16 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in NYC

Summer programs provide structured opportunities to explore specific fields, build resumes, and gain experience that make college applications stand out. These programs are valuable for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), offering projects, access to advanced technology, and mentorship from professionals.

New York City, a global hub for innovation and education, hosts a range of STEM summer programs for high school students. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 16 outstanding programs for high schoolers, including in-person options in NYC and virtual programs, to help you find opportunities that align with your interests and goals.

1. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY.
Stipend: $1000.
Cohort size: 20-25 students.
Dates: June 2 – August 8.
Application Deadline: February 21.
Eligibility: NYC high school students currently in 10th or 11th grade with strong academic performance are eligible to apply. 

The ARISE program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering offers high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in STEM fields. Over ten weeks, you will work in university laboratories alongside faculty and graduate students, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research and developing valuable scientific skills. The program includes workshops on scientific communication, college preparation, and career exploration, helping you build a strong foundation for future academic and professional pursuits.

2. Veritas AI - STEM Track

Location: Virtual.
Cost: Varies according to program. Need‑based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. Apply here.
Acceptance rate: Selective.
Dates: Year‑round 12–15 week cohorts, including summer.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines. May.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. AI Fellowship applicants must have finished AI Scholars or show proven AI/Python experience.

Run by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI delivers rigorous AI training to motivated high schoolers worldwide. Beginners start with the ten-session AI Scholars program, where you will grasp core concepts in AI, machine learning, and data science while completing guided, real-world projects. Those ready for a deeper dive can advance to the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, a 12–15-week journey centered on an original, mentor-led research project. You will collaborate one-on-one with researchers from top universities, sharpening both technical and analytical skills. An in-house publication team then helps transform each project into a manuscript fit for leading high school research journals. Explore past projects and full details here.

3. Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC) 

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY.
Cost: Free!
Cohort size: 18 - 22 students.
Dates: July 7 – August 8.
Application Deadline: May 15.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 who are NYC or Nassau County residents are eligible to apply.

The ieSoSC program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering introduces high school students to the concepts of smart cities through a lens of innovation and entrepreneurship. Over five weeks, you will learn about urban technology, sustainability, and data science, applying your knowledge to real-world problems. The program includes lectures, hands-on projects, and field trips that explore how technology can improve urban living. You will collaborate in teams to develop solutions for smart city challenges, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Cost: Varies depending on program type

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.

Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.

Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

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 that you can explore as a high schooler. 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.

5. Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS) 

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY.
Cost: Free!
Cohort size: 48 students.
Dates: July 14 – August 8.
Application Deadline: May 15.
Eligibility: High school students in 10th or 11th grade who are NYC residents. 

CS4CS is a summer program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering focused on computer science and cybersecurity. Designed for high school students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, the program aims to spark interest in these critical fields. Over four weeks, you will learn programming, cryptography, and network security through interactive lessons and hands-on activities. The program also includes guest lectures from industry professionals and opportunities to explore career paths in technology.

6. Hk Maker Lab Summer Engineering Design Program 

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY.
Cost: Free!
Cohort size: 24 - 26 students.
Dates: July 7 – August 8.
Application Deadline: January 8.
Eligibility: Current 11th and 12th graders from NYC public and charter schools.

Offered by Columbia University in partnership with HYPOTHEkids, the Hk Maker Lab provides high school students with an intensive engineering design experience. Over five weeks, you will learn the engineering design process, from ideation to prototyping, and apply your skills to develop solutions for real-world problems. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, where you will work in teams to design and build projects using tools like 3D printers and laser cutters. You will also interact with engineering professionals and gain insights into careers in the field. 

7. NYSCF Summer Internship Program

Location: The New York Stem Cell Foundation, New York, NY.
Stipend: Paid.
Cohort size: 20 students.
Dates: June 2 - August 8.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines.
Eligibility: High school students who are partners of the NYSCF Summer Internship Program.

This internship program provides high school students with the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art research laboratory at the New York Stem Cell Foundation. Over ten weeks, you will assist with ongoing research projects, gaining hands-on experience in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The program includes training in laboratory techniques, participation in scientific discussions, and exposure to the latest advancements in the field. The internship is ideal for students interested in biomedical research and cutting-edge science.

8. Summer Science Research Program 

Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY.
Stipend: $1,200.
Cohort size: 32 students.
Dates: June 23 – August 7.
Application Deadline: January 3.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors aged 16 years and older.

The Summer Science Research Program at Rockefeller University allows high school students to engage in biomedical research. You will work full-time in a laboratory, contributing to ongoing research projects under the mentorship of Rockefeller scientists. The program includes seminars, workshops, and a final symposium where you will present your work. The program is highly selective, accepting only 32 students each year, and provides a stipend. This program is ideal for students aiming for careers in biomedical research or medicine.

9. STEM Research Academy 

Location: The City College of New York, New York, NY.
Stipend: $1,575.
Cohort size: 10 students.
Dates: June 30 – August 7.
Application Deadline: November 20 - January 16.
Eligibility: NYC public high school students in 10th or 11th grade are eligible to apply. 

The STEM Research Academy at The City College of New York offers high school students a comprehensive research experience. The program begins with a spring semester course where you will learn research methods and develop project proposals. Ten selected students then participate in a six-week summer research internship in CCNY laboratories, working on projects in biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. You will receive a stipend and gain valuable experience in scientific research and presentation. The program is tailored for students interested in pursuing STEM careers.

10. State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY.
Cost: Free!
Acceptance rate: 4%.
Dates: July 28 - August 8.
Application Deadline: April 15.
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 and identifying as African American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaska Native, or American Indian are eligible to apply. Applicants must meet economic-need criteria and maintain an 80 % average, especially in math and science.

State Pre‑College Enrichment Program supports high schoolers who hope to enter medicine or other STEM careers. Its mission is to open doors for students from historically underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, strengthening their pathways into math, science, technology, health, and licensed professions. You can choose either an intensive summer track or a Saturday‑only schedule during the academic year. Coursework spans everything from anatomy to statistics, and you will also receive PSAT/SAT prep, career‑readiness workshops, and personalized college and academic advising. The whole experience is rounded out with activities such as field trips and guided campus tours.

11. Summer Student Program 

Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.
Stipend: $1200.
Acceptance rate / Cohort Size: 2%; 20 students.
Dates: June 30 – August 22.
Application Deadline: February 7.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors with permanent addresses within a 25-mile radius of NYC are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects.

This highly prestigious eight-week program offers high school students the opportunity to work on research projects in areas including Cancer Biology, Cell & Molecular & Developmental Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Genomics, Engineering, Immunology, Pharmacology & Drug Development, or Structural Biology at a Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) research lab. You will be matched with mentors and engage in laboratory work, data analysis, and scientific discussions. The program includes seminars, workshops, and a final presentation. You will receive a stipend upon completion. 

12. Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) 

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY.
Cost: Commuter: $5,875 | Residential: $10,705. Need-based financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate: Highly selective.
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – 25 | Session 2: July 28 – August 15.
Application Deadline: March 3.
Eligibility: Current high school students are eligible to apply. Students must be 16 years and older to apply for the residential option.

Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) is a three-week program that provides high school students with an introduction to engineering through hands-on projects and coursework. You will choose from various tracks, such as biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science, and work on design challenges and laboratory experiments. The program also includes college preparation workshops and social activities. SHAPE offers both commuter and residential options, allowing you to experience campus life at Columbia University.

13. Girls' Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (GSTEM)

Location: New York University, Courant Institute, New York, NY.
Cost: $5,500 tuition. Need-based scholarships are available.
Cohort size: 40 students
Dates: June 30 – August 8.
Application Deadline: March 2.
Eligibility: Female high school students entering grade 11.

GSTEM is a six-week summer program designed to encourage young women to pursue STEM fields. You will conduct research in NYU laboratories, attend workshops on scientific writing and presentation, and meet with prominent women in STEM careers. The program culminates in a symposium where you will present your research findings. GSTEM provides a supportive community and mentorship opportunities, helping to build confidence and interest in STEM among female high school students. 

14. Summer STEM Program 

Location: Cooper Union, New York, NY.
Cost: 3-Week Course: $1,950 | 6-Week Course: $3,950. Need-based financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective; 18-22 students.
Dates: 6-Week Session: July 7 – August 14 | 3-Week Session 1: July 7 – 24 | 3-Week Session 2: July 28 – August 14.
Application Deadline: March 26.
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9 - 11 are eligible to apply.

The Cooper Union Summer STEM program offers high school students the chance to explore engineering and design through intensive courses. You can choose from three-week or six-week classes that cover topics such as design thinking, computational physics, and 3D fabrication. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, where you will work on projects that apply engineering principles to real-world challenges. Cooper Union provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors and is ideal for students interested in engineering and creative problem-solving.

15. All Star Code 3-Week Tech Sprint

Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free!
Cohort size: 50 students.
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – 25 | Session 2: July 28 – August 15.
Application Deadline: February 3 - May 2.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. 

The All Star Code Summer Intensive 3-Week Tech Sprint is a virtual coding program aimed at high school students from underrepresented groups. Over three weeks, you will build foundational coding skills, learn about the tech industry, and develop problem-solving abilities through workshops and projects. The program also offers networking opportunities and mentorship from tech professionals, helping you envision and pursue careers in technology. This virtual format makes it accessible to students regardless of location.

16. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free!
Acceptance rate: Selective.
Dates: Session I: July 7 - 18 | Session II: July 28 - August 8.
Application Deadline: April 11.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 - 11 are eligible to apply.

The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a virtual experience that teaches high school students coding skills and introduces them to the tech industry. Over two weeks, you will learn to code websites, apps, and games while addressing community issues. The program includes interactive events with industry partners and mentorship opportunities, providing a comprehensive introduction to computer science and technology careers. This virtual program is accessible to students worldwide, with a focus on empowering young women and non-binary students in tech.

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