15 Summer Internships for High School Students in NYC
Completing an internship in high school can significantly enhance a student’s resume by demonstrating practical skills and early career exploration. Beyond strengthening your resume, these experiences show initiative that differentiates you in college admissions and future job markets. Internships also help you clarify your academic interests and choose your college major while building a network of professional mentors who can provide letters of recommendation and career guidance.
What internships are available for high school students in New York City?
New York City, with its diverse industries and institutions, offers a wide range of summer internship opportunities for high school students. Because NYC is home to numerous Fortune 500 headquarters and top institutions, ranging from the New York Stock Exchange and Google’s tech hubs to prestigious research centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering, you can explore the applications of your field of interest. The city offers a mix of corporate programs, public service roles through city agencies, and specialized research academies for high schoolers.
To simplify the search, we’ve carefully selected the 15 best summer internships for high school students in NYC.
1. Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — Manhattan, New York, NY, USA Stipend: $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 2%; about 20 interns per summer
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school juniors with an average grade point of 3.5 in science subjects, who live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut within 25 miles of the Main Campus of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, are at least 14 years old, and legally authorized to work in the USA
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program places high school students in real biomedical and computational research labs in one of the world’s leading cancer research centers. You work with a scientific mentor to contribute to ongoing research projects and develop core lab skills such as data collection, experimental techniques, and research analysis. You participate in lab meetings and community sessions that expose you to a range of scientific perspectives and the broader research environment. By the end of the summer, you will have completed an independent project that supports your lab’s goals and will present your findings.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
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 startup internship program for ambitious high school students. In the program, you work with a high-growth startup across a variety of industries, including tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars, and are backed by Y Combinator, having founders who have previously worked for the likes of Microsoft, Google, and Meta. You work closely with your manager at the startup on real-world projects and present your work to the company.
3. NYU Tandon Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering — Brooklyn, NY, USA
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~60 students
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: NYC residents in 10th or 11th grade attending NYC schools
ARISE offers high school students a 10-week summer research experience combining foundational STEM training and authentic lab research. The first weeks focus on safety, research methodology, and academic skill workshops before you join NYU faculty research labs across areas like bioengineering, computer science, and robotics. Mentorship comes from NYU researchers and graduate students, and you contribute to active projects rather than pre-designed exercises. Throughout the summer, you also attend career panels, develop professional skills, and collaborate with peers who share STEM interests. The program culminates in presentations at a symposium where you share your research insights with the academic community.
4. Immerse Education’s New York Track
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program. Financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, small cohort sizes
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
The Career Insights Program allows high school students to explore careers in major global industry hubs. The New York Summer school offers programs in diverse fields such as medicine, engineering, AI, business management, media & journalism, and more. Participants engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters. The program also includes in-person weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and 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. You can find more details about the application here!
5. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: The Rockefeller University — Upper East Side, Manhattan, NY, USA
Stipend: OMNY card or MetroCard for NYC transit, and need-based travel stipends are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 32 students per summer
Dates: June 22 – August 6
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+ by program start)
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University places high school students into laboratory research teams where they contribute to active scientific investigations guided by experienced mentors. You work in a real research lab environment across diverse fields such as molecular biology, neuroscience, and biomedical sciences. You will gain experience with research methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis while collaborating with peers and scientists in a university research setting. The program also includes workshops, guest lectures, and networking opportunities that deepen understanding of scientific careers. You analyze data and prepare posters to present your research findings at the end-of-summer symposium, building both communication and presentation skills.
6. American Museum of Natural History – Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Stipend: $2,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 40 students
Dates: August – June
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: 10th and 11th-grade high school students who live and attend school in New York and are passing classes for the last three or more semesters | Should be taking or completed a course in any one of the programs listed here
In this program, you will step into the role of a junior researcher, where you’ll join a year-long scientific team at the museum to investigate unanswered questions alongside expert mentors. You may work on tasks such as extracting ancient DNA, modeling distant galaxies, or deciphering archaeological complexities. Twice-weekly sessions sharpen your technical edge in coding and data analysis while transforming how you interpret complex scientific literature. You aren't just observing science; you’re performing it, refining your ability to communicate breakthroughs and collaborate within a professional lab environment. It is a rigorous, hands-on immersion that bridges the gap between student and scientist.
7. New York Historical Society Student Historian Internship
Location: The New-York Historical Society — Manhattan, New York, NY, USA
Stipend: $700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies by year
Dates: Early July 8 – mid-August
Application Deadline: Typically, late March
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12 who live and attend school in the NYC metro area
The Student Historian Internship invites high school students to engage in historical research, digital projects, and museum work while being mentored by professional staff. You collaborate with peers to explore historical topics, develop research skills, and create digital media content that supports the Society’s educational mission. The program integrates field visits to historical sites and behind-the-scenes tours of the Society’s archives and exhibits, broadening your understanding of public history and museum practice. You strengthen communication and critical thinking skills, working directly with historians and educators throughout the summer session. Beyond research, you attend workshops on digital humanities and historical interpretation.
8. CCNY STEM Research Academy
Location: City College of New York (CCNY) — Manhattan, New York, NY, USA
Stipend: $1,575
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 25 students
Dates: July 6 – 26
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: NYC public high school 10th or 11th graders (spring semester) with a minimum overall GPA of 80, plus either a 75+ on NYS ELA or Living Environment/Earth Science Regents, or an 85+ in English or U.S. History, and a passing score of 66+ in at least one NYS Regents math exam (Algebra, Algebra II, or Geometry)
The CCNY STEM Research Academy connects high school students with academic researchers across fields such as engineering, computer science, biology, and physics. You will participate in mentored research projects in university labs, applying scientific methods, conducting experiments, and analyzing results under faculty guidance. The program emphasizes professional skill development, including laboratory techniques, data interpretation, and presentation preparation. You participate in workshops and seminars designed to strengthen both research knowledge and college readiness. By the end of the summer, participants often share their work through presentations or reports that demonstrate their research accomplishments and growth.
9. BEYOND ALBERT Research Program (Montefiore Einstein)
Location: Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, New York, NY, USA
Stipend: $2,500, daily meal voucher, OMNY card
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Late June – August
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start date, who live in and attend school in the Bronx
The BEYOND ALBERT Research Program provides high school students with immersive research experiences in the biomedical sciences at a leading academic medical center. It pairs you with research mentors to work on laboratory projects that may involve cell biology, genetics, or translational research. You build practical skills in experimental design, laboratory techniques, and conceptual problem-solving through hands-on work in professional research settings. The program also includes seminars and discussions designed to broaden understanding of scientific careers and biomedical research pathways. By the end of the summer, interns often contribute to research summaries or presentations that reflect their contributions and learning.
10. NYC Department of Parks & Recreation – Internships
Location: NYC Parks facilities — New York City, NY, USA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 20–40 students
Dates: Early June – late August
Application Deadline: Typically, mid-March
Eligibility: High school students who are NYC residents and are at least 16 years old
The NYC Parks & Recreation Internship Program introduces high school students to careers and responsibilities in urban park management, conservation, and environmental education. You work on projects such as trail maintenance, urban forestry, habitat restoration, and environmental programming under the guidance of Parks staff. Through hands-on activities, students gain practical experience in outdoor work, public engagement, and site management practices. You also attend workshops and training sessions to learn about environmental policy, community engagement, and recreational planning. Collaboration with professional park staff and interaction with park visitors enhance communication and organizational skills.
11. Manhattan District Attorney’s Office High School Internship Program
Location: Manhattan District Attorney’s Office — Manhattan, New York, NY, USA
Stipend: Minimum wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 25–30 students per summer
Dates: June 29 – July 31
Application Deadline: Typically, March
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors residing in Manhattan
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office High School Internship Program offers students exposure to the legal system through hands-on work in a public service environment. You will support various units within the office by assisting with research, administrative tasks, and case preparation activities. You gain insight into criminal justice processes, legal ethics, and civic responsibility while working alongside legal professionals and staff. The program emphasizes professionalism, communication skills, and critical thinking through real-world office experience. You may attend informational sessions, workshops, or site-based learning opportunities related to law and public service.
12. The Met High School Internship Program
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,100
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; approximately 36 – 50 students
Dates: June 21 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th-graders who live in or attend high school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
At The Met, you will collaborate with experts across diverse fields, from digital strategy and design to curatorial research. This internship allows you to observe how global exhibitions are prepared and contribute to museum-wide initiatives alongside peers. As you navigate these professional environments, you’ll sharpen your abilities in collaborative problem-solving, technical writing, and networking. Ultimately, the program provides tangible career paths, leaving you with a strong resume and a deep understanding of what it means to lead a world-class cultural institution.
13. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP)
Location: Several law firms, corporations, nonprofits, and government organizations across NYC
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 35 students
Dates: 6–8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: NYC public high school students who are at least 16 years old by June 1
In this internship, you step directly into the professional legal sphere, bridging the gap between classroom theory and practice. You will work in corporate firms and government agencies where you manage administrative workflows, organize case records, and support paralegal teams. This mentorship-driven program is designed to sharpen your professional skills. Beyond your daily tasks, you attend specialized development seminars to deeply understand the legal landscape. You leave the program with a refined skill set and a strong network within the city’s legal community.
14. DOROT Summer Teen Internship Program
Location: DOROT — Manhattan, New York, NY, USA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 20–22 students per session
Dates: July 21 – August 13
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until April
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The DOROT Summer Teen Internship Program places high school students in community-focused roles where they assist with senior programs, outreach activities, and educational events across New York City. You develop professional and interpersonal skills by working directly with older adults, leading discussions, facilitating activities, and supporting program logistics. The experience builds communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, particularly in community service contexts. You attend training sessions, mentorship meetings, and reflective workshops that deepen your understanding of social service work. This program blends community involvement with professional skill development and fosters connections between generations.
15. Alley Pond Park Field Biology Internship
Location: Alley Pond Environmental Center — Queens, New York, NY, USA
Cost/Stipend: $150; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer cohorts available; Summer: 6 days in June, July, and August
Application Deadline: Summer: May 1
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 14 years old and able to participate in outdoor activities for at least two hours
The Alley Pond Park Field Biology Internship offers students hands-on experience in environmental science, field research, and conservation work in one of New York City’s largest natural areas. You will assist with biodiversity surveys, habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and ecological data collection under the supervision of park educators and field biologists. This outdoor experience emphasizes practical skills in observation, field methodology, and environmental stewardship. You also contribute to community education efforts, helping visitors learn about local ecosystems and conservation challenges. Regular group meetings and site visits encourage collaboration and scientific conversation among interns.
Image Source - Memorial Sloan Kettering Logo