Participating in a high school program related to your chosen field or subject area can be a valuable way to make productive use of your break. Many of these programs are also available during the school year, providing opportunities for additional learning and development. These programs allow you to move beyond the classroom and develop concrete, in-demand skills in fields ranging from finance and technology to healthcare and the performing arts, and more. Whether through mentored research in a biomedical lab, hands-on design in a startup incubator, or policy drafting within a city office, these experiences demonstrate initiative and curiosity, which are essential for success in competitive college admissions and early careers.

Why should you participate in a high school program in NYC?

New York City offers several opportunities to gain valuable professional experience. Numerous institutions across the city—from leading universities like NYU, Columbia, and Fordham to cultural, medical, and governmental organizations like the Mayor’s Office and Rockefeller University—host specialized programs. The benefit of participating in programs for high school students in NYC is that you’ll get to work with professionals and be in a lively, high-stakes professional setting. The city itself acts as an extended classroom, offering unique extracurricular activities like site visits to Wall Street firms, tours of municipal facilities, and networking with industry leaders. 

With that, here are 15 programs for high school students in NYC that you should check out! 

Key Takeaways

• 15 programs in NYC span a wide range of fields, from finance and entrepreneurship at Fordham and NYU, to biomedical research at Rockefeller University and Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute, to performing arts at Marymount Manhattan College.
• New York City’s location gives many programs direct access to real institutions. Fordham’s Finance Institute and NYU’s Career Edge both include site visits to Wall Street firms, while the NYC Mayor’s Office Internship Program places students inside actual mayoral offices working on live policy projects.
• Paid and stipend based opportunities exist alongside the tuition based programs. The NYC Mayor’s Office Internship Program pays $16 per hour, ARISE offers a $1,000 stipend, and Zuckerman Institute’s BRAINYAC provides a stipend with no cost to attend.
• Several research programs are specifically designed for NYC residents from underrepresented backgrounds. Columbia’s S-PREP program targets students exploring medicine or STEM careers, and BRAINYAC gives preference to students from Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx.
• Cost varies enormously across this list, from free options like City Art Lab, S-PREP, and the Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Experience, up to NYU Precollege, which ranges from $3,832 to $15,328 depending on credits taken.
• Research heavy programs like the Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook and ARISE at NYU Tandon place students directly into working labs, requiring skills in data analysis, lab protocols, and scientific writing while culminating in a formal poster or presentation.
• NYC programs are a strong way to build professional and academic skills across many fields, but they are not the only path for a student interested in independent research. Those who want to pursue a research project in a different subject area might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a mentored virtual research program with 600+ specializations across subjects like data science, machine learning, and biology.

15 Programs for High School Students in NYC

1. Fordham Gabelli School of Business: Exploring Entrepreneurship

The Exploring Entrepreneurship Program provides a practical introduction to the world of startups and innovation for high school students in New York City. You will explore core topics such as idea generation, business model development, financing strategies, and the art of pitching to investors. You will also engage in hands-on experiences, including brainstorming business concepts in teams, constructing a minimum viable product, and pitching your final concepts to experienced entrepreneurs. The program structure allows for direct learning and exposure, allowing you to collaborate with professionals in the field and receive feedback on your presented work. Extracurricular activities are available, such as site visits to startup incubators across the NYC entrepreneurial ecosystem and workshops focused on college application and career readiness.

2. Fordham Gabelli School of Business: Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom

During the Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom program, you will learn foundational financial concepts, including investing basics, personal finance, economics, alternative investments, risk management, and the basics of cryptocurrency. You will engage in significant hands-on experiences such as analyzing real market data, creating investment portfolios, and participating in market simulation games. The curriculum blends academic rigor with industry exposure, as you will collaborate with experienced professionals by hearing from guest speakers who have worked on Wall Street. Extracurricular activities typically include site visits to major NYC financial institutions and workshops focused on college application and career readiness.

3. SPS High School Academy: Career Edge

The NYU School of Professional Studies High School Academy Career Edge program’s business track offers a focused, one-week immersion into the modern financial and entrepreneurial landscape. You will learn about core business areas, including finance, start-ups, financial technology, investing, and the principles of investment banking. You will also gain deep insight into the structure and culture of Wall Street through instruction led by current industry professionals. The program gives you the chance to engage in significant hands-on experiences, such as analyzing market trends, applying financial tools to real-world case studies, and participating in stock trading simulations. It highlights industry connections, and you’ll get to work with professionals by directly interacting with guest speakers from top firms, plus you’ll have the chance to share your analyzed work and get expert feedback. Extracurricular activities are available, including educational site visits to prominent financial institutions and cultural excursions across New York City.

4. Bossgirls Summer Program

The Bossgirls Summer Program is a dynamic entrepreneurship camp designed for high school girls and nonbinary students in New York City. During the program, you will learn essential business topics, including how to identify real-world problems, conduct thorough market research, develop functional prototypes, create comprehensive business plans, and effectively pitch ideas to potential investors or mentors. You will engage in significant hands-on activities, such as brainstorming innovative solutions, working in teams to construct prototypes, conducting market research surveys, and delivering final pitch presentations. The program structure allows you to collaborate with professional mentors and investors by presenting your developed work for direct feedback. Extracurricular activities are available, typically including site visits to local startup hubs and networking events with successful female and nonbinary entrepreneurs in the NYC ecosystem.

5. NYC Mayor’s Office Internship Program

The Mayor’s Office Internship Program in New York City provides a structured opportunity for high school students to engage directly with city governance. You will learn practical skills, including research, data analysis, event coordination, and effective policy drafting within specific mayoral offices. You will contribute to real-world projects that address challenges faced by NYC residents in areas such as Community Affairs, Climate and Environmental Justice, or Gender Equity. You will also gain critical insights into urban governance, the policymaking process, and the field of public service while strengthening essential leadership and teamwork abilities. The program fosters collaboration with city staff through a bi-weekly Speaker Series, where you’ll hear directly from senior city officials and have the chance to present your project findings. Extracurricular activities are available, including tours of key municipal facilities and participation in a collaborative service project designed to benefit underserved communities.

6. NYU Precollege

During this program, you will experience rigorous undergraduate-level academics across diverse disciplines, including computer science, economics, journalism, and public policy. You will learn in a rigorous academic environment, take college courses from NYU faculty, and earn transferable college credit while exploring potential majors. You will also gain practical skills in academic writing, advanced research methodologies, and critical thinking essential for college success. The courses integrate real-world professional exposure, and you will collaborate with professionals through guest lectures by experts, such as filmmakers or off-campus sessions at NYC institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You will develop and present original academic work through contributing to classroom discussions and collaborative projects for evaluation. Extracurricular activities are available, including workshops focused on the college admissions process, financial aid navigation, and advanced study strategies.

7. Adelphi University Pre-College Summer Programs

The Summer Pre-College Program provides a credit-bearing experience that allows for in-depth exploration of various academic fields. You will learn foundational concepts and acquire practical skills within your chosen track, including subjects such as quantum engineering, pre-law, computer science, nursing, and business. You will engage in hands-on projects and develop critical college-level competencies in research, critical thinking, and communication. Courses are led by Adelphi faculty, and you will collaborate with instructors and field experts through supplemental workshops and discussions. You will have the opportunity to present your developed work in formal academic settings for professional feedback. 

8. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

During this program, you will learn through engagement in interdisciplinary fields such as robotics, AI, bioengineering, and computer science via intensive workshops and hands-on lab placements. You will contribute to ongoing research projects and receive training in scientific ethics, data analysis techniques, and professional presentation skills. The program structure allows for significant collaboration, as you will work closely with and receive mentorship from NYU faculty and graduate researchers while visiting labs across various disciplines. You will present your developed findings and scientific work at a concluding colloquium attended by academic professionals and researchers. You will also attend specialized training in data management and workshops focused on preparation for future academic pursuits in STEM fields.

9. Marymount Manhattan College Summer Academy: Musical Theatre Intensive

The Summer Academy Musical Theatre Intensive is a two-week pre-college program providing focused training for high school students interested in musical theatre. As a particiapnt, you will learn how to analyze scripts and songs, make acting choices grounded in storytelling, and apply vocal and movement techniques aligned with current college audition and industry expectations. You will receive daily hands-on coaching in acting, singing, and dance, alongside instruction in music fundamentals, musical theatre history, and practical training for digital pre-screen creation. You will also gain critical insight into the professional landscape of musical theatre and the college audition process. The program structure emphasizes professional collaboration, as you will collaborate with faculty through one-on-one coaching and ensemble work, attend seminars with Broadway professionals and MMC alumni, and present your developed audition materials in a final showcase. Aside from this, you’ll get to attend a Broadway show, go on guided tours of key NYC theatre districts, and attend workshops focused on college admissions and financial aid for performing arts students.

10. The Rockefeller University: Summer Science Research Experience

The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) will place you in a research team guided by scientists from leading biomedical institutions. You will learn how to design sophisticated experiments, apply specialized laboratory techniques, and critically analyze scientific data while actively addressing a research question specific to your team’s topic. You will also gain extensive hands-on experience in collaborative scientific inquiry by working in fully equipped RockEDU labs. The program emphasizes professional interaction, as you will collaborate with scientists through lectures, networking events, and present your research findings in a formal poster symposium. 

11.Zuckerman Institute’s BRAINYAC

The BRAINYAC Program offers you a mentored research experience focused on neuroscience. You will learn how to conduct a research project in a university lab, gaining hands-on exposure to experimental design, essential lab protocols, and rigorous data analysis. You will be paired directly with a neuroscientist mentor and receive technical training before beginning immersive lab work guided by your mentor. You will also develop specialized skills in collaborative scientific inquiry and critical analytical thinking within the context of biomedical research. The program emphasizes professional interaction, as you will collaborate closely with scientists and researchers throughout the program and present your research findings to the academic community. 

12. Columbia University: State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)

The S-PREP Program is a no-cost enrichment initiative for high school students in New York City from underrepresented backgrounds who are exploring careers in medicine or STEM. You will learn through weekend or summer classes in key topics such as anatomy, statistics, and essential standardized test preparation. You will gain critical exposure to university-level expectations while building a foundational network of mentors and like-minded peers. Additionally, you will develop skills in scientific reasoning, academic preparation, and professional networking within the medical and scientific fields. The program emphasizes career development, also giving you the chance to collaborate with program advisors and professionals during focused advising sessions. 

13. Stony Brook University: Simons Summer Research Program

The Simons Summer Research Program offers you an intensive, full-time research experience across fields like biology, chemistry, physics, math, and engineering. As a participant, you will learn how to build foundational scientific skills in areas such as data analysis, adherence to lab protocols, and scientific writing while contributing to an ongoing research project. You will gain critical hands-on experience by being fully integrated into a working lab team and participating in professional research meetings. You will also develop the ability to communicate advanced scientific concepts and findings effectively. The program emphasizes academic collaboration, as you will work directly under the guidance of Stony Brook faculty and present your completed work in the form of an abstract and a final poster presentation. 

14. City Art Lab

During this program, you will learn how to explore and master new artistic materials and techniques by working directly with practicing artists. You will gain hands-on experience in the arts through structured projects designed to enhance your creative portfolios. You will also develop skills in artistic technique, collaborative creation, and presentation while gaining insight into college life. The program structure emphasizes collaboration and mentorship, as you will work closely with CCNY Art Education graduate students who are training to become educators, and present your finalized work in a culminating public exhibition. 

15. Yale University: Creating Change through Social Entrepreneurship

During the Creating Change through Social Entrepreneurship course, you’ll work through a structured introduction to social entrepreneurship that focuses on turning a social or environmental challenge into an actionable venture. You’ll begin by identifying a specific problem and learning how to conduct community-informed research to understand stakeholder needs. The course walks you through human-centered design methods, including idea generation, early prototyping, and testing concepts with real users. You’ll develop a clear mission statement and value proposition, then translate your idea into a basic business model. You’ll also examine ways to track social impact while evaluating financial viability through revenue and distribution strategies. 

One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program

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 allows you to engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choice. Horizon has worked with over 1,000 high school students so far and offers more than 600 research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these programs are free or low cost?
City Art Lab, Columbia’s S-PREP, and the Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Experience are all free. Zuckerman Institute’s BRAINYAC and Stony Brook’s Simons Summer Research Program are also free to attend and provide a stipend or paid component.

Are any of these programs limited to NYC residents?
Yes. The NYC Mayor’s Office Internship Program requires New York City residency, ARISE is limited to rising juniors and seniors in NYC, and BRAINYAC is open to NYC sophomores and juniors with preference given to students from Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx.

Which programs give direct exposure to Wall Street or the finance industry?
Fordham’s Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom and NYU’s SPS High School Academy Career Edge both include guest speakers from major financial firms and site visits to prominent NYC financial institutions, alongside hands-on work like market simulations and portfolio building.

Do I need a strong academic background to apply to the research programs?
It depends on the program. Columbia’s S-PREP requires at least an 80 percent GPA, particularly in math and science, while the Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Experience and Stony Brook’s Simons Summer Research Program are more selective and generally expect strong preparation in relevant science coursework, though specific GPA cutoffs are not listed.

What if I am interested in research outside of the sciences represented in these NYC programs?
These programs cover a wide range of fields, but students looking for a research based credential in a specialized subject area might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a selective virtual research program that has worked with over 1,000 high school students and offers 600+ specializations, including subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, and chemistry.

Image source: New York University