Top 10 Architecture Internships in NYC for High School Students (New York City)
Participating in architecture internships for high school students is a great way to gain hands-on experience, exposure to real-world projects, and connections with professionals in the field. Some esteemed institutions and organizations in NYC provide fantastic internships, making them accessible avenues for students to delve into the world of architecture. These programs, including both in-person and virtual options, are designed to provide practical experience in architecture and related fields.
Recognizing the city's rich architectural landscape, we've created a list of the top 10 architecture internships for high school students in New York City. Whether you're interested in design, engineering, or urban planning, participating in architecture internships for high school students is a great way to get a glimpse into your potential future career.
1. New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) Summer Internship Program
Location: SCA departments and other firms in New York City
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Six weeks, June to August
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: New York City public high school students in good academic standing
Stipend: $16.50 per hour
The SCA Summer Internship Program introduces NYC high school students to career paths in architecture, engineering, construction management, IT, business, and public administration through quality architecture internships for high school students. Over six weeks, you will work 20-37.5 hours per week during the summer hours per week, spending four days with your assigned host ( architectural firm or a construction management office) and one day attending educational sessions, including design challenges and panel discussions.
This structured program offers students hands-on project experience, professional networking, and insights into the development and management of city infrastructure. The paid internship is designed to prepare students for future academic and career opportunities in architecture and related fields.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12), undergraduates, and gap-year students; Must commit to 10–20 hours per week
Cost: Starting at $2,490; Financial assistance available
Ladder Internships offers a flexible, remote internship experience that connects high school students with startups and organizations in fields like architecture, design, urban planning, and sustainability. As an intern, you’ll work on real-world projects that could involve research, design proposals, urban development strategies, or technology-driven architecture solutions.
You’ll receive weekly mentorship from a dedicated Ladder Coach and your project host, helping you develop professional skills such as collaboration, time management, and problem-solving. The program concludes with a final presentation and a portfolio-ready deliverable, giving you tangible outcomes to showcase your work.
3. Gensler High School Summer Internship Program – New York Office
Location: Gensler, New York, NY
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: Summer; specific dates vary annually
Application Deadline: Typically in spring
Eligibility: High school students interested in design, architecture, or urban planning; Preference for upper-level students
Stipend: Paid
Gensler offers architecture internships for high school students who want to participate in hands-on internships at their New York office. As an intern, you will work alongside design teams and clients, contributing to real-world projects that span architecture, interior design, urban planning, and sustainability. Gensler emphasizes building a diverse pipeline of emerging talent, focusing on early exposure, mentorship, and skill development.
In addition to its traditional internship program, Gensler periodically offers the Gensler Summer Fellowship, a research-intensive program dedicated to addressing urban challenges and reimagining the future of cities. With over 3,500 interns hosted globally, Gensler’s programs are designed to provide meaningful industry experience and build a network of future design leaders.
4. New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) Summer Internship Opportunities
Location: New York, NY
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Program Dates: Summer; Specific dates vary annually
Application Deadline: Typically in spring; Notification sign-up recommended
Eligibility: High school and college students interested in architecture, engineering, construction, sustainability, public policy, and related fields
Stipend: Paid
The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) offers a variety of student internships and academic programs designed to provide real-world experience in architecture, engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical), construction inspection, and more. You can participate in programs such as the Career and Technical Education Internships (CTE) and Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), gaining hands-on exposure to NYC’s building and regulatory processes.
You will work alongside DOB professionals, learning about city infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and public service. Additionally, DOB partners with the Ladders for Leaders program to offer paid internship placements, making this a valuable opportunity for students seeking practical experience in the built environment and urban systems.
5. Discover Architecture: Center for Architecture & AIA New York
Location: Various architecture firms in New York, NY
Cohort Size: Approximately 38 students
Program Dates: February 18 – 21
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors residing and attending school in NYC; Priority for NYC Public School students
Cost/Stipend: None
The Discover Architecture program is a career exploration opportunity for NYC high school students, hosted by the Center for Architecture and the American Institute of Architects New York (AIANY). Taking place during the public school mid-winter break, this four-day program includes a three-day externship at a local architecture firm, where you will gain firsthand experience with practicing architects, followed by a culminating event at the Center for Architecture.
You will participate in office activities, observe design processes, and engage in discussions about architectural practice. The program is designed for students who are curious about architecture and want to explore it in a real-world setting—no prior experience is necessary. Firms such as Gensler, SOM, Dattner Architects, and HLW International have participated in past cohorts, offering an exceptional opportunity for professional exposure.
6. Architectural Design Studio NYU Schack Institute
Location: NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; Program typically fills quickly
Program Dates: August 4 – August 15
Application Deadline: Scholarship application deadline: May 1; Program registration closes when full
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12
Cost: $1,750; Need-based scholarships available
During the Architectural Design Studio Summer Program, high school students are introduced to the basics of a first-year architecture studio over two weeks. You will study building precedents, explore spatial concepts, conduct site analyses, and develop independent design projects from concept through to final presentation. Tools, sketchbooks, and hands-on instruction are provided to support students in creating portfolio-quality work.
The program includes visits to professional architecture firms and culminates in a presentation where you will receive feedback from invited professionals. Hosted off-site at the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate, this studio experience immerses students in the real-world environment of architectural education and practice.
7. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: June 2 – August 18
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending NYC schools; Must be full-time NYC residents
Cost/Stipend: Free for all participants; $1,000 stipend upon successful completion
The ARISE program is a 10-week summer research experience for NYC high school students interested in STEM fields, including architecture-related areas like urban design, environmental engineering, and urban mobility systems. The first four weeks are dedicated to safety training, research skills, and college readiness workshops, while the remaining six weeks focus on hands-on research in over 80 NYU labs.
As an intern, you will contribute to real research projects, gaining ~120 hours of lab experience, developing public speaking skills, and presenting your work at a culminating symposium at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). Additional benefits include college application support, networking opportunities, and access to an active alumni network.
8. Columbia University’s Summer Immersion: New York City – Architecture Programs
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: One-week and three-week sessions; Specific dates vary
Application Deadline: Typically in spring
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based; Financial aid available
Columbia University’s Summer Immersion Program offers high school students the opportunity to explore architecture through a series of pre-college courses. Options include Introduction to Contemporary Architectural Practice in New York City, Looking at Architecture: A Primer on Style (both one-week courses), and Introduction to Architectural Design and Theory, a more intensive three-week course.
You will participate in a combination of studio work, lectures, and guided projects, learning to approach architecture with creativity, critical thinking, and precision. Led by Columbia’s expert instructors, the program encourages you to consider the intersection of design, history, and urban life.
9. The Intern Group – Architecture Internships in New York
Location: New York, NY (In-person or remote)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Year-round; Flexible start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (typically 16+), college students, and recent graduates
Cost: Program fees apply; Financial aid and scholarships available
The Intern Group offers architecture internships in New York City, providing high school students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field. You will be placed with leading firms and organizations, where you can work on real projects, attend meetings, and receive mentorship from experienced professionals. The program includes professional development workshops, networking events, and cultural excursions to enhance the overall experience.
Both in-person and remote options are offered, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your needs. The program is selective, aiming to match interns with placements that align with their interests and career goals.
10. Introduction to Architecture Online – The Cooper Union
Location: Virtual (Live Synchronous Sessions)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: July 7 – August 8
Application Deadline: June 13; Rolling admissions until filled
Eligibility: Current high school students; No portfolio or prior architecture coursework required
Cost: Tuition-based; Financial aid options available
The Introduction to Architecture Online program at The Cooper Union offers high school students a five-week immersive experience in foundation studies and portfolio development. Delivered through live, synchronous online sessions, you will participate in design studios, daily tutorials, and desk critiques, ensuring personalized feedback and skill development. The program accommodates students from different time zones with flexible session scheduling.
You will explore fundamental architectural concepts, drawing techniques, spatial analysis, and design thinking. The course culminates in the creation of portfolio-ready projects and a Certificate of Completion from The Cooper Union for students who meet all program requirements. This program is an excellent opportunity for students considering architecture school to build essential skills and begin developing a professional portfolio.