NYC is home to multiple hospitals, organizations, and universities that offer research opportunities in STEM for high school students. Exploring a research program in the city is also a great way to save on travelling and accommodation costs that other programs may come with.
These programs let you explore fields like data science, biomedical engineering, environmental research, and quantum computing by actually working with the tools and methods that professionals use.
You will work with scientists, engineers, and researchers across some of the city’s top labs and universities, gaining experience in areas like experiment design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Whether you are writing code, analyzing ecosystems, or studying molecules, this hands-on learning helps you understand how STEM works in real life.
To help you get started, here are 15 STEM research programs for high school students in New York City! You can also check out our blog on summer research programs for high school students in NYC.
15 STEM Research Programs for High School Students in New York City
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Horizon Labs and Seminars courses each cost $5,950. Need-based financial aid, with a maximum tuition waiver of 90%, is available only for seminar courses.
Application Deadline: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (Regular-I), May 18 (Regular-II)
Dates: The summer cohort starts on June 16. Lab dates are flexible, but applications must be submitted at least four weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.67 GPA can apply, with most accepted students in the 10th or 11th grade. Some tracks have specific prerequisites, which can be reviewed here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in fields such as chemistry, physics, pathology, cybersecurity, data science, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and psychology. With over 1,000 participants and 600+ research specializations, you can choose between qualitative and quantitative research methods.
STEM options include Python programming for machine learning, studying neurodegenerative disorders, researching synthetic food and microbial biofuels, exploring gene editing, and using CRISPR for disease detection and treatment.
You will select a subject and research method and receive mentorship from a professor or PhD scholar from a recognized university. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a 20-page university-level research paper, with the option to submit it to academic journals. The program also provides expert guidance, a recommendation letter, and detailed feedback to support college applications and future research. You can apply here.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by cohort. The upcoming deadline for the summer cohort is April 13.
Dates: The program offers four cohorts: summer (June–August), fall (September–December), winter (December–February), and spring (March–June).
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale are encouraged to apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to conduct independent research in their chosen field with guidance from a Ph.D. mentor. You will work with your mentor and a writing coach to refine your research topic while attending workshops on research methods. The program covers various disciplines, including engineering, computer science, mathematics, anthropology, physics, biology, data science, and chemistry.
STEM options include biotechnology, deep learning, machine learning, astrophysics, civil and environmental engineering, chemical and biological engineering, and global warming. If none of the available topics match your interests, you can customize your research focus. You can find details on the application process here.
3. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: The program is free, but on-campus housing costs $2,360.25, plus at least $500 for extra meals. A stipend is included, but the amount isn’t specified.
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
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University offers high school juniors the chance to work on a real research project in science, math, or engineering. You’ll be part of a research group, guided by a faculty mentor, and learn how to design experiments, use lab equipment, and work through scientific questions. The research areas available this year include everything from computer science and neurobiology to mechanical engineering and atmospheric sciences.
You’ll attend lab tours, workshops, and faculty talks while developing a research abstract and presenting a poster at the end of the program. Past projects have included building algorithms for machine learning, analyzing biomedical data, and modeling health outcomes with statistics. You can choose up to three research areas or mentors when applying. The program is competitive and selects only a small number of students each year.
4. Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Cost: Participation is free, and students who complete the program will receive a $1,200 stipend.
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 – August 22
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors who are at least 14 by June, have a 3.5 GPA in science, can work in the U.S., and live within 25 miles of Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan (including parts of NY, NJ, and CT).
The Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering gives high school students the chance to work in a biomedical research lab for eight weeks. You’ll be matched with a mentor and take on a project that fits into ongoing research at MSK. You’ll learn how to plan experiments, collect data, and analyze results while attending lab meetings and training sessions with researchers.
Research areas include cancer biology, computational biology, genomics, drug development, and more. You’ll also take part in events focused on translational medicine, organized by MSK’s scientific and clinical teams. Only 20 students are selected each year from over 1,000 applicants, making it a competitive program.
5. Hofstra University’s Summer Science Research Program (HUSSRP)
Location: Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Cost: The commuter tuition is $2,000, plus a nonrefundable $60 application fee. The Summer Research Program does not offer a residential option.
Application Deadline: March 7
Dates: July 7 – July 31
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, at least 15 years old, and have completed at least one year of a high school laboratory-based science or research course
Hofstra University’s Summer Science Research Program (HUSSRP) gives high school students the chance to take part in STEM research with university faculty. You’ll be paired with a mentor based on your interests and availability. After an interview, you’ll begin working on a research project that may include lab experiments, coding, data analysis, or problem-solving related to science and math topics.
The program starts with safety training and a short orientation. Every Wednesday, you’ll join a seminar and lunch session to learn from other researchers and faculty. At the end, you’ll present your work at a campus poster session and can also submit your project to science fairs or competitions.
6. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program
Location: The program features remote workshops and in-person lab research at NYU Tandon School of Engineering in Brooklyn, NY.
Cost: The program is fully funded through a scholarship, and participants receive a minimum $1,000 stipend upon completion.
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: NYC residents who are rising high school juniors and seniors
NYU’s ARISE is a 10-week summer program where high school students join research labs and get real experience in science and engineering. The first month focuses on online workshops covering writing, lab safety, and research methods. After that, you’ll spend six weeks in one of over 80 NYU labs, working on projects in fields like robotics, AI, molecular engineering, and chemical engineering.
You’ll log about 120 hours in the lab and build skills in public speaking, data analysis, and research presentation. The program ends with two presentations — one at NYU’s Colloquium and one at the American Museum of Natural History. You’ll also receive support with college applications and join a network of students and professionals in STEM.
7. Cornell University’s Boyce Thompson Institute’s High School Research Program
Location: Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University campus, Ithaca, NY
Cost: Participation is free, and high school researchers receive a monthly stipend of $4,200.
Application Deadline: Not specified. Check here for updates!
Dates: June 30 – August 7
Eligibility: High school students who live year-round in Ithaca, NY, are at least 16 years old by the start of the program, and have not yet graduated
The Boyce Thompson Institute’s High School Research Program gives you 6 to 7 weeks of experience working on plant science research. Projects focus on areas like bioinformatics, plant molecular biology, and biological engineering. You’ll be matched with both a faculty mentor and a graduate or postdoctoral researcher, and your work may include lab experiments, fieldwork, or computational analysis.
You’ll join weekly seminars with scientists from BTI, Cornell, and the USDA, attend lab meetings, visit Cornell research labs, and take part in discussions. Along the way, you’ll write a research proposal, practice peer reviews, and sharpen your scientific communication skills. The program ends with a research presentation at the George and Helen Kohut Symposium. You can explore potential projects and faculty sponsors here.
8. NYU GSTEM
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Tuition is $5,500 plus a $50 application fee. Housing with a meal plan is optional and costs $3,840.
Application Deadline: March 2
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors with a strong academic record and a demonstrated interest and ability in STEM
NYU GSTEM is a six-week summer program for high school students interested in STEM research. You’ll be matched with a mentor from NYU to work on a project in your chosen field and gain experience with lab techniques, programming, scientific writing, and presenting your work.
The program begins with orientation activities, workshops, and guest lectures. Over the next five weeks, you’ll conduct research and explore topics like brain labeling methods or protein structure changes. Weekly field trips to places like the Museum of Math, Google, and The Met show how STEM connects to different industries. You’ll also meet women working in STEM who will share their paths and projects. The program ends with a symposium where you’ll present your work.
9. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Participation is free, and students receive a $2,000 stipend.
Application Deadline: January 8
Dates: Orientation Day: February 21; Spring session: February 27 – May 22; Summer session: June 30 – August 15; Students must attend both sessions
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old and attend an NYC public or charter school within a 45-minute commute to Genspace
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a six-month experience for high school students interested in genetic engineering and lab biology. You’ll work with a team of 12 students on both independent and group research projects, guided by scientist mentors. You’ll learn about DNA sequencing, genetic modification, and bioinformatics while building your skills in lab techniques and data analysis and using research equipment.
You’ll also get to visit biotech labs and companies, meet professionals in the field, and receive guidance on careers in science. The program includes science communication training, where you’ll present your research and learn to explain complex ideas clearly. You can view previous projects here.
10. Environmentor – Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) Research Mentorship Program
Location: RISE, Far Rockaway, NY
Cost: The program is free, and participants can earn a stipend of up to $1,200 for their research work.
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: June 5 – August 15
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 who live on or attend school near the Rockaway Peninsula are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to students who attended Shore Corps in the fall and spring.
Environmentor is a science mentorship program for high school students interested in environmental research and fieldwork. You’ll team up with scientists from local universities or research centers to work on your project around the Rockaway shoreline and Jamaica Bay. After a few workshops and orientation in June, you’ll spend six weeks in July and August doing hands-on research four days a week.
Projects might focus on things like air quality, salt marsh restoration, sea turtle strandings, or dolphin biodiversity. Along the way, you’ll get CPR and water safety training, help out with community service, and learn practical field skills. You’ll also have the chance to go biking, kayaking, and even surfing as part of the experience. You can explore past student projects here.
11. YES in THE HEIGHTS Program
Location: Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC), New York, NY
Cost: Participation is free, and participants will receive compensation for eight weeks of full-time work at 35 hours per week.
Application Deadline: December 13
Dates: June 30 – August 22
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 or older who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and from groups underrepresented in biomedical fields, as defined by NIH Guidelines
The YES in THE HEIGHTS program at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center is a two-summer research internship focused on cancer research and health disparities. Funded by the National Cancer Institute, it is designed for underrepresented high school and undergraduate students. You will be paired with a faculty mentor whose research aligns with your interests and gain hands-on experience in a cancer research lab.
Over eight weeks, you will take part in lab work, scientific and professional training, and weekly discussions through the Cancer Biology Journal Club. You will develop an Individual Development Plan, submit a scientific abstract, and receive guidance on science communication and career preparation. If you continue in the second year, you will present your research through an oral presentation.
12. Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, Rockefeller University, NY
Cost: Participation is free, and students receive an OMNY card or MetroCard for NYC public transit. Those with additional travel expenses 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 when the program begins
Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program offers high school juniors and seniors a team-based research experience across fields such as cancer biology, cell biology, immunology, computational biology, and more. You will work in RockEDU labs alongside scientific trainees from Rockefeller, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Weill Cornell. Each student is placed on a team based on interests, with each team guided by multiple mentors.
The program includes lab research, lectures, elective classes, and skill-building workshops. You will take part in experiments, explore scientific questions, interpret data, and present your findings at a final symposium. Additional activities include networking sessions and social events.
13. Wildlife Conservation Society | Bronx Zoo Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology)
Location: Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Cost: Participation is free, with summer interns receiving either a $750 stipend plus a MetroCard for travel or $16/hour through SYEP if eligible and placed with WCS’s authorized providers, and fall interns receiving a stipend of about $350.
Application Deadline: March 7
Dates: Summer: June 30–August 21; Fall: September 13–December 20, plus one Saturday in January for presentations.
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors from the Bronx who are open to working in both indoor and outdoor settings
Project TRUE is a research and youth development program led by the Bronx Zoo Education team and Fordham University. Focused on urban ecology, it pairs high school students with Fordham undergraduate mentors and Wildlife Conservation Society staff. You will design and carry out field research using methods such as plant surveys, camera traps, and water testing to study local ecosystems.
The summer research phase is followed by a fall session with field trips, workshops, and lessons to expand on your work. You will study wildlife in New York City, analyze data, and share your findings through presentations.
14. Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: The cost is $1,900, covering room, meals, and research supplies. Scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates: July 13 – July 19
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and strong math and science performance can apply. Additional requirements for the CURIE and CATALYST academies are available here.
The Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program includes one-week residential academies, CURIE and CATALYST, for students interested in engineering and college life. Each academy brings together 35 to 50 participants for faculty-led sessions on various engineering fields, featuring interactive activities based on faculty research, career exploration, and a college admissions overview.
Afternoons are dedicated to group research sessions where you’ll work on a project guided by Cornell faculty, post-docs, graduate students, or undergraduates. These four-hour sessions end with a group presentation or activity to share your work. Parents are invited to attend the final showcase. Past projects have explored topics like AI, robotics, biomedical devices, and data systems. You can explore past academy research projects in the Cornell Chronicle. Evening activities, including climbing, park outings, and bowling, offer time to socialize with peers and staff.
15. DNA Learning Center Urban Barcode Research Program
Location: DNA Learning Center, New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Participation is free, and students who complete 55 hours of research and present their projects at the Research Symposium will receive a $500 stipend.
Application Deadline: May 27
Dates: The first mandatory one-week lab training course will be held from August 25 to August 29, with additional sessions scheduled throughout the school year, and the Student Symposium is tentatively set for May 20.
Eligibility: NYC high school students enrolled in grades 9–12
The Urban Barcode Research Program at the New York City College of Technology offers high school students the chance to complete a research project using DNA barcoding. After interviews in July, 36 students are selected and paired with a scientist mentor for the academic year. You’ll be expected to complete at least 55 hours of research and present your work at a spring symposium.
Before starting, you’ll receive training in lab techniques, biodiversity, conservation biology, and research skills. With your mentor, you’ll design and carry out a DNA barcoding project that explores the link between biodiversity and human activity. You’ll gain experience in proposal writing, fieldwork, DNA isolation, sequence amplification, and data analysis.
Image source – Stony Brook University