10 Summer Tech Programs for High School Students in New York (NY)
If you're a high school student in New York interested in technology, summer is the perfect time to build new skills and explore your interests in areas like coding, engineering, AI, or digital design. Tech-focused summer programs give you work experience, access to expert instructors, and the chance to collaborate with like-minded peers.
These programs are typically hosted by universities, tech hubs, and education nonprofits across New York City and the surrounding region. Whether you're looking to code in a university lab, prototype a new invention, or explore artificial intelligence, there’s a program to match your goals. Many are affordable or offer scholarships, and some are available online for added flexibility.
We’ve reviewed the options and compiled a list of 10 summer tech programs for high school students in New York. These programs are a solid way to gain knowledge, get a taste of the field, and have something impressive to show on your college applications.
1. SHAPE at Columbia University
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Dates: July 7 – July 25 and July 28 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: All current high school students (freshmen to seniors) for the commuter option, and students who are 16 and above for the residential option
Cost/Stipend: $5,875 for commuters, $10,705 for residential; need-based scholarships available
Columbia Engineering's SHAPE (Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers) offers a three-week pre-college experience for students who are passionate about STEM. Each session provides a college-level, project-based engineering course, covering fields like robotics, computer science, electrical, civil, chemical, or biomedical engineering. The structure is designed to provide a broad introduction to various engineering disciplines while helping you develop practical skills that can be applied in STEM studies and future careers. Participants also attend hands-on labs, engage in design projects, and participate in workshops on college preparation, field visits, and STEM career pathways.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Cost/Stipend: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
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.
3. CS4CS at NYU Tandon School of Engineering
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: New York City resident students in grades 10 and 11
Cost/Stipend: Free
The CS4CS (Computer Science for Cyber Security) program at NYU Tandon is a free, three-week cybersecurity course for NYC students in grades 10–11. The program introduces participants to topics such as cryptography, ethical hacking, and network security via hands-on labs and instructor-led sessions. Students work in teams on real-world challenges while developing coding, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. The program is part of NYU’s effort to increase diversity in tech and welcomes students from all backgrounds. Acceptance is competitive, so early application is encouraged.
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. Tech Scholars at New York Historical Society
Location: Tech Commons, New-York Historical Society, NY
Dates:
Tech Scholars: Podcasting – Cohort 1: July 7 – 11
Tech Scholars: Podcasting – Cohort 2: August 18 – 22
Tech Scholars: Web Design – Summer: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline:
Tech Scholars: Podcasting – May 19
Tech Scholars: Web Design (Summer) – May 26
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 from the NYC metro area
Cost/Stipend: Free
Tech Scholars is a free digital humanities program that enables high school students in NYC to utilize tools such as HTML, CSS, and podcast software, bringing historical narratives to life. Hosted at the New-York Historical Society, students design interactive websites or audio projects that explore topics like the role of women in history. Workshops are conducted by educators and media experts, combining coding and content creation. Students gain hands-on experience while building a digital portfolio that connects tech skills with the humanities. The program runs in multiple sessions each summer.
6. Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC) at NYU Tandon School of Engineering
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: NYC students in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade with strong academic records and STEM interest
Cost/Stipend: Free
The Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC) program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering is a five-week summer program that delves into innovative city technologies and examines how they can enhance urban living. You’ll explore sustainable development, transportation systems, and energy efficiency through practical experiences in coding, microcontrollers, circuit deployment, and sensor integration. The program also incorporates entrepreneurship training, encouraging students to propose practical solutions to real-world urban challenges.
7. SPARC at NYU Tandon School of Engineering
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Dates: Multiple two-week sessions in June – August
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students aged 15+ in grades 9–12 who have completed Algebra II and Trigonometry
Cost/Stipend: $3,300; additional fees for residential option
The Summer Program in Automation, Robotics, and Coding (SPARC) at NYU Tandon School of Engineering exposes you to tech, engineering, or anything that involves building and programming things. You'll design, build, and code autonomous robots using hands-on tools and instruction from NYU faculty. The curriculum emphasizes mechatronics, problem-solving, and teamwork through daily lab sessions and workshops. Students also explore related fields, such as sensors and embedded systems.
8. ARISE at NYU Tandon School of Engineering
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: New York City high school students in 10th or 11th grade attending public or charter schools
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,000 stipend upon completion
Over the summer, you can spend ten weeks doing hands-on STEM research through the Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. You’ll join a faculty lab and build real-world experience in areas like computer science, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The program starts with online workshops in June and moves to in-person lab work in July. You will collaborate closely with graduate students and professors, and ultimately present your research at a poster symposium organized by the American Museum of Natural History. ARISE places a special focus on students from underrepresented backgrounds, giving students access to high-quality research opportunities that can strengthen college applications.
9. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors (aged 16+) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Cost/Stipend: Free; optional housing/meals fee; stipend may be provided
The Simons Summer Research Program places high school juniors in Stony Brook University labs to conduct original research in areas such as physics, biomedical engineering, or applied mathematics. Students work with faculty mentors on projects that may result in future academic publications. This is complemented by weekly seminars covering research ethics, scientific communication, and college pathways. With a competitive 8% acceptance rate, it’s one of the most prestigious research programs for high school students in the country.
10. All Star Code Summer Intensive
Location: Virtual
Dates:
3-Week Tech Sprint: July 7 – 25
6-Week Tech Marathon: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented groups
Cost/Stipend: Free
All Star Code is a coding program designed for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds in the tech industry. Over the course of three or six weeks, students learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through project-based lessons, industry workshops, and mentorship from tech professionals. The curriculum emphasizes both technical and professional development, preparing you to pursue careers in software development or entrepreneurship.
Image source - NYU Tandon