15 Science Programs for High School Students in New York State
If you're a high school student interested in science, participating in a structured program during high school can help you explore advanced topics beyond the classroom. These programs often provide opportunities to work with researchers, develop technical skills, and gain exposure to fields such as neuroscience, biology, cancer research, and engineering. They can also help you better understand what scientific research and STEM studies look like at the college level.
Why should you attend a Science program in New York State?
New York is home to research institutions, including Columbia University, NYU, and Stony Brook University, many of which offer science opportunities for high school students. Through these programs, you can contribute to research projects, use specialized facilities, and learn directly from scientists and faculty members. Whether you're a New York resident or willing to travel, the state offers a wide range of programs across different scientific disciplines and commitment levels.
To help you get started, we've narrowed down the list to 15 standout science programs for high school students in New York State.
If you’re looking for camps in New York State, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs provide stipends, including Smithsonian AMNH Science Research Mentoring Program ($2,500), ARISE at NYU ($2,000), Genspace Biorocket ($2,000), CCNY STEM Research Academy ($1,575), and YES in THE HEIGHTS, SPARKED, BRAINYAC, and University of Rochester programs (stipends provided), while programs like Simons SSRP, ieSoSC, and Rockefeller SNP are free.
Programs span a wide range of science disciplines including cancer and biomedical research (SPARKED at Mount Sinai, YES in THE HEIGHTS at Columbia, Genspace Biorocket), neuroscience (BRAINYAC at Columbia, Rockefeller SNP), plant science and ecology (NYBG), astrophysics and genomics (AMNH Science Research Mentoring), laser and plasma physics (University of Rochester LLE), genetic engineering (Genspace), and smart city technology (ieSoSC at NYU Tandon).
Several programs run for an extended period beyond summer, including AMNH Science Research Mentoring (August through June), SPARKED (six weeks plus eight months of after-school sessions), YES in THE HEIGHTS (two consecutive summers plus training), and CCNY STEM Research Academy (spring course plus summer internship), providing sustained research exposure over multiple months.
Several programs specifically serve New York City public school students or require NYC residency, including ARISE, ieSoSC, BRAINYAC, Rockefeller SNP, CCNY STEM Research Academy, SPARKED, and YES in THE HEIGHTS, giving local students priority access to world-class research institutions.
Deadlines are spread across fall and winter, with BRAINYAC and YES in THE HEIGHTS closing in October and January respectively, Rockefeller SSRP closing January 2, and AMNH Science Research Mentoring closing March 1, so students should begin identifying programs in the fall and apply to October and January deadline programs first.
1. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: No tuition fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About <5%
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 30 (school nominations) and February 5 (application submission)
Eligibility: 11th graders who are US citizens and/or permanent residents and at least 16 years old by the start of the program.
If enrolled in the Simons Summer Research Program, you will get to spend your time working on scientific research at Stony Brook University. The program will pair you with a faculty member from the university who will include you as part of their research team, allowing you to contribute to the team’s ongoing projects. You can find opportunities offered across various departments, including atmospheric sciences, geosciences, marine science, pharmacological sciences, and more. By working on the projects, you learn some research techniques and what it is like to conduct experiments at a university lab. Additionally, SimonsSRP will host weekly faculty research talks and workshops. At the end of the program, you are expected to submit a written research abstract and a research poster.
2.Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
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. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. ieSoSC (Innovation, Entrepreneurship and the Science of Smart Cities)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 – August 7 (ieSoSC I) or July 13 – August 7 (ieSoSC II, by invitation only)
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: 9th to 11th graders who reside in New York City
ieSoSC is a program that equips high school students with the skills and knowledge to build tomorrow’s smart cities using science, technology, and entrepreneurship. For this, the program will provide hands-on training in coding, microcontrollers, circuit design, and sensor integration. You will use these skills to build a prototype of a product or service for your smart city. Beyond this, you also learn to think like an entrepreneur, familiarizing yourself with product development, project management, pitch presentations, and navigating patenting and copyright issues. You are also scheduled for workshops that enhance the communication skills needed to promote your product or service.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge, Education and Development (SPARKED)
Location: Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 13 – August 20 (SPARKED summer internship) and program continues one or two afternoons weekly from November through May
Application Deadline: Opens in December
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders (aged 16-18) who have completed at least one high school science course, have an 80% GPA in science subjects, have a guardian's permission, and a recommendation from a science teacher
Organized by the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center, SPARKED is aimed at high school students who are curious about exploring biomedical research. This is a three-part program that starts with four weekly pre-program meetings, followed by the six-week summer internship in the lab, and after-school sessions for the next eight months. During the six-week internship period, you will either get to work in the cancer center’s experimental biology labs (wet lab) or be placed in its data science labs (dry lab), learning informatics. In this program, you will also participate in educational activities, including lectures by clinicians treating cancer patients and leading scientists in cancer biology. Additionally, you will also be scheduled for college and career preparation workshops.
6. ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~60 students
Dates: June 1 – 25 (Remote Workshops) and July 6 - August 14 (In-Person Lab Work)
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: 10th and 11th-grade students who live in New York City and are enrolled in a high school in the city
If you get into the 10-week program, you will spend the initial four weeks attending safety training sessions and college writing workshops, plus developing your research skills. In the next six weeks, you will have the opportunity to join one of the 80 NYU research labs where you will work alongside the researchers and professors there, contributing to their ongoing projects. In addition to gaining nearly 150 hours of lab experience, this program also offers other benefits, such as being able to reach out to alumni who can assist with future job, internship, and research opportunities. Plus, you get to share your research at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Poster Symposium and NYU Colloquium.
7. Science Internships at the New York Botanical Garden
Location: New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: School year internships available in fall and spring; some openings available in the summer
Application Deadline: School-year internship openings are posted in July and August
Eligibility: Open to New York City students enrolled in a high school or a college degree program
NYBG invites students to take on intern roles working alongside scientists on their ongoing research in plant diversity, molecular biology, systematics, taxonomy, morphology, development, and/or bioinformatics. As a result, this internship program can be a rewarding experience for students considering a career in plant science or research. With the internships offered in the fall, spring, and summer, those participating in the summer cohort benefit from participating in a series of educational activities, including botanical research seminars, career discussions, skills workshops, and more. Before the internship, you will be given lab safety training.
8. American Museum of Natural History: Science Research Mentoring Program
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY
Stipend: $2,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 60 students
Dates: August – June
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders who live and attend a high school in NYC, have passed the last three or more semesters, and are enrolled in or have completed a course in one of the listed programs, or attend one of the American Museum of Natural History’s partner schools or programs
This year-long program offers NYC high school students the chance to work on research projects alongside scientists at the museum while learning research skills. Some of the skills you can expect to learn from the program include working with DNA, analyzing data from space-based telescopes, reading scientific articles plus coding and analyzing data in programming languages like Python, R, or others. Each week, you will be working two days (four hours) on some unique project that has never been done before, thus giving you the experience of conducting actual research rather than copying pre-existing ones. You will get to conduct research in subject areas such as astrophysics, anthropology, conservation biology, genetics, and genomics.
9. Genspace: Biorocket Research Internship Program
Location: Genspace, New York City, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Low acceptance rate
Dates: February 25 – May 21 (Spring Session) and July 6- August 14 (Summer Session)
Application Deadline: Opens November 1
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and live or attend a NYC Public or Charter School, preferably within 45 minutes of Genspace
In this six-month science research internship program, you will have the opportunity to explore what is new in the field of genetic engineering and biology, while simultaneously enhancing your laboratory skills and science communication skills needed to share your research with the scientific community. This experience gives you an insight into what it is like to be an actual scientist and how it feels to discover something new through your experiments. You will be working alongside other high schoolers who share your passion for science, and there will be mentors to guide you throughout the project. Biorocket offers other perks such as networking with professional scientists, lab tours, field trips, career guidance, and more.
10. The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: None / need-based travel stipends are given
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 32 students
Dates: June 22 – August 6
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: 11th and 12th graders who are at least 16 years old
Students participating in this summer science research program will work on hands-on, mentored research projects that address a scientific question of their choice. You will be part of a research team consisting of 1-3 lead scientists and more scientists to support them, working in a RockEDU lab. Over the seven weeks of the program, you will learn research and lab techniques, use them to contribute to your team’s research project, analyze the findings, and help with making a poster based on the project. In addition to working on the research, you will also attend elective courses, guest lectures, workshops, networking sessions, and social events.
11. The Rockefeller University Summer Neuroscience Program (SNP)
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20-25 students
Dates: August 10 – 21
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Open to high school students who are enrolled in a New York City public school and are at least 16 years old
Offered by The Rockefeller University, the Summer Neuroscience Program brings its graduates to teach neuroscience to public school students. During this two-week course, you gain exposure to the research that is currently being pursued in the field of neuroscience. You will learn the brain functions and their implications in people’s daily lives in the process. In addition to the lecture sessions, you will get to participate in a range of activities, including dissecting a brain, conducting a neuroscience experiment, networking with Rockefeller scientists, and visiting research facilities. Moreover, you also learn how to do scientific reading and present the key points to others.
12. University of Rochester Summer High School Research Program
Location: University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 8 weeks starting after July 4
Application Deadline: Late January - Late February
Eligibility: 11th graders who attend a high school in Rochester, NY
Organized by the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics, this program allows you to conduct research in a professional scientific setting. If selected for the program, you will spend eight weeks working next to an LLE engineer or scientist on a specific research project assigned to you. As a participant, you will have access to the university’s resources, such as the laboratory, computer systems, and laser systems, like the 60-beam OMEGA laser and the OMEGA EP laser. Your projects will focus on laser physics, plasma physics, materials science, and related fields. By the end of the program, you will be expected to present your work at a symposium.
13. CCNY College Now STEM Research Academy
Location: The City College of New York, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,575
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students (research science course) and 10 (Summer Research Internship)
Dates: February 10 – May 23 (research science course) and July 6 - August 6 (Summer Research Internship)
Application Deadline: November 20 – January 16
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders who attend a New York City Public High School and meet the listed score requirements
The STEM Research Academy aims to equip high school students like you with the skills to become scientists by having you complete a science course and an original research project. Once you get into the program, you will start by attending a research science course during the spring, with the opportunity to receive a high school elective credit for it. Following it, if selected for the summer research internship, you will join a faculty member from the City University of New York (CUNY) or the City College of New York (CCNY) to complete a research project on a topic that you are curious about exploring. You are required to do presentations of your project at the New York Science Center for Research and Mentoring (NYSCRM) and the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH).
14. Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students
Dates: June 30 – August 14 (summer lab sessions)
Application Deadline: October 6 – 31
Eligibility: Open to high school students who live in New York City and attend at least one of the New York City-based partner programs (S-PREP, BioBus, Lang Youth Medical, Columbia Secondary School, or Double Discovery Center)
If you are a high school student who is interested in becoming a scientist, then this program is certainly worth considering for you. BRAINYAC will pair you with a neuroscientist, thus allowing you to be mentored by professional scientists at Columbia University in completing neuroscience-focused research. As a result of working on these projects, you will equip yourself with the research skills needed to succeed in the field. Before participating in the summer lab sessions, you will be participating in training sessions starting in January. Additionally, the program gives you an insight into how research results in scientific outcomes.
15. YES in THE HEIGHTS Program
Location: Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC), New York City, NY
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; Less than 10% of high school applicants are accepted
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: November 14 – January 9
Eligibility: High school students who are at leat 14 years old and are US citizens or permanent residents
Hosted by Columbia University, this is a program that aims to enhance your curiosity in pursuing a career in the STEM field, with a particular focus on cancer and biomedical research. If selected for the two-year program, you will have the opportunity to conduct cancer research while simultaneously collaborating with researchers and doctors whose area of focus is cancer. With students expected to participate in the program for two consecutive summers, the program also schedules training sessions in conducting experiments, academic etiquette, and professionalism. By the end of the program, you will have submitted an Individual Development Plan and a scientific abstract for your research in the first year, and given an oral presentation in the second year.
Frequently asked questions
What types of science programs are available for high school students in New York State?
Options include paid university research internships (ARISE at NYU, Genspace Biorocket, CCNY STEM Research Academy), paid museum research programs (AMNH Science Research Mentoring, NYBG), free competitive research programs (Simons SSRP at Stony Brook, Rockefeller SSRP and SNP), cancer and biomedical programs (SPARKED at Mount Sinai, YES in THE HEIGHTS at Columbia), neuroscience programs (BRAINYAC at Columbia, Rockefeller SNP), smart city and engineering programs (ieSoSC at NYU Tandon), and virtual AI and research programs (Veritas AI, Lumiere).
Which New York science programs offer the largest stipends?
AMNH Science Research Mentoring Program provides $2,500 over its year-long program. ARISE at NYU Tandon and Genspace Biorocket both provide $2,000. CCNY STEM Research Academy provides $1,575. SPARKED, YES in THE HEIGHTS, BRAINYAC, and University of Rochester LLE all provide stipends, though exact amounts are not publicly specified. Simons SSRP provides a stipend upon completion alongside free tuition.
Which programs are best for students interested in cancer or biomedical research?
SPARKED at Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center places students in wet labs or data science labs for six weeks, followed by eight months of after-school programming in cancer biology. YES in THE HEIGHTS at Columbia's Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center is a two-year program combining cancer research with clinical collaboration. Genspace Biorocket focuses on genetic engineering and biology in a community lab setting with strong mentorship.
Which programs are best for students interested in neuroscience?
BRAINYAC at Columbia University pairs students with neuroscientists for a seven-week summer lab apprenticeship, preceded by winter training, and is restricted to students in NYC partner programs. Rockefeller Summer Neuroscience Program is a free two-week course that includes brain dissection, neuroscience experiments, and networking with Rockefeller scientists, open to NYC public school students.
Are there science programs in New York State specifically for students from underrepresented communities?
ieSoSC at NYU Tandon is free and restricted to NYC residents. BRAINYAC requires nomination through partner programs that serve students from upper Manhattan and the South Bronx. CCNY STEM Research Academy and YES in THE HEIGHTS both prioritize NYC public school students. ARISE explicitly supports students from underrepresented communities within New York City.
When should I apply to science programs for high school students in New York State?
BRAINYAC applications open October 6 and close October 31, making it the earliest deadline on this list. YES in THE HEIGHTS closes January 9 and Rockefeller SSRP closes January 2. Simons SSRP nominations close January 30 with applications due February 5. ARISE closes February 27 and AMNH Science Research Mentoring closes March 1. ieSoSC closes May 15, one of the later deadlines. Students should begin researching in the fall and prioritize October and January deadline programs first.