12 Paid Engineering Internships for High School Students in NYC (New York City)
Internships are one of the most effective ways for high school students to explore careers, especially in fields like engineering. They allow you to apply your knowledge, build skills, and explore your interests without committing to a full-time course or expensive training. Many of these internships are hosted by top universities, labs, and organizations, which means you’ll be learning from industry experts.
Programs that offer stipends are especially valuable—they help reduce financial barriers while compensating you for your time and work. For New York City students interested in engineering, these internships offer insight into the inner workings of the field. They also provide exposure to research, professional tools, and mentors. We've shortlisted the top 12 paid engineering internships for high schoolers in NYC that offer valuable experience.
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Stipend: While most interns receive a stipend, certain opportunities are unpaid.
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Summer: February 28 | Fall: May 16
Dates:
Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May
Summer Session: Late May to August
Fall Session: Late August to Mid-December
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s OSTEM Internships provide high school and college students with hands-on experience across fields such as science, engineering, finance, IT, and business. You’ll work with subject matter experts in areas like aeronautics and space science. Interns may contribute to projects involving mission data analysis, experimental design, or technology development. Opportunities also exist in outreach, education, and communication-focused tracks. The program supports over 2,000 students annually and includes mentorship and professional development. Internships are offered across multiple NASA centers and vary in duration and focus.
2. Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)
Location: Virtual or In-person
Stipend: There are paid opportunities available.
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Applications will open in March/April
Dates: June - August (~6 to 8 weeks); exact dates vary depending on opportunity
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
As a SPARK Summer Mentorship Program mentee, you’ll gain valuable experience through mentorship with professionals from academia, industry, and the community. You’ll be paired with a mentor whose background aligns with your goals and interests. Many alumni have co-authored research or continued their projects beyond the program. You’ll also attend group events and networking sessions that offer insight into careers.
3. Biorocket Research Internship Program
Location: Genspace, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Cohort Size: 13
Application Deadline: January 8
Dates: Orientation day: February 21 | Spring Session: February 27 - May 22 | Summer Session: June 30 - August 15
Eligibility: Students who live or attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace;16+ by the orientation date
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a 6-month deep dive into genetics, biology, and science communication for NYC high school students. You’ll work in labs, tour behind the scenes at research facilities, and receive improv training to help communicate your ideas. Alongside 12 peers and scientific mentors, you’ll co-create a research project that explores your interests. You’ll also gain career advice and meet scientists who are shaping the field. The program values inclusion and encourages students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply.
4. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
Location: U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers across the country
Stipend: Stipends are based on the projects.
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Typically 6-10 weeks in May-August
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 14 years of age
AEOP’s High School Internship Program gives you access to professional labs and mentors while contributing to projects with national impact. You’ll spend the summer working alongside scientists and engineers in U.S. Army research centers or university labs. This experience includes using cutting-edge tools, understanding lab routines, and learning how research is conducted. You’ll also connect with fellow interns and attend webinars on STEM careers and college readiness.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Multiple labs across the country
Stipend:
New participant: $4,000
Returning participant: $4,500
Cohort Size: Around 300
Application Deadline: November 1
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least Grade 9 and are at least 16 years old by the internship start date
SEAP places motivated high school students in Department of Navy research labs during the summer. Over eight weeks, you'll get experience in STEM projects that shape national defense innovation. Applicants are evaluated on academic achievement, personal statements, and recommendations. With limited placements across 38 labs nationwide, this is a selective yet rewarding opportunity. SEAP helps you explore Naval STEM careers, build skills, and discover if a future in science or engineering is right for you.
6. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple locations across the country
Stipend: $501.60/week
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: January 10
Dates: Dates vary depending on the project you apply for.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years of age by the application deadline; minimum GPA 3.0/4.0
This paid internship gives high school through Ph.D. students the chance to work alongside AFRL scientists and engineers on defense research. From satellite simulations to sustainable architecture, you’ll find diverse projects that match your interests. Whether you're modeling autonomous satellites or creating 3D renderings for lab renovations, the program offers direct mentorship and hands-on experience. You’ll be contributing to national defense efforts while building skills that will support your academic and career growth.
7. TECH360
Location: America on Tech (New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta)
Stipend: $500
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: May 25
Dates: Dates vary depending on the location you choose
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors currently attending a New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, Miami-Dade/ Broward County, or Atlanta high school
TECH360: Intro to AI is a three-week summer program by America On Tech, aimed at high school sophomores and juniors interested in artificial intelligence. The hybrid format combines online learning with two in-person sessions. You will delve into AI concepts, including the development of generative and predictive models, data science, and machine learning. The curriculum also addresses ethical considerations in AI. You’ll collaborate on a final project, pitching an AI solution to mock clients, with top teams presenting at a Demo Day.
Location: America on Tech (New York City, Los Angeles, Miami)
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: August 3
Dates: September 8 – May 14
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending a New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, or Miami-Dade/Broward County public or charter school
Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) is a nine-month free program for high school juniors and seniors in NYC, LA, and Miami. It offers weekly technical training in web development and AI, along with professional development workshops. You will engage in career days and receive mentorship from tech industry professionals. In the first semester, you will learn HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap, culminating in a Demo Day competition. The second semester allows you to specialize in tracks like UX Design or Data Science, integrating AI tools. NYC students who complete the program may access paid summer internships through AOT's employer network.
9. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: New York University, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance Rate: Highly Selective
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year
The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program is a 10-week summer opportunity for high school students interested in scientific research. The first four weeks focus on safety training, college writing, and foundational research skills. You’ll then spend six weeks working in an NYU lab, contributing to active research alongside faculty and graduate mentors. Participants log around 120 hours of lab experience and engage in skill-building workshops in public speaking and professional development. The program concludes with a research presentation at NYU and a poster symposium at the American Museum of Natural History. ARISE also provides college application support and access to a growing alumni network.
10. SCA High School Summer Internship Program
Location: School Construction Authority
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: January 3 - March 7
Dates: 6 weeks in the Summer
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a New York City public high school
The SCA High School Summer Internship Program offers NYC public high school students a paid, six-week opportunity to explore careers in fields like engineering, architecture, IT, and business. As an intern, you will spend four days a week working with a host company or SCA department and one day participating in workshops, panel discussions, and design challenges. The program also includes free OSHA 10-hour construction safety training. Each placement is tailored to the student’s skillset and host site needs, offering experience in professional settings. You will gain mentorship, workplace exposure, and valuable career insight.
11. Project SEED by American Chemical Society
Location: American Chemical Society/ Virtual
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: April 14
Dates: 8-10 weeks from June - August
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors; Must have completed at least one course of high school chemistry.
Project SEED is a summer research program created by the American Chemical Society to support high school students from underserved communities. Each year, the program matches over 350 students with mentors for 8–10 weeks of research in academic or industrial chemistry labs. You’ll also join a virtual summer camp that covers college preparation, lab techniques, and career exploration in different fields of chemistry, including chemical engineering. With over 50 years of impact and more than 11,000 alumni, Project SEED is an established STEM program.
12. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brooks University
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 - August 8
Eligibility: 11th graders at the time of applying; must be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University introduces high school students to university-level STEM research. Fellows are matched with Stony Brook faculty and assigned to research teams, where they contribute to ongoing science, math, or engineering projects. The program includes weekly lectures, professional development workshops, and campus tours. Each student produces a final research abstract and poster, presented at the program’s conclusion. You can find the available areas of research here.
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