dates: June 30 – August 8

Application deadline: February 7

Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are at least 16 years old and U.S. citizens or permanent residents 

The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University offers high school students the opportunity to conduct research in science, math, or engineering under the mentorship of university faculty. As a Simons Fellow, you will join an active research group, practice lab techniques, and take part in ongoing projects while gaining insight into life at a research university. Throughout the program, you will attend faculty lectures, workshops, and campus events designed to expand your understanding of scientific research. You will conclude your experience by writing a research abstract and presenting your work at a poster symposium. 

10. The Environmentor Program @ Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE)

Location: RISE, Far Rockaway, NY

Stipend: Up to $1,200
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 12–15 students

Program dates: Seven weeks from June to mid-August

Application deadline: Typically in May

Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 9 – 11 who attend school in or near the Rockaway peninsula; priority will be given to students who have attended Shore Corps in the fall and spring

The Environmentor Program at RISE is designed to introduce you to environmental science through hands-on research and fieldwork at the Rockaway shoreline and Jamaica Bay. Under the guidance of mentors from universities and research institutions, you will design and carry out an independent research project on topics such as air quality monitoring, marine life, or habitat restoration. The program includes CPR training, recreational activities like kayaking and biking, and opportunities to learn about careers in conservation and sustainability. You will also present your findings at a final poster session, sharing your research and overall experience with peers and mentors.

11. Biorocket Research Internship Program

Location: Genspace Community Biology Lab, Brooklyn, NY

Stipend: $2,000

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: ~18 students in the past; the number can vary

Program dates: Spring Session: February 25 – May 21 | Summer Session: July 6 – August 14 (tentative; subject to change) 

Application deadline: TBA; applications open on November 1

Eligibility: New York City Public or Charter high school students who are at least 16 years old and live within 45 minutes of Genspace

The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a six-month science research experience for New York City public and charter high school students. The program combines after-school lab training in the spring with a summer internship focused on biology and genetic engineering. You will work with scientist mentors to design and complete a team-based research project, gaining practical lab experience and exposure to real-world scientific inquiry. Alongside research, you will take part in lab tours, field trips, and improv-based science communication workshops designed to help you share your findings effectively. At the end of the program, you will receive a $2,000 stipend and guidance on drafting a scientific paper that can be used for college applications or submitted to student journals. 

12. BEYOND ALBERT High School Research Program

Location: Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY

Stipend: $2,500 

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Competitive

Program dates: June 30 – August 22 + optional academic year after-school program from September to May

Application deadline: January 12; applications open on November 1

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in the Bronx and are at least 16 years old by the start of the program

The BEYOND ALBERT High School Research Program is designed to offer high schoolers an in-depth look at cancer biology and biomedical science through a combination of lab research, mentorship, and academic enrichment. You will spend your summer working full-time in research labs at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, gaining hands-on experience in core biomedical techniques and learning directly from experienced researchers. You have the option to continue the experience during the school year, engaging in after-school sessions and workshops designed to broaden your scientific thinking and research skills. The program also offers access to continued mentorship and professional development opportunities following the summer sessions.

13. BioBus High School Junior Scientist Internships

Location: Lower East Side Junior Scientist Internship: LES Community Lab, New York, NY | Harlem Science Internship and Harlem Women in STEM Internship: BioBase Harlem, Columbia University, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free; stipends of $16.50/hour available

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: Lower East Side Junior Scientist Internship & Harlem Science Internship: July 7 – June 15 (tentative) | Harlem Women in STEM Internship: September  – June 15 (tentative)

Application deadline: March 24; application opens on January 21

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 11; you can find eligibility details for each internship here.

The BioBus High School Junior Scientist Internships offer paid opportunities for NYC students interested in gaining research and teaching experience under the mentorship of professional scientists. As an intern, you will conduct independent research projects using research-grade microscopes, develop lab and experimental design skills, and participate in science outreach events for younger students. You will also take part in professional development workshops, college readiness sessions, and career panels. The program offers three tracks—the Lower East Side Junior Scientist Internship, the Harlem Science Internship, and the Harlem Women in STEM Internship—each focused on combining scientific exploration with community engagement. 

14. NYU GSTEM

Location: NYU or other academic institutions in New York City, NY

Cost: $5,750 + optional Housing with Meal Plan worth $3,840; financial aid available

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 40 students each summer

Program dates: June 29 – August 7

Application deadline: March 1; applications open on February 1

Eligibility: Current high school juniors with a high aptitude for STEM

GSTEM is a six-week program designed to introduce you to real-world research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through a mix of mentorship, hands-on learning, and collaboration. You will work closely with a STEM professor or researcher on an independent project in your chosen field, gaining experience in laboratory techniques, programming, and scientific writing. The program also includes workshops and weekly field trips to organizations such as Google and the Museum of Math, giving you broader exposure to STEM in practice. Alongside research work, you will connect with leading women professionals in STEM and participate in discussions about their work and career paths. 

15. Hofstra University’s Summer Science Research Program (HUSSRP)

Location: Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

Cost: $2,000 + $60 application fee (tentative; subject to change) 

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Varies depending on faculty availability 

Program dates: July 7 – 31

Application deadline: March 7

Eligibility: U.S. high school students, ages 15 and up, who are currently enrolled in grades 10 and 11; applicants must have attended at least one year of a high school laboratory-based science or research course

HUSSRP allows you to conduct hands-on scientific research under the guidance of university faculty in science and mathematics. The program matches you with a mentor based on your research interests and faculty availability. You will work on campus alongside professional researchers, gaining experience in lab techniques and scientific communication. You will also attend weekly seminars to broaden your understanding of current scientific topics and practices. The program concludes with a fall poster session where you will present your summer research to peers, teachers, and families.

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