15 Research Opportunities for High School Students in NYC (New York City)
If you're a high school student in New York City interested in research, there are a number of great programs that offer experience in fields like biology, neuroscience, engineering, environmental science, and more. These programs go beyond classroom learning, helping you learn how to frame research questions, collect and analyze data, and present your findings, with guidance from experienced mentors and professional researchers.
Many of these opportunities are fully funded or low-cost, making them accessible regardless of background. Some take place during the summer, while others run during the school year, allowing you to balance research with your academic schedule or explore new interests year-round. You'll also gain skills like scientific writing, coding, lab techniques, and critical thinking, all of which strengthen your college applications and future opportunities in STEM.
Whether you're working in a university lab, a local science center, or even out in the field, these programs help you build early connections, explore real-world challenges, and develop the confidence to take your interest in research further. Here are 15 standout opportunities worth exploring that you can consider!
1. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) at NYU
Location: New York University, New York City, New York (specific area depends on subject area/ lab choice)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 - August 8
Eligibility: Students in New York City completing 10th or 11th grade in June
ARISE is a free, ten-week summer research program that begins with a four-week virtual component, where you’ll attend evening workshops focused on scientific ethics, research design, data analysis, and science communication. These sessions provide a foundation in how research works, while preparing you for lab experience. In the last six weeks, you’ll join a research lab at NYU and contribute to ongoing projects in areas like robotics, machine learning, biology, clean energy, and more. You’ll work alongside faculty and graduate mentors, gaining exposure to lab techniques, research tools, and collaborative problem-solving. ARISE also includes seminars, a final presentation, and ongoing support to help you grow as a young researcher and prepare for future STEM opportunities.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective virtual program that pairs ambitious high school students with high-growth startups and nonprofits around the world. Ladder offers an opportunity to conduct applied research in business, product development, market analysis, and other industries; giving you a chance to conduct research. You’ll work with startup founders and team members on projects, gaining exposure to fields such as AI, healthcare, finance, sustainability, media, and more. Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll receive mentorship from both a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach. The program emphasizes independent work, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all key research skills. You’ll also participate in structured workshops and deliver a final presentation of your work.
3. CCNY STEM Research Academy
Location: One of CUNY/CCNY campuses in New York City, New York. Varies with your lab placement
Cost/Stipend: Free, $1,575 stipend
Application Deadline: Applications are typically accepted from December 1st to January 15th or 16th
Dates: The Research Academy takes place during the spring semester. The summer internship takes place over 5 weeks during the summer.
Eligibility: New York City Public High School 10th or 11th grader during; 75 or above on the ELA Regents or 480+ on SAT Verbal or PSAT Reading; HS average of at least 80; Participants must have passed the Regents Algebra, Geometry, Living Environment, Earth Science, and Global Studies exam with a 66 or bette
The STEM Research Academy offers high school students in NYC the chance to explore scientific research in depth. The program begins with a competitive spring course where only 25 students are selected to learn how to formulate research questions, conduct literature reviews, and design experiments. You’ll complete 45 hours of coursework and may be eligible for high school elective credit upon completion. Upon completion of the course, you’ll participate in a summer research internship where you’ll be paired with a CUNY or CCNY faculty member to pursue a topic of interest. Working closely with the faculty, you’ll gain lab experience in fields like biology, chemistry, engineering, and space science. The program concludes with a final presentation of your research.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,990. Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June-August), fall (September-December), winter (December-February), and spring (March-June).
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school; Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4); No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Lumiere Education is a well-regarded research program founded by Harvard and Oxford alumni. It offers motivated high school students the opportunity to conduct university-level research under the mentorship of scholars from top global institutions. The program is entirely virtual, making it accessible to students worldwide, and emphasizes academic rigor, critical thinking, and independent inquiry. Students can choose from three tracks based on their goals and experience. The Individual Research Program is a 12-week one-on-one mentorship culminating in a research paper. The Premium Research & Publication Program adds guidance for potential publication. The most advanced option, the Research Fellowship, spans 6–12 months and includes original data collection, aiming for publication or submission to national research competitions.
5. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, New York (with commuter and residential options)
Cost: Free, although students are responsible for transportation and residential costs. At the program’s closing symposium, students receive a stipend award
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 - August 8
Eligibility: Applicants must be in their junior year (11th grade) of high school at the time of application, must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program is a prestigious, six-week residential experience where motivated high school students dive into university-level STEM research. You’ll be paired with a faculty mentor and join a research team to tackle a project in areas like biochemistry, computer science, geoscience, pharmacology, or physics. Your work culminates in a formal research abstract and poster, which you’ll present at a symposium alongside peers and professionals. Beyond the lab bench, the program enriches your experience with weekly faculty lectures, specialized workshops, and campus and lab tours that expand your scientific knowledge and career insights. Admission is by school nomination, ensuring a highly selective cohort of students poised to advance their research skills and academic passions.
6. Genspace’s Biorocket Research Internship
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, New York
Stipend: $2,000
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Dates: Spring semester (February 28 - May 23) | Summer semester (July 1 - August 16)
Eligibility: Students 16 years or older who live in NYC or attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace
Genspace, a community biotech lab in Brooklyn, offers a hands-on summer research internship for high school students interested in biotechnology, genetics, and synthetic biology. In this immersive program, you’ll work in a professional lab setting, learning essential techniques such as DNA extraction, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics. With support from scientist mentors, you’ll contribute to a group research project that encourages inquiry, experimentation, and critical thinking. The program emphasizes lab experience and includes field trips to biotech companies, lab tours, and discussions about STEM careers. Past student projects have explored topics like biofilm behavior, algal growth for water purification, and liver cell biosensors. You'll gain technical skills, build scientific literacy, and better understand the role of biology in solving global challenges.
7. Columbia University’s Pre-college Program
Location: Columbia University, New York City, New York (residential, commuter and online options are offered)
Cost: Programs start at $6,300 per session
Application Deadline: Applications for the summer session will close in the Spring.
Date: Summer session: Multiple 2 and 3-week (in-person and virtual) sessions available between June and August | Academic Year Weekend: January 18 – March 23 (Spring session) | September 20 – December 14 (Fall session)
Eligibility: Domestic and international students entering grades 9–12 in the fall, as well as current 12th graders
Columbia University’s Pre-College Program offers high school students the opportunity to experience college-level academics while studying on Columbia’s campus or online. With over 70 course options in subjects like biology, psychology, computer science, business, and more, the program allows you to explore your academic interests in depth through lectures, projects, and interactive workshops. All courses are taught by Columbia faculty or affiliated instructors. Students who complete the program receive a Certificate of Participation and an instructor-written evaluation, which can strengthen future college applications. Whether you’re developing a startup idea in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation course or diving into molecular biology, you’ll build critical skills in research, communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving in a rigorous Ivy League environment.
8. GSTEM at New York University
Location: New York University, New York City, New York
Cost: Tuition: $5,300, housing with meal plan: $3,702
Application Deadline: April 15
Dates: July 1 – August 9
Eligibility: High school students currently in 11th grade
NYU’s GSTEM program is a six-week summer research experience designed for high school students historically underrepresented in STEM. As a participant, you’ll be paired with a STEM professor or researcher to work on an individual project in fields such as biology, computer science, engineering, or mathematics. You’ll gain research experience and strengthen your skills in lab techniques, coding, scientific writing, and presentations. Weekly field trips to local STEM institutions and a final symposium allow you to expand your network and showcase your work.
9. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) Summer Internship Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a stipend of $2,100 (approx.) on completing the program
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in the first week of February
Dates: June 27 - August 22
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 14 years old, have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) Summer Internship at MSKCC is a research-focused opportunity for high school students interested in biomedical science. For the course of eight weeks, you’ll be placed in a computational or biomedical research lab, where you’ll work under the guidance of a dedicated mentor and principal investigator. Your internship will involve conducting an independent research project that contributes to ongoing cancer research in fields like genomics, chemical biology, pharmacology, and computational science. In addition to lab work, you’ll attend lectures, skill-building workshops, and lab tours, and participate in team-building events and journal clubs. You’ll also explore careers in clinical research through programming offered by departments across MSKCC. The program concludes with a formal research symposium, where you’ll present your findings to peers and professionals.
10. Student Historian Internship at the New York Historical Society
Location: New York Historical Society, New York City, New York
Stipend: Interns who attend a Title 1 School or are eligible for free or reduced lunch will be offered a stipend to participate. Unpaid internships will be provided for all other accepted students, with the option to receive community service hours or school credit. Participation in this program can be used to fulfill the extracurricular requirement for the NYSED Seal of Civic Readiness
Application Deadline: March 30 for the summer internship, and September 22 for the academic year internship
Dates: The Student Historian internship runs twice a year—during the academic year (late October to early June) and in the summer (July 8 to August 14)
Eligibility: High school students, entering grades 10, 11, or 12. Applicants must live in and attend school in the New York City metro area (includes the five boroughs of New York City, as well as areas of New York State, Connecticut, and New Jersey)
The Student Historian Internship at the New-York Historical Society is a research-based program for high school students in the NYC metro area who are curious about history, museums, and public scholarship. Over five weeks in the summer or during the academic year, you'll explore American history and digital humanities while creating your own digital public history project. You’ll use the museum’s resources, meet curators and historians, and build skills in research, communication, and digital media. Through hands-on workshops, lectures, and guided research, you’ll gain insight into museum operations, education, and historical storytelling. Interns also receive mentorship and collaborate with peers on projects tied to a central historical theme. Selected students receive a stipend, and all participants leave with a strong foundation in historical research and public engagement.
11. High School Research Internships at Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), Cornell University, and the USDA
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
Stipend: High school researchers receive a stipend, paid monthly, totaling $4,200 for the program
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Dates: June 25 - August 9
Eligibility: Local/regional high school students who are at least 16 years of age by the start of the program
The Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), a leading center for life sciences research, offers a summer internship program for local high school students interested in plant science and computational biology. As an intern, you’ll be matched with a project based on your interests and experience, and work closely with both a research mentor, often a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher, and a faculty advisor. You’ll contribute to ongoing lab research in areas such as molecular biology, plant-pathogen interactions, bioinformatics, and biological engineering. In addition to lab work, interns can attend training sessions, join professional development seminars with undergraduates, and go on local field trips. The program concludes with a research symposium in August, where you'll present your project through a scientific poster.
12. Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
Location: Columbia University, New York City, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a stipend, but the amount is not specified. Application Deadline: Typically opens in October
Dates: 7 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who live in New York City and are enrolled in one of the Zuckerman Institute’s New York City-based partner programs (S-PREP, BioBus, Lang Youth Medical, Columbia Secondary School, or Double Discovery Center)
BRAINYAC is a neuroscience research program for high school students organized by Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute. It begins in the spring with weekend training sessions that introduce neuroscience concepts, lab techniques, coding, dissections, and scientific reading. In the summer, students are matched with a mentor and placed in a neuroscience lab to work on an independent research project. Past projects have explored topics such as cuttlefish camouflage, stress and brain development, and neurodegenerative diseases. As a BRAINYAC intern, you’ll gain lab experience, sharpen your research and critical thinking skills, and present your findings at a final symposium. The program is open to students from New York City, but you must be nominated by one of BRAINYAC’s partner organizations to apply.
13. Wave Hill Forest Project
Location: Wave Hill, Bronx, New York City, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend of $2,275
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: July 1 - August 16
Eligibility: New York City residents who are in high school, at least 16 years old by May, and are eligible to work in the U.S. can apply
Wave Hill’s Forest Project is a paid summer internship for high school students in New York City interested in urban ecology and conservation. As part of a small team, you’ll restore local woodlands by removing invasive species, maintaining trails, and stabilizing eroded slopes. Alongside fieldwork, you’ll take a college-level course on ecological restoration and participate in research projects and data collection. The program also includes guest lectures, field trips, and workshops with environmental professionals. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience, build teamwork skills, and earn a $2,275 stipend upon completion. The Forest Project is a great opportunity to explore careers in ecology and contribute meaningfully to the restoration of New York City’s natural spaces.
14. DNA Learning Center Urban Barcode Research Program
Location: DNA Learning Center, City College of Technology, Brooklyn, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a $500 stipend
Application Deadline: May 27
Dates: The first mandatory lab training course will take place from August 26–August 30, and additional sessions are scheduled during the school year. The research symposium will be held in late May or early June
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in grades 9-12 at a public or private high school in New York City. Students must reside in New York City. Students are required to complete two mandatory courses: Conservation Genetics and DNA Barcoding and Bioinformatics
The Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP) is a hands-on research opportunity for high school students interested in biotechnology and conservation. This program introduces you to DNA barcoding, a genetic method used to study biodiversity in urban environments. You’ll learn how to collect environmental samples, extract DNA, and analyze your findings using bioinformatics tools. UBRP emphasizes the intersection of biotech and environmental science. Before beginning your research, you’ll complete lab training sessions in biodiversity, genetics, and fieldwork. With guidance from expert mentors, you’ll develop a research proposal, carry out your project, and present your findings. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain practical lab experience and explore how science can address real-world ecological challenges.
15. NASA’s Climate Change Research Initiative
Location: NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (Maryland) | CUNY City College of Technology, Brooklyn, New York
Stipend: $2,400
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 30 - August 8
Eligibility: All high school students
NASA’s Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI) offers a 6-week summer internship for high school students interested in environmental science and climate research. As an intern, you’ll work alongside NASA scientists on real-world research projects focused on climate change, such as monitoring the Hudson Estuary, studying Earth’s lakes from space, or analyzing extreme weather events. You’ll contribute to your team’s research by analyzing data, supporting poster creation, and helping with presentations and reports. With guidance from a NASA mentor, you’ll gain valuable experience in scientific methods, data interpretation, and communication. Hosted at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, CCRI also offers some virtual options, making it an excellent opportunity to explore climate science in a professional research setting.
Bonus! Here are a few more programs you can consider: