New York is home to some of the country’s leading universities and research institutes, making it an ideal place for you to explore advanced STEM learning as a high schooler. If you’re based in New York and want to build a strong foundation in STEM fields, a summer program is a solid way to start. You’ll get the chance to work with cutting-edge tools and explore fields like biomedical engineering, data science, quantum computing, and environmental research.
You could pick up Python for data analysis, master CRISPR gene-editing techniques, or design robotic systems using Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Many programs also focus on collaborative research, so you’ll work with other students to tackle real-world problems, whether that’s developing machine learning models, conducting ecological field studies, or simulating chemical reactions.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 15 STEM summer programs for high school students in New York!
15 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in New York
1. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: NASA centers across the country/ Virtual
Stipend: While most interns receive a stipend, certain opportunities are unpaid
Application Deadline: Summer: February 28; Fall: May 16
Program Dates: Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May; Summer Session: Late May to August; Fall Session: Late August to Mid-December
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
NASA is at the forefront of scientific innovation and space exploration, making its OSTEM Internship an ideal chance for you to work on some of the most advanced STEM projects out there. If you’re serious about fields like aerospace engineering, computational modeling, or satellite design, this program lets you work with NASA experts and contribute to cutting-edge research.
You’ll get hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, tackle real-world challenges in cybersecurity and software development, and develop technical skills that set you apart.You can explore the project database in each session to find opportunities that match your expertise and interests.
2. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 3
Program Dates: June 23 – August 7
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors, age 16 and above by the start of the program
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University allows you to work on a scientific research project with a team of 8-10 students and three mentors. You’ll develop skills in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis, focusing on a specific research question that you’ll define by Week 2. Over the following weeks, you’ll conduct experiments, analyze results, and prepare for a final presentation at the symposium.
3. NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: January 6 – February 21
Program Dates: 2 June – 18 August
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year
The ARISE program at NYU is a fully-funded, 10-week summer research opportunity for high school students interested in STEM. You’ll spend over 120 hours in NYU’s research labs, working with faculty and graduate mentors on real-world projects. You’ll learn data analysis, experimental design, and lab safety.
Depending on your project, you may also use techniques like PCR, spectroscopy, coding, or microscopy. The program also covers reading scientific literature and presenting research, with projects in fields like engineering, neuroscience, robotics, and environmental science.
4. NYU Cloud Path
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $6,550
Application Deadline: May 2
Program Dates: June 16 – July 18
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
NYU’s Cloud Path program teaches the fundamentals of cloud computing through hands-on projects. You’ll work with AWS services like EC2, RDS, and S3, gaining practical skills in cloud infrastructure. The program covers cloud security, networking, virtualization, cost optimization, cloud architecture, and deployment strategies. By the end, you’ll build a portfolio of cloud-based projects and gain technical expertise for IT and cloud engineering roles.
5. NYU Computer for Engineering Good (CE4G)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $4,500
Application Deadline: May 2
Program Dates: Session 1: June 16- July 2; Session 2: July 14- August 1
Eligibility: Students aged 14 and above
NYU’s Computer Engineering for Good program teaches you to apply engineering and computing skills to real-world challenges. You’ll work with embedded systems like Arduino and Raspberry Pi to develop sustainable tech solutions. The program also covers design thinking, system integration, and hands-on prototyping where you’ll tackle projects focused on public health, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
6. NYU Cyber Security for Computer Science (C4CS)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 15
Program Dates: July 14 – August 8
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders
If you want to learn how hackers break into systems and how to stop them, NYU’s Cyber Security for Computer Science program is a great fit. You’ll explore white-hat hacking, cryptography, and data privacy through hands-on cybersecurity challenges. The program also covers coding, digital forensics, and real-world security analysis. These skills will prepare you for fields like network security, ethical hacking, cybersecurity engineering, incident response, and digital risk management.
7. NYU Design, Invent & Innovate
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,150
Application Deadline: May 2
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: Students who are 14 years or older by the start of the program
NYU’s Design, Invent & Innovate (DII) program builds engineering and design skills through hands-on projects. You’ll learn CAD modeling, prototyping, and fabrication while working on fieldwork and case studies. You’ll also use tools like laser cutters and 3D printers. The program ends with a capstone project where you’ll design and present an innovation. These skills are important in fields like product design, mechanical engineering, industrial design, and manufacturing technology.
8. NYU Machine Learning
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,050
Application Deadline: US Residents May; International Applicants: April 15
Program Dates: Session 1: June 16-June 27; Session 2: July 7-July 18; Session 3: July 28 -August 8
Eligibility: Students aged 14 years and above
NYU Tandon’s Machine Learning summer program teaches programming, data analysis, and algorithm development. You’ll apply machine learning techniques to real-world problems like traffic control, medical diagnostics, and voice recognition. The program covers the math and logic behind AI systems, giving a solid foundation in machine learning. Through interactive projects, you’ll also strengthen skills in statistical modeling, pattern recognition, and data-driven decision-making.
9. NYU Summer Program in Automation, Robotics, and Coding
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,300
Application Deadline: May 2
Program Dates: Session 1: June 16 – June 27; Session 2: June 23 – July 4; Session 3: June 30 – July 11; Session 4: July 7 – July 18; Session 5: July 14 – July 25; Session 6: July 21 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders, aged 15 years and above
NYU’s Summer Program in Automation, Robotics, and Coding offers hands-on training in building and programming autonomous robots. You’ll learn microcontroller programming, sensor integration, and robotics design while exploring mechanical engineering concepts. The program focuses on autonomous decision-making and system optimization. Through competitive robotics challenges, you’ll also develop skills in troubleshooting, algorithm development, and real-time problem-solving.
10. American Museum of Natural History Science Research Mentoring Program
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Stipend: $2,500
Application Deadline: March 8
Program Dates: August – June
Eligibility: Students in 10th or 11th Grade
The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History is a year-long research opportunity for high school students. You’ll work with museum scientists on projects in areas like spider genetics and star mass analysis. The program helps you develop lab techniques, data analysis methods, and coding skills in Python and R. You’ll also learn how to interpret scientific data and present your findings. Participants receive a $2,500 stipend after completing research and program requirements.
11. NYU GSTEM
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $5,500
Application Deadline: February 1 -March 2
Program Dates: June 30–August 8
Eligibility: Current 11th graders
NYU’s GSTEM program is a six-week STEM research experience where you’ll work on a real-world project alongside a professor or researcher. You’ll develop skills in data analysis, experimental design, and scientific writing, focusing on fields like biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science. The program also builds your coding skills and familiarity with research tools like Python and MATLAB. Through mentorship and activities, you’ll connect with leading women in STEM while exploring New York City.
12. Boyce Thompson Institute Internships
Location: Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY
Stipend: $4,200
Application Deadline: First week of March
Program Dates: June 30 – August 7
Eligibility: Current high school students from Ithaca, NY, aged 16 years before the start of the program
Boyce Thompson Institute’s High School Research Program focuses on research in plant biology, bioinformatics, and molecular engineering. You’ll gain hands-on experience in data analysis, experimental design, and using tools like genomic sequencing and bioinformatics software.
The program includes weekly seminars, peer reviews, and a final symposium, helping you improve your scientific communication and present your findings clearly. You’ll also work closely with Cornell faculty, gaining insight into advanced research methods.
13. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Application Deadline: January 10 (tentative, based on previous year dates)
Program Dates: Spring Session: February 27 – May 22; Summer Session: June 30- August 15
Eligibility: New York City public and charter high school students aged 16 and above
The Biorocket Research Internship Program provides six months of hands-on experience in genetic engineering and biological research. You’ll gain expertise in genetic sequencing, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), and CRISPR technology, while refining lab techniques and working closely with scientists.
You’ll also design a research project with a team, building skills in experimental design, data collection, and scientific problem-solving. The program helps improve your science communication, including presenting complex data clearly, and includes improv training to enhance how you explain research findings.
14. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: You can get the exact cost by raising an interest form here.
Application Deadline: Spring: February 16; Summer: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring: March 3; Summer: June 16! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found 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 prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. 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 on college applications. Apply here!
15. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer Cohort I priority application deadline is March 9!
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, fall: September – December, winter: December – February, spring: March – June.
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: Open to current high school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3; no prior knowledge in the field 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 for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics in the STEM field, ranging from psychology, physics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Image Source: NASA
