If you’re a high schooler in New York looking to explore academic interests, gain hands-on experience, or get a feel for college-level work, consider a pre-college summer program.
Whether you’re looking to conduct research in a laboratory, develop skills in music or theatre, explore legal and medical fields, or immerse yourself in design and technology, the state offers a wide range of pre-college summer programs that combine rigorous academics with meaningful mentorship.
Pre-college programs are designed to provide both subject-specific knowledge and broader skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Many include hands-on projects, workshops, field experiences, and opportunities to engage with faculty, researchers, and industry professionals. From credit-bearing courses to intensive career-focused training, each pre-college program in the list below offers a structured yet exploratory learning environment.
Below is a curated list of 15 summer programs across New York:
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: (12 weeks; $2990), (16-20 weeks; $5900), (6-12 months, $8900). Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: June 23 for Summer Cohort 2. Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Eligibility: High school students. No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs you with Ph.D. mentors to work on an independent research project.
At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper that you can submit to journals for potential publication. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Full financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders. A few tracks require prerequisites; see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more. It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here.
3. Summer High School Internships | The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
Cost: Free of cost. Students receive a $1,100 stipend
Application Deadline: March 7
Program Dates: July 2 to August 8
Eligibility: Summer High School Internships are open to any student who is completing grade 10 or 11 on the application deadline date and either resides in or attends a high school or home school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
The Met High School Internship Program provides paid opportunities for students in grades 10 and 11, or those pursuing a High School Equivalency degree, who reside in or attend school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. You gain hands-on experience in various fields such as editorial, marketing, social media, education, scientific research, and conservation, while working closely with Museum professionals.
Through this program, you develop practical skills like project management, communication, and teamwork, as well as subject-specific knowledge in areas like art history, conservation techniques, and digital media tools. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applicants from historically underrepresented groups to apply, and offers accommodations to ensure accessibility. You will also receive a stipend aligned with New York State minimum wage laws upon completion.
4. NYC Mayor’s Office Internship Program
Location: New York City
Cost: No cost, interns are paid $16 per hour
Deadlines: Aug 23, 2024 for the Spring Session, TBD for the next summer internship session
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Please refer to the Internship Timeline for exact dates.
Eligibility: High school students who are New York City residents and are 16 years of age or older.
The Mayor’s Office Internship Program in New York City offers high school students a structured opportunity to engage with city governance while developing practical skills such as research, data analysis, event coordination, and policy drafting. You will work within specific mayoral offices, such as Community Affairs, Climate and Environmental Justice, or Gender Equity, contributing to projects that address challenges faced by NYC residents.
The program includes a government engagement component, featuring a bi-weekly Speaker Series with senior city officials and tours of key municipal facilities, and a collaborative service project designed to benefit underserved communities. You can gain insights into urban governance, policymaking, and public service while strengthening leadership and teamwork abilities.
5. NYU Precollege
Location: NY University
Cost: Ranging from $3,832 to $15,328 depending on number of credits
Application Deadline: Summer: June 16. Fall: Aug 15
Dates: Summer Term – July 2 – Aug 13. Fall Term – Sept 2 to Dec 11
Eligibility: High schoolers from the US and abroad are eligible to apply
NYU Precollege is a summer program in New York City offered by New York University that allows you to take undergraduate-level courses across disciplines such as computer science, economics, journalism, performing arts, and public policy. You will learn in a rigorous academic environment alongside peers from around the world while earning college credit and exploring potential majors.
Courses are taught by NYU faculty, with some integrating direct engagement with professionals—for example, guest lectures by filmmakers or off-campus sessions at institutions like the Met. You will gain practical skills in academic writing, research, and critical thinking, and attend workshops on college admissions, financial aid, and study strategies. In select courses, you will also develop and present original work, contributing to classroom discussions and collaborative projects.
6. Pre-College Courses for High School Students | Adelphi
Location: Adelphi’s Garden City campus, New York
Cost: $5,415.00 – Residential Students. $3,120.00 – Commuter Students
Application Deadline: June 13
Dates: July 13-August 2
Eligibility: All rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to participate
Adelphi University’s Summer Pre-College Program, held on its Garden City campus, offers a residential, credit-bearing experience that allows you to explore subjects such as quantum engineering, pre-law, computer science, nursing, business, and more. You will learn foundational concepts and practical skills within your chosen academic track, engage in hands-on projects, and develop college-level competencies in research, critical thinking, and communication.
Courses are led by Adelphi faculty and supplemented by workshops on college preparedness and career exploration. You will collaborate with instructors and field experts, participate in site visits or field trips, and have opportunities to present your work in academic settings. This program offers a structured introduction to college life while building both subject-specific expertise and general academic readiness.
7. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE), NYU
Location: Tandon School of Engineering, New York University Campus
Stipend: $1000
Application Deadline: Feb 21
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Eligibility: Applicants must be living in New York City (Attending school in New York City is not sufficient). Completing 10th or 11th grade by June
The NYU ARISE program is a ten-week, stipend-supported summer initiative offering high school students a comprehensive STEM research experience. You engage in interdisciplinary fields such as robotics, AI, bioengineering, and computer science through workshops, lab placements, and mentorship from NYU faculty and graduate researchers.
The program combines practical lab work with training in scientific ethics, data analysis, and presentation skills. You contribute to ongoing research, visit labs across disciplines, and present your findings at a concluding colloquium attended by academic professionals. ARISE prioritizes underserved students, fostering access to high-quality STEM opportunities and preparing you for future academic pursuits.
8. Musical Theatre Intensive • Summer Academy • Marymount Manhattan College
Location: Marymount Manhattan College
Cost: $4700
Application Deadline: Dec 1 for summer program
Dates: Intensive I 22 June – 05 July. Intensive II 06 July – 19 July
Eligibility: Applicants must be over 16 years of age at the time of application
Offered by Marymount Manhattan College, the Summer Academy Musical Theatre Intensive is a two-week pre-college program in New York City designed for rising high school juniors and seniors seeking focused training in musical theatre. You will learn how to analyze scripts and songs, make acting choices grounded in storytelling, and apply vocal and movement techniques aligned with college audition and industry expectations.
Through daily coaching in acting, singing, and dance, as well as seminars with Broadway professionals and MMC alumni, you will gain insight into the professional landscape of musical theatre. The curriculum includes music fundamentals, musical theatre history, and practical training in digital pre-screen creation. You will collaborate with faculty through one-on-one coaching and ensemble work, prepare audition materials, and present your work in a final showcase, developing both performance skills and a deeper understanding of the college audition process.
9. The Rockefeller University » Summer Science Research Experience – RockEDU Science Outreach
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory at The Rockefeller University.
Cost: Free of charge
Application Deadline: January 3
Dates: June 23 – Thursday, August 7
Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP), offered by Rockefeller University in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering and Weill Cornell Medicine, places you on a research team guided by scientists from New York’s leading biomedical institutions. You will learn how to design experiments, apply laboratory techniques, and critically analyze scientific data while working on a research question shaped around your team’s topic.
With access to fully equipped RockEDU labs, you will gain experience in collaborative scientific inquiry, participate in elective courses and skill-building workshops, and interact with professionals through lectures and networking events. By the end of the seven-week program, you will present your findings in a formal poster symposium, developing both your research communication and collaborative problem-solving skills in an intensive lab-based environment.
10. Summer College – On Campus – Pre-College Programs for High School Students – Syracuse University
Location: Syracuse University with online options as well
Cost: Ranging from $1,908 to $7,695
Application Deadline: March
Dates: Various dates from Jul 6 to Aug 1
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 years or older by their move in date are eligible to attend Summer College – On Campus.
Summer College – On Campus at Syracuse University offers an immersive academic and residential experience where you will take college-level courses across fields such as engineering, psychology, architecture, journalism, and more. You will develop subject-specific knowledge while strengthening research, writing, and analytical skills through lectures, hands-on projects, and field trips led by Syracuse faculty.
In a setting that mirrors college life, you will engage in classroom discussions, receive close mentorship with a 9:1 student-to-instructor ratio, and collaborate with peers on academic tasks. The program also includes access to university resources, exposure to guest speakers, and opportunities to present your work. Upon completion, you will earn a certificate and may obtain a transcript for college credit, depending on your high school’s dual enrollment policy.
11. Student Historian Internship Program, The New York Historical
Location: New-York Historical Society
Cost: Free of cost. Students receive a $700 stipend
Application Deadline: Applications closed now. Check here
Program Dates: October 23 – June 11
Eligibility: Applicants for the Student Historian internship must be entering grades 10, 11, or 12 and must live in and attend school in the New York City metropolitan area.
The Student Historian Internship Program at the New-York Historical Society offers high school students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 the opportunity to engage in rigorous historical research and digital project creation, focusing on the theme Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America. You develop skills in historical thinking, research, writing, and digital media production, while working collaboratively and learning from museum and library professionals.
As an intern, you will gain exposure to digital humanities tools and methodologies, enhancing your ability to analyze and present historical content. The program is open to students in the New York City metro area, including the five boroughs, parts of New York State, Connecticut, and New Jersey. You receive a $700 stipend upon completion, and participation can fulfill the extracurricular requirement for the NYSED Seal of Civic Readiness. The internship is conducted in person at the New-York Historical Society.
12. City Art Lab
Location: City College of New York, New York, NY
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: Stay updated on the latest dates here
Dates: Once a week between mid-February and end of May
Eligibility: High school students
City Art Lab, presented by CCNY’s Art Education Program, offers a free after-school arts experience for teens. Taking place on the CCNY campus, this program allows young artists to explore new materials and techniques with practicing artists while connecting with like-minded peers from across New York City. You will also gain insight into college life, collaborate with graduate students who are training to become educators, and build a portfolio. The program includes all materials and culminates in an exhibition showcasing your work.
Led by CCNY Art Education graduate students, City Art Lab meets once a week from mid-February to the end of May. This community-based arts project provides an environment for you to enhance your portfolios and gain hands-on experience in the arts.
13. Art and Activism in America, Sadie Nash Summer Institute
Location: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Newark
Cost: Free. All students are eligible to receive a stipend at the end of the summer based on their participation
Application Deadline: April 14
Dates: June 28 – early August
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive youth who are enrolled in high school and live in New York City or Newark
The Sadie Nash Leadership Program offers an empowering summer experience for self-identified young women and gender-expansive youth attending high school in New York or Newark, NJ. This program fosters leadership potential through a supportive community of peers, where you will engage in critical exploration of your identity and societal issues. You will take courses on topics such as social justice, identity, and activism while attending workshops and field trips that enhance your learning experience.
Among the classes offered, “Creating Change: Art and Activism in America” focuses on multidisciplinary art practices that inspire social change through various forms of expression. Through this course, you will not only sharpen your critical thinking skills but also learn how multidisciplinary art practices address social change, including performance, poetry, storytelling, and public art. You will have the opportunity to meet accomplished leaders who will serve as mentors. To learn more about the Sadie Nash Summer Institute, check out our full guide here.
14. Pre-college – Rochester
Location: University of Rochester River Campus and the University of Rochester Medical Center
Cost: Ranging from $500 to $8,520
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines from Feb 28 to May 1
Dates: Various dates from July 7 to July 25
Eligibility: Rising high schoolers are eligible for the pre-college programs
The University of Rochester’s Pre-College Programs offer a structured academic experience for high school students interested in exploring fields ranging from medicine and engineering to business, journalism, and data science. Through both full-day and half-day formats, you will engage in college-level coursework taught by university faculty, gaining practical skills such as organ dissection, lab diagnostics, statistical analysis, ethical reasoning, and interactive media design.
Programs like Mini Medical School and Explorations in Pathology provide intensive mentoring from physicians and direct exposure to clinical and laboratory settings. Across all tracks, you will learn to conduct research, analyze real-world problems, collaborate with experts and peers, and present findings or creative work in a university environment modelled on the Rochester Curriculum’s interdisciplinary approach.
15. Summer High School Internships, The Met
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, NY
Cost: Free, paid internship
Application Deadline: March 7
Dates: June 21 – August 8
Eligibility: Applicants must be in grades 10 or 11, or two to three years from graduating high school or obtaining a High School Equivalency degree, and must reside or attend school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut as of the application deadline
The Met High School Internship Program offers high schoolers a chance to connect with art, museums, and creative professionals while developing essential professional skills. As an intern, you will build networks and gain valuable work experience in a renowned cultural institution. Open to students from diverse backgrounds, the program is for those interested in various fields within art, including editorial, marketing, social media, education, scientific research, and conservation.
You will work closely with museum professionals in small cohorts, enabling you to explore the intersections between your interests and potential career paths. To foster diversity within the arts, students from historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. A stipend, aligned with New York State minimum wage law, is provided upon completion, and accommodations for the application process are available upon request at [email protected].
Image source – The Metropolitan Museum of Art
