If you’re a high school student looking for research opportunities in New York City, this blog is for you!
Many popular universities and research centers in NYC offer programs that allow you to engage with complex concepts and real-world problems through hands-on research and experimentation. Participating in a research program will allow you to gain insight into the latest trends in your chosen industry, improve your skills, and learn about the research process from experts.
Whether your interest lies in engineering, technology, environmental science, business, or psychology, these programs are designed to prepare you for higher education and future career pursuits. Such experiences can also help you build a strong academic profile by highlighting your ability to work with advanced material and your passion for your chosen field.
Here’s our curated list of 15 research programs for high school students in New York City!
Subject Areas: Math, chemistry, neurobiology, biomedical informatics, astronomy, physics, computer science, geosciences, atmospheric and marine sciences, medicine, ecology, engineering, and pharmacological sciences.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: No participation cost; Stipend is provided.
Application Deadline: February 7, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: July 1–August 9, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors at least 16 years old who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can apply.
Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program offers opportunities for high school juniors to participate in hands-on research in STEM alongside faculty mentors. During this program, you will be paired with a faculty mentor, join a research group, and work on a research project. By the end of the program, you would have had to produce a written research abstract and a research poster. All participants in the Simons program should expect to commit a minimum of 4 hours per day working on their own or with their mentor/research group. The schedule may vary depending on the availability of the assigned faculty mentor.
Research areas for the 2024 program included applied mathematics and statistics, biochemistry, computer science, marine and atmospheric sciences, biomedical informatics, chemistry, ecology and evolution, electrical and computer engineering, geosciences, medicine, neurobiology, orthopedics, pharmacological sciences, physics, and astronomy. You can check out the available mentors and the complete list of research areas for Summer 2024 here!
Subject Areas: Environmental health and engineering, behavioral economics, psychology, international relations, neuroscience, data science, machine learning, network science, biophysics, biotechnology, chemistry, physics, history, philosophy, political theory, sociology, and more!
Location: Virtual
Cost: You can contact them for more information regarding tuition and questions about need-based financial aid.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort.
Dates:
- Summer seminar: June 24–September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar: October 23, 2024–February 19, 2025
- The dates are flexible for Horizon Labs, 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 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 and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. You can apply here!
Subject Areas: Bio- and molecular engineering, chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, machine learning, anthropology, biology, aerospace engineering, and artificial intelligence.
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; The participants will receive a stipend of at least $750.
Application Deadline: March 6, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: June 3–August 9, 2024 (10 weeks); TBA for 2025
Eligibility: NYC students who will complete 10th or 11th grade by the start of the program can apply.
NYU's ARISE program offers a learning experience for students interested in engineering and its branches. The available interdisciplinary research areas include subjects such as chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, bio- and molecular engineering, machine learning, anthropology, biology, aerospace engineering, and artificial intelligence.
As a participant, you’ll get to perform hands-on laboratory experiments as well as attend classroom sessions and workshops focusing on ethics, lab safety, data collection, and college admissions preparation. An important aspect of the program is the mentorship from NYU's research faculty, which will teach you teamwork, provide guidance, and help you develop creative inquiry, allowing you to engage in relevant research endeavors within your chosen STEM domains. The program culminates with you showcasing your research outcomes at a colloquium. ARISE typically accepts 76 to 80 students into the program. You can check out the research opportunities for 2024 along with the participating professors and their labs here.
Subject Areas: Research, computer science, data analysis, engineering, and more.
Location: City College campus, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students who complete the campus-based research mentorship/internship project, participate in the weekly seminar and workshop, and the poster presentation may be eligible for a $1,575 stipend.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January; TBA for 2025
Dates:
- Spring Course: February 6–May 23, 2024
- Summer Session: July 1–August 2, 2024
- Dates TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: Applicants must be New York City Public High School 10th or 11th-graders during spring semester 2024. Check here for additional qualification requirements.
STEM RA, by CUNY’s K16 initiatives, is a two-semester program for high school students consisting of a pre-college science course and summer experience. During the spring, you will enroll in a course that will allow you to study the concept and practice of scientific research. It will be followed by a six-week summer experience where you will get to develop scientific literacy and numeracy skills while engaging in hands-on research in an academic research laboratory. You’ll be encouraged to continue your research following the program’s completion and to apply to participate in the New York City Science & Engineering Fair (NYCSEF).
For the Spring Course, 25 students will be accepted into a 45-hour hands-on science research science course. During this course, you’ll be expected to meet in person, on Tuesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the City College campus.
For the Summer Session, 10 of the original 25 students will be accepted into a five-week structured internship program. Here, you’ll be paired with a City University of New York (CUNY) or City College of New York (CCNY) faculty member, based as much as possible on your area of interest. Research topics include engineering, computer science, data analysis, and more. You will be expected to work in a research lab 4–5 days a week including Saturdays and work on your research project and presentation. The presentation will be held on the CCNY campus and at the New York Science Center for Research and Mentoring (NYSCRM) and the poster presentation will take place at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH).
Subject Areas: Business, market research and analysis, project management, and financial analysis.
Location: In-person at the Columbia University campus, NY. Virtual course options are also available.
Cost: Online Summer (2 Weeks): $3,960 per session | NYC Commuter Summer (3 Weeks): $6,300 per session | NYC Residential Summer (3 weeks): $12,449 per session
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May but may remain open if space is available; TBA for 2025
Dates: Multiple 2 and 3-week (in-person and virtual) sessions were available between June 24 and August 2, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Students who will be enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall and students currently enrolled in grade 12 can apply.
Columbia’s pre-college program offers courses from various fields including biology, technology, business, market research, psychology, philosophy, computer science, engineering, and more, ranging from 2-3 weeks, either in-person or online.
If you’re interested in business research, you can apply to the Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Changing the World via Venture Creation course where you’ll explore important issues in the formal venture-planning processes such as business model development, product-market validation, in-depth industry and market analysis, product or service innovation, customer discovery, brand development, market strategies, team selection and management, profit models, financing, and legal considerations.
During the course, you’ll work through a series of structured activities and assignments corresponding to each phase of new venture planning. You’ll get to improve your venture’s hypothesized business model based on instructor and peer feedback. You will learn key terms about venture development, use tools that help in research and decision-making, and understand how major planning activities are useful for formal venture creation. You will also get to hone your critical professional skills including creative problem-solving, project management, financial analysis, communication and negotiation, and collaborative leadership.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience research
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Application Deadline: Applications are closed for 2024 and will reopen in October 2024 for the 2025 program.
Dates: June–August (5 weeks); TBA for 2025
Eligibility: NYC students in grades 10–11 nominated by the program’s partner programs and schools can apply. Preference will be given to students in upper Manhattan and South Bronx.
The Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) provides hands-on summer research opportunities for high school students at Columbia University. This program will allow you to collaborate with established scientists and develop essential research skills.
During your internship, you will be matched with a mentor from Columbia's neuroscience department, who will guide you to work on a specific research project. You will gain an understanding of how lab research results in innovative discoveries, insight into an academic research career, and a stronger foundation in neuroscience principles. For example, you might get to research the role of specific neurons in transmitting sensory information from the external environment. Please note that the BRAINYAC application is only available for students nominated by the program’s partner organizations, including S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical Program, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, and BioBus.
Subject Areas: Psychological research, behavior, memory, perception, and cognitive development.
Location: In-person at the Columbia University campus, NY. Virtual course options are also available.
Cost:
- Online Summer (2 Weeks): $3,960 per session | NYC Commuter Summer (3 Weeks): $6,300 per session | NYC Residential Summer (3 weeks): $12,449 per session
- Need-based financial aid is available for New York residents participating in the NYC Commuter Summer Program.
You can check here for a detailed breakdown of costs.
Application Deadline: Applications are closed now but the deadlines vary depending on the session.
Dates: Multiple sessions were available in 2024; TBA for 2025
- Session A: June 24–July 12, 2024 (In-person) | July 01–July 12, 2024 (Online)
- Session B: July 16–August 02, 2024 (In-person) | July 15–July 26, 2024 (Online)
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9–12 can apply. You must be at least 16 years old to participate in the NYC Residential Summer Program.
Columbia University’s Pre-college Program offers several psychology courses to choose from, ranging from 1-3 weeks, either in-person or online. The psychology courses listed here cover topics such as memory, perception, cognitive development, psycholinguistics, speech-language therapy, biological bases of behavior, and more.
“The Science of Psychology” course will introduce you to the fundamental concepts and theories of psychology, the science of the mind and behavior. The course will allow you to explore psychological research methodology, covering the biological foundations of behavior, learning and memory, sensory and perceptual processes, cognitive development, language acquisition, personality, and the impact of social factors on behavior.
Subject Areas: Biomedical engineering, robotics, competitive programming, electrical engineering, sustainable engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, data science, and math.
Location: Columbia University, NY. As SHAPE is a commuter program, housing will not be provided.
Cost: $5,500; This amount includes tuition, lab fee, materials fee, and activity fee. Need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: March 26, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: Multiple sessions were available in 2024; TBA for 2025
- Session 1: July 8–July 26, 2024
- Session 2: July 29–August 16, 2024
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and high school graduates can apply.
Columbia Engineering's Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) is a pre-college program geared toward students interested in STEM. Each 3-week session offers project-based, college-level courses in engineering that are taught by a diverse group of faculty at Columbia University. You will choose a subject and participate in one of these college-level engineering courses for the duration of your session. The program also provides electives, college preparation guidance, support from Columbia students, and other workshops.
SHAPE offers courses spanning various fields which include Biomedical Engineering, Robotics and Autonomous Driving, Competitive Programming, Sustainable Engineering: Mitigating Climate Change, Demystifying Probability, Product Studio: From Idea to Prototype, Civil Engineering, Math: Operations Research, Electrical Engineering, Solar Energy, Chemical Engineering, and Data Science.
Subject Areas: Aerospace engineering
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: $1,850 (Includes room, board/meals, and research supplies). Scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: July 14–July 20, 2024
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and strong performance in math and science courses can apply.
The Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program’s CURIE Academy provides opportunities for high school students interested in aerospace engineering. You will get to engage in a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on projects, and mentorship from esteemed faculty and researchers at Cornell University. Only 50 students are admitted to the summer cohort.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering, CURIE Academy provides exposure to recent, cutting-edge research and innovation in the field. During the program, you will participate in aerospace-related activities, such as designing and building rockets, conducting experiments, and learning about the latest advancements in aerospace technology. This immersive experience will not only enhance your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills but also allow you to interact and work with like-minded peers.
Subject Areas: DNA isolation, DNA barcoding amplification, biodiversity, science research, and conservation biology.
Location: DNA Learning Center, New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $500
Application Deadline: May 27, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: The first mandatory lab training course will take place from August 26–August 30, 2024, and additional sessions are scheduled during the school year. The research symposium will be held in late May or early June 2025.
Eligibility: NYC high school students enrolled in grades 9-12 can apply.
The Urban Barcode Research Program at the New York City College of Technology offers high school students opportunities to conduct hands-on laboratory research using basic and advanced scientific research techniques. The interviews are typically conducted in July and after the interview process, 36 students are selected to participate in this program.
During the program, you will use DNA barcoding and learn about the interaction between biodiversity and human activity. You will conduct research under the supervision and mentorship of experts in the field. The project will help you learn about research proposal writing, fieldwork, DNA isolation, DNA barcoding amplification, sample collection, and analysis of findings. You will enroll in training courses in biodiversity, science research, and conservation biology, and participate in lab training sessions before you start working in the laboratory. This will help you develop your foundational research skills and knowledge of DNA barcoding.
Subject Areas: Biology, genetic engineering, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics.
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in the fall and close in January; TBA for 2025
Dates:
- Spring session: February 28–May 23, 2024
- Summer session: July 1–August 16, 2024
Students must attend both sessions. Dates TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: Students at least 16 years old attending an NYC public or charter school within 45 minutes of Genspace can apply.
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a 6-month long opportunity for high school students interested in learning about genetic engineering and biology laboratory skills. You will work with 12 other teens to perform group and individual research with the support of scientist mentors. During the program, you will engage in research spanning DNA sequencing, genetic modification, and bioinformatics. You will learn about the scientific process and get to interact with like-minded peers. You will also be able to improve your lab techniques and analytical skills by using the latest laboratory equipment and technology.
Additionally, you will receive career guidance from your mentors and a chance to tour labs and biotech companies in and around the city. This internship will also allow you to learn and improve your science communication skills and share your research and knowledge with others. Through this program, you will enhance your understanding of the foundations of biotechnology while learning about ethical and conscientious biotech applications. You can check out the previous projects here.
Subject Areas: Environmental science, conservation, research, and recreational activities.
Location: RISE, Far Rockaway, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Participants will receive up to a $1,200 stipend for their participation and research work.
Application Deadline: The application portal opens in March and typically closes in May.
Dates: June 5–August 15, 2024.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 who live or attend school in or near the Rockaway peninsula can apply.
Environmentor is a science research mentorship program for high school students that will allow them to participate in authentic research in environmental conservation. As an intern, you will be paired with a scientist from a local university or research institution and conduct research under their supervision and mentorship. During the program, you'll work on individual research projects focusing on the Rockaway shoreline and Jamaica Bay. Topics of study include sea turtle stranding, air quality monitoring, pinniped stranding, salt marsh restoration, bottlenose dolphin biodiversity, and dolphin morphology.
In addition to research, the program offers a well-rounded educational experience that includes mentorship, community service, and practical skills training. You will also get to participate in water safety and CPR training as well as recreational activities such as kayaking, biking, and surfing. You can read about the research projects Environmentor students worked on last summer here.
Subject Areas: Wetland ecology, field sampling, chemistry, data analysis, and research.
Location: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Palisades, NY | Piermont Marsh, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Participants receive a stipend.
Application Deadline: Applications are closed for 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: 6 weeks between June and August; TBA for 2025
Eligibility:
- High school students in grades 10–12 enrolled in one of SSFRP’s partner schools are eligible.
- Each participating school assigns a science teacher to act as liaison with the program, typically someone who is also participating in the fieldwork. These teachers are responsible for selecting students to participate along with them.
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) provides opportunities for high school students and their undergraduate mentors as they conduct rigorous scientific research about ecological and physical processes in the wetland. During this program, students and teachers collaborate with Lamont researchers on a scientific research project in a tiered mentoring system.
You will prepare by reading and discussing a science journal article about the marsh. You will work in research teams to review and refine your sampling protocols and develop a sample plan for the summer. You’ll then collect samples and perform laboratory experiments on topics ranging from nutrient cycling, natural carbon sequestration, non-chemical management of invasive plants, the construction of rechargeable batteries powered by soil bacteria, and more. After the data are analyzed, you’ll create a research poster and presentation to share your work at the end of the summer symposium. During the school year, you will engage in coursework on topics such as wetland ecology, field sampling, and data analysis.
Subject Areas: Biomedical research, neuroscience, genetics, genomics, computational biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, and more.
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, Rockefeller University, NY
Cost/Stipend:
- This program is free for all accepted participants.
- All LAB Jumpstart students are provided with a MetroCard or OMNI card to cover their transportation to and from campus during both the after-school (phase one) and summer (phase two) portions of the program.
- LAB Jumpstart participants receive a $500 stipend for the spring portion (phase one) and another $3000 for the summer portion (phase two).
Application Deadline: January 5, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates:
- Phase One (Spring Session): February 29–June 13, 2024
- Phase Two (Summer Session): June 24–August 8, 2024
Eligibility: Students enrolled as a junior or senior in an NYC high school and at least 16 years old at the start of the program can apply.
RockEDU’s LAB Jumpstart is designed to promote the development of scientific thinking and research skills of high school students through a variety of talks, workshops, and individual mentorship. You will participate in a research team designed and guided by Rockefeller trainees. You will also participate in elective scientific courses, guest lectures, and social events.
The LAB Jumpstart program takes place across two phases from March to August:
- Phase One (Spring Session): Here, you will be encouraged to develop and ask questions about scientific research, gain exposure to research skills and primary literature, and connect with scientist-mentors at Rockefeller University. These are after-school sessions that take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 pm to 7 pm.
- Phase Two (Summer Session): During the summer session, LAB Jumpstart students will participate in the SSRP (Summer Science Research Program), spending up to 35 hours per week. You will be assigned to an SSRP research team and will learn the foundations and experimental techniques necessary to carry out a research project. The SSRP typically accepts 32 students into the program. Approximately 8 SSRP scholars will be assigned to each research team where they will be matched to a team that aligns with their scientific interests. The topics of each SSRP research team will be based on the expertise and scientific interests of the research team leader.
Subject Areas: Ecology research, youth development, wildlife conservation, science communication skills, data collection and analysis.
Location: WCS Headquarters, Bronx, NY
Stipend:
- For the summer, interns either receive a $750 stipend + MetroCard to cover travel OR are paid $16/hour through SYEP if eligible and work with WCS's authorized providers.
- For the fall, interns receive a stipend of about $350.
Application Deadline: February 24, 2024 (applications are reviewed on a rolling basis); TBA for 2025
Dates:
- Summer Program (Late June–August) (2025 Dates TBA)
- Fall Program (September–December) (2025 Dates TBA)
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors who reside in the Bronx and are comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor settings can apply.
Project TRUE is an urban ecology research and youth development program run by the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo Education team in partnership with Fordham University. You along with your team will be paired with a Fordham University undergraduate student, who will serve as your research mentor. WCS staff will also serve as mentors to both undergraduate and high school students.
During the program, you will conduct field research on topics ranging from mammal species distribution and bird community composition to water quality and invasive species management. You will have an opportunity to learn about the data collection and analysis methods and enhance your science communication skills. You will get to apply the scientific process to a field research project and present your findings to peers, scientists, and the general public. You will also receive in-depth training in scientific research, a chance to build a professional network, and college preparation guidance.
Subject Areas: Conservation sciences, ecology, woodland restoration, and research.
Location: Wave Hill, Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Participants will receive a stipend of approximately $2,275, paid through the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).
Application Deadline: February 23, 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: July 1–August 16, 2024; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: New York high school students at least 16 years old with authorization to work in the US can apply.
Wave Hill is a public horticulture garden and cultural center that conducts a Forest Project for New York City high school students to learn about ecological restoration and urban ecology. During the program, you will form small crews and develop restoration plans for your assigned woodland sites.
You will work under an experienced crew leader to participate in woodland restoration and research. Previous work conducted by interns includes various activities such as removing invasive species, shorting up eroded slopes, and documenting the restoration process of disturbed woodland. As an intern, you will also get to enroll in a college course on restoring New York City’s Natural Areas and work on group projects involving data collection and field research in addition to their coursework. Moreover, you will get to attend guest lectures to gain exposure to the available careers in conservation sciences!
Bonus Options - the Lumiere Research Scholar Program and Veritas AI
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. You can pursue independent research across STEM fields, as well as non-STEM fields like art, history, linguistics, and more! To apply, click here.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.