If you’re a high school student in New York City with an interest in science, technology, engineering, or math, STEM summer programs for high school students in the city can be a practical (and affordable) way to explore these fields in more depth. These programs often include hands-on projects, lab work, and opportunities to engage with current research or industry practices locally.
Living in a city like NYC with popular universities, hospitals, and tech companies means you can learn from professionals who work in these areas every day. You’ll get a better sense of what different STEM careers involve, and you may gain experience that helps clarify your own interests. Participating in STEM summer programs for high school students in NYC can also be a useful experience to reflect on when you’re applying to college. It gives you real examples to draw from in your essays or interviews.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 STEM summer programs for high school students in NYC that are worth looking into. You can also check out our blog on summer research programs for high school students in NYC.
15 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in NYC
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week academic experience where you work individually with a PhD-level mentor on a research project in a subject of your choice. You’ll have regular meetings to shape your research questions, get feedback on your progress, and produce a final research paper by the end of the program. Available subjects include areas such as computer science, psychology, economics, engineering, data science, chemistry, and international relations, among others. The program is selective, with a relatively low acceptance rate. In addition to research support, you’ll have access to writing guidance, optional help with publishing, and a structured approach to managing your project.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis; Varies by cohort
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts in a year
Eligibility: High school students
Veritas AI offers programs for high school students who want to explore topics in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Created by Harvard alumni, the programs are designed for different experience levels. If you’re new to the field, the AI Scholars Program introduces core concepts through ten sessions that include project-based learning. For students with prior knowledge, the AI Fellowship provides an opportunity to work one-on-one with a researcher from a university. In this track, you’ll develop an independent AI project and can choose to receive guidance on how to prepare your work for possible publication.
3. NYU GSTEM
Location: New York University
Cost: Tuition: $5,500; Housing with Meal Plan: $3,840 (optional); Need-based scholarships available
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 2
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Current high school juniors
NYU GSTEM is a highly selective, research-focused program open to around 40 students each year. The program is designed to introduce you to scientific inquiry and professional mentorship in STEM fields. As a participant, you’ll work on a specific research topic, which may involve areas such as neuroscience, chemistry, or molecular biology. Alongside your research, you’ll take part in educational visits to organizations and institutions where STEM is applied in different ways, such as museums, tech companies, and research centers. You’ll also join workshops on writing and presenting scientific work, helping you develop skills to clearly communicate your findings.
4. ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: January 3 – February 21
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Eligibility: NYC high school students currently in 10th or 11th grade; Strong academic performance; Priority given to students from historically excluded backgrounds in STEM
The ARISE program at NYU Tandon offers high school students the chance to participate in STEM research within a university lab setting. You’ll be matched with a graduate student mentor and a faculty advisor who will guide your work throughout the program. Following that, you’ll spend six weeks working full-time in person at one of about 30 participating labs. Research areas include biomedical engineering, machine learning, environmental science, and related fields. In addition to lab work, you’ll take part in communication workshops led by the Irondale Ensemble Project and present your project at a closing colloquium.
5. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Summer Student Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,100 stipend
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: June 30 – August 22
Eligibility: High school juniors (14+) with a minimum GPA of 3.5; Must live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, within a 25-mile radius of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
The Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has an acceptance rate of 2% and offers high school students an opportunity to gain experience in biomedical or computational research. Over eight weeks, you’ll work in a lab under the guidance of a mentor who will help you develop technical skills and support your independent project. The program covers a range of research areas, including computational biology, genomics, optics, immunology, and pharmacology. You’ll learn standard lab techniques, contribute to ongoing research, and explore topics related to cancer and biomedical science in a professional research environment.
6. NYU’s Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: May 15
Program Dates: July 14 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 10th-11th graders living in NYC and Nassau County
Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS) is a free summer program that introduces high school students to digital security and computer science basics. During the program, you’ll study key topics such as ethical hacking, cryptography, and digital forensics. You’ll also gain experience with software tools and basic programming used to identify and respond to cyber threats. The program also includes sessions on behavioral science to help you understand how social engineering techniques, like phishing and identity theft, can impact cybersecurity.
7. The City College of New York STEM Research Academy
Location: The City College of New York, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Students may receive a stipend of $1,575 upon successful completion
Application Deadline: November 20 – January 16
Program Dates: June 30 – August 7 (summer)
Eligibility: NYC public high school students in 10th or 11th grade; Must meet GPA and Regents exam score requirements.
The STEM Research Academy at City College of New York (CCNY) begins with a spring science course that prepares students for research work. If you complete the course and are selected, you’ll continue into a summer internship focused on a STEM project aligned with your interests. During the summer, you’ll work with a faculty mentor from CCNY or another CUNY campus, gaining experience through hands-on lab work several days a week. You’ll also attend workshops and seminars designed to strengthen your research and communication skills. As part of the program, you’ll present your work on campus and at the American Museum of Natural History.
8. The Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipends are available for students facing financial difficulties
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 3
Program Dates: June 23 – August 7
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors (16+)
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) provides high school students with the opportunity to engage in biomedical research alongside scientists at Rockefeller University. With an acceptance rate of about 3%, the program places students in small teams, each guided by a scientific mentor from the university or its affiliated institutions. Throughout the program, you’ll take part in lab-based research at the RockEDU science outreach center. In addition to your project work, you’ll attend elective classes, guest lectures, and workshops focused on scientific methods and communication. The program concludes with a symposium where you present your research to an academic audience.
9. Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $5,875 (commuter); $10,705 (residential); Full need-based scholarships available
Application Deadline: March 3 (priority scholarship deadline: December 18)
Program Dates: Session 1: July 7 – July 25; Session 2: July 28 – August 15
Eligibility: Current high school students; Residential option available only to students age 16 and older
SHAPE is a competitive summer program at Columbia University that offers high school students the chance to explore engineering through project-based courses. Courses are available in areas such as robotics, biomedical engineering, computer programming, and sustainable design. Instruction is led by Columbia faculty, with additional support from undergraduate teaching assistants. You’ll have access to university labs and the MakerSpace, participate in elective classes and workshops, and take part in site visits to companies in related industries.
10. Hk Maker Lab Summer Engineering Design Program
Location: Columbia University and HYPOTHEkids, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: December 18; Final deadline: January 8
Program Dates: July 7 – August 8
Eligibility: 10th or 11th grade students (graduating in the next two years) from NYC public or charter schools; Must demonstrate educational and/or economic disadvantage
The HK Maker Lab program begins with a three-week course through Columbia’s SHAPE program, where you will explore subjects such as biomedical engineering and design. In the final two weeks, you’ll work in teams to develop an app or website aimed at addressing a real public health issue. The program combines technical learning with creative problem-solving and provides mentorship throughout. Upon completion, you may be eligible to apply for NY Bioforce, which offers a paid STEM internship the following summer.
11. Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity’s Environmentor Internship
Location: RISE, Far Rockaway, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend of up to $1,200
Application Deadline: Open in late February
Program Dates: June – mid-August
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors living in or near the Rockaway peninsula
In the Environmentor program, high school students conduct research along the Rockaway shoreline under the guidance of a mentor. Working with a professional scientist, you will focus on an individual project in areas like salt marsh restoration, dolphin anatomy, sea turtle strandings, or air quality monitoring. Alongside your research, the program includes outdoor activities organized by the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance (RWA), such as surfing, to complement your experience.
12. University of Buffalo’s CSExplore Camp
Location: UB North Campus, Getzville, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 30
Program Dates: August 5 – 8
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
If you’re new to computer science, this program offers a three-day introduction designed for high school students. You will participate in hands-on activities aimed at helping you learn core concepts in computer science. During the program, you’ll explore topics such as basic circuit hardware and software development. Past sessions have also included robot programming, video game design, and visits to research labs to give you a broader view of the field.
13. Baruch College STEM Research Academy
Location: Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,575 stipend (distributed in the fall following summer completion)
Application Deadline: Mid-October – December
Program Dates: Spring course: late January – mid-May (hybrid); Summer research: mid-July – mid-August
Eligibility: NYC public high school students in 10th or 11th grade; Minimum overall GPA of 80; Preference for students from underrepresented backgrounds or partner schools
Baruch College’s STEM Research Academy begins with a spring course focused on experiment design, scientific writing, and research paper analysis. If you complete the course and are selected, you’ll continue with a six-week summer internship. During the internship, you’ll work on a research project in areas such as biology, psychology, or environmental science under the guidance of a faculty mentor from Baruch or another CUNY campus. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work at the CUNY STEM Research Exhibition. The program is fully funded and provides mentorship, a stipend, and college credit.
14. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000 stipend
Application Deadline: January 8
Program Dates: Spring Session: February 21 – May 22; Summer Session: June 30 – August 15
Eligibility: NYC public or charter high school students (16+); Must live or attend school within 45 minutes of Genspace (flexibility considered)
Biorocket is a six-month research internship where you collaborate with scientist mentors on a project related to molecular biology or genetic engineering. Throughout the program, you’ll learn laboratory techniques, develop your own project to work on during the summer, and present your findings to an audience. The program also offers training in science communication through improv exercises and includes visits to research labs and biotechnology companies. Students from underrepresented groups in STEM fields are encouraged to apply.
15. American Museum of Natural History Science Research Mentoring Program
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,500 stipend
Application Deadline: March 8 (tentative)
Program Dates: August 5 – August 31 (tentative)
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th grade students attending a partner school or program, or previously enrolled in specific AMNH youth programs; Must be passing all classes
The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History is a year-long opportunity where you work alongside a museum scientist on a research project. The program begins with a four-week Summer Institute in August, which includes workshops, fieldwork, and skill-building in areas such as coding, lab techniques, and data science. During the school year, you’ll meet twice weekly to continue your research and participate in monthly advisory meetings. Projects span a range of subjects, including astronomy, biology, environmental science, and machine learning. The program concludes with a symposium where you present your research findings.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in STEM, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – American Museum of Natural History