Looking to gain work experience in a field of your choice? Consider an internship!
Internships give high school students such as yourself the chance to work on advanced skill sets while applying their academic interests in a practical environment. Whether through lab research, coding projects, or nonprofit work, internships allow you to gain in-depth exposure to a field, strengthen technical and analytical skills, and learn how professionals approach complex problems. These experiences can be especially valuable during the fall, when balancing schoolwork with hands-on learning helps you develop both time management and subject-specific expertise.
New York City is uniquely positioned to offer you these opportunities. Home to world-class universities, cultural institutions, nonprofits, and a wide range of industries, NYC provides access to internships in fields like STEM, social sciences, law, and the arts, all within commuting distance for local students. Opting for a fall internship in the city can also be a financially practical choice, since many programs are local and accessible without added travel or housing costs.
Here are 15 Fall Internships for High School Students in NYC:
1. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program; financial aid available | None
Program Dates: Fall (September–December), Winter (December–February), Spring (March–June), Summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: Rolling; Fall (September), Winter (November), Spring (January), Summer (May)
Eligibility: High school students interested in AI/ML. Fellowship applicants should have completed AI Scholars or demonstrate prior Python/AI experience.
This program provides structured training in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. In the AI Scholars track, you will complete a 10-session curriculum covering core concepts in Python, supervised and unsupervised learning, and model evaluation. Advanced students can pursue the AI Fellowship, where you’ll work 1-on-1 with a mentor on an independent AI project and refine it for publication with editorial support. Both tracks emphasize coding, applied statistics, and reproducible project workflows.
3. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program
Location: Manhattan, NY (in person)
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $700 upon completion
Program Dates: October 29–June 24
Application Deadline: August 24
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12; must live in the NYC metro area (NYC, parts of NY State, NJ, or CT); valid working papers required
This academic-year internship immerses you in historical research and digital humanities. Using primary sources from the New-York Historical’s collections, you’ll investigate the theme Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America and translate findings into digital media projects. Weekly sessions include training in historical interpretation, research writing, and public communication, with opportunities to collaborate with peers and museum staff. The program emphasizes archival methods, critical analysis, and digital project design as tools for historical scholarship.
4. Mayor’s Office Internship Program
Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $16.50/hour for high school students
Program Dates: October 20–April 10
Application Deadline: August 11–August 31
Eligibility: High school students who are NYC residents, age 16+, with valid working papers.
This program places you in a city government department where you will contribute to ongoing projects such as data analysis, drafting briefings, supporting outreach, and event staffing. You’ll also attend a biweekly Speaker Series at City Hall, where senior officials discuss policy and governance. A key component is the collaborative service project with NYC Service, which has previously included park restoration and community clean-ups. The internship emphasizes applied policy research, communication skills, and an understanding of municipal systems.
5. Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP)
Location: Brooklyn, NY (DNALC NYC)
Cost/Stipend: Free (lab and sequencing costs covered) | $500 upon completion
Program Dates: Academic year (August–May); required lab training August 25–29; final symposium in May
Application Deadline: May 27
Eligibility: NYC high school students (13+), must attend training and commit to 55+ hours of research during the school year
UBRP trains you to use DNA barcoding as a tool for studying biodiversity. Following an intensive lab course on molecular methods such as DNA isolation, PCR, and sequence analysis, you’ll design and execute a year-long project under the guidance of a scientist mentor. Research topics typically involve analyzing urban biodiversity and the impact of humans on ecosystems. You’ll draft a proposal, collect and process samples, and present your findings at a formal symposium. The program emphasizes molecular ecology, experimental design, and research communication.
6. Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) – American Museum of Natural History
Location: Manhattan, NY (AMNH)
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $2,500 upon completion
Program Dates: August–June (one year; 4 hours/week during school year)
Application Deadline: Closed for Class of 2026; typically late spring for next cohort
Eligibility: NYC 10th–11th graders passing classes for 3+ semesters; must attend a partner school/program or have completed an AMNH-affiliated preparatory program.
SRMP places you on a year-long research project under the mentorship of AMNH scientists. Projects cover fields from genetics and ecology to astrophysics and archaeology, with recent additions in machine learning and AI. You’ll learn molecular methods (DNA extraction, PCR), computational tools (Python, R, telescope data pipelines), and research writing. Training begins with a summer institute, followed by twice-weekly sessions across the academic year. The program emphasizes authentic data analysis, scientific communication, and collaboration in a museum research community.
7. Tech Flex Leaders – All Star Code / AOT
Location: New York City (hybrid: in-person + virtual)
Cost/Stipend: Free | completion stipend provided
Program Dates: September–May (weekly sessions); optional paid summer internships in July–August
Application Deadline: Priority: July 6; Final: August 3
Eligibility: NYC high school juniors and seniors with an interest in technology, business, and digital skills
This nine-month program integrates technical training with professional development. You will gain experience in web development, UX design, digital marketing, product management, and applied data science, with structured use of AI tools across modules. Weekly sessions include mentorship and talks from industry professionals, while group projects emphasize agile workflows and product pitching. A final Demo Day allows you to showcase prototypes, and graduates are matched with employer-partner internships at tech firms such as Microsoft, NBCUniversal, and Amazon.
8. Futures and Options – The Internship Program
Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Paid; minimum $16.50/hour
Program Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Applications for Summer open January 5; deadlines vary by term
Eligibility: NYC high school juniors and seniors (ages 16–19) with valid working papers
This program combines paid internship placements with structured career development. You’ll be matched to a host organization in fields such as finance, marketing, business, or public service, where you’ll complete daily tasks while applying classroom knowledge to workplace settings. Parallel workshops cover résumé building, workplace communication, and professional etiquette. You’ll also participate in site visits to employers like BlackRock and Infor, gaining exposure to corporate environments. Continuous mentorship from program coordinators ensures you progress in both technical and professional competencies.
9. Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) – Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Cost\Stipend: Free | Tiered reimbursements: Tier 1 – $600, Tier 2 – $700, Tier 3 – $800; Tier 4 – $16.50/hour (part-time staff)
Program Dates: March–November (9 months; weekly during spring/fall, 20–25 hrs/week in summer)
Application Deadline: December 8
Eligibility: NYC high school students (grades 9–11 at entry); returning students may progress through Tier 4 as paid staff
GAP immerses you in urban agriculture and horticulture through a structured, four-tier apprenticeship. Across ~200 hours annually, you’ll practice sustainable gardening, soil science, and plant propagation while maintaining plots in one of NYC’s most prominent public gardens. Training includes spring intensives, summer full-time work, and fall sessions, supported by workshops on environmental stewardship. Higher tiers emphasize leadership, community engagement, and college preparation, with Tier 4 offering formal paid staff roles.
10. BioBus Junior Scientist Internship
Location: Harlem (open citywide) and Lower East Side (open to LES/Chinatown students), NYC
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Paid (hourly)
Program Dates: October 1–June 15 (weekly sessions); optional summer session July 7–August 15
Application Deadline: Closed for 2025–26; typically opens late spring for next cycle
Eligibility: NYC high school students with interest in science and teaching; LES/Chinatown residency required for LES placements
As a Junior Scientist, you’ll gain hands-on research training and co-teaching experience alongside BioBus scientists. Weekly sessions emphasize lab techniques such as microscopy, sample prep, and microbial culture, while independent projects allow you to apply experimental design and data analysis. You’ll also co-lead outreach sessions for younger students, building skills in science communication and pedagogy. Internships focus on bridging research practice with teaching, preparing you for both lab work and community science engagement.
11. Explainers – Science Career Ladder, New York Hall of Science (NYSCI)
Location: Queens, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Paid
Program Dates: Year-round; one-year minimum commitment; Fall, Spring, and Summer hiring cycles
Application Deadline: August 1–September 1 (Fall); December 1–January 6 (Winter); April 1–May 1 (Spring)
Eligibility: NYC high school and college students; must be residents of NYC
As an Explainer, you’ll engage visitors at NYSCI by facilitating STEM exhibits, leading demonstrations, and contributing to exhibit design and iteration. Weekly shifts emphasize science communication, inquiry-based teaching, and public engagement, supported by structured professional development and mentorship. You’ll also participate in STEM-focused workshops, networking events, and reflective practices. The program emphasizes technical accuracy, collaborative facilitation, and the ability to translate STEM concepts for diverse audiences.
12. American Psychological Association (APA) Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Paid and unpaid (academic credit available)
Program Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer cohorts (year-round)
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution; applicants under 18 need a D.C. Work Permit; U.S. residents only
APA internships expose you to applied psychology in research, policy, communications, publishing, or education. Depending on your placement, you may analyze datasets, review psychological literature, draft policy briefs, or assist with editorial processes. Training emphasizes translating psychological theory into practical organizational applications, while professional workshops and group projects enhance collaboration and communication skills. Interns also gain experience navigating nonprofit structures in a significant professional association.
13. DOROT Academic Year Teen Internship
Location: Manhattan, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Unpaid
Program Dates: Fall (October–December); Spring (February–May)
Application Deadline: Fall deadline: October 20 (varies by semester)
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 9–12
This internship places you in weekly after-school roles supporting older adults in Manhattan. You’ll complete training in intergenerational communication and then participate in structured group or 1:1 activities. Tasks range from assisting with technology use to facilitating conversations and small events, giving you practice in service-oriented problem solving. The program emphasizes skills in leadership, empathy, and interpersonal communication, while also offering community service credit.
14. Ranger Conservation Corps Internship – NYC Parks
Location: Flagship parks across New York City
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Unpaid (community service hours provided)
Program Dates: Fall and Spring sessions; ~8 weeks, 1 afternoon per week (2–2.5 hours)
Application Deadline: Rolling (contact Urban Park Rangers to arrange placement)
Eligibility: NYC high school students interested in environmental science and urban ecology
This internship trains you in applied environmental restoration alongside NYC Urban Park Rangers. Weekly sessions involve hands-on conservation tasks such as habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and biodiversity monitoring. Field components may include canoeing excursions and overnight camping trips, adding practical ecological skills. The program emphasizes environmental stewardship, basic field biology, and teamwork in applied urban ecology, while also counting toward community service requirements.
15. Field Biology Internship (FBI) – Alley Pond Environmental Center
Location: Alley Pond Park, Queens (NYC)
Cost/Stipend: $150 after acceptance (need-based aid available) | Unpaid
Program Dates: Saturdays, September 27–November 1
Application Deadline: Fall: August 1
Eligibility: High school students (14+); able to do outdoor activities for 2+ hours; commit to at least 5 of 6 sessions (plus final presentation); interview required; own transportation to site.
Through this internship, you’ll build field-research fundamentals through hands-on protocols: biodiversity surveys, bird observations, coastal seining, soil sampling, and water-quality testing (e.g., pH, turbidity, macroinvertebrate identification). Sessions emphasize sampling design, field note standards, and data hygiene for later analysis. You’ll translate observations into simple datasets, practice basic statistics/graphing, and present findings at the end of the term, useful prep for environmental science, ecology, or sustainability pathways.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, 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 – Alley Pond Environmental Center