11 Winter Programs for High School Students in New York State
If you are a high school student looking to make the most of your winter break, a structured program can be a great way to keep learning while exploring new interests. These programs let you experience college-level academics, develop new skills, and connect with peers and mentors. Whether you’re drawn to research, the humanities, or practical leadership activities, these brief programs enable you to deepen your interests and connect with peers who share your passions.
In New York State, many universities, research centers, and organizations offer winter programs designed to help high school students explore a variety of subjects—from science and technology to the humanities and the arts. These opportunities are perfect for in-state students seeking local programs, as well as out-of-state students eager to explore academic opportunities in the state. You can take part in workshops, labs, and discussions that encourage exploration and creativity while strengthening your skillset.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 11 winter programs for high school students in New York state!
1. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars.
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 (October/November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world.
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard graduate students, offers research opportunities for high schoolers interested in artificial intelligence. If you’re just beginning your journey in AI, machine learning, or data science, the AI Scholars program can be beneficial. This 10-session boot camp introduces you to core concepts while giving you the chance to apply your knowledge through real-world projects. For students ready for a deeper dive, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase pairs you one-on-one with mentors from top universities to develop an independent project. Fellows also receive guidance from the Veritas in-house publication team, who support students in submitting their work to high school research journals.
2. The Met High School Internship Program
Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
Stipend: You will receive a stipend, aligned with New York State minimum wage, after completing all required work and paperwork
Dates: January 11 – June 13
Application Deadline: October 28
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 or 11 who live in or attend school in New York City or home school in NYC
The Met’s High School Internship Program isn’t a classic winter research opportunity, but since it runs through the school year, parts of it overlap with winter break. As an intern, you’ll work on-site at The Met and explore a range of museum careers through activities such as career labs, a January bootcamp, and hands-on departmental placements. You’ll engage with professionals in areas like conservation, education, digital media, marketing, and even scientific research. While it’s not tied to a single academic discipline, this internship is ideal if you want to gain career experience, learn directly from experts in creative and academic fields, and understand how a major cultural institution functions behind the scenes.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Dates: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Current high school students with GPA ≥ 3.3; no prior experience in the field required.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research opportunity designed specifically for high school students. It provides intensive one-on-one mentorship with Ph.D. scholars, giving you the chance to dive deeply into a subject of your choice. Over the course of 12 weeks, you’ll work closely with your mentor to develop and complete an independent research project, which culminates in a full-length research paper. You can explore a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, economics, physics, computer science, engineering, data science, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
4. Baruch College’s Now STEM Research Academy
Location: Baruch College (Manhattan, NY)
Stipend: $1,000
Dates: January - May followed by July - August and a spring course prior to that
Application Deadline: Generally in early December
Eligibility: Primarily for NYC public high school 11th graders; 10th graders may be considered if they meet certain GPA and Regents test score thresholds; must meet minimum scores in English/Math/Science Regents or equivalent
The Baruch NOW STEM Research Academy offers NYC public high school students a multi-term experience, beginning with a spring “Introduction to Research” course that builds skills such as designing experiments, conducting literature reviews, and understanding the inner workings of research labs. If you complete the spring part successfully, you may be matched with Baruch/CUNY faculty in a structured 5-6 week summer research internship doing “authentic inquiry” in biology or environmental science. Alongside your project, you’ll benefit from mentorship, career/college exploration, and academic support. Although the Academy runs through the spring, it begins in January, making it a valuable winter entry point into STEM research for NYC high school students.
5. Brain Research Apprenticeship in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
Location: Jerome L. Greene Science Center (Columbia, NY)
Stipend: Stipend provided, amount not specified
Dates: January – August, starting with weekend training sessions in the winter and spring, then shifting to a full-time internship from June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors, must be 16+ by the summer session; must be enrolled in one of the partner programs
RAINYAC offers a deep dive into neuroscience research, guided by mentorship from Columbia scientists. The program starts in winter and spring with weekend training sessions that build foundational skills, then transitions into a full-time, seven-week summer internship where you work hands-on in labs. You will work in areas like neuroscience, computational neuroscience, psychology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Along the way, you’ll gain experience in lab work, scientific thinking, networking, and the full flow of research, from training to data collection to presentation.
6. CCNY STEM Research Academy
Location: In-person on the CCNY campus in New York City
Stipend: $1,575
Dates: Spring: February 11 – May 22 | Summer: June 30 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: NYC public high school students in grades 10 or 11 (Spring semester); must satisfy Regents or grade prerequisites in English or Science; minimum GPA requirements apply.
The STEM Research Academy gives NYC high school students a structured pathway into hands-on research. It begins with a selective spring course (limited to 25 students) where you’ll learn to develop research questions, conduct literature reviews, and design experiments. Over 45 hours of coursework, you’ll build skills that may also qualify for elective high school credit. Students who complete the spring course can advance to a summer internship, working alongside a CUNY or CCNY faculty mentor on a research topic of their choice. In the lab, you’ll gain experience in areas such as biology, chemistry, engineering, or space science. Though it continues into spring, the program begins in February, offering students a winter start to hands-on STEM research training.
7. Genspace’s Biorocket Research Internship
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Dates: Spring: February 25 – May 21 | Summer: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by orientation; must live in or attend a NYC public or charter school
Genspace, a community biotech lab in Brooklyn, runs a summer research internship where high school students explore biotechnology, genetics, and synthetic biology through hands-on lab work. You will train in techniques like DNA extraction, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics while collaborating with scientist mentors on group research projects. Beyond lab time, the program features field trips to biotech companies, lab tours, and career talks with STEM professionals. Past cohorts have investigated topics such as biofilm dynamics, algae for water purification, and biosensors using liver cells. The experience equips you with technical skills, scientific literacy, and an understanding of how biology can address real-world challenges.
8. EnergyMag Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Rolling dates
Application Deadline: Open all year round
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; minimum GPA ~3.25; at least one honors science or English class
EnergyMag offers virtual internships for high school students interested in renewable energy and energy storage, combining scientific and market-oriented research. You’ll work with a mentor to analyze companies, technologies, or markets, gather and synthesize information, and produce a draft report that may be published on their site. Tasks include research, contacting experts, data analysis, and writing, with frequent digital check-ins and guidance. The program is flexible, offering both half-time (summer) and quarter-time (year-round) formats.
9. Ecampus at Oregon State University
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by course; you can calculate the total cost here
Dates: Winter: January 5 – March 20
Application Deadline: November 17
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Oregon State University’s Ecampus lets high school students earn college credit online while still in school, providing them with an early start on their academic journey. You will enroll as nondegree-seeking learners until you are ready to pursue a full degree, which allows you to explore courses beyond what’s typically offered in high school. With over 100 options to choose from, you can study across disciplines such as anthropology, animal sciences, business, biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, environmental sciences, political science, psychology, sociology, and more. This flexibility provides you with the opportunity to develop university-level skills and gain experience in subjects that align with your interests.
10. Cornell University’s Online Courses for High School Students
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,940 per credit
Dates: January 2 – January 17
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school students between 15-19 years old
Cornell’s Precollege Summer/Winter Online Program lets you take real Cornell undergraduate courses from home, earning college credit and an official Cornell transcript. You can select from a broad range of subjects — such as science, social sciences, humanities, architecture, international relations, and others — and engage with college-level coursework using online platforms like Canvas, video conferences, discussion boards, and, in some courses, live sessions. Courses are provided in short, intensive formats, such as three-week winter sessions that encompass an entire semester's material in a brief period.
11. SCAD Joint Enrollment Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $100 application fee
Dates: January 5 – March 12
Application Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors aged 16 or older
SCAD’s Joint Enrollment program allows high school students to take college-level classes online through SCAD, earning real college credit while still in high school. You can enroll in up to two courses per quarter (each course typically carries 5 credit hours) in areas such as art & design, digital communications, psychology, anthropology, and visual arts, among others. Classes are taught by SCAD faculty and hosted virtually, with interaction via Zoom and online discussions.
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