If you’re a high school student in NYC looking to explore your interests and develop skills before choosing a college major, you can consider joining a university-led summer program in the city. Whether you have a clear academic or professional goal or want to try new subjects, these programs can help you make informed decisions about academic and career paths.
Through these programs, you’ll get to engage in college-level academics, experience campus life, gain insight into different fields, and build networks. You might also attend lectures from professors, work on group projects, or even earn college credit.
Many NYC universities offer programs beyond the typical high school curriculum, allowing you to demonstrate initiative and work with advanced material, which can help strengthen your college applications.
Here’s a curated list of 10 university-led summer programs in NYC covering areas like marketing, biomedical informatics, finance, medicine, communications, cybersecurity, engineering, photography, filmmaking, ecology, game design, and more:
1. Cornell University’s Pre-College Summer Residential Program
Subject Areas: Politics, Architecture, Marketing, Fashion Design, and more.
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: Tuition is $1,840 per credit, with housing, dining, activities, and health fees at $2,879 for three weeks or $5,714 for six weeks, plus a $75 application fee. You can check here for a detailed breakdown of costs.
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: Multiple sessions between June 22 and August 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors aged 16–18
Cornell University’s Pre-College Summer Residential Program allows high school students to take college courses, study with Cornell instructors, earn credits, and connect with peers worldwide. The program follows an intensive schedule, covering 15 weeks of coursework in three or six weeks. You’ll experience college life by living in residence halls, dining on campus, and attending events and recreational activities.
Activities may include arts and sports clubs, variety shows, silent discos, live band karaoke, game nights, lawn games, barbecues, and more. You will also receive guidance on college applications through admissions workshops and one-on-one counselling on essays and application materials. You will earn 3 to 8 transferable credits and receive an official Cornell transcript.
2. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Subject Areas: Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Medicine, Pharmacological Sciences, Ecology and more
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: The program is tuition-free, but students opting for on-campus housing must pay $2,360.25 for accommodation and meals, along with at least $500 for additional meal expenses. A stipend is provided, though the amount is unspecified.
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program provides high school juniors with the opportunity to conduct independent research in STEM fields. You can select your top three areas of interest or preferred mentors.
You will collaborate with a faculty mentor, join a research group, and develop a project while gaining experience in lab techniques, experiment design, and research methods. You will also participate in faculty talks, lab tours, workshops, and special events. You will prepare a research abstract and create a poster for the final symposium. Admission to the program is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 5%.
3. NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS)
Subject Areas: Cybersecurity, Coding, Cryptography, Computer Science, and more
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Tuition is fully covered by a scholarship
Application Deadline: April 15
Dates: The program runs from July 14 to August 8, with a virtual orientation on June 27 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM via Zoom.
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th grade NYC residents
NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS) program provides high school students with an introduction to cybersecurity and computer science, regardless of prior experience. You will learn software tools and techniques to detect cyber threats, investigate their origins, and explore ciphers used to secure networks while developing coding skills.
The program also covers the behavioural science aspects of cybersecurity, such as identity theft and phishing scams. Additionally, you will take part in Irondale, a required improv-based program led by theatre-teaching artists to strengthen communication and public speaking skills.
4. Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program
Subject Areas: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Computer Engineering
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: The cost is $1,900, which includes room, meals, and research supplies. Scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates: July 13 – July 19
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and strong math and science performance are eligible to apply. Additional requirements for CURIE and CATALYST academies can be found here.
The Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program offers one-week residential academies, CURIE and CATALYST, for high school students interested in engineering research and applications. Held in the third week of July at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, each academy admits 35–50 students. The program includes lab-based sessions led by Cornell Engineering faculty, covering fields such as mechanical, biomedical, electrical, and computer engineering. You will take part in hands-on activities, explore academic and career pathways, and attend a session with Cornell Engineering Admissions on the college application process.
In the afternoons, you will work on faculty-led projects alongside graduate and undergraduate mentors, concluding with a technical presentation. Past projects have covered topics like biomedical devices, AI, robotics, and data management. More details on previous academy research projects can be found in the Cornell Chronicle.
5. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Bio- and Molecular Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and more
Location: The program includes remote workshops and in-person lab research at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY.
Cost/Stipend: The program is fully funded through a scholarship, and participants receive a stipend of at least $1,000 upon completion.
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are NYC residents
NYU’s ARISE is a free 10-week summer program that gives high school students hands-on research experience in STEM. The first four weeks focus on safety training, college writing, and research skills. In the final six weeks, you’ll work in one of 50 NYU research labs, collaborating with faculty and researchers on real-world projects.
You will gain approximately 120 hours of lab experience, work on developing public speaking and communication skills, and contribute to ongoing research. The program includes networking opportunities with scholars and industry professionals, a research presentation at the NYU Colloquium, and a final showcase at the American Museum of Natural History Poster Symposium. You’ll receive group and one-on-one college application support, opportunities for continued research and mentorship, and access to an alumni network with job, internship, and research opportunities.
6. Syracuse University’s Summer College – On Campus
Subject Areas: Architecture, Art & Design, Business, Finance, Leadership, Communications, Technology, Economics, and more
Location: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Cost: Costs range from $1,908 to $7,695 based on program format and course type (credit or non-credit), plus a nonrefundable $65 application fee; scholarships and discounts are available
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: Multiple sessions between July 6 and August 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 or older with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) are eligible, including recent graduates who are not enrolling at Syracuse University in the fall.
Syracuse University’s Summer College allows high school students to explore potential careers and college majors through a pre-college experience. In the on-campus program, you will take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, and participate in social activities on campus. Credit-bearing courses typically meet for three to four hours per day, four or five days a week, with additional time needed for assignments, group projects, and studying.
Noncredit and studio/lab programs run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with an hour for lunch. Outside class, you’ll work on coursework and participate in weekend activities, trips, and social events, though many students also use weekends for academic work. Events may include talent shows, ice cream socials, Pinterest parties, paint nights, and trivia nights. Upon completing the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Syracuse University and can choose to purchase a credit or noncredit transcript.
7. NYU’s Coding for Game Design High School Summer Program
Subject Areas: Coding, Game Design, Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetic Design, Level Design, Audio Design and more
Location: NYU Downtown Brooklyn campus, NY
Cost: The total cost is $2,995, covering tuition, the UP Service Fee, an extracurricular event fee, and a non-refundable application fee, with optional on-campus housing available for an additional fee. (Need-based scholarships are available for New York-based commuter students)
Application Deadline: The deadline is May 31, but sessions may be filled earlier as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Dates:
- Session 1: July 7 – July 18
- Session 2: July 28 – August 8
Eligibility: Students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in the fall can apply. Applicants should have an intermediate understanding of coding and programming, preferably with at least one formal coding course completed with a grade of B+ or higher.
NYU’s Coding for Game Design High School Summer Program teaches high school students game design using C# and Unity scripting. You’ll work with experienced designers and developers to create 2D and 3D Unity games while learning about mechanics, level design, aesthetics, dynamics, rules, and audio design.
The program emphasizes collaboration, and you’ll be working in teams on a final game project. At the end of the two-week session, you will present your game at an award ceremony. For Summer 2025, two in-person sessions will be offered, each lasting two weeks. You will develop coding skills, apply game design concepts, and gain hands-on experience with techniques used by industry professionals.
8. NYU Tisch Summer High School Filmmakers Workshop
Subject Areas: Filmmaking, Cinematic Techniques, Storytelling, Writing, Editing, Production and more
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: The program costs $11,101, plus a non-refundable $75 application fee. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: December 13
Dates: July 6 – August 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (rising seniors) who are at least 15 years old and have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The NYU Tisch Summer High School Residential Program is a four-week pre-college program for rising high school juniors worldwide, following the Tisch undergraduate curriculum and awarding four to six college credits. The Summer Filmmakers Workshop at the Kanbar Institute of Film and Television provides professional training in cinematic techniques and storytelling.
You will develop visual storytelling skills through hands-on instruction with digital cameras and editing workstations. You will also explore documentary, experimental, and narrative filmmaking while working with technology. In teams, you will work on developing writing, directing, and editing skills as you create short film projects, culminating in a final 3–4 minute film. Classes run Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with coursework, training, and production. Some creative assignments, such as writing or editing, may extend into evenings and weekends.
9. Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) at Columbia University
Subject Areas: Data Science, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, and more
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $10,790 (Residential) | $5,875 (Commuter); need-based scholarships are available
Application Deadline: March 3
Dates:
- Session 1: July 7 – July 25
- Session 2: July 28 – August 15
Eligibility: Current high school students can apply, with the residential option available to those aged 16 and older.
Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) is a pre-college STEM program offering two three-week sessions. You will select one college-level engineering course per session and participate in electives, college preparation, and workshops.
Workshops led by Columbia Engineering’s Office of Professional Development and Leadership cover topics such as public speaking and online presentation skills. The program is taught by faculty but does not grant college credit. Columbia students provide support throughout the program.
10. Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Subject Areas: Science, Research, Laboratory Work, Data Analysis
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, Rockefeller University, NY
Cost/Stipend: The program is free, and students receive a MetroCard/OMNY card for NYC public transit. Those with additional travel expenses, such as commuter rail costs, can apply for a need-based stipend during the program.
Application Deadline: January 3
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Eligibility: NYC high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old at the program’s start
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) is a team-based summer research experience for high school juniors and seniors. You’ll join research teams led by scientific trainees from the Tri-Institutions (Rockefeller, MSK, and WCMC), working in dedicated RockEDU laboratories. Each team consists of 8–10 students and at least three research mentors, mirroring the structure of a research lab.
Teams focus on topics aligned with their leaders’ expertise, and you will be matched based on your interests. The program includes hands-on research, elective courses, guest lectures, workshops, networking, and social events. You will learn research techniques, explore a research question, analyze data, and present your findings in a final symposium. SSRP requires a commitment of approximately 35 hours per week during regular business hours (~9 AM–5 PM), with mandatory attendance at all sessions outlined by RockEDU.
11. Columbia University’s Pre-College Summer Programs
Subject Areas: Art, Architecture, Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship, and more
Location: Offered in person at Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost:
- Residential: $12,750 per session (3 weeks)
- Commuter: $2,825 per session (1 week) | $6,300 per session (3 weeks) (Scholarships are available)
- Check the website for more details
Application Deadline: February 2 (early), March 2 ( General residential) and April 2 (general commuter)
Dates:
- Residential: June 30 – July 18 | July 22 – August 8
- Commuter: June 30 – July 18 | July 22 – August 8 | August 11 – August 15
Eligibility: Domestic and international students entering grades 9–12 in the fall, as well as current 12th graders, can apply. For the NYC Residential Summer Program, applicants must be at least 16 years old by the start date.
Columbia University’s Pre-College Summer Programs offer high school students the chance to choose from over 70 courses across multiple disciplines, attending class for about four hours each weekday with a two-hour midday break. Classes meet twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. If you’re a residential student, you can participate in campus activities, outings, and workshops throughout the day, as well as special events on Fridays and Saturdays.
You’ll also have access to campus resources, faculty lectures, college prep workshops, and wellness programs. If you’re commuting, you can join early evening programming, ending by 6:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday, and attend Friday evening community events with parental permission. Upon completion, you’ll receive a Columbia University Certification of Participation and an evaluation letter.
12. Cornell University’s Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) High School Research Program
Subject Areas: Bioinformatics, Plant Science, Research, Fieldwork, Career Preparation
Location: Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University campus, Ithaca, NY
Cost/Stipend: The program is free to attend, and high school researchers receive a $4,200 stipend, paid monthly.
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: June 30 – August 7
Eligibility: Current high school students who live near Ithaca, NY year-round, are at least 16 years old by the program’s start date, and have not graduated before the program begins
The Boyce Thompson Institute’s High School Research Program offers hands-on experience in plant science research. Over 6–7 weeks, you will work on projects in areas like bioinformatics, plant-biotic interactions, plant molecular biology, and biological engineering. Paired with a graduate or postdoctoral mentor and a faculty mentor, you will conduct research through lab experiments, fieldwork, or computational analysis, depending on your project. You will also participate in weekly seminars with scientists from BTI, Cornell, and the USDA, visit Cornell labs on field trips, attend lab meetings, and review and discuss recent research related to your project.
The program provides insight into scientific careers, undergraduate and graduate programs, and international research. You will write a research proposal, participate in peer reviews, and develop scientific communication skills. The program concludes with a research presentation at the annual George and Helen Kohut Symposium.
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: Cornell University
