If you are a high school student curious about science, technology, engineering, or math, getting early hands-on experience can be a game-changer. Internships in STEM let you see how ideas turn into experiments, solutions, and real-world results, giving you a taste of what working in these fields is really like. You get to build skills that go beyond the classroom, from problem-solving to collaboration to thinking like a researcher.
Living in New York City gives you a unique advantage. The city is full of universities, hospitals, research labs, and tech teams that welcome high school interns each year. These programs let you meet professionals who do this work every day, learn from them, and even take part in projects that matter. Plus, staying local makes it easy to balance the internship with school and other activities, without worrying about travel or relocation.
To help you sort through what is available, we have prepared a list of 14 STEM internships for high school students in New York City!
1. Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Main Campus, Manhattan, New York
Cost/Stipend: Completely free; $1,200 stipend provided to all participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program with competitive admission standards; cohort size varies by year
Dates: Typically June 30 through August 22; 8-week intensive summer research program
Application Deadline: Typically February 7 (verify annually as dates may shift)
Eligibility: Minimum age 14 by program start date; completion of 9th grade by June required; 3.0+ GPA in science courses required; you must reside within 25 miles of MSK’s Manhattan campus
HOPP provides you with direct immersion into authentic biomedical research at one of the world’s premier cancer research institutions. You will work alongside postdoctoral researchers on original investigations in cancer biology, immunotherapy, and computational bioengineering. You will receive comprehensive laboratory training, including proficiency with sophisticated instrumentation and sterile technique protocols. Each week, you will attend seminars providing context on cancer research breakthroughs and career pathways. At program conclusion, you will present your summer findings as a research poster.
2. Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
Location: Columbia University Neuroscience Laboratories, Manhattan, New York
Cost/Stipend: No program cost; competitive stipend provided to all accepted participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective program; limited cohort size with preference given to Upper Manhattan and South Bronx residents
Dates: 5-week summer program; specific dates announced in spring (typically mid-June through late July)
Application Deadline: Applications open in the fall; specific deadline varies by year
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors; NYC residency required; preference for Upper Manhattan and South Bronx students; strong academic performance and demonstrated neuroscience interest are beneficial.
BRAINYAC immerses you in neuroscience research methodology and discovery at Columbia University. You will be matched with a neuroscientist mentor for individualized guidance through independent research investigations. The program provides comprehensive neurobiology training, including electrophysiology techniques, microscopy methods, and molecular biology procedures. You will spend the majority of your time in active laboratory settings, contributing to ongoing research projects. Exceptional interns may receive special merit fellowships to continue their work during the academic year. Access to the Zuckerman Institute alumni network and career-focused events enhances your professional development.
3. New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Summer Internship Program
Location: NYSCF Research Institute, Manhattan, New York City
Cost/Stipend: Free program; stipends provided to undergraduate and graduate participants; high school participant terms vary
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Nomination-based admission through partner school networks; competitive selection among nominated candidates
Dates: June through August; 10-week intensive summer research program
Application Deadline: Generally January 5 (you must be nominated by partner organizations; check partner school status early in the academic year)
Eligibility: Enrollment in partner high schools (nomination required); demonstrated interest in cell biology and stem cell research; commitment to full-time onsite participation
The NYSCF Summer Internship immerses you in cutting-edge stem cell biology through hands-on laboratory training. You will master specialized laboratory skills, including live cell culture methodology, immunofluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry analysis. Working within active research teams, you will collaborate with graduate student mentors who guide daily experimental procedures. Throughout the ten-week experience, you will attend seminars on stem cell biology fundamentals and research ethics. The program emphasizes the translational significance of stem cell research, connecting your laboratory work to potential therapeutic applications.
4. New York University Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York
Cost/Stipend: No program cost; minimum $750 stipend provided upon completion; higher stipends possible depending on assignment
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program; specific cohort size varies by year
Dates: June 2-27 (remote workshops during evening hours); June 30-August 7 (In-Person work in labs); August 8 (Summer session end date & colloquium presentation date)
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: NYC residency required; you must be completing 10th or 11th grade by June; preference for students from under-resourced schools and communities
ARISE provides ten weeks of structured research experience, combining foundational training with authentic lab research. The program begins with a four-week intensive block covering laboratory safety, research ethics, and data analysis. Following this, you will transition into six weeks of authentic research, working in NYU Tandon laboratories under mentorship. You will conduct investigations across chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and biomedical engineering. Program specializations include cybersecurity, machine learning systems, and data science. You will work on substantive projects, troubleshooting technical challenges, and contributing original findings to ongoing research.
5. Alleypond Environmental Center Field Biology Internship (FBI)
Location: Alley Pond Environmental Center, Queens, New York
Cost/Stipend: $150 acceptance fee (financial aid available); unpaid internship position
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate cohort size; rolling admissions based on capacity and qualifications
Dates: Fall: September 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1; Spring: March 14, 21, 28, April 11, 18, 25, May 2; Summer: June 30, July 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, August 4, 5
Application Deadline: Fall – August 1st | Spring – January 2nd | Summer – May 1st
Eligibility: Minimum age 14; current high school enrollment required; demonstrated interest in environmental science beneficial but not required
The Field Biology Internship at Alleypond Environmental Center provides you with hands-on ecological training through urban field research methodologies. You will conduct quantitative biodiversity surveys, ornithological observations, and aquatic/soil quality assessments. You will develop proficiency with field instrumentation, including water quality meters and soil sampling equipment. Working across Alley Pond Park, you will engage in ecosystem assessment activities, connecting ecological understanding to conservation action. This program allows you to transition from raw field observations to interpreted ecological insights through data synthesis.
6. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Multiple NASA centers nationwide; NYC-area internships available through CUNY New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship positions; compensation varies by site and position
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive program; 2,000+ interns selected annually across all NASA centers
Dates: Summer internships typically June through August; exact dates vary by specific NASA location; various 8-12 week program options
Application Deadline: Applications and deadlines vary by specific NASA center; typically open December through February for summer positions
Eligibility: Minimum 16 years old at time of application; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; current high school through graduate-level student status; cumulative 3.0 GPA required on 4.0 scale
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement connects you with cutting-edge aerospace engineering, space science, and mission-critical technology projects. You will engage in substantive technical work, including experiment design for space missions or analysis of satellite data. The program emphasizes mentorship, pairing you with experienced scientists who guide technical work. You will gain exposure to NASA’s organizational culture and career pathways in space exploration. You will present your summer work to colleagues, developing communication skills while contributing to actual mission planning.
7. Weill Cornell Medicine High School Catalyst Program
Location: Weill Cornell Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan and Upper East Side, New York
Cost: Free program; need-based stipends available for students with demonstrated financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program; admission prioritizes students with lived experiences of systemic barriers to science access
Dates: Typically July 7 through August 15; 6-week intensive summer research program
Application Deadline: Varies by year; applications typically open in the spring
Eligibility: High school enrollment; commitment to full-time (approximately 25 hours weekly) laboratory participation; demonstration of lived experiences reflecting systemic barriers (first-generation college aspirants, socioeconomic disadvantage, under-resourced educational backgrounds, disability, racial/ethnic underrepresentation, lived experience overcoming hardship)
The High School Catalyst Program intentionally prioritizes students whose identities and lived experiences have historically been excluded from biomedical research. You will work closely with a graduate student or postdoctoral mentor in Weill Cornell or Memorial Sloan Kettering laboratories. You will develop independent research projects, receiving mentorship addressing both technical skill development and professional belonging. Interns participate in approximately 25 hours weekly of hands-on laboratory research, contributing to ongoing investigations. The program conclusion involves your presentation of research findings as formal posters, building your confidence as a contributing scientist.
8. City College of New York (CCNY) STEM Institute Summer Program
Location: City College of New York, Manhattan, New York
Cost/Stipend: Completely free to all participants; upon successful completion of the summer research component, eligible students receive $1,575 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program; 25 students enrolled in spring course, with approximately 10 continuing to summer internship phase
Dates: Spring component February 11 through May 22; summer component June 30 through August 7 (approximately 5-6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications accepted November 20 through January 16 annually
Eligibility: 10th or 11th grade NYC public high school students during the spring semester; minimum 75+ on NYS English Language Arts or Living Environment Regents; minimum 85 overall GPA in English or History; minimum 80 overall high school GPA; passing grade of 66+ on at least one NYS Regents math exam
The STEM Research Academy offers a two-semester pathway, connecting classroom-based research fundamentals to authentic summer experiences. The spring component teaches essential research literacy, covering hypothesis formulation and experimental design. Following successful spring completion, you will advance to the summer research internship phase. You will be matched with CUNY or CCNY faculty, working in active research laboratories four to five days weekly on original investigations. Successful completion includes eligibility for the $1,575 summer stipend, making this program financially accessible. You will present your findings at internal CCNY venues and the NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium poster presentation.
9. American Chemical Society Project SEED
Location: Multiple academic and industrial sites throughout the United States; several New York-area locations available for in-person research
Cost/Stipend: Completely free program; $4,000 fellowship award for eight to ten-week summer participation; travel grants available for conference presentations
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Serves 350+ students annually nationwide; highly competitive by site
Dates: June through August; an 8-10 week summer intensive research program
Application Deadline: February through April (applications open February, close April 14)
Eligibility: Demonstrated financial need (program prioritizes economically disadvantaged students); high school enrollment; completion of at least one high school chemistry course; demonstrated interest in science and chemistry; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency preferred
Project SEED provides you with paid summer research fellowships where you conduct meaningful independent projects in chemistry or related fields. You will work full-time under direct mentorship from professional scientists in academic or industrial laboratories. You will learn proper laboratory technique, experimental methodology, and data analysis procedures through daily hands-on engagement. The program emphasizes authentic science, allowing you to execute experimental protocols and interpret results independently. Beyond laboratory research, Project SEED offers field trips and career panel discussions. Some program coordinators facilitate your registration for the American Chemical Society National Meeting, enabling you to present your summer research.
10. HK Maker Lab: Engineering Design Summer Program
Location: Columbia University Engineering campus and partner facilities, Manhattan, New York
Cost/Stipend: Completely free program; no tuition, materials, or participation fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program; competitive admission based on applications and essays
Dates: 5-week intensive summer program; specific dates vary by year
Application Deadline: Applications open early December annually; specific closing date announced with the application portal
Eligibility: High school students graduating in 2026 or 2027 (rising juniors and seniors); demonstrated interest in engineering and design; particularly welcomes students from under-resourced schools and underrepresented backgrounds in engineering
HK Maker Lab provides you with five weeks of intensive project-based engineering design education. You will combine design thinking methodologies, engineering principles, and prototyping skills to address real-world problems. The program’s arc focuses on discipline-specific engineering content, followed by team-based interdisciplinary projects. You will develop proficiency with engineering design tools and software, gaining hands-on experience with fabrication equipment. Past graduates have gained admission to prestigious universities, solidifying their engineering career interests.
11. Wave Hill Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship (WERM) Program
Location: Wave Hill public garden and estate, Riverdale, Bronx, New York; field sites throughout NYC parks and natural areas
Cost/Stipend: Free program; approximately $3,500 total compensation paid throughout 14-month program duration; three college credits awarded; MetroCard provided for transportation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program; limited cohort maintaining high-quality mentorship ratios
Dates: 14-month program spanning July-August (Phase I), September-June (Phase II), and July-August (Phase III)
Application Deadline: Applications typically accepted November through December annually; check website for specific current-year deadlines
Eligibility: High school enrollment; minimum age 16 by May 1; NYC residency with legal work authorization; strong interest in science research and urban environment; ability to work in unpaved natural areas and use outdoor tools; commitment to participate in all three program phases
WERM gives you a 14-month ecological research experience that is divided into three phases. In the first summer, you take two college-level courses called Restoration of New York City’s Natural Areas and Mapping New York City’s Urban Environment. These courses introduce you to ecological concepts and basic GIS tools. During the academic year, you move into the second phase. You attend weekly workshops, spend time in the field, and build a stronger understanding of urban ecology. This phase helps you develop the skills you will need for independent work later in the program. The final phase takes place in the second summer. You work with a mentor, spend four days each week on an original research project, and take Research Methods sessions to support your work.
12. High School Initiative in Remote Sensing, Earth Systems Engineering and Sciences (HIRES) at CUNY
Location: City University of New York, Remote Sensing Earth System Institute, City College of New York, Manhattan, New York
Cost/Stipend: Completely free program; $1,000 summer stipend provided upon successful completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program; competitive admission from partner schools
Dates: Varies by program year; summer research component typically 6-8 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by year; check City College website and CUNY Remote Sensing Institute for current application windows
Eligibility: NYC high school enrollment required; demonstrated interest in Earth systems science, environmental monitoring, or remote sensing technology; minimum academic performance standards
HIRES provides you with advanced Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics research opportunities. You will connect with satellite remote sensing technology, environmental monitoring methodology, and Earth systems science investigations. The program teaches you to analyze satellite imagery data and apply geographic information systems (GIS) software for spatial analysis. You will work on authentic research projects addressing environmental questions, such as tracking vegetation changes or monitoring water quality. Technical training in remote sensing software like QGIS allows you to transition from raw satellite data to interpreted environmental insights. Successful HIRES participants develop portfolio materials demonstrating sophisticated technical skills in geospatial analysis.
13. Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History
Location: American Museum of Natural History, Manhattan, New York
Cost/Stipend: Completely free program; $2,500 monetary stipend upon completion of one-year program requirements
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program; competitive admission; limited cohort size maintained to ensure quality mentorship
Dates: August through June of the following year; 1-year program running throughout the academic year
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in the spring
Eligibility: NYC public high school enrollment (10th or 11th grade); passing grades for last three or more semesters; completion of partner programs (AIS, SNP, EAP, LANG, SAP, HE³AT) or attendance at partner school; NYC residency required
SRMP provides you with one-year mentored research experiences where you conduct original scientific research alongside Museum scientists. You will meet twice weekly with assigned mentors who guide your investigation of research questions, providing scaffolded support. Research projects span topics including genetic analysis of spider foraging behavior, stellar astrophysics, and paleoanthropological analysis. You will develop specialized research skills such as DNA analysis or astronomical data interpretation, depending on your focus. The program builds a supportive community through regular cohort meetings and special Museum events.
14. The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: The Rockefeller University, Manhattan, New York (Tri-Institutions partnership including Memorial Sloan Kettering and Weill Cornell)
Cost/Stipend: Completely free program; need-based stipends available for students with demonstrated financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective program; 32 students admitted annually, divided into 4 research teams of 8-10 students each
Dates: June 22 through August 6 (approximately 7 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 2 (letters of recommendation due January 5)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors; minimum age 16 by program start date; commitment to full-time attendance approximately 35 hours weekly; availability to attend entire program duration
SSRP immerses you in authentic, team-based biomedical research within laboratories of the Rockefeller University and its partners. You will conduct original investigations motivated by your scientific interests, contributing to ongoing research programs. The program structure mirrors professional research teams, with each cohort divided into research teams led by scientific trainees. You will become acquainted with your research topic, choose specific questions, and engage in active hypothesis-testing. The intensive experience includes guest lectures from biomedical research leaders and journal clubs.
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!
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.
Image Source – NYU Tandon School of Engineering Logo