15 STEM Internships for High School Students in New York State

If you’re a high school student interested in science, technology, engineering, or math, a STEM internship can be an excellent way to gain practical experience. They offer you the chance to develop valuable technical and analytical skills, such as coding, lab techniques, data collection, or experimental design. These programs not only strengthen your understanding of STEM concepts but also help you build a foundation for future studies and career paths. They can enhance your college applications and help you build your network.

In New York State, many universities, research centres, and organisations offer STEM internships designed specifically for motivated high school students. These programs cover diverse disciplines, including biomedical sciences, computer programming, environmental research, and engineering. Local and out-of-state students can take advantage of New York’s opportunities that showcase the state’s strong research and innovation culture. 

Here is a list of 15 STEM internships for high school students in New York State to help you get started.

Note: Not all the items in the list are internships, but all offer opportunities to work and learn. 

If you're looking for more programs in New York State, check our blogs here and here

1. SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station (BFS) Internships for High School Students

Location: Across SUNY Oneonta’s BFS labs in NY

Cost | Stipend: Free | $3,000

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies from 1–3 interns, with at least one internship position awarded to a student from Otsego County, NY

Program Dates: 9 weeks in late May – August

Application Deadline: March 26 (tentative; subject to change); applications will be available from January. 

Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older from New York State; at least one position is reserved for a resident of Otsego County, NY, but students from surrounding areas are also encouraged to apply

SUNY Oneonta’s BFS Internships offer high school students the chance to gain experience in ecology and environmental sciences through fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and independent research. As part of this STEM research internship for high school students in New York State, you might collect and analyse water samples, conduct fisheries or plant surveys, and participate in ongoing lake and watershed monitoring projects at Ostego Lake. Interns receive mentorship from BFS scientists and faculty and take part in seminars covering ecology and hydrology-related topics. You will also present your findings through a technical report and research poster, helping you practice scientific communication. The internship includes a stipend and 1 semester hour of free undergraduate college credit, providing both professional and academic value. 

2. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective

Program Dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program 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. Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center’s Summer Student Program

Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY

Cost | Stipend: Free | $1,200

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 2% acceptance rate | 20 interns per summer

Program Dates: June 29 – August 21

Application Deadline: December 1 – February 6

Eligibility: High school juniors living in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut within 25 miles of the Main Campus of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre on the Upper East Side in Manhattan | Must be legally authorised to work in the U.S. | Minimum GPA of 3.5 in science subjects | Must be 14 years of age or older

The MSK Cancer Centre’s Summer Student Program offers high school students an immersive introduction to biomedical and computational research through an 8-week mentored laboratory internship. You will be paired with an MSK scientist and carry out an independent project that contributes to active cancer research in areas such as cancer biology, genomics, immunology, and pharmacology. The program combines laboratory work with professional development activities that provide insight into translational medicine and the scientific research process. You will also have plenty of opportunities to engage with MSK’s research community through lab meetings and educational events hosted by various departments. 

4. Ladder Internships – STEM Tracks

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 10% 

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). 

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you will work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of STEM industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, mental health, environmental science, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

5. Wave Hill Forest Project

Location: Wave Hill, Bronx, NY

Cost | Stipend: Free | Around $2,275

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: July 1 - August 16 (tentative, based on previous years)

Application Deadline: February 23 (tentative, based on previous years)

Eligibility: New York City high school students who are at least 16 years old | Must be eligible to work in the U.S. | Must be able to work in unpaved natural areas, use heavy tools, and bend at the waist

The Forest Project at Wave Hill is a paid summer internship for New York City high school students interested in urban ecology and environmental issues. In this program, you will work in small crews to restore and manage the woodlands at Wave Hill, taking part in tasks such as trail maintenance, erosion control, and the removal of invasive plant species. Alongside fieldwork, you will be enrolled in a college-accredited course, Restoration of New York City’s Natural Areas, where you’ll study ecology, collect data, conduct research, and complete group projects. The program also includes field trips and exchanges with partner organisations, giving you opportunities to connect with other youth involved in environmental work. Participants are paid approximately $2,275 through the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program and earn college credit upon completion. 

6. Biorocket Research Internship Program

Location: Genspace Community Biology Lab, Brooklyn, NY

Cost | Stipend: Free | $2,000

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 14 other students

Program Dates: February 25 – May 21, with an orientation on February 20 (Spring Session) | July 6 – August 14 (Summer Session)

Application Deadline: November 1 – January 5

Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old | Must live or attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace (some exceptions might be possible)

The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a six-month STEM research program for New York City public and charter high school students aged 16 and older, hosted at Genspace, a community biology lab in Brooklyn. The internship introduces students to the latest topics in genetic engineering and biology, emphasising both laboratory techniques and science communication. You will collaborate with peers and scientist mentors to design and conduct a group research project while participating in lab tours, biotech company visits, and improv-based communication workshops. You will gain hands-on exposure to real-world research environments and insight into careers in science and technology. Participants receive a $2,000 stipend and join a city-wide network of teen research interns across New York. You can click here for more information on the application process. 

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

Location: Columbia University Zuckerman Institute, New York, NY

Cost | Stipend: Free | Stipends available, but exact amount not specified 

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 20 students (subject to change)

Program Dates: June 30 – August 15 (tentative; subject to change), with weekend training sessions in the Spring before the start of the program

Application Deadline: October 6 – 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 Centre, Columbia Secondary School, and BioBus; preference is given to students from upper Manhattan and the South Bronx

In the Zuckerman Institute’s BRAINYAC program, you will train alongside Columbia University neuroscientists to explore how the brain works through hands-on laboratory research. The program begins with weekend training sessions covering topics such as neuroanatomy, basic Python programming, and ethical research practices, before progressing to a full-time summer internship at a neuroscience lab. You will work under the guidance of a Columbia researcher, contribute to an ongoing neuroscience project, and learn about techniques such as data analysis, tissue staining, and microscopy. You will also create and present a scientific poster summarising your work at a public event, gaining experience in research communication. Students may also apply to extend their research through a paid Merit Fellowship during the academic year or the following summer.

8. The Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY

Cost | Stipend: Free | Stipends vary based on the program tiers—Tier 1 students receive $600; Tier 2 students receive $700; Tier 3 students receive $800; and Tier 4 students are paid $17/hour

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive, with 12–14 apprentices per tier

Program Dates: Throughout the year, in the spring (March – May), summer (July – August), and Fall (September – November); exact dates vary by tier | All GAP apprentices attend an orientation on February 7

Application Deadline: December 5

Eligibility: Tier 1 is open to grade 9 students | Tier 2 is open to grade 10 students or those who have completed Tier 1 | Tier 3 is open to grade 11 students or those who have completed Tier 2 | Open to students who have successfully completed Tier 3

The GAP at Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers high school students a structured, four-tier experience in urban agriculture, environmental education, and horticulture. As an apprentice, you may learn about botany, gardening, and sustainability while gaining hands-on experience growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs in the Children’s Garden. The program also emphasises environmental education and public engagement, giving you opportunities to help lead lessons for children and interact with garden visitors. You can either begin at Tier 1 or apply directly to Tiers 2 or 3, depending on your education level and experience. Tier 4 is reserved for returning apprentices who have completed Tier 3 and are onboarded as paid Brooklyn Botanic Garden staff. Each tier blends teaching, hands-on garden work, and community involvement, helping you build real-world job skills like teamwork, communication, leadership, and mentoring.

9. Bronx Zoo’s Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology)

Location: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) headquarters, Bronx Zoo, NY, with field trips to green spaces and national parks across New York City

Cost | Stipend: Free | Summer interns are paid a $750 stipend or $16/hour through SYEP if eligible to work with WCS's authorised provider | Fall interns receive a stipend of $350

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:  Exact numbers not specified, but the program is very competitive

Program Dates: Late June – August (Summer Program) | 14 Saturdays in September – December

Application Deadline: March 7

Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors from the Bronx

Project TRUE is a paid summer and fall research internship run by the WCS at the Bronx Zoo in partnership with Fordham University. As an intern, you’ll work in small teams led by Fordham undergraduate mentors to conduct original field research on New York City’s wildlife and green spaces. Over seven weeks in the summer and through weekend sessions in the fall, you’ll learn to collect, analyse, and interpret ecological data on topics such as bird diversity, water quality, and invasive species. Your research will culminate in a scientific poster presentation at local conferences and the NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium Symposium, giving you experience in communicating your findings to peers and scientists. Through this internship, you’ll gain experience in urban ecology, strengthen your scientific communication skills, and learn how ecological research is conducted in one of the world’s most urban environments. 

10. City Tech College Now STEM Research Academy

Location: New York City College of Technology (City Tech), Brooklyn, NY (parts of the Spring session will be conducted remotely)

Cost | Stipend: Free | Participants receive a stipend of $1,575 for the Summer Research Internship 

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: Spring Session: February 14 – May 16 | Summer Research Internship will take place for six weeks in the summer (exact dates TBD)

Application Deadline: December 12

Eligibility: New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) students in grades 10 or 11 

The City Tech College Now STEM Research Academy is a two-part program that introduces high school students to authentic scientific research through both coursework and hands-on experience. In the spring semester, you will attend a pre-college research course that focuses on developing essential skills such as formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, and analysing scientific data. The summer session offers a six-week research internship where you will work alongside City Tech faculty and lab teams in your area of interest. You’ll also complete a short research project and present your findings at the Summer Science Symposium in the American Museum of Natural History. The program emphasises active participation, faculty mentorship, and real-world application of scientific methods, helping you build the foundational skills needed for a future in STEM.  

11. NYU’s Applied Research In Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY

Cost | Stipend: Free | $1,000

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, with only a limited number of spots available

Program Dates: June 1 – August 14

Application Deadline: January 6 – February 21

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from NYC

The ARISE program is a free, 10-week summer research experience for New York City high school students in grades 10 and 11, offered by the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. The program begins with four weeks of remote workshops focused on lab safety, research methods, and scientific writing, followed by six weeks of in-person lab research under the guidance of NYU faculty and graduate mentors. You will work on real-world projects in fields such as biomedical engineering, computer science, environmental engineering, and materials chemistry, gaining practical experience in university research settings. Alongside research, students also receive training in public speaking and professional communication through collaborations with the Irondale Ensemble Project. The program concludes with a colloquium and poster symposium at the American Museum of Natural History, where you will present your research to the NYU community. ARISE also provides college application support, access to a growing alumni network, and a $1,000 stipend upon successful completion. 

12. New York Bioforce

Location: Spring sessions are at Columbia University with virtual weeknight seminars | Summer internships take place at Columbia Engineering, New York Proton Centre, and other labs, organisations, and health care facilities across NYC

Cost | Stipend: Free | You will get paid for the summer internship (exact amount not specified)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~ 27 students in the past; the numbers may vary

Program Dates: April 5 – August 15 (Spring and Summer sessions)

Application Deadline: February 20

Eligibility: Grade 11 or 12 students who can demonstrate educational and/or economic disadvantage: must 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 is a workforce development program that provides free research training and paid summer internships for New York City high school students from low-resource backgrounds interested in STEAM fields. The program begins with spring training sessions at Columbia University, where you’ll spend 100 hours learning essential lab techniques, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy, along with professional and communication skills. In the summer, you’ll have the opportunity to put this training into practice through a mentored internship at a research lab or healthcare institution such as Columbia Engineering, Weill Cornell Medicine, or New York Proton Centre. You will gain hands-on research experience, learn from professional scientists, contribute to ongoing projects, and explore pathways in biomedical and healthcare careers. The program concludes with a poster presentation at the American Museum of Natural History, where you will present your research findings to peers and mentors. 

13. BioBus High School Junior Scientist Internships

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

Cost | Stipend: Free | $16.50/hour 

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: July 7 – June 15 of the following year (Lower East Side Junior Scientist Internship and Harlem Science Internship) | September – June 15 (Harlem Women in STEM Internship)

Application Deadline: January 21 – March 24

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 11; Specific details for each internship can be found here

The BioBus High School Junior Scientist Internships introduce you to authentic scientific research while developing your skills in science communication and teaching. Over the course of 12 months, you’ll work alongside research scientists to design and carry out your own research project using professional laboratory equipment. The program combines hands-on research with opportunities to teach and engage with the public at BioBus community events, strengthening both your technical and leadership skills. You will also present your findings through poster sessions and discussions, gaining experience in communicating scientific work to different audiences. There are three tracks available for different student demographics: the Lower East Side Junior Scientist Internship, the Harlem Science Internship, and the Harlem Women in STEM Internship.

14. Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge, Education and Development (SPARKED) at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Location: Virtual and in-person at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai campus, New York, NY

Cost | Stipend: Free | Participants receive a stipend for successful completion of the summer internship (exact amount not specified)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: Summer internship is from July 14 to August 21, extending into the academic year (September – May); the internship is preceded by four weekly pre-program preparation meetings

Application Deadline: TBA

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors aged 16–18 who are interested in biomedical research | Must have completed at least one high school science course | 80% GPA in science subjects

The SPARKED program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai introduces high school students aged 16–18 to biomedical research through a combination of hands-on lab work, mentoring, and academic enrichment activities. You’ll conduct guided research in areas such as cancer and regenerative medicine, working alongside faculty mentors at The Tisch Cancer Institute or the Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The curriculum includes pre-program workshops, technical skills training, and scientific enrichment sessions featuring lectures from clinicians and researchers. Along the way, you’ll gain practical experience in biomedical laboratory techniques, learn to read scientific literature, and build collaboration and critical thinking skills. You’ll also take part in career and college preparation activities, including workshops on writing resumes and personal statements. During the school year, you’ll continue your research part-time while participating in group meetings and discussions, culminating in a final presentation of your research findings to peers and colleagues.

15. Ellen Brenner Memorial Summer Internship at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL)

Location: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Laurel Hollow on Long Island, NY

Cost | Stipend: Free | $16.50/hour

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified

Program Dates: Part-time for 6 weeks or full-time for 3 weeks in the summer (June – September)

Application Deadline: April 30

Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors

The Ellen Brenner Memorial Internship at CSHL Centre for Humanities & History of Modern Biology is a mentored library and archive management experience designed for high school students interested in preserving scientific history and research archives. You will work directly with professional librarians, archivists, and science informationists on projects at the CSHL Library and Archives, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as digitisation, cataloguing, data organisation, and using PubMed and other biomedical databases. Depending on your placement, you may assist with library initiatives that strengthen connections to the CSHL scientific community or contribute to archival projects documenting the history of molecular biology and biotechnology. The internship emphasises practical skill-building and exposure to professional research environments, with a focus on supporting women, minorities, and students with disabilities. 

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