14 Fall Internships for High School Students in NYC
Why Do A Fall Internship in New York ?
In NYC, fall internships especially stand out as you get to tap into the city’s professional ecosystem with high-skill industries like technology, finance, life sciences, and creative fields. For students in New York City (NYC), fall internships provide a unique opportunity to engage with the city’s vibrant industries while balancing school commitments. However, with so many options available, finding the right internship can be daunting.
How did we select these programs?
To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of 15 exceptional fall internships for high school students in NYC, including both in-person and virtual programs. Our selection ensures both accessibility and prestige, with opportunities spanning science, arts, public policy, and more. Each program offers you a chance to dive into meaningful projects and mentorship. Explore these fall internships to find the right fit for your aspirations.
1. Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 60 students
Location: American Museum of Natural History, NYC
Cost & Stipend: Free; $2,500 stipend upon completion
Program Dates: August to June
Deadlines: March 8
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders in NYC, passing classes for the last three semesters, enrolled in specific programs or partner schools (e.g., S-PREP, BioBus)
The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) immerses you in authentic scientific research under the guidance of museum scientists. You’ll attend weekly 4-hour sessions, learning research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific communication. Projects range from astrophysics to conservation biology, culminating in a research symposium where you present your findings.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with laboratory techniques and collaborate with peers. Access to the museum’s resources and collections enriches your research experience. The program fosters critical thinking and prepares you for STEM careers.
2. Ladder Internships
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Location: Remote
Cost & Stipend: Starting at $2,490; financial aid available
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Deadlines: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students able to commit 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships connects you with high-growth startups for virtual internships in fields like tech, health tech, and marketing. You’ll work 5-10 hours weekly on real-world projects, such as developing marketing strategies or analyzing data, under the guidance of a startup manager and a Ladder Coach. The program emphasizes skills like project management, communication, and problem-solving.
You’ll present your work to the company, receiving valuable feedback and a letter of completion by the company. Flexible fall cohorts allow you to balance school schedules while gaining professional experience. Financial aid options enhance accessibility.
3. NYC Office of the Mayor Internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Various city department offices, NYC
Cost & Stipend: Free; $16.5 per hour
Program Dates: October to April
Deadlines: Typically Early August—Late August
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ who are eligible to work in the U.S.
This fall internship for high school students in NYC places you in city departments to explore governance and public policy. Tasks include conducting research, analyzing data, drafting briefings, and staffing events, offering a deep dive into municipal operations. You’ll collaborate with government officials, gaining insights into political science and public administration. The internship runs from September to April, allowing you to balance it with school commitments. The program develops skills in communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. Paid at $16 per hour, it’s an accessible opportunity.
4. Metropolitan Museum of Art Internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, NYC
Cost & Stipend: Free
Program Dates: January 11 – June 13
Deadlines: October 28
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 or students obtaining their High School Equivalency, who live and attend school in NYC metro area
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Internship engages you in art education, research, and visitor interaction. You’ll assist with educational programs, conduct art-related research, and support public engagement initiatives. The program hones skills in art history, public speaking, and project coordination.
Mentorship from museum professionals provides insights into curatorial and educational roles. Eligible students receive a stipend, enhancing accessibility. You’ll work in a world-class museum environment, gaining unique exposure to art and culture, and connect one-on-one and in small cohorts with Museum professionals in fields like editorial, marketing, social media, education, scientific research, conservation, and more.
5. Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Brooklyn Museum, NYC
Cost & Stipend: Free; $16.50 per hour, up to 180 hours; MetroCards provided
Program Dates: November to August
Deadlines: October 5
Eligibility: NYC high school students ages 14-19
The Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program offers paid positions in departments like education and curatorial. Apprentices assist with family programs such as Art Explorers, develop tours, and teach summer camp groups, building hands-on experience in education programming within a museum setting. Weekly meetings and occasional field trips enhance your understanding of museum careers. Second-year apprentices take on leadership roles, fostering advanced skills in collaboration and project management. MetroCards are provided for weekend and summer work.
6. Futures and Options Internship Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Futures and Options office, 111 Broadway in Manhattan, NYC
Cost & Stipend: Free; at least $16.50/hour stipend
Program Dates: September to June
Deadlines: August 25
Eligibility: 16-19 years old NYC high school juniors and seniors eligible to work in the U.S.
Futures and Options places you in paid internships at NYC businesses and organizations, where you work 5–10 hours weekly across various industries. Before starting, interns complete two required orientations and readiness workshops to prepare for the workplace. A Coordinator provides mentorship, coaching, and ongoing support throughout the program. Career Exploration field trips with employer partners complement the hands-on internship experience.
7. The Ranger Conservation Corps Internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Various NYC parks
Cost & Stipend: Free; unpaid; community service hours received
Program Dates: Fall and spring sessions; ~8 weeks/session (flexible session dates)
Deadlines: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students interested in environmental issues and restoration
This fall internship for high school students in NYC immerses you in environmental conservation at NYC parks, working with Urban Park Rangers. You’ll engage in fieldwork like trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and environmental monitoring, gaining hands-on experience in urban ecology.
Weekly sessions (2-2.5 hours) develop leadership and teamwork skills. The program offers community service hours and field trips, such as canoeing or camping. It’s ideal for students passionate about sustainability. You’ll work under park rangers, learning practical conservation techniques.
8. Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, NYC
Cost & Stipend: Free; $600 (Tier 1); $700 (Tier 2); $800 (Tier 3); $16.50/hour (Tier 4)
Program Dates: February/March to November
Deadlines: December 8
Eligibility: Teens in grades 9-11 interested in urban agriculture and environmental science
The Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) is a tiered 9-month program progressing from Tier 1 to Tier 4, beginning with gardening outdoors and exploring nature with children. As apprentices advance, they learn horticultural approaches, teach visitors about botany in the Discovery Garden, and conduct science experiments. Teams research, design, and build their own GAP carts — education stations wheeled out into the Garden. At higher tiers, apprentices gain leadership training and guide newer interns through the program.
9. Mount Sinai Center for Excellence in Youth Education
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Mount Sinai, NYC
Cost & Stipend: Free; unpaid
Program Dates: Varies depending on the chosen program, typically during the school year
Deadlines: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students from grade 7 through college who attend schools and/or youth organizations in NYC
This CEYE program at Mount Sinai offers exposure to biomedical research and healthcare careers. You’ll work with researchers and clinicians, conducting experiments and learning medical terminology.
The year-long fall internship for high school students in NYC includes mentorship and hands-on projects. It fosters skills in scientific inquiry and prepares you for medical or scientific fields. You’ll engage in hands-on lab-based research activities and gain valuable experience that deepens your understanding of the biomedical field.
10. NASA GISS High School Internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive (~dozen fall and spring interns, with very few high school students)
Location: Goddard Institute for Space Studies, NYC
Cost & Stipend: Stipend provided
Program Dates: Late August to Mid-December
Deadlines: May 16
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, 16+, 3.0 GPA, enrolled in high school
The NASA GISS Internship offers you a chance to work on climate and space science research. You’ll collaborate with scientists on data analysis and modeling, developing skills in scientific research and communication.
Projects may involve studying atmospheric or planetary phenomena. The program’s competitive nature ensures a rigorous experience. You’ll gain exposure to cutting-edge research tools. It’s ideal for STEM-focused students.
11. Student Historian Internship at the New York Historical Society
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: New York Historical Society, NYC
Cost & Stipend: Free; $700 stipend
Program Dates: October 29 – June 24; weekly sessions
Deadlines: August 24
Eligibility: Rising high school students in grades 10-12, who live in and attend school in the New York City metro area, and are eligible to work in the U.S.
This fall internship immerses high school students in historical research and digital humanities, centered on themes like Frederick Douglass' America. Interns have access to the resources of The New-York Historical Society and receive guidance from professional staff across the museum, library, digital humanities, and history fields. Weekly sessions develop research, writing, and presentation skills, culminating in a final event where interns present their findings.
12. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Location: Remote
Cost & Stipend: Varies; full financial aid available; no stipend
Program Dates: September - December (Fall cohort)
Deadlines: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (August 24), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement, preferably GPA > 3.3/4.0
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs you with a Ph.D. mentor from a top university for a 12-week virtual research project. You’ll meet weekly to refine your research question, conduct a literature review, and write a 20-page paper, developing skills in critical thinking and academic writing.
The program includes workshops on research methods and college admissions. You’ll present your work at a symposium, gaining valuable feedback. Financial aid ensures accessibility for low-income students. It’s ideal for those seeking a rigorous research experience.
13. Alley Pond Field Biology Internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Alley Pond Environmental Center, Queens, NYC
Cost & Stipend: $150 fee; financial aid available
Program Dates: September 27—November 1
Deadlines: August 1 (Fall cohort);
Eligibility: High school students aged 14+
This fall internship for high school students in NYC engages you in environmental research and conservation. You’ll conduct fieldwork, collect data, and analyze local ecosystems, developing skills in scientific methods. Mentorship from environmental educators guides your learning.
The program includes hands-on projects in urban ecology, offering practical experience. Despite the small fee, it’s accessible for students passionate about biology, environmental studies, and natural sciences. You’ll contribute to conservation efforts in Queens.
14. Horizon Academic Research Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: $5,950; financial aid available
Program Dates: September 21
Deadlines: August 31 (Fall cohort)
Eligibility: High school students with GPA >3.67/4.0, typically 10th/11th graders
The Horizon Academic Research Program pairs you with university professors for virtual research projects. You’ll develop a 20-page research paper, honing skills in research design and academic writing.
One-on-one mentorship ensures personalized guidance. The program’s flexibility suits busy students, with financial aid enhancing accessibility. You’ll explore fields like data science or political theory, among many others. It’s ideal for those seeking rigorous academic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to live in NYC to apply to most of these internships?
Yes, the majority of programs on this list require NYC residency or enrollment in an NYC school. SRMP at the American Museum of Natural History, the Met internship, Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program, Futures and Options, and the Student Historian Internship at the New York Historical Society all specify NYC metro area residency or school enrollment as a requirement. Ladder Internships, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, and Horizon Academic Research Program are the three fully remote options on this list with no geographic restriction, making them the strongest choices for students outside the city.
2.Which of these internships are paid, and which are unpaid or fee-based?
Several are paid, including the NYC Office of the Mayor Internship ($16.50 per hour), Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program ($16.50 per hour), Futures and Options (at least $16.50 per hour), and NASA GISS (stipend provided). SRMP, the Met internship, and the Student Historian Internship all provide a flat completion stipend rather than an hourly wage. A few programs operate differently: Ranger Conservation Corps is unpaid but offers community service hours, and Alley Pond Field Biology charges a $150 fee. Lumiere and Horizon are also fee-based with financial aid available, while Ladder Internships starts at $2,490 with financial aid options as well.
3.I am a freshman or just turned 14. Are any of these internships open to me?
Yes, a few. The Garden Apprentice Program at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open to grades 9 through 11, and the Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program accepts students as young as 14. The Alley Pond Field Biology Internship also has a minimum age of 14. Most other programs on this list, including SRMP, the Met internship, and the Student Historian Internship, are restricted to grades 10 and 11 or set a minimum age of 16, so freshmen have fewer immediate options but can use this list to plan ahead for sophomore year.
Key Takeaways
This list covers 14 fall internships for high school students in NYC, spanning museum-based research and education roles at the American Museum of Natural History, the Met, and the Brooklyn Museum, alongside government, environmental, and remote research options. Most in-person programs are free to apply and either pay an hourly stipend, most commonly around $16.50 per hour, or provide a flat completion stipend, with only Alley Pond Field Biology and the fee-based remote research programs, Lumiere and Horizon, carrying an upfront cost. For students outside NYC or who prefer a fully remote experience, Ladder Internships, Lumiere Research Scholar Program, and Horizon Academic Research Program are the three options on this list with no geographic restriction, while NYC-based students have considerably more choice across museums, city government, and environmental conservation roles citywide.