Summer camps can be a meaningful way to spend your high school years, giving you the chance to explore interests, build new skills, and connect with peers outside the classroom. Unlike regular schoolwork, these programs are designed to immerse you in specific subjects or activities, whether that’s STEM, the arts, or leadership training. They can also help you build confidence, independence, and experiences that shape your path toward college and beyond.
If you’re in New York, you have the added advantage of living in a state that thrives on creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity. From university labs and research centers to theaters, media studios, and leadership institutes, many cities in New York state offer opportunities that reflect the city’s unique character. Choosing a local camp also means you can learn from experts, engage with organizations based in your own community, and experience the energy of the city while gaining skills that will stay with you long after the summer ends.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 15 summer camps in New York for high school students, spanning a variety of academic and creative fields.
1. Kopernik Observatory & Science Center Summer Programs
Location: Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, Vestal, NY
Cost: $15/day
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Multiple week-long camps in the summer
Eligibility: Students entering grades 1–12
The Kopernik Observatory & Science Center in Vestal, NY, runs weeklong Link Summer STEM Exploration camps for students entering grades 2–12. If you’re in high school, you can also apply for their internship program. As an intern, you’ll learn how to set up and use telescopes, help instructors during classes and camps, and assist with public programs!
2. University of Buffalo’s CSExplore Camp
Location: University of Buffalo, Getzville, NY
Cost: Free
Application deadline: May 30 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Program dates: August 5 – 8 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Eligibility: All high school students entering grades 9-12 in the fall
The CSExplore camp is a three-day program that introduces high school students to the basics of computer science, with no prior experience required. You’ll explore topics such as circuit hardware and software development through hands-on activities. Past sessions have included projects such as programming simple robots, designing basic video games, and visiting local research labs to see real-world applications of computing concepts.
3. Kode With Klossy — Summer Camps
Location: Virtual. In-person camps held in Chicago, Dallas, Washington D.C., London, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and St. Louis
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Dates: TBA in Spring. More info here
Eligibility: High school women and gender-expansive teens aged 13–18 years
Kode With Klossy is a free, two-week coding program open to high school students from underrepresented gender identities. You can select a track such as Web Development, Mobile App Development, Artificial Intelligence, or Data Science. You’ll work on building websites, apps, or basic AI tools, while also discussing topics like digital ethics and inclusive design.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Individual Research Program (12 weeks; $3190), the Premium Research & Publication Program (16–20 weeks; $6450), the Research Fellowship (6–12 months, $9900). Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Summer: June – August, Fall: September – December, Winter: December – February, Spring: March – June
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to engage in independent research under the guidance of a Ph.D. mentor. You’ll choose a subject area and work through the steps of designing and completing a research project! The program concludes with a written paper based on your findings, providing you with experience in academic research and the opportunity to deepen your understanding of a specific topic. More details here.
5. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Full financial aid available
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Program 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). Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) offers trimester-long research opportunities for high school students interested in exploring a specific academic field. You can choose from subject areas such as data science, political theory, biology, psychology, and more, with the option to focus on either quantitative or qualitative research. After selecting a track, you’ll be matched with a professor or Ph.D. candidate who will guide you through the process of developing a 20-page research paper.
6. New York University — Design, Invent & Innovate
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,150. Additional Costs: Housing Fee $638 | Mandatory Meal plan with housing: $398
Application Deadline: May 15 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule). Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Dates: June 16 – 27 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Eligibility: High school students aged at least 15 years (current 9th–graduating 12th graders)
The two-week Design, Invent & Innovate (DII) summer program at NYU Tandon offers high school students the chance to explore engineering through practical projects. You’ll use design thinking to address real-world challenges, starting with fieldwork to identify specific problems.
The program includes work with CAD software, prototyping tools, and product development in a university Makerspace. You’ll also examine case studies from areas like healthcare, transportation, and technology. The program concludes with a capstone project, where you’ll present your proposed solution.
7. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Math Summer Workshop
Location: RIT, Rochester, NY
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Not specified. More info here
Dates: TBA. Expected in July. More info here
Eligibility: High school students who will not be graduating in the spring of the year they attend
The RIT summer mathematics workshop introduces high school students to a variety of mathematical topics in a group learning setting. Taught by faculty from the RIT math department, the program includes areas such as probability, functions, and mathematical biology, along with less common problems that involve decision-making and logical reasoning.
8. Row New York Summer Camps
Location: Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, and the Harlem River at Manhattan’s Peter Jay Sharp Dock
Cost: $495 for Queens | $950 for Manhattan. Participants with an annual household income below $100,000 row for free
Application Deadline: Unspecified. More info here
Program Dates: Multiple 1- and 2-week sessions in the summer. More info here
Eligibility: High school students from under-resourced neighborhoods
If you’re a middle or high school student interested in rowing, the summer camps in Manhattan and Queens offer a solid introduction. The camps run for one or two weeks and focus on teaching the basics of sculling, which involves rowing with two oars. You’ll begin on rowing machines to learn proper technique, understand the equipment, and go over safety guidelines.
After that, you’ll spend time on the water practicing drills and short sessions with coaches to build your skills. The camp finishes with a low-pressure scrimmage where you can apply what you’ve learned alongside other participants.
9. Writopia Writing Camp
Location: Camp Danbee, Peru, MA. Buses to and from WriCampia for all campers. Buses will leave from and return to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Hartsdale, NY; and Washington, D.C.
Cost: $4,200. Limited financial aid available
Application deadline: Open until camps fill up
Program dates: August 11 – 22 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Eligibility: Rising 5th–12th graders
Writopia’s summer camps in New York focus on literary and creative activities centered around a chosen book each year. As a camper, you’ll engage in reading sessions led by older participants, which helps build connections and encourages a love of reading.
The camp theme influences various activities, like scavenger hunts and dances. Past themes have included well-known titles like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Campers also receive camp apparel, including a hoodie that changes color annually.
10. Sadie Nash Leadership Project’s Summer Institute
Location: Four locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Newark
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is provided at the end of the program, based on participation
Application deadline: April 14 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Program dates: A 6-week summer program. More info here
Eligibility: Women and gender-expansive high school students who live in New York or Newark
The Sadie Nash Leadership Project’s Summer Institute is a program designed for high school students to develop leadership and communication skills. Through a combination of workshops, field trips, and networking events, you’ll engage with topics such as power dynamics, identity, and privilege. The curriculum includes discussions on art and activism in the U.S., the anthropology of gender, and issues like colorism within communities.
11. NYU’s Cyber Security for Computer Science (CS4CS)
Location: NYU, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Application deadline: May 15 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Program dates: July 14 – August 8 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Eligibility: Rising high school students who reside in NYC
CS4CS is a fully funded summer program that introduces high school students to cybersecurity and computer science. You’ll learn about topics such as ethical hacking, cryptography, and digital forensics. The program also covers software tools and methods used to identify cyber threats, trace their sources, and protect computer networks through ciphers and basic coding. A distinctive feature of CS4CS is Irondale, a theater-based component that focuses on improving your communication and public speaking skills through improvisation exercises.
12. Timbuctoo Climate Science and Careers Summer Institute
Location: Begins in Brooklyn, travels to Kingston, Syracuse, and the Adirondacks, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; all meals, travel, and lodging covered; $1,280 stipend upon completion
Application Deadline: Unspecified; the typical cycle is in the spring. More info here
Program Dates: July 7 – 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 4 – 18 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors from systemically marginalized communities in NYC
This two-week, fully funded summer institute emphasizes climate science, environmental careers, and justice. Hands-on learning includes field trips across New York State, workshops, faculty-led lectures, and outdoor activities. The curriculum aims to expose you to environmental challenges while providing career pathways in fields such as environmental studies, climate science, ecology, and more.
13. SOCAPA Filmmaking Programs — Manhattan Campus
Location: School of Creative and Performing Arts (SOCAPA), Manhattan, New York, NY
Cost: Tuition ranges from $2,195 to $4,295 (housing: $1,990–$2,985 for residential options; day-only available). Tuition and housing costs vary depending on the length, course, and type of accommodation
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until courses fill (early application recommended)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions, late June, July, and August. Options for 2-week and 3-week programs
Eligibility: Ages 14–18 at camp start, high school students; some advanced courses require prior experience
SOCAPA’s Manhattan intensives span core and advanced tracks in filmmaking and screenwriting, as well as integrated acting programs for teens. Students collaborate on creative projects, join workshops, and receive guidance from industry professionals. This program is suited for both beginners and experienced students looking to advance their skills and build a portfolio.
14. Center for Architecture Summer Programs
Location: Center for Architecture, Manhattan, NY (with some offsite sessions)
Cost: Unspecified. Need-based scholarships are available for eligible students. More info here
Application Deadline: May 1 (tentative, based on previous year’s schedule)
Program Dates: Multiple one-week and two-week sessions, July–August (most programs run 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon–Fri)
Eligibility: Entering grades 9–12 in Fall 2025; grades 10–12 eligible for the advanced studio
The Center for Architecture offers architecture-themed summer camps for high school students, focusing on design, drawing, and model-making. Programs like Architectural Design Studio provide you with a comprehensive introduction to college-level studio methods, portfolio development, and visits to real architecture firms.
Other offerings , such as Drawing Architecture and Digital Design: Tiny Houses , develop skills through hands-on sketching, computer-based design, and field trips. Classes accommodate different learning styles, and group sizes are kept small to provide individual attention.
15. NYFA Teen Summer Camps — New York Film Academy
Location: NYFA Campus, Manhattan, NY
Cost: Varies by program; residential and commuter options available
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until courses fill (early application recommended)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions, June – August
Eligibility: Ages 14–17 (high school students)
NYFA’s Teen Summer Camps offer high schoolers immersive experiences in filmmaking, acting, musical theatre, photography, game design, broadcast journalism, documentary production, and 3D animation. Students participate in hands-on learning, project-based work, and collaborative courses, guided by industry professionals.
NYFA’s philosophy emphasizes the development of creative skills, collaboration, and communication through practical training. Both full-time and part-time programs are available, with beginner and advanced options to suit different skill levels.
For more information on summer programs for high school students in New York or elsewhere, you can also check Horizon’s blog posts.
image source – NYFA