15 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in New York State
Summer STEM programs provide high school students with an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills and explore potential career paths. These programs offer you experience with advanced tools, exposure to real research and technology, and the chance to work with professionals in the field. You gain practical knowledge in areas like robotics, computer science, and bioengineering while building valuable networks with mentors and peers.
In New York State, many leading universities and organizations host top-tier STEM summer programs. These programs are especially appealing for their access to world-class facilities, strong networking opportunities, and proximity to major industries. They’re ideal for both local students looking to deepen their STEM experience and out-of-state students eager to study in a dynamic academic setting.
We’ve narrowed down our list to 15 of the best STEM summer programs for high school students in New York State.
If you're looking for more programs in New York State, check our blog here.
1. Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center HOPP Summer Student Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $1,200
Application Deadline: February 6
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 14 years old, have a minimum 3.5 GPA, and are authorized to work in the U.S.
The HOPP Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering is an eight-week internship for high school students interested in biomedical research. In the program, you’ll work in a research lab on a project related to ongoing cancer studies and be paired with a mentor to guide your work and help you develop laboratory and research skills. Research areas include cancer biology, immunology, computational biology, and drug discovery. The program also offers sessions on professional development and explores potential career paths in biomedical research and translational medicine.
2. Veritas AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
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 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. RockEDU’s LAB Jumpstart Program
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, Rockefeller University, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Participants receive a $500 stipend for the spring portion (phase one) and another $3000 for the summer portion (phase two)
Application Deadline: January 2
Dates: Phase One (Spring Session): February 26 – June 11. Phase Two (Summer Session): June 22 – August 6
Eligibility: Students enrolled as a junior or senior in an NYC high school and at least 16 years old at the start of the program can apply
RockEDU’s LAB Jumpstart is a program for high school students designed to develop scientific thinking and research skills through workshops, lectures, and mentorship. You’ll join a research team led by Rockefeller trainees and take part in elective courses, guest talks, and social activities. The program is divided into two phases from March to August. In the spring session, held twice a week after school, you’ll learn how to formulate research questions, explore scientific methods, and engage with mentors. During the summer session, you’ll participate in the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP), spending up to 35 hours per week working on a research project with a team aligned with your interests.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Variable based on the program
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Summer: June – August, Fall: September – December, Winter: December – February, Spring: March – June
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to conduct independent research with guidance from a Ph.D. mentor. During the program, you’ll select a topic of interest and work through each stage of developing and completing your own research project. By the end of the program, you’ll produce a written paper summarizing your findings, gain practical experience in research methods, and gain a deeper understanding of your chosen subject area. More details here.
5. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, NY
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 stipend on completion (free to attend)
Application Deadline: Application coming soon. More info here
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Eligibility: NYC public/private/charter school students completing grade 10 or 11 by program start
NYU’s ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering) program offers high school students in New York City the chance to take part in research within engineering and related disciplines. In this program, you’ll be placed in an NYU research lab and contribute to ongoing projects in areas such as chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, bioengineering, or machine learning. You’ll work under the guidance of graduate students and faculty, developing practical research skills and learning about how studies are conducted in an academic environment. The program ends with a colloquium where you’ll share your findings with fellow participants and mentors. Each year, ARISE accepts approximately 75 to 80 students.
6. DNA Learning Center Urban Barcode Research Program
Location: DNA Learning Center, New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $500
Application Deadline: May 27 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: First lab training course: August 25 – 29; Additional sessions scheduled during the school year. The research symposium will be held in late May or early June, with dates TBA
Eligibility: NYC high school students enrolled in grades 9–12 can apply
The Urban Barcode Research Program at New York City College of Technology gives high school students the opportunity to participate in laboratory research using a range of scientific techniques. You’ll study DNA barcoding and investigate how human activity affects biodiversity. With guidance from experienced mentors, you’ll work on a research project that involves writing research proposals, collecting samples, isolating DNA, and analyzing data. Before starting lab work, you’ll complete training on biodiversity, research methods, and conservation biology, as well as hands-on laboratory instruction.
7. Timbuctoo Climate Science and Careers Summer Institute
Location: Begins in Brooklyn, travels to Kingston, Syracuse, and the Adirondacks, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; all meals, travel, and lodging covered; $1,280 stipend upon completion
Application Deadline: Unspecified; the typical cycle is in the spring. More info here
Program Dates: Typically in the summer. Dates unspecified
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors from systemically marginalized communities in NYC
This two-week, fully funded summer institute focuses on climate science, environmental issues, and environmental justice. During the program, you’ll take part in field trips across New York State, attend workshops and lectures led by faculty, and engage in outdoor activities. The curriculum is designed to introduce you to environmental challenges and provide insight into career paths in areas such as environmental studies, climate science, and ecology.
8. Bridge to Biostats Summer Program (B2BSP)
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend provided
Application Deadline: Applications will open in December
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Eligibility: Rising sophomores to rising seniors, residing and attending school in New York City
The B2BSP (Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Summer Program) is a six-week paid program for high school students in New York City interested in biostatistics and data science. In the program, you’ll learn foundational concepts in statistics and R programming through hands-on projects. A key part of the program involves analyzing cancer research data and presenting your findings at the end of the session. You’ll also participate in sessions on data interpretation and statistical concepts, guided by mentors with experience in biostatistics. In addition to research activities, the program includes workshops on SAT preparation and college planning.
9. Ithaca College Tech Innovation Summer Academy
Location: Ithaca College campus, Ithaca, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free (tuition, housing, and meals) | None
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Dates: Session I: July 6 – 12 | Session II: July 20 – 26
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
This in-person summer program at Ithaca College offers high school students a week of focused learning in areas such as computer science, robotics, artificial intelligence, web design, and digital media. You’ll take part in hands-on lab sessions led by Ithaca College faculty, students, and alumni, exploring both current technologies and emerging fields. The program includes opportunities to learn about technology-related careers, use the college’s lab spaces, and collaborate with other students on group projects. You’ll also have the chance to learn about trends in the tech industry and visit local sites through planned field trips.
10. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified. More info here
Dates: June 30 – August 8 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents and at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University allows high school students to participate in research in fields such as science, mathematics, or engineering. In this program, you’ll join a research group and work with faculty mentors on a specific project. You’ll gain experience in laboratory techniques and research practices, attend lectures, and become familiar with the university research setting. The program also includes workshops and campus events that complement your research activities. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll summarize your findings in a written abstract and present them in a research poster.
11. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Math Summer Workshop
Location: RIT, Rochester, NY
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Not specified. More info here
Dates: TBA. Expected in July. More info here
Eligibility: High school students who will not be graduating in the spring of the year they attend
The RIT Summer Mathematics Workshop is a free program for high school students interested in exploring mathematics beyond the classroom. The curriculum includes subjects such as probability, functions, and mathematical biology, along with problem-solving activities that focus on logical reasoning and decision-making skills. You’ll study a variety of topics in a collaborative setting, guided by faculty from RIT’s Department of Mathematics.
12. NYU’s Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS)
Location: NYU, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Application deadline: TBA
Dates: Dates TBA. Typically, in the summer
Eligibility: Rising high school students who reside in NYC
CS4CS is a fully funded summer program for high school students that focuses on cybersecurity and computer science. In the program, you’ll explore topics such as ethical hacking, cryptography, and digital forensics. You’ll also learn to use software tools and techniques for identifying cyber threats, tracing their origins, and protecting networks through coding and encryption. A unique aspect of CS4CS is Irondale, a theater-based component designed to help you develop communication and public speaking skills through improvisation exercises.
13. University of Buffalo’s CSExplore Camp
Location: University of Buffalo, Getzville, NY
Cost: Free
Application deadline: January 7
Program dates: Typically in the summer. Dates TBA
Eligibility: All high school students entering grades 9-12 in the fall
CSExplore is a three-day program for high school students that introduces the fundamentals of computer science, and no prior experience is needed. Previous sessions have included projects such as programming simple robots, creating basic video games, and visiting local research labs to observe how computing concepts are applied in real-world settings. You’ll engage in hands-on activities covering topics like circuit hardware and software development.
14. Kopernik Observatory & Science Center Summer Programs
Location: Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, Vestal, NY
Cost: $15/day
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Multiple week-long camps in the summer
Eligibility: Students entering grades 1–12
The Kopernik Observatory & Science Center in Vestal, New York, offers weeklong Link Summer STEM Exploration camps for students in grades 2–12, with specific sessions for those in grades 8–12. One of these camps focuses on high-altitude ballooning, where you’ll take part in designing, building, launching, and recovering weather balloons that can reach altitudes of over 100,000 feet. In past years, students have captured footage showing the sky darkening and water boiling below freezing temperatures in near-vacuum conditions. This summer, you’ll have the chance to expand on those projects by adding new experiments using Raspberry Pi computers and GoPro cameras. Throughout the project, you’ll monitor the balloon’s journey in real time using a GPS-equipped tracking beacon, gaining hands-on experience in data collection, engineering, and atmospheric science.
15. Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) at Columbia University
Location: Columbia University, NY
Cost: $10,705 (residential); $5,880 (commuter). This amount includes tuition, lab fee, materials fee, and activity fee. Need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: TBA
Dates: July 6 – 24; July 27 – Aug 14
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and high school graduates can apply
Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) is a pre-college program for students interested in STEM. The program runs in three-week sessions, during which you’ll take a college-level engineering course taught by Columbia faculty. You’ll choose one course to focus on for the full session. Course options include a variety of engineering and related subjects, such as Biomedical Engineering, Robotics and Autonomous Driving, Competitive Programming, Sustainable Engineering, Probability, and more.
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