15 Research Internships in New York for High School Students
Research internships can help you explore academic interests while building practical skills that are difficult to develop in a traditional classroom setting. For high school students, these opportunities often involve literature review, data collection, statistical analysis, lab techniques, academic writing, and collaborative research projects. Participating in a structured research program can also strengthen your college applications and resume by showing initiative, curiosity, and commitment to a field of study.
In case you’re not looking for state-specific research internships, check out this list here!
Why should I do a research internship in New York as a high school student?
New York offers a wide range of research-focused opportunities for high school students through universities, hospitals, nonprofit institutes, and government-supported programs. Some internships place students directly in laboratory settings where they assist with experiments and data analysis, while others focus on computational research, public health, engineering, or social science methodology. Programs hosted by institutions such as Stony Brook University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University, and Rockefeller University allow students to work alongside active researchers and contribute to ongoing projects.
To make the search easier, we’ve narrowed down some of the best research internships in New York for high school students based on mentorship quality, research exposure, accessibility, and overall learning experience.
Key takeaways
This list gathers 15 research internships connected to New York for high school students, spanning cancer research centers, museums, and university labs, with standout hosts including Memorial Sloan Kettering, Rockefeller University, and the American Museum of Natural History.
Most of these are free or offer a stipend, ranging from around $500 up to $2,500, while a couple of university-run summer programs charge tuition instead of paying participants, so it's worth checking each listing's cost details closely.
A few of these accept applications from students nationwide even though the host institution is based outside New York, so it's worth knowing which programs require an in-person New York presence versus which are open more broadly regardless of where you live.
Most of these are based across New York City and Long Island, particularly Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, with three of the fifteen entries hosted at out-of-state institutions.
The earliest deadline falls on January 2 for one of the most selective research programs, with several more clustering into February and March, so it's worth starting applications well before winter break wraps up.
1. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Stipend: Stipend provided at the end of the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 29 - August 7
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (11th grade) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program; Students should demonstrate a strong interest in science, independence, creativity, and aptitude for hands-on research
The Simons Summer Research Program is a research-focused summer opportunity for high school students interested in science and academic research. You are paired with faculty mentors at Stony Brook University and work as part of a research group on an independent project. Throughout the program, you will gain experience with laboratory or research techniques while learning about university-level research environments. Fellows also attend faculty lectures, workshops, tours, and special academic events during the summer. At the end of the program, you will present your work through a written research abstract and a research poster at a symposium. The program was originally created for local students but now accepts applicants from across the United States.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program 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 start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. Summer Student Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan, NY
Stipend: $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 29 - August 21
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut within 25 miles of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Manhattan campus; Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., have at least a 3.5 GPA in science subjects, and be at least 14 years old by June; Students must also commit to the full eight-week program and demonstrate a strong interest in science and laboratory research
The Summer Student Program is an eight-week biomedical research internship for high school students interested in careers in the sciences. You'll work in Memorial Sloan Kettering research labs under the guidance of mentors and contribute to independent research projects connected to ongoing cancer and biomedical studies. You gain hands-on experience in areas such as cancer biology, computational biology, immunology, chemistry, and drug development. In addition to laboratory work, the program includes professional development sessions, laboratory meetings, and educational events that introduce students to translational medicine and scientific careers. Interns will also interact with researchers, clinicians, and staff across the institution to better understand the research environment. Housing is not provided for participants.
4. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 32 students accepted each summer
Dates: June 22 - August 6
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program; Students must commit to the full seven-week program with no attendance gaps
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) is a team-based research experience for high school students interested in scientific research. You'll work in small research teams led by scientific trainees from Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Weill Cornell Medicine. Students spend approximately 35 hours per week conducting hands-on laboratory research and exploring scientific questions connected to your interests. Throughout the program, you'll learn laboratory techniques, analyze research data, and create research posters to present at the end-of-program symposium. The experience also includes guest lectures, workshops, networking opportunities, and elective courses designed to introduce you to research careers and scientific collaboration.
5. Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, IL
Stipend: $500 weekly stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 - August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students
The PRISM program is a four-week summer research and STEM mentorship experience for high school students interested in science and technology fields. You'll explore topics such as particle physics, quantum science, engineering design, and artificial intelligence through hands-on activities, lectures, and facility tours at Fermilab. The program is structured around weekly scientific themes, allowing you to learn about a range of STEM disciplines and career pathways. You will also receive mentorship and professional development support from Fermilab scientists and STEM professionals. By the end of the program, you'll complete a research abstract, research poster, and final presentation summarizing your work and learning experiences.
6. GSTEM (Girls in STEM at NYU)
Location: New York University, New York City, NY
Cost: Tuition: $5,500; Optional housing with meal plan: $3,840
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 40 students
Dates: June 30 - August 8
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in 11th grade with a strong academic record and demonstrated interest and ability in STEM.
GSTEM is a six-week summer research program for high school students interested in STEM fields. You will be paired with STEM professors or researchers and complete individual research projects in areas such as biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or physics. You'll gain hands-on laboratory and research experience while also developing skills in scientific writing, programming, and presentations. The program includes workshops, guest lectures, weekly field trips to STEM institutions, and opportunities to meet professionals working in science and technology. At the end of the program, you will present your research projects during a symposium attended by peers, family members, and mentors.
7. Biorocket Research Internship Program
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, New York, NY
Stipend: $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Spring Session: February 25 - May 21; Summer Session: July 6 - August 14
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: NYC public or charter high school students who are at least 16 years old by the orientation date and live or attend school within approximately 45 minutes of Genspace; Students must commit to participating in the full program from February through August
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a six-month research experience for high school students interested in biology and genetic engineering. You will learn laboratory techniques, scientific communication skills, and the basics of biotechnology while working alongside scientist mentors and other students. The program includes hands-on research projects, lab tours, career exploration opportunities, and workshops focused on science communication and teamwork. You'll also engage with scientists and biotechnology professionals through field trips and networking activities. By the end of the program, you'll share your research and gain experience presenting scientific work to different audiences.
8. Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY
Stipend: $2,500 upon completion of program requirements
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: August–June (year-long program)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: New York City high school students in 10th or 11th grade who are passing their classes and have participated in eligible partner programs or attend partner schools; Students must be able to commit to meetings in August and four hours per week during the school year.
The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) is a year-long research opportunity for New York City high school students interested in scientific research and mentorship. The broader scientific community at the American Museum of Natural History. Students who complete the program requirements also become eligible to earn one free CUNY Lehman College credit.
9. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York, NY
Stipend: Full scholarship (tuition-free program)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective admissions; placement in 32–40 labs
Dates: June 1 - August 14; Remote workshops: June 1 - 25; In-person lab work begins: July 6
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: New York City high school students currently enrolled in 10th or 11th grade with strong academic records and demonstrated interest in STEM subjects
ARISE is a 10-week summer research program that provides New York City high school students with hands-on STEM research experience at NYU laboratories. You'll work under the guidance of NYU faculty members and graduate researchers in fields such as biomedical engineering, computer science, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, and materials chemistry. The program begins with four weeks of remote workshops focused on research preparation and continues with six weeks of in-person laboratory research. You will also participate in workshops that develop presentation, leadership, and public speaking skills before presenting your research findings at a final colloquium. The program is designed to expand access to advanced STEM opportunities for students who may have limited access to research experiences.
10. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) High School Summer Intern Program
Location: The University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research, Austin, TX
Cost: Housing, meals, and local transportation provided for selected scholarship and fee-based on-site participants; limited travel scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Nationally competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Remote project work: June - July 3; On-site internship: July 5 - 18; Virtual symposium: July 20 - 21
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school students, primarily current 10th- and 11th-graders, with strong academic records and interest in STEM fields such as aerospace, astronomy, engineering, planetary science, and Earth science.
The SEES High School Summer Intern Program is a research-focused STEM internship hosted by the University of Texas Center for Space Research in collaboration with NASA. You’ll work with NASA scientists, researchers, and industry experts on projects involving aerospace engineering, remote sensing, planetary science, Earth systems, and data analysis. The program combines online coursework, virtual collaboration, and on-site research experiences where students analyze real mission data and contribute to ongoing scientific investigations. You’ll also develop technical, communication, and teamwork skills through mentorship, project-based learning, and presentations. The internship concludes with a virtual science symposium where research teams present their findings to peers, mentors, and STEM professionals.
11. Student Research Internship Program
Location: The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, CA
Stipend: Funding information not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 - August 7 or June 15 - August 7
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students interested in health sciences, statistics, computational science, or translational medical research
The Student Research Internship Program at Scripps Research is a 10-week summer internship focused on translational science and personalized medicine research. You'll work with faculty mentors on independent research projects related to genomics, mobile health technologies, clinical research, and computational analysis. You will attend seminars, participate in research meetings, and develop skills in study design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Depending on your interests, you may work in dry lab or limited wet lab research settings. At the conclusion of the program, participants present their research findings through presentations and a poster symposium.
12. STEM Research Academy
Location: The City College of New York, New York City, NY
Stipend: Free program; eligible summer internship participants may receive a $1,575 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students selected for the spring program; 10 students selected for the summer internship
Dates: Spring Program: February 10 - May 23; Summer Internship: July 6 - August 6
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: New York City public high school students in 10th or 11th grade who meet GPA and Regents exam requirements; Applicants must also have an overall GPA of at least 80 and have passed Algebra, Algebra II, or Geometry Regents with a score of 66 or higher
The STEM Research Academy at CCNY is a research-focused program designed to help high school students develop scientific thinking and hands-on research skills. You'll first participate in a spring research science course that includes inquiry-based laboratory activities and STEM instruction on the CCNY campus. Those who successfully complete the course may apply for a summer internship where they work with CUNY or CCNY faculty mentors on independent research projects. Summer participants conduct laboratory research, attend seminars and workshops, and present their work both on campus and at a poster presentation hosted at the American Museum of Natural History. The program is intended to provide students with practical research experience while strengthening their preparation for future STEM studies.
13. Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP)
Location: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center NYC, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: Free program; students who complete program requirements and present at the symposium receive a $500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 36 students selected annually
Dates: May 18
Application Deadline: May 26
Eligibility: New York City high school students who are at least 13 years old and reside in New York City; Students must be able to attend required lab training sessions and complete at least 55 hours of research during the academic year
The Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP) is a biodiversity and DNA research mentorship program for New York City high school students. Participants begin with a laboratory training course covering biodiversity, conservation biology, DNA barcoding, and research techniques before joining mentor-guided research teams. You'll conduct original research projects involving sample collection, DNA isolation, sequencing, and data analysis while learning how biodiversity interacts with urban environments. Throughout the academic year, you will collaborate with scientist mentors and participate in research activities connected to the NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium. The program concludes with a research symposium where you'll present your findings through poster presentations.
14. Forest Project
Location: Wave Hill, Bronx, New York, NY
Stipend: Approximately $2,275 stipend through NYC SYEP; participants also receive credit for one college course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, are New York City residents eligible to work in the United States, and can commit to the full program; Students should be interested in urban environmental issues and prepared for physically demanding outdoor fieldwork
The Forest Project is a paid summer internship focused on ecological restoration and urban ecology for New York City high school students. Interns will participate in hands-on environmental fieldwork, including maintaining woodland trails, removing invasive species, restoring natural habitats, and documenting ecological changes. You'll also complete coursework through an accredited college-level ecology course taught at Wave Hill, where you will study environmental management and urban ecosystems. The program includes field trips, team-building activities, and opportunities to connect with other youth environmental organizations across New York City. Through research, restoration projects, and collaborative learning, you will gain practical experience in environmental science and conservation work.
15. Environmentor - Science Research Internship
Location: RISE (Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity), Far Rockaway, NY
Stipend: Up to $1,200 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June through mid-August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: New York City students in grades 9–11 who attend school in or near the Rockaway Peninsula. The program is fully in-person, and all applicants must attend an in-person group interview in May 2026
Environmentor is a science research mentorship program focused on environmental research related to Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway shoreline. You will work with scientists and mentors from universities and research institutions to complete independent research projects connected to ecology, flooding, air quality, and coastal restoration. You'll attend workshops and orientations before spending six weeks conducting field-based and laboratory research. In addition to research activities, you will receive training in water safety, CPR, kayaking, biking, and surfing, while also participating in community service events organized by RISE. The program is part of the Pinkerton Science Scholars and the New York City Science Research Mentoring Consortium.
Questions students often ask about these internships
1. Do I need prior lab experience to apply to these research internships?
Not usually. Most of these are designed to teach research skills from the ground up, so no background is expected going in. A few of the most selective programs do favor students with strong science coursework, so it's worth checking eligibility closely.
2. A few of these programs are hosted outside New York. Are they still relevant if I live in New York?
Yes, a few accept applications nationally regardless of where you live, so being based in New York doesn't disqualify you or give you an advantage for those specific programs. The rest do require an in-person New York presence, so check the location field before applying.
3. Do I need to live in New York City specifically, or is anywhere in New York State fine?
Most of these do require NYC residency or attendance at a city school specifically. A few accept students from a wider tri-state or national pool, so double-check eligibility program by program.