15 Internships for College Students in NYC (New York City)
Internships are pivotal in shaping your college career trajectory. They give you experience, enabling you to apply your knowledge in real-world situations. This experience improves your skills and confidence, making you more marketable to potential employers. By participating in internships, you develop a strong professional network that can lead to job opportunities and mentorship. Internships also help you clarify your career goals and make informed decisions about your future. Plus, they demonstrate effort and dedication on your CV, helping you stand out in competitive job markets. Essentially, internships bridge the gap between academic study and professional work, providing valuable experiences and insights that help you build your professional identity.
1. Ladder Internships: High School Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Varies; rolling admissions
Internship Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18
Fields: Business, Technology, Nonprofits, Research
Ladder Internships gives you the chance to work on real-world projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. You’ll engage in tasks that mirror professional environments, helping you enhance your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to your assigned projects. You’ll also benefit from workshops and networking events that broaden your understanding of various industries. Since the program is virtual, you can participate no matter where you are. By the end of the internship, you’ll have a portfolio of work and a clearer perspective on potential career paths.
2. The Met High School Internships
Location: New York City (In-person)
Cost: Free; $1,100 stipend provided
Application Deadline: Spring 2025 (exact date TBA)
Internship Dates: Summer 2025
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 or 11 residing in NY, NJ, or CT
Fields: Art, Museum Studies, Education
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers you an immersive internship experience where you’ll gain insight into how a museum operates. You’ll work on projects across departments like curatorial, education, and conservation, attend workshops, and engage with museum professionals to build a broad understanding of museum work. The program encourages you to think critically, explore art history, and reflect on its relevance today. Through collaborative projects, you’ll sharpen your communication and research skills. A stipend is provided to support your participation and ensure inclusivity. By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the arts and a clearer view of potential career paths in cultural institutions.
3. Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program
Location: Brooklyn, NY (In-person)
Cost: Free; $15/hour (up to 180 hours/year)
Application Deadline: June 2025 (exact date TBA)
Internship Dates: November 2025 – August 2026
Eligibility: NYC high school students aged 14–19
Fields: Museum Education, Art
This program gives you experience in museum education, where you’ll develop and deliver lessons to diverse audiences. As an apprentice, you’ll work closely with museum staff, gaining valuable insights into educational programming and visitor engagement. You’ll strengthen your public speaking, lesson planning, and interactive teaching skills while exploring the museum’s collections to deepen your understanding of art and cultural history. The apprenticeship is paid, making it accessible to students from all backgrounds. Throughout the program, you’ll build confidence and gain skills that are valuable for both educational and artistic career paths.
4. Whitney Museum Youth Insights Arts Careers
Location: New York City (In-person)
Cost: Free; MetroCards and supplies provided
Application Deadline: Early 2025 (exact date TBA)
Internship Dates: Summer 2025
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12
Fields: Art, Museum Studies
The Youth Insights Arts Careers program introduces you to careers in the arts through engaging workshops, museum tours, and conversations with professionals. As an intern, you’ll collaborate on projects that deepen your understanding of contemporary art and how museums operate. The program encourages you to think critically and creatively, giving you space to express your own perspectives through art. By connecting with artists and museum staff, you’ll explore a range of career paths in the art world. MetroCards and supplies are provided, so transportation and materials won’t be a barrier. This immersive experience equips you with the knowledge and skills to support your future artistic goals.
5. New York Historical Society Student Historian Internship
Location: New York City (In-person)
Cost: Free; $700 stipend provided
Application Deadline: March 30, 2025
Internship Dates: July 8 – August 14, 2025
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12 in the NYC metro area
Fields: History, Digital Humanities
This internship gives you the chance to conduct research and create digital projects while being mentored by museum professionals. You’ll explore topics in American history, building skills in historical analysis, digital media, and public speaking. The program emphasizes teamwork, with you collaborating with others to produce content that contributes to the museum’s educational resources. Through workshops and seminars, you’ll learn about careers in museums and the importance of history in today’s world. A stipend is provided to support your participation and ensure the program is accessible to a diverse group. By the end, you’ll have a portfolio of work and stronger research skills.
6. NYC School Construction Authority (SCA) Summer Internship Program
Location: New York City (In-person)
Cost: Free; $16/hour compensation
Application Deadline: March 8, 2025
Internship Dates: Six weeks during Summer 2025
Eligibility: NYC high school students
Fields: Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management
The SCA Summer Internship Program gives you hands-on experience in architecture, engineering, and construction by working directly with industry professionals. You’ll participate in design challenges, site visits, and project planning, while also attending educational sessions on industry standards, safety, and sustainability. By engaging in real-world projects, you’ll build technical skills and gain a clear understanding of the construction process. The internship is paid, ensuring you’re compensated for your work. This experience lays a strong foundation for pursuing further education or a career in the built environment.
7. Apollo Theater Academy High School Internship Program
Location: Harlem, NY (In-person)
Cost: Free; paid internship
Application Deadline: Varies; check website for updates
Internship Dates: Varies; includes after-school and summer sessions
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Fields: Arts Administration, Production, Programming
This program gives you an immersive experience in the performing arts industry, focusing on theater administration and production. You’ll get hands-on training in event planning, technical production, and marketing. Through workshops and mentorship, you’ll learn about various career paths in the arts. The program emphasizes professional development, helping you build skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. By working on real theater productions, you’ll gain a deep understanding of what it takes to bring performances to life. The internship is paid, ensuring you’re compensated for your time and effort
Location: New York City (In-person)
Cost: Free; stipend provided every four months
Application Deadline: August 2025
Internship Dates: October 2025 – June 2027
Eligibility: NYC public high school students currently in 10th grade
Fields: Media, Journalism, Design
Condé Nast, in partnership with the Educational Alliance Edgies Teen Center, offers you a two-year program designed for students interested in media careers. You’ll take part in experiential learning through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on projects that cover many aspects of media production, from content creation to design. The program also offers travel opportunities, including possible trips to Los Angeles, to expand your industry exposure. A stipend supports your participation throughout the two years. By the end of the program, you’ll have built a digital media portfolio and developed a valuable network of industry contacts.
9. Girls Who Code Summer Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Varies; check website for updates
Internship Dates: Summer 2025
Eligibility: High school students identifying as female or non-binary
Fields: Computer Science, Technology
Girls Who Code offers two summer programs: the Summer Immersion Program and the Self-Paced Program. The Summer Immersion Program is a two-week virtual experience where you will learn coding, gain exposure to tech jobs, and join a supportive sisterhood of peers and mentors. The Self-Paced Program allows you to learn at their own pace, focusing on projects that interest them.
10. BioBus Junior Scientist Internship
Location: New York City (In-person)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 2025
Internship Dates: School Year
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–17
Fields: Science, Research
The BioBus Junior Scientist Internship offers you the chance to engage in scientific exploration. You will work alongside scientists in mobile and community laboratories, participating in in-school, after-school, weekend, and summer programs. The internship emphasizes experiential learning, allowing you to discover and pursue science through immersive laboratory environments. You will develop practical skills in scientific research and communication, contributing to their academic and professional growth. The program fosters a supportive community, encouraging collaboration and curiosity. By the end of the internship, you will have a deeper understanding of scientific processes and potential career paths in science.
11. Genspace BioRocket Internship
Location: New York City (In-person)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 2025
Internship Dates: School Year
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18
Fields: Genetic Engineering, Biology
The Genspace BioRocket Internship is a six-month science research program for New York City public and charter high school students. Interns learn advanced genetic engineering and biology laboratory skills, along with science communication techniques. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of modern biological research, emphasizing both technical proficiency and the ability to convey scientific concepts to diverse audiences. You will engage in hands-on projects, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The internship supports you in building a strong foundation for future studies or careers in the life sciences.
12. Columbia Engineering Hk Maker Lab
Location: New York City (In-person)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 2025
Internship Dates: Summer
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
Fields: Biomedical Engineering, Design
The Hk Maker Lab at Columbia Engineering is a six-week intensive summer program focusing on the foundations of design. You will address health-related problems by designing, prototyping, and testing biomedical devices, culminating in a presentation to industry executives. The program integrates engineering principles with real-world applications, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. You will develop technical skills, learn to navigate the design process, and gain insights into the biomedical industry. The experience enhances their problem-solving abilities and prepares them for future academic and professional endeavors in engineering and healthcare.
13. American Museum of Natural History Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: New York City (In-person)
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Application Deadline: March
Internship Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
Fields: Scientific Research
The SRMP at the American Museum of Natural History offers you a year-long opportunity to conduct scientific research under the guidance of professional scientists. You will work in small groups on unique projects, gaining experience in data analysis, coding, and scientific communication. The program emphasizes both hard and soft skills, fostering collaboration and critical thinking. You will contribute to ongoing research, enhancing your understanding of scientific methodologies and the natural world. The experience prepares you for future studies and careers in science, providing a strong foundation in research practices.
14. Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program
Location: New York City (In-person)
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Application Deadline: February
Internship Dates: Summer
Eligibility: High school juniors living within a 25-mile radius of NYC
Fields: Biomedical Research, Computational Biology
The Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering offers you an eight-week internship in biomedical or computational lab-based research. You will work with mentors to build technical skills and complete self-directed research projects. The program includes events designed to provide insights into translational medicine and research. You will gain experience in scientific research, enhancing your understanding of the biomedical field. The internship is highly competitive, selecting about 2% of applicants annually, and provides a valuable opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in science and medicine.
15. Columbia BRAINYAC (Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia)
Location: New York City (In-person)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: October
Internship Dates: Summer
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors
Fields: Neuroscience Research
BRAINYAC is an immersive, research experience designed to prepare New York City high school students for careers in science. You will be paired with a mentor in neuroscientists and engage in research projects, gaining experience in a professional academic environment. The program emphasizes skill development in scientific research, critical thinking, and communication. You will contribute to ongoing studies, enhancing your understanding of neuroscience and research methodologies. The experience provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing further education and careers in scientific fields.