14 Summer Internships for High School Students in New York
If you are a high school student, a summer internship can be a worthwhile way to explore a field you’re interested in. Summer internships give you early exposure to professional environments. They allow you to build practical skills, explore potential career paths, strengthen your resume, and develop meaningful connections with mentors and peers.
What summer internships are available for high school students in New York?
New York is home to many universities and research institutes that offer a range of summer internships across fields, including STEM, healthcare, business, arts, and public service. The location provides access to structured youth employment programs, making it an ideal place for high school students to explore their interests. In addition, New York’s professional network provides meaningful networking opportunities, making NYC internships especially valuable for your future job applications.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the top 14 summer internships for high school students in New York. These programs are selected based on their academic rigor, networking opportunities, and the reputation of the organizations that host them.
1. Apollo Theater Academy Technical Stage Production Internships
Location: Apollo Theater, Harlem, NY
Cost/Stipend: $16.50/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 7 - August 15
Application Deadline: Applications close April 7
Eligibility: New York City residents who are current 11th graders entering 12th grade
The Apollo Theater Academy Technical Stage Production Internship offers high school students a paid, six-week experience in live event production at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem. You will work with the theater’s professional production crew to gain experience across areas such as lighting design, audio engineering, videography, carpentry, and production design. Throughout the program, you will learn how a performance moves from concept to stage by supporting live and recorded productions. This opportunity not only builds technical skills but also provides insight into behind-the-scenes careers in the performing arts and entertainment industries. The Apollo Theater Academy can also offer school credit upon successful completion of the program. Overall, this is a comprehensive introduction for students interested in the world of stage production.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (you can work from anywhere in the world).
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type | full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
Ladder Internships is a highly selective virtual internship program for ambitious high school students. In this program, you work with a high-growth start-upacross a variety of industries such as tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies raising over a million dollars on average. Interns work closely with their startup manager on real-world projects and present their work to the company at the conclusion of the internship. Apply now!
3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program
Location: Manhattan, NY
Cost/Stipend: Stipend of $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2% acceptance rate | only 20 interns per summer cohort
Dates: June 29 - August 21
Application Deadline: Closes February 6
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors who are 14 years or older by June | have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in science courses, and live within 25 miles of MSK’s campus
The MSK Summer Student Program is an eight-week, hands-on research internship for high school juniors interested in biomedical science and cancer research. In this program, you will be matched with a research mentor in a laboratory at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Under their guidance, you will take part in meaningful scientific projects that contribute to ongoing research. In addition to laboratory work, the program includes professional development events and educational sessions designed to broaden understanding of translational medicine and research careers. At the end of the program, you will also complete an independent project and present your findings.
4. Immerse Education’s New York Track
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program. Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 - 18 years
The Career Insights Program lets high school students explore careers in major global industry hubs. The New York Programs track is designed to offer several areas of study for students interested in learning. Participants engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and corporate headquarters. The program also includes weekly in-person 1:1 career coaching sessions where you will receive personalized feedback on your resume and overall profile. You’ll also present your findings to industry experts at the end of the program.
5. The New York Historical Society: Student Historian Internship Program
Location: The New York Historical Society, NY
Cost/Stipend: $700 as a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Takes only 25 interns per cohort
Dates: July 8 - August 14
Application Deadline: Typically closes March 30
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 - 12 who live in and attend school in the NYC metro area
The New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program is a five-week summer internship introducing students to museum and digital humanities work involving in-depth research and creative project development. You will work with historical materials, collaborate with museum and library professionals, and build skills in historical research, academic writing, and digital media. As part of the experience, you’ll also explore American history in both the museum’s galleries and archival collections, join enrichment activities, and strengthen your creative and communication skills. At the end of the internship, you’ll also receive a $700 stipend. The full program details will be released in February.
6. Manhattan District Attorney’s Office High School Internship Program
Location: Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Manhattan, NY
Cost/Stipend: Pays minimum wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 30 - August 1
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: Open to current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors in Manhattan
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office High School Internship Program is a paid, five-week summer experience that offers firsthand exposure to the criminal justice system. You will participate in workshops and guided discussions on topics such as police practices, gender-based violence, and courtroom procedures. As part of the program, you’ll participate in a mock trial simulation, learn about legal procedures, and build professionalism by working in an office environment alongside attorneys and staff. The unique strength of this internship is that it offers hands-on exposure to the prosecution and legal careers, making it a valuable opportunity for students interested in law, government, or public service.
7. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program
Location: Various legal institutions across New York
Cost/Stipend: Stipend of $16/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Accepts around 35 students
Dates: Varies depending on the placement
Application Deadline: January 13
Eligibility: Open to NYC public high school students with an interest in law
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP) is a paid summer internship for New York City public high school students. It offers paid summer placements with law firms, corporations, nonprofits, or government legal offices. Before placements begin, you will take part in professional-development workshops that strengthen workplace skills such as resume writing, interviewing, and legal etiquette. You will get real-world experience working in legal environments, helping with tasks such as preparing documents, organizing records, and assisting with basic research. Throughout the internship, you’ll also attend career panels, networking events, and other activities that improve your understanding of legal careers and workplace expectations.
8. Artslife by the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD)
Location: Museum of Arts and Design, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Pays $16/hour and offers an unlimited MetroCard
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Accepts 10 interns
Dates: Runs from July 9 to August 16
Application Deadline: April 7
Eligibility: Open to rising high school sophomores and juniors in NYC public or charter schools
The Artslife Internship at the Museum of Arts and Design is a six-week, paid summer internship for high school students that combines creativity, leadership, and museum studies. You will learn about different museum careers by working with museum staff, local designers, and arts professionals on projects that may include producing artwork, leading peer-to-peer tours, developing a podcast series, and visiting other cultural institutions across New York City. The first week focuses on team building and orientation, and the remaining weeks emphasize hands-on experience in curatorial practice, education, communications, and community engagement. Throughout the program, you will build skills in communication, presentation, and other professional skills while exploring museums and the broader creative sector.
9. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 as a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Summer sessions run from July 1 to August 16
Application Deadline: Closes in February
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16 years or above by the orientation date
The Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace offers high school students an opportunity to engage in an extended research experience in biotechnology and genetic engineering. The entire program takes place over the duration of six months across the spring and summer. You will work with experienced scientific mentors using advanced laboratory equipment to explore topics such as DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics. The experience also includes spring after-school sessions and an intensive summer research component, during which you will collaborate on original projects and develop essential laboratory and science-communication skills. In addition to the academic enrichment, you will also take part in field trips, lab tours, and opportunities to connect with professionals in the life sciences. Interns receive a stipend for their work, making this both a paid and academically rich experience for young learners interested in STEM careers.
10. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: Hybrid; Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 as a stipend upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 3 to August 9
Application Deadline: Closes March 1
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors who live in New York City
NYU’s ARISE program is a fully-funded 10-week summer research experience at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. The program blends remote workshops and laboratory research to help you build foundational skills, including an understanding of different research methods, scientific writing, and basic laboratory safety. During the first four weeks, you’ll attend virtual after-school sessions. For the remaining six weeks, you’ll work directly in NYU’s research laboratories alongside faculty and graduate mentors, contributing to active projects across fields such as bioengineering, chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI/machine learning. The program also includes professional development training in presentation and public speaking. The program concludes with a formal research presentation to the NYU community and peers. Students receive a $1,000 stipend for completing the program and benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, and college-preparatory support for future STEM careers.
11. NYC Department of Parks & Recreation Internships
Location: NYC parks facilities
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: Typically mid-March
Eligibility: Open to high school students who are NYC residents and are at least 16 years old
The NYC Parks & Recreation Internship Program offers a chance to explore careers in urban park management, conservation, recreation, and environmental education. Interns work alongside park staff across NYC on outdoor projects such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, urban forestry, and public programming, gaining experience in the practical aspect of park operations. The program also includes workshops and training sessions on topics such as environmental policy, community engagement, and planning park activities. By collaborating with professional park staff and interacting with park visitors, you will build strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills while contributing to the stewardship of NYC’s public green spaces.
12. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai: Center for Excellence in Youth Education (CEYE) Internships
Location: Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship | amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 1 - August 8
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Open to high school students in NYC
The Center for Excellence in Youth Education Internship Placement Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is a competitive, in-person summer internship for high school students exploring careers in medicine and biomedical science. You will work with mentors in different departments across the Mount Sinai Health System, gaining daily experience in clinical and research environments. The program includes four distinct pathways – Hospital Placement, Veterinary Sciences, NeuroSurgery Scholars (NSS), and Cultivating Neurological Success (CNS) – each offering immersive exposure to specialized fields such as clinical care, animal research, neurosurgery, and neurology. You will develop professional skills, deepen your understanding of healthcare careers, and contribute to meaningful work under the guidance of experienced practitioners.
13. The New York City School Construction Authority (SCA): High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Various SCA departments and partner companies in NYC
Cost/Stipend: $16.50/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 6-week internship | exact dates vary depending on the placement
Application Deadline: Closes March 7
Eligibility: Open to NYC public high school students with good academic standing
The High School Summer Internship Program at the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) is a paid, six-week internship. This program introduces you to careers in fields such as architecture, engineering, construction management, business, information technology, and public administration. You will spend four days per week working with an SCA department or one of its partner companies, gaining real-world experience in professional environments. On the fifth day, you will join educational sessions that include career and college workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on challenges. The program also offers 10-hour OSHA construction safety training and opportunities to tour active construction sites, helping students understand both office-based and field-oriented careers in the built environment.
14. Alley Pond Park: Field Biology Internship (FBI)
Location: Queens, NY
Cost/Stipend: $150 as participation fee | financial aid offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 1 - August 6
Application Deadline: Closes May 1
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who are at least 14 years old and are able to participate in outdoor fieldwork
The Field Biology Internship at the Alley Pond Environmental Center is an outdoor, fieldwork-focused experience. Designed for high school students seeking experience in STEM and research skills, this program will take you through field work in many of the local ecosystems of Alley Pond Park and other parts of Queens. You will explore the diverse ecosystems of Alley Pond Park and nearby Queens habitats, while learning to observe and document local flora and fauna. Throughout the internship, you will collect ecological data, conduct biodiversity surveys, monitor soil and water quality, and assist with habitat restoration projects. Guided by environmental professionals, you’ll also develop foundational research skills and gain experience in scientific record-keeping, while discovering how natural systems function within an urban environment.
Image source - Apollo Theater Academy logo