If you are a high school student in New York with a passion for engineering and solving complex problems, a summer research program can be the ideal way to apply your interests in a real-world setting.
New York is home to several universities (such as NYU and Columbia) and companies that offer engineering research programs that are selective, competitive, and highly rigorous.
Engineering research summer programs for high school students in New York City (NYC) offer the chance to explore engineering through hands-on projects, gain exposure to emerging technologies, and build valuable research experience under expert mentorship at top local universities. They go beyond classroom learning and teach you how to perform simulations, conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and build prototypes.
Many universities, tech startups, and research institutions in New York offer engineering-related research summer programs for high school students. Choosing a local program can be easy on your pocket as staying closer to home would mean reduced housing and travel expenses. Some local engineering research summer programs for high school students in New York City (NYC) may also offer scholarships or discounted tuition fees for residents.
Below, we’ve compiled 15 engineering research summer programs for high school students in New York City (NYC). We’ve also included a few virtual programs in engineering research that allow students in New York to apply.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Cost | Stipend: Starting at $2,990 (Financial aid available) | None
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4) | No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Founded by Harvard alumni, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective virtual research experience where you’ll work 1:1 with a PhD researcher to design and complete an independent project in an engineering subfield of your choice. You will learn technical tools like Python, MATLAB, or CAD to design the research project over 12 weeks and develop skills like academic research, problem formulation, and data analysis. Weekly meetings and structured feedback guide you from concept to final paper and writing coaches support your academic communication. The program emphasizes depth of inquiry and original research. You can apply here.
2. Ladder Internships – Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Cost | Stipend: $2,490 (Full financial aid available) | None
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Rolling and varies depending on the cohort – Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
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 offer a selective, virtual internship program that connects high school students with high-growth startups, i.e., companies that raise over a million dollars on average across industries, including mechanical design, prototyping, robotics, or software development. You’ll work on projects that emphasize real-world application of engineering concepts and gain experience with technical tools, product development cycles, and iterative design. You’ll also build transferable skills in data analysis, communication, and project management. The virtual format allows flexibility without compromising on research depth. Click here to apply.
3. ARISE – NYU Tandon School of Engineering
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Cost | Stipend: Free | $1,000
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 21, but closed for 2025
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are NYC residents and attend NYC high schools
ARISE is a 10-week program that helps you develop foundational STEM research skills by engaging in hands-on activities under expert mentorship. You’ll begin with four weeks of learning research preparation, lab safety training, college writing, and research skills. The remaining six weeks are spent in an NYU engineering lab, assisting with hands-on projects in areas like robotics, materials science, or computing. You’ll also learn how to conduct literature reviews, gather and analyze data, and present findings. You will present your research at a poster symposium and final colloquium at the American Museum of Natural History. The program also includes a College Readiness workshop.
4. SHAPE – Columbia University School of Engineering
Location: Columbia University, Manhattan, NY
Cost | Stipend: $10,705 (Residential) | $5,875 (Commuter). Need-based scholarships are available | None
Program Dates: July 7 – 25 | July 28 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students | Age 16 or older for the residential option
Columbia University’s SHAPE consists of two three-week sessions, in which you’ll take one college-level, project-based engineering course taught by Columbia faculty. You’ll take a deep dive into engineering topics such as robotics, biomedical engineering, or computer science through intensive project-based coursework taught by Columbia researchers. Classes integrate theoretical learning with practical labs and coding sessions where you’ll gain exposure to tools like Python, MATLAB, or CAD, depending on your track. The program culminates into a final capstone project and presentations. Additional programming includes guest lectures, career panels, and mentorship from the engineering faculty.
5. ENG: Foundations of Research – Columbia Engineering
Location: Columbia University, Manhattan, NY
Cost | Stipend: Free | $15/hour for 25 hours/week
Program Dates: July 7 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 3; Ladders for Leaders application due February 3
Eligibility: Current 11th graders (rising seniors) attending school in NYC or Palm Beach, FL; must complete Ladders for Leaders
You’ll join a six-week research-intensive track at Columbia, working with faculty on real-world biomedical, environmental, or computer engineering projects. Alongside lab experience, you’ll receive training in research methods, scientific communication, and college preparation, along with attending additional supplemental seminars. You will receive mentorship at multiple levels—faculty, postdoc and graduate students, and get exposure to interdisciplinary topics and professional development. You will also conduct research alongside Columbia University faculty and work on real-world engineering research projects. Admission is selective and requires meeting Columbia’s health clearance protocols—vaccination against measles, mumps and Rubella.
6. Summer STEM – The Cooper Union
Location: Cooper Union, Manhattan, NY
Cost | Stipend: Three-week – $1,950 | Six-week – $3,950. Financial aid available
Program Dates: Three and six week courses between July 7 – August 14
Application Deadline: Typically March
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th graders
This program includes college-level in-person engineering courses that cover diverse engineering topics revolving around design, match, science, art, and programming. The three-week sessions cover the five steps in design thinking, coding in Python, and 3D printing. You will develop problem-solving skills by engaging in complex challenges. The six-week sessions cover learning Arduino, CAD, data visualization software, 3D design and fabrication, engineering sustainability, and computational physics. The program emphasizes hands-on experimentation, technical thinking, and iterative design, and projects are modeled on Cooper Union’s undergraduate curriculum and current faculty research. You will apply the knowledge gained to projects and group presentations.
7. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: In-person at several NASA centers and facilities | Virtual
Cost | Stipend: Free | Provided based on academic level and session duration
Program Dates: May – August (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically closes in February
Eligibility: U.S. citizens | Age 16+ | Enrolled full-time in high school or college | 3.0+ GPA
In this program, you will contribute to engineering-focused research at NASA, with projects spanning spacecraft systems, materials science, and data modeling. You will be part of active research projects, analyze mission data, and have access to cutting-edge NASA labs and technology. Depending on your placement, you might assist in coding, sensor integration, or simulation work. The program also provides mentorship, technical training, and career development guidance, and you’ll build experience using engineering workflows within a federal agency context. A strong emphasis is given to independent problem-solving and applied research. Virtual interns access the same technical training and mentorship as onsite participants.
8. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Location: Various sites along with New York City
Cost | Stipend: Free | Provided (varies by site)
Program Dates: Varies by site
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Site-specific requirements apply
In this program, you will gain exposure to innovation and research in the context of national defense. You’ll assist with federally funded research in the U.S. Army labs or partner universities by working in engineering areas like electronics, biomechanics, or quantum systems. You will apply lab protocols, use high-tech instrumentation, and contribute to experimental design. You’ll receive mentorship from STEM professionals and near-peer guides. Programs emphasize technical rigor, lab immersion, and professional skill-building. Some placements involve DoD-relevant innovations in applied science. Through this program, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to the U.S. Army, which makes college applications stand out.
9. NASA Pathways Internship Program
Location: Various NASA centers | Some virtual options
Cost | Stipend: Free | Provided
Program Dates: Multi-semester; summer (May–August) and year-round options
Application Deadline: Typically opens in fall and spring; exact dates on USAJobs.gov
Eligibility: U.S. citizens | Age 16+ | Enrolled at least half-time in an accredited high school or college | 2.9+ GPA
In the NASA Pathways Internship program, you’ll be integrated into existing teams of NASA professionals where you will complete multi-term placements aligned with NASA’s long-term mission needs in areas like aerospace systems, robotics, and systems engineering. You will develop an ‘Individual Development Plan,’ which includes targeted technical training and hands-on experience with NASA tools and workflows to achieve your career goals. Projects fall under federal occupational classifications, including GS-899 for engineering. The internship offers a direct pathway to post-graduation employment, with evaluation based on research output and skills gained.
10. City Tech College Now STEM Research Academy
Location: City Tech, CUNY, Brooklyn, NY
Cost | Stipend: Free | Provided
Program Dates: Spring course (February 8 – May 31); Summer research (June 26 – August 15)
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: NYC public school sophomores or juniors | High school average of 80+ | minimum Regents/SAT scores required. More details here.
In this program, you’ll begin with a spring re-college course covering experimental design, scientific reading, literary searches in library databases, and question formulation. You will also conduct experiments in a lab and field research at sites. In the summer, you’ll join a City Tech lab in engineering, biology, or chemical technology for hands-on research for six weeks. You’ll work on an independent project under the guidance of a City Tech faculty researcher, be part of college seminars and discussion groups, write a report, and present at a poster symposium. The program supports skill-building in lab techniques, literature searches, and scientific communication.
11. HIRES – The Grove School of Engineering (CUNY CREST)
Location: The Grove School of Engineering, Manhattan, NY
Cost | Stipend: Free | $1,000
Program Dates: June – August (7 weeks)
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: NYC residents entering grades 10–12 | GPA and math average of at least 80 | PSAT/SAT Math score of 600 or above | Enrolled in Algebra II/Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus
The HIRES program starts with a one-week orientation where you will get familiar with faculty, mentors, staff, tools, and labs, and finalize your research project. You’ll then work on real-world projects in remote sensing, GIS, and climate science, choosing from topics like atmospheric dynamics or water systems. The program includes mini-courses in computer analysis and spatial data tools, followed by mentored fieldwork and lab research. The schedule runs Monday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM, and emphasizes technical rigor and data-driven inquiry. You will take field trips during the program and present your research at CUNY STEM Summer Research Symposium. You will also receive three college credits along with the stipend.
12. York College Now STEM Research Academy
Location: York College, CUNY, Queens, NY
Cost | Stipend: Free | $750
Program Dates: July – August (6 weeks; preceded by spring prep course)
Application Deadline: Typically March
Eligibility: NYC public high school juniors | 80+ on Math Regents | 75+ on ELA and Living Environment Regents
The Now STEM Research Academy is designed to provide high school students with an opportunity to engage in authentic engineering research. You’ll begin with a spring course on toxicology and research methods, then join a York College lab for summer research in mechanical or chemical engineering, biology, or computing. The program emphasizes formulating researchable questions, designing testable experiments, performing literary searches in library databases, lab-based inquiry, literature analysis, and experimental design. You’ll complete a short research project and present your findings to faculty and peers. You will also earn college credits in this program, which you can transfer to CUNY, SUNY, or any other public or private institution.
13. STEM Institute Summer Enrichment Program – CCNY
Location: City College of New York (CCNY), Manhattan
Cost | Stipend: Free | Available via Summer Youth Employment Program (where eligible)
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Application Deadline: May 25
Eligibility: NYC middle and high school students (grades 6–12)
This program offers hands-on learning, exciting projects, expert instructor guidance, and college and career preparation in STEAM. You’ll work alongside CCNY and CUNY faculty members and take hands-on courses in robotics, rocketry, math, and app/game design, all incorporating structured research components. Courses also offer high school honors or dual college credit through CCNY’s College Now program, and each track includes a research project culminating in a poster presentation. Instruction includes classroom learning, lab exploration, and mentorship, and the program also offers sessions on college application processes, scholarship opportunities, and career information. No prior experience in STEM is required, but students must complete a placement exam and commit to full program participation.
14. New York Institute of Technology High School Summer Maker Academy
Location: New York Tech’s Long Island and NYC campuses
Cost | Stipend: $250 per session | None
Program Dates: Clean Water & Sanitation Session 1 – July 21–25 (Long Island), Session 2 – August 11–15 (NYC) | Sustainable Cities and Communities: July 28–August 1 (Long Island)
Application Deadline: May 6; rolling admission until full
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18
The High School Maker Academy offers two programs for high school students to understand the challenges of climate change as outlined by the United Nations. In the Clean Water & Sanitation track, you will design autonomous water-delivery vehicles to deliver clean water to globally water-stressed areas. You’ll use tools like 3D modeling, PCB design, and Arduino programming to build the vehicle. In the Sustainable Cities and Communities track, you’ll develop tech-infused, low-impact, and eco-efficient buildings for a model city. Programs emphasize teamwork, rapid prototyping, and systems thinking. Each week concludes with a project showcase and competition. Sessions run daily 10 AM–4 PM and include mini-challenges to build technical fluency.
15. Greater New York ACE Mentor Program
Location: New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County
Cost | Stipend: Free | None
Program Dates: November – May
Application Deadline: Usually starts in fall
Eligibility: High school students in NYC, Long Island, or Westchester interested in architecture, engineering, or construction
This program is designed to introduce high school students to structural engineering, architecture, and construction management careers. During the program, you’ll be matched with a team of industry mentors such as architects, civil and structural engineers, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers who will introduce you to the industry’s foundational knowledge. Weekly sessions focus on technical design, blueprint analysis, and collaborative planning, often culminating in a final design presentation. You’ll gain exposure to professional software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit), site logistics, and cost estimation. The program emphasizes applied engineering workflows and introduces career pathways in AEC industries. At the program’s end, you will present your project design to family members, school representatives, mentors, and industry leaders.
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 – NYU