Summer is the perfect time for high school students to explore science beyond the classroom and start developing an advanced skill set. For students in New York, opportunities to do so are particularly accessible. Many of the city’s universities, research institutes, and institutions offer summer science programs for high school students in New York that cover a wide range of topics, from cybersecurity to smart city design.
Many summer science programs for high school students in New York are designed to challenge you, connect you with mentors, and expose you to a side of science that can’t be found in a typical high school class. Whether you want to work in a university lab, join a coding boot camp, or conduct field research, there’s a summer science program in New York to match your interests.
Here are 15 summer science programs for high school students in New York that you can explore.
15 Summer Science Programs for High School Students in New York
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Cost: Varies based on program (financial aid available)
Location: Remote
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year, including summer
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records (3.3+ GPA recommended)
Lumiere pairs high school students with PhD mentors to conduct independent research across subjects like neuroscience, computer science, and biomedical engineering. Over 12 or more weeks, you will learn to frame research questions, analyze data, and write a formal research paper. Depending on the field, you may gain experience in coding (Python, R), using research software (e.g., SPSS), or designing experimental protocols. The program culminates in a university-level paper that can be submitted to competitions or journals.
2. Veritas AI
Cost: Varies by program type; Need-based aid available
Location: Remote
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15 week cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should have completed the Scholars program or have prior AI/Python experience
Veritas AI’s programs equip high school students with practical skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The AI Scholars program covers fundamentals like supervised learning, neural networks, and computer vision through live sessions and hands-on coding exercises. The AI Fellowship takes it further by pairing you with expert mentors to design and implement original AI research projects. You will gain experience in areas like natural language processing or predictive modeling and learn to present technical findings, with options to publish your work.
3. SPARC: Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding
Cost: $3,300
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: May 15 (rolling admissions)
Eligibility: High school students 15+ in grades 9-12; Open to international students; See prerequisites here
SPARC is a two-week program focused on robotics and programming using Arduino and sensor systems. You will explore topics like mechatronics, circuit design, and mechanical logic through daily labs and engineering challenges. In this curriculum, you will learn physical computing as well as math and physics foundations. You will also build robots that complete tasks like maze navigation and line following. A background in Algebra II or higher is strongly recommended.
4. Simons Summer Research Program – Stony Brook University
Cost/Stipend: No program fee; Optional $2,360.25 (residential); Stipend provided
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 8%; ~40 students from ~500 applicants
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors (16+)
During the Simons Summer Research Program, you will be paired with faculty mentors to engage in immersive research across fields such as biochemistry, computer science, and neurobiology. You will design experiments, collect and analyse data using advanced lab equipment or programming tools, and attend weekly seminars led by scientists. Projects might include computational biology or neural network modeling, depending on your chosen field. The program culminates in a formal research symposium where you present your findings to peers and faculty.
5. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipends available for students with financial need
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, Rockefeller University, NYC
Cohort Size: 32 students
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors aged 16 and above
The SSRP provides students with opportunities to conduct biomedical research under the mentorship of Rockefeller University and Weill Cornell Medicine scientists. As a participant, you will join structured research teams and work in dedicated RockEDU labs, learning experimental design, lab techniques, and data interpretation. The program includes workshops on scientific ethics and communication, as well as electives and lectures that explore topics in biomedical science. You will also engage with research literature and present your findings to peers and professionals at community events.
6. Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)
Cost/Stipend: None
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: NYC and Nassau County residents in grades 10-11
In CS4CS, you will learn the basics of cybersecurity and computer science over four weeks. You will explore ethical hacking, cryptography, steganography, and digital forensics through hands-on labs and real-world problem-solving. Sessions also cover privacy, data protection, and responsible technology use. Students participate in theater-based workshops to build communication and teamwork skills. The program runs full-time on weekdays and is fully funded for accepted students.
7. Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)
Cost/Stipend: None
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 5-week program; July 1 – August 2
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: NYC students in 8th-10th grade with strong academic records
ieSoSC teaches students how computer science and engineering intersect with urban innovation by challenging them to design smart city prototypes. You’ll apply concepts from IoT systems, coding, and electronics in team-based projects that address real-world city problems. Workshops in entrepreneurship and design thinking prepare you to pitch solutions during the final showcase, judged by engineers and planners. Public speaking training is included through a collaboration with Irondale Theater.
8. Columbia University Pre-College NYC Residential Summer Program
Cost: $12,764 per 3-week session
Location: Morningside Campus, Columbia University, NYC
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates:
- Session A: June 30 – July 18
- Session B: July 22 – August 8
- Session AB: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 3 (early); March 17 (general)
Eligibility: High school students 15+ (must turn 16 by December 31); U.S. and international students
Columbia’s program gives students a college-level experience through over 70 summer courses, including topics like Python programming and cybersecurity fundamentals. Classes include hands-on exercises, lab work, and small-group discussions with Columbia instructors. Residential students experience campus life, access university resources, and join guided excursions in NYC. A Certificate of Participation and an evaluation letter are awarded upon completion.
9. All Star Code Summer Intensive
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Cohort Size: 50 students in the 6-Week Tech Marathon
Dates:
- Session 1: July 7 – 25
- Session 2: July 28 – August 15
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented groups in tech
All Star Code’s three-week virtual intensive teaches foundational coding skills through daily workshops focused on problem-solving, algorithmic thinking, and web development. You will gain hands-on experience building projects with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while exploring topics like responsive design and APIs. The program also includes professional development sessions on resume writing and interviewing for tech roles. As a participant, you will get to network with engineers and receive mentorship from industry professionals.
10. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,000 stipend
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 2 – August 18
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 11-12
Through college-level workshops and 120 hours of lab work, ARISE offers high school students in NYC an intensive STEM experience. You will join NYU research labs in fields like robotics, machine learning, and biomedical engineering, learning techniques such as data analysis and experimental design. Weekly seminars cover scientific methods, research ethics, and technical communication. The program culminates with students presenting posters at the American Museum of Natural History Symposium.
11. American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,500 stipend upon completion
Location: American Museum of Natural History, NYC
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: August to June (includes summer and academic year)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 10-11; More details here
SRMP is a 10-month program combining a four-week summer session with academic-year research at AMNH. As a participant, you will work under the guidance of museum scientists on projects in fields like astrophysics, earth sciences, or conservation biology. During the school year, you will meet twice weekly to continue your research, analyze data, and prepare presentations. The program concludes with a symposium where you’ll present findings.
12. Hk Maker Lab Summer Engineering Design Program
Cost: Free
Location: Columbia University, NYC
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Application Deadline: December 18 (priority deadline); January 8 (regular deadline)
Eligibility: NYC high school students entering grades 11 or 12; Applicants must demonstrate educational or economic disadvantage
This five-week engineering summer program emphasizes design thinking and hands-on innovation. You’ll learn skills like 3D modeling, rapid prototyping, and electronic circuit design, applying these to solve realistic biomedical engineering challenges. Instruction is led by Columbia University faculty and includes guest talks by industry professionals. Graduates of this program can apply to NY Bioforce the following year, which offers a paid internship in a lab or healthcare setting.
13. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s Secondary School Field Research Program
Cost: Free
Location: Columbia University’s Lamont Campus, Palisades, NY
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Six weeks in summer, from June to August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12; Must be enrolled in a partner school
This six-week summer program immerses you in environmental research alongside scientists, teachers, and undergraduates. You will investigate topics such as nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and invasive species management through fieldwork and lab analysis. You’ll also gain experience with research tools like soil testing equipment and GIS mapping software. The program concludes with a symposium where you will present your scientific findings.
14. Syracuse Summer College Program
Cost: $1,908 – $5,743; Scholarships available
Location: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions from July to August (varies by course)
Application Deadline: May 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 and older with a GPA of 3.0/4.0; More details here
Syracuse Summer College offers both credit and noncredit courses across subjects like forensic science, computer coding, and writing. You’ll participate in hands-on research, lectures, and interactive projects led by Syracuse University faculty. The program simulates college life with residential housing and access to campus resources. Courses are small, allowing for individual guidance and support. You can earn a Certificate of Completion, and those in credit-bearing courses receive Dual Enrollment credit.
15. Summer Engineering Awareness Program – Manhattan College
Cost: Free
Location: Manhattan College, Bronx, NY
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 7 – 11; July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: Minority and female rising juniors and seniors in NYC; Must have strong mathematics and science skills and an interest in engineering.
This 10-day program introduces students to diverse engineering fields through hands-on labs, interactive workshops, and guest lectures from practicing engineers. You will experiment with circuits, materials testing, and computer-aided design while learning the fundamentals of mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. The program also includes sessions on college readiness, scholarship opportunities, and strategies for applying to STEM programs. By the end, you will gain exposure to engineering careers and build confidence in pursuing technical majors.
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 – Manhattan College