New York City hosts some of the nation’s top universities, hospitals, and research centers, making it a strong place for high school students to explore science beyond school. If you’re a high school student in NYC who wants to learn science through real work, there are year-round programs that let you gain lab experience, grow your research skills, and meet professionals in areas like biology, chemistry, and neuroscience.
As a participant, you can spend time in labs, assist in ongoing projects, and see how science is applied in everyday work. Many of these programs run during the school year or in the summer. Some take place after school or on weekends, which makes it easier to balance them with regular classes.
Doing science work early helps you see which part of the field interests you most. You might realize you enjoy research more than theory or that you like the process of testing and discovery. It also helps you build experience that can strengthen your college applications and give you a clearer idea of what you may want to study later.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 13 science programs for high school students based in New York City!
13 Science Programs for High School Students in NYC
1. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified. More info here
Dates: June 30 – August 8 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents and at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University offers high school students the opportunity to take part in research in science, mathematics, or engineering. As a participant, you’ll be matched with a research group and work under the guidance of faculty mentors on a specific project. Throughout the program, you’ll develop skills in lab work and research methods, attend academic talks, and gain exposure to the university research environment. The program also includes workshops and campus activities designed to support your experience. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work through a written abstract and a research poster.
2. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, NY
Cost/Stipend: $750 stipend on completion (free to attend)
Application Deadline: Not specified. More info here
Dates: June 2 – August 8 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: NYC public/private/charter school students completing grade 10 or 11 by program start.
NYU’s ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering) program is designed for high school students in New York City who are interested in exploring research in engineering and related fields. As a participant, you’ll be matched with a research lab at NYU and spend several weeks contributing to ongoing projects in areas such as chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, bioengineering, machine learning, and more. You’ll also receive mentorship from graduate students and faculty, with a focus on building research skills and understanding how scientific work is conducted in a university setting. The program concludes with a colloquium where you’ll present your research to peers and mentors. ARISE typically admits around 75 to 80 students each year.
3. Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend is paid ($750 + summer/fall, but some variability)
Application Deadline: October 31
Dates: June – August (5 weeks)
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 BRAINYAC program at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute offers high school students the opportunity to take part in neuroscience research during the summer. If selected, you’ll be paired with a mentor from a Columbia lab and spend several weeks working on a research project related to brain science. Projects vary by lab, but may include topics like how neurons process sensory input or how brain activity is measured. The experience is designed to give you a clearer understanding of neuroscience and what a research career in the field might involve. Throughout the program, you’ll build research skills, learn about lab techniques, and gain exposure to how scientific studies are designed and carried out.
4. Wave Hill Forest Project
Location: Wave Hill, Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of approximately $2,275
Application Deadline: Applications open in winter
Dates: Between July – August (More info here)
Eligibility: New York high school students who are at least 16 years old and authorized to work in the U.S.
The Wave Hill Forest Project is a paid internship program for high school students interested in ecology and environmental work in an urban environment. As an intern, you’ll work in teams to help manage and restore woodland areas through tasks like trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, and erosion control. In addition to fieldwork, the program includes an accredited college-level course called ‘Restoration of New York City’s Natural Areas’, which introduces topics in ecology and environmental management. Interns also take part in team activities and visit partner sites to learn about related environmental projects and research across the city.
5. Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center HOPP Summer Student Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $1,200
Application Deadline: February 6
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 14 years old, have a minimum 3.5 GPA, and are authorized to work in the U.S.; applicants must live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut within 25 miles of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s main campus on the Upper East Side in Manhattan
The HOPP Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering is an eight-week research internship for high school students interested in biomedical science. During the program, you’ll be placed in a research lab and work on a project connected to ongoing cancer research. You’ll be paired with a mentor who will help guide your work and support the development of research techniques and lab skills. Research areas in the program include topics such as cancer biology, immunology, computational biology, and drug discovery. The program also includes sessions focused on professional development and career pathways in biomedical research and translational medicine.
6. Bridge to Biostats Summer Program (B2BSP)
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend provided
Application Deadline: Not specified. More info here
Dates: June 30 – August 8 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores to rising seniors, residing and attending school in New York City
The B2BSP (Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Summer Program) is a six-week paid opportunity for high school students in New York City to explore biostatistics and data science. Through the program, you’ll learn the basics of statistics and R programming by working on applied projects. One of the main components is a data analysis project using cancer research data, which you’ll present at the end of the program. You’ll also attend sessions focused on interpreting data and understanding statistical concepts, with support from experienced biostatisticians who serve as mentors. In addition to the research component, the program includes workshops on SAT preparation and college planning.
7. Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) at Columbia University
Location: Columbia University, NY
Cost: $10,705 (residential); $5,880 (commuter); This amount includes tuition, lab fee, materials fee, and activity fee. Need-based scholarships are available
Application Deadline: March 3 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 24 | Session 2: July 17 – Aug 14 (tentative, based on previous years)
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 designed for students interested in STEM fields. The program runs in 3-week sessions where you’ll take a college-level course focused on engineering, taught by Columbia faculty. You’ll select one course to focus on for the duration of the session. Course options cover a range of engineering and related topics, including Biomedical Engineering, Robotics and Autonomous Driving, Competitive Programming, Sustainable Engineering, Probability, Product Development, Civil Engineering, Operations Research, Electrical Engineering, Solar Energy, Chemical Engineering, and Data Science.
8. DNA Learning Center Urban Barcode Research Program
Location: DNA Learning Center, New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $500
Application Deadline: May 27 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: First lab training course: August 25 – 29; Additional sessions scheduled during the school year. The research symposium will be held in late May or early June (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: NYC high school students enrolled in grades 9–12 can apply
The Urban Barcode Research Program at New York City College of Technology provides high school students with the chance to engage in laboratory research using a variety of scientific techniques. After interviews held in July, 36 students were selected to join the program. During the program, you’ll learn about DNA barcoding and how biodiversity is affected by human activity. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, you’ll work on a research project that includes writing research proposals, collecting samples, isolating DNA, and analyzing results. Before beginning lab work, you’ll take training courses on biodiversity, research methods, and conservation biology, along with hands-on lab training.
9. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $2,000
Application Deadline: Applications open November 1. More info here
Dates: Spring session: February 25 – May 21 | Summer session: July 6 – August 14. Students must attend both sessions (tentative dates)
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 six-month opportunity for high school students interested in genetic engineering and biology lab work. You’ll join a group of about a dozen students to conduct both individual and group research projects, guided by scientist mentors. Throughout the program, you’ll explore topics like DNA sequencing, genetic modification, and bioinformatics. You’ll gain hands-on experience with laboratory techniques and equipment, while developing your understanding of the scientific process. The program also includes opportunities to improve your science communication skills by sharing your research with others. Additionally, you’ll learn about the ethical considerations involved in biotechnology and how these practices are applied responsibly. You can check out the previous projects here.
10. Wildlife Conservation Society | Bronx Zoo Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology)
Location: WCS Headquarters, Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. 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: March 7 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: Summer Program (Late June – August) | Fall Program (September – December)
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 program run by the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo Education team in collaboration with Fordham University. As a participant, you’ll work with a small team and be paired with a Fordham undergraduate student who will mentor your research. WCS staff also provide guidance to both high school and college students involved in the program. During the program, you’ll conduct field research on subjects such as mammal distribution, bird communities, water quality, and managing invasive species. You’ll learn how to collect and analyze data, develop your science communication skills, and apply the scientific method to a field-based research project. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings to peers, scientists, and members of the community.
11. RockEDU’s LAB Jumpstart Program
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, Rockefeller University, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students are provided with a MetroCard or OMNI card to cover their transportation to and from campus for both portions of the program. Participants receive a $500 stipend for the spring portion (phase one) and another $3000 for the summer portion (phase two)
Application Deadline: January 3 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: Phase One (Spring Session): February 27 – June 12. Phase Two (Summer Session): June 23 – August 7 (tentative, based on previous years)
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 helps high school students build scientific thinking and research skills through talks, workshops, and mentorship. You’ll join a research team led by Rockefeller trainees and participate in elective courses, guest lectures, and social events. The program has two phases from March to August. In the spring session, held after school twice a week, you’ll learn how to develop research questions, explore scientific methods, and connect with mentors. During the summer session, you’ll join the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP), spending up to 35 hours per week working on a research project with a team that matches your interests. SSRP typically accepts about 32 students, with teams of around eight students each.
12. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) – Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: February 28 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: June 16 – 27 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students entering 9–12 grade in the Fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program that introduces high school students to how artificial intelligence is applied in healthcare. Throughout the program, you will attend technical lectures covering the basics of AI and its medical uses. In addition to lectures, the program includes daily mentoring sessions and collaborative research projects. Guest speakers from academia, industry, and government also present talks to provide a broader perspective on the field. Career-focused “Lunch and Learn” sessions offer information about various intersections between technology and medicine. After completing the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion.
13. NASA’s GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: April 9 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: June 2 – August 29 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors entering grade 11 or 12; have taken at least one high school biology course; Minimum (unweighted) GPA of 3.0
NASA’s GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) is a 12-week summer program focused on space biology and bioinformatics. The program is asynchronous, allowing you to work through the material on your own schedule. You will study genomics research and learn computational techniques for analyzing data collected by NASA. Optional weekly office hours provide live instruction and opportunities to ask questions, totaling up to six hours per week. Upon completing all required assignments, you will receive a digital certificate. After finishing the main program, you can apply to participate in the Capstone Project.
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 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 – Genspace