15 Science Internships in New York for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in science, internships can be a great way to explore your interests while building experience before college. They allow you to strengthen your resume, gain hands-on exposure to scientific work, and develop practical skills that go beyond what you typically learn in a classroom. Through these programs, you can learn how research is conducted, build technical skills such as laboratory techniques, experimental design, coding, data analysis, and scientific writing, and better understand different STEM career paths. Science internships also help you build professional connections with researchers, mentors, and peers who share similar academic interests.
If you want to check out more STEM-related internships, check out here! Or if you’re more interested in seeing what sort of research opportunities are available to high schoolers, check out a list here!
What Science internships are available for high school students in New York?
New York offers a wide range of science internships and research programs for high school students interested in STEM-related fields. These opportunities are available through universities, hospitals, museums, nonprofit organizations, and independent research institutions, giving you exposure to professional scientific environments. Depending on the program, you may conduct laboratory research, assist with ongoing scientific studies, participate in engineering design projects, or learn computational and analytical research methods. Many internships also include mentorship from scientists or faculty members, workshops, networking sessions, and opportunities to present research findings through posters or presentations.
To help you get started, here are 15 science internships in New York for high school students.
Key takeaways
This list rounds up 15 science research programs and internships for New York high schoolers, spanning cancer research centers, university labs, and museum-based programs, with standout hosts including Memorial Sloan Kettering, Columbia University, Rockefeller University, and the American Museum of Natural History.
Most of these are free, and many offer real stipends ranging from around $1,000 up to $2,500, making this one of the more accessible categories on this list overall.
Several programs here aren't general open-call applications at all, requiring nomination through your school, prior enrollment in a partner program, or living within a tight radius of a specific campus, so it's worth confirming eligibility before counting on a spot.
The vast majority of these require NYC residency or attendance at a New York City school specifically, sometimes within an even tighter radius around one campus, while Ladder remains the only fully virtual, location-independent option.
A couple of deadlines fall as early as October and November for university and Cold Spring Harbor-affiliated programs, with several more clustering into January and February, so it's worth building your list and applying early.
1. NYU ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science & Engineering)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000 stipend
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are full-time New York City residents attending NYC schools
During the ARISE program, you’ll spend 10 weeks building research and professional skills through a combination of workshops and hands-on lab experience. The first four weeks focus on research preparation, including safety training, college writing workshops, and foundational research methods, followed by six weeks of in-person work in an NYU research lab alongside faculty members and mentors. Research opportunities span a wide range of STEM fields, including engineering, biotechnology, urban informatics, computer science, and applied sciences. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research both at an NYU colloquium and at a poster symposium hosted at the American Museum of Natural History. Additional support includes college application guidance, mentorship opportunities, and access to an alumni network with research and internship resources.
2. Ladder Internships
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid available); Unpaid
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduate students, and gap year students who can commit 10-20 hours per week
During the Ladder Internship program, you will work with a startup or nonprofit organization on a project tied to the organization’s actual operational or business needs. Internship placements span a wide range of industries, including artificial intelligence, deep tech, health tech, journalism, marketing, consulting, and software development. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with a company manager and receive guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach who will support project development and professional growth. Projects may involve research, strategy, product development, communications, coding, or business operations depending on the internship placement. At the end of the internship, you will present your work directly to the company you worked with.
3. Biorocket Research Internship Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Genspace, New York City, NY (hybrid)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000 stipend
Dates: Spring Session: February 25 – May 21; Summer Session: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: November – January
Eligibility: NYC high school students (16+) attending public and charter schools within 45 min of Genspace; More info here
In the Biorocket Research Internship Program, you’ll gain hands-on experience in biology and genetic engineering through a six-month mentored research internship. The program introduces you to laboratory techniques, experimental design and scientific inquiry while allowing you to collaborate with scientist mentors and fellow students on research projects. You’ll also develop science communication skills through presentations, improv-based activities and opportunities to share your work with broader audiences. Throughout the internship, you’ll participate in lab tours, field trips and career exploration activities that expose you to biotechnology, research and STEM professions. The program additionally emphasizes mentorship, collaboration and networking through connections with scientists, researchers and other student interns across New York City.
4. BioBus Junior Scientist Internship
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: BioBus, Harlem, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid hourly
Dates: Summer: July – August; School Year: October 1 – June 15
Application Deadline: January 15 – March 15 (tentative)
Eligibility: NYC 9th-11th graders who can commit to the full internship duration and have an interest in scientific research and public engagement; More info here
In the BioBus Junior Scientist Internship, you’ll participate in a long-term mentored research experience focused on areas such as neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, biology, optics, and plant biology. During the summer component, you’ll gain hands-on laboratory experience while learning experimental design, microscopy techniques, and scientific research methods alongside professional scientists. Throughout the academic year, you’ll continue developing independent research projects using research-grade microscopes and laboratory equipment while receiving mentorship and training from working researchers. The program also emphasizes science communication and teaching, as interns serve as co-instructors in BioBus programs and engage with younger students and the public through science outreach activities. You’ll additionally participate in professional development seminars, science career panels, and college workshops designed to support future STEM pathways.
5. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Summer Student Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 2%; 20 participants per summer
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,200 stipend
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (14+) living within 25 miles of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Manhattan campus; Must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in science subjects
In the Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, you’ll participate in an eight-week biomedical or computational research internship within a professional research laboratory. The program allows you to work alongside scientist mentors on self-directed projects connected to ongoing research in areas such as cancer biology, computational biology, immunology, pharmacology, structural biology, and genomics. Throughout the internship, you’ll develop laboratory and technical research skills while participating in lab meetings and collaborating with researchers across the MSK scientific community. You’ll also take part in professional development sessions and events that introduce you to translational medicine, clinical research, and careers in biomedical science.
6. CCNY College Now: STEM Research Academy
Cohort Size: 25 students (spring course); 10 students (summer research internship)
Location: The City College of New York, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Summer internship: $1,575 stipend
Dates: Spring Course: February 10 – May 23; Summer Internship: July 6 – August 6
Application Deadline: November 20 – January 16
Eligibility: NYC public high school sophomores and juniors who meet Regents exam and GPA requirements; More info here
In the CCNY College Now STEM Research Academy, you’ll develop scientific thinking and research skills through inquiry-based coursework and mentored laboratory research experiences. The program begins with a spring research science course where you’ll participate in hands-on scientific activities designed to strengthen analytical reasoning, experimentation, and research methods. If you complete the course, you might get to advance to a summer internship where you will be paired with CUNY or CCNY faculty mentors to work on a research project aligned with their interests. During the internship, you work in research laboratories several days each week while developing a research presentation for campus and public poster sessions, including presentations at the American Museum of Natural History. The program also includes seminars and workshops that expose you to academic research environments and STEM career pathways.
7. American Museum of Natural History: Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,500 stipend
Dates: August – June
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: NYC 10th-11th graders who are passing their classes and meet program-specific eligibility requirements; More here
During SRMP, you’ll work alongside Museum scientists on a year-long research project that explores an original scientific question in fields ranging from genetics and astronomy to archaeology and ecology. You will meet twice a week for approximately four hours total, gaining experience with scientific research methods, data analysis, coding tools such as Python and R, and reading scientific literature. No prior research experience is required, as the program is designed for those new to research who want to build foundational skills. You’ll also develop collaboration, communication, presentation, and scientific writing skills while working closely with mentors and peers throughout the year. If you complete the program, you will be eligible to receive one free college credit through Lehman College.
8. New York Bioforce
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Various sites across New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Dates: April 4 – August 14
Application Deadline: Typically open in the winter (rolling basis)
Eligibility: 11th-12th graders who attend a NYC public or charter high school and can demonstrate educational and/or economic disadvantage; More info here
In the New York Bioforce program, you’ll complete 50 hours of science research and professional skills training during spring Saturday sessions before being placed in a six-week paid summer internship at research labs, health care institutions, or life science companies. The program introduces you to areas such as biomedical engineering, molecular biology, clinical science, data science, and biostatistics through hands-on instruction and laboratory exposure. You’ll also build practical professional skills including resume writing, interview preparation, workplace communication, and email etiquette. Internships are mentored by professionals at partner institutions including Columbia Engineering and Weill Cornell Medicine, where students contribute to ongoing research or health care projects. You’ll end the program by presenting your internship research at a poster session hosted at the American Museum of Natural History.
9. Hk Maker Lab
Acceptance rate: Selective
Location: Columbia Engineering, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Dates: July 6 – August 7
Application Deadline: Typically, in the spring
Eligibility: Current 10th-11th graders who attend a NYC public or charter high school and can demonstrate educational and/or economic disadvantage
The Hk Maker Lab is a five-week engineering design program that combines the first three weeks of Columbia Engineering’s SHAPE summer program with a two-week Hackathon for Health Equity. The program introduces you to engineering design, app and website development, collaborative problem-solving, and technology-focused project work through hands-on activities and workshops. During the hackathon phase, you’ll work in teams to design solutions to health-related challenges while learning how to approach real-world problems through engineering and innovation. You’ll also gain exposure to university-level STEAM learning environments and collaborate with instructors, mentors, and peers throughout the program. If you complete the program, you’ll become eligible to apply for the following year’s New York Bioforce program, which includes paid summer internships at research and health care institutions.
10. BRAINYAC
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend may be offered
Dates: June 30 – August 14 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Late October or November
Eligibility: NYC 10th-11th graders enrolled in select partner programs including S-PREP, BioBus, Lang Youth Medical, Columbia Secondary School, and Double Discovery Center; Preference is given to students from Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx
During the BRAINYAC program, you will be matched with a neuroscience researcher at Columbia University and spend the summer working in a laboratory research environment on hands-on scientific projects. The program focuses on neuroscience research while also introducing you to professional lab practices, scientific collaboration, and research methods used in academic settings. You’ll work closely with mentors including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members while developing foundational laboratory and analytical skills. The internship also gives you exposure to the day-to-day structure of university research and opportunities to interact with scientists and other student researchers.
11. Science Alliance High School Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 per course (tuition assistance available for eligible families); Unpaid
Dates: Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders; Course eligibility may vary by grade band
During the Science Alliance High School Program, you’ll participate in after-school science and anthropology courses led by educators and researchers at the American Museum of Natural History. You’ll get to explore subjects such as anthropology, astrophysics, conservation science, earth science, and evolutionary biology through discussions, collaborative activities, and project-based learning. Courses emphasize hands-on engagement and may include creating exhibits, analyzing cultural or scientific topics, and developing foundational research and presentation skills. Classes meet once or twice weekly during the school year, allowing you to engage consistently with museum-based learning and peers who share similar interests.
12. Simons Summer Research Program
Acceptance Rate: <5%
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend offered
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (16+) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In the Simons Summer Research Program, you’ll work alongside a faculty mentor and become part of a research team investigating an active scientific question. The experience introduces you to university-level research through laboratory work, data analysis, and project-based scientific inquiry. Alongside your research placement, you’ll attend workshops, faculty presentations, campus tours, and academic events that provide insight into STEM research environments. You’ll also learn how scientists organize, analyze, and communicate research findings while collaborating with mentors and fellow participants. By the end of the program, you will prepare a written abstract and design a research poster that summarizes your work and conclusions.
13. Partners for the Future (PFF) program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; Each school may nominate up to 2 students
Location: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Cost/Stipend: None publicly specified
Dates: September – March during senior year
Application Deadline: Nomination and application timelines vary depending on the school and annual program schedule
Eligibility: Long Island rising high school seniors nominated by their school science chairperson during junior year
In the Partners for the Future program, you’ll join a biomedical research lab at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and work with scientists on ongoing research projects. The internship offers sustained exposure to molecular biology research while helping you build familiarity with laboratory procedures, research techniques, and scientific collaboration. Throughout the program, you will work closely with mentors and researchers while learning how professional research teams approach experimentation and problem-solving. You’ll also gain experience communicating scientific ideas and understanding the structure of long-term research projects. At the end of the experience, you will present your research through a formal oral presentation for mentors, educators, and family members.
14. SSRP (Summer Science Research Program) by Rockefeller University
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; Approximately 32 students each summer
Location: Rockefeller University, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Need-based stipends may be offered
Dates: June 22 – August 6
Application Deadline: October 13 – January 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors (16+) who can attend the full seven-week session
In the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP), you’ll join a small research team led by scientific trainees from the Tri-Institutions and work on a collaborative research project shaped around your interests and the mentor’s expertise. The program follows the structure of a professional research lab, with students working alongside multiple scientist-mentors in dedicated laboratory spaces. Over seven weeks, you’ll learn laboratory techniques, research methods, data analysis, and scientific communication while exploring a research question connected to your team’s topic. In addition to hands-on lab work, you will participate in guest lectures, workshops, networking events, and elective sessions that introduce broader topics in biomedical and scientific research. During the final weeks of the program, you will analyze your findings and design a research poster summarizing your work for an end-of-program symposium.
15. NYSCF Summer Internship Program
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 10-week summer internship program
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: High school students who are partners of the NYSCF Summer Internship Program (not an open call)
During the NYSCF Summer Internship Program, you’ll work with researchers, engineers, or administrative teams at the New York Stem Cell Foundation through one of several specialized internship tracks, including laboratory research, data science, automation/software engineering, and program administration. Depending on the track, you may gain experience with stem cell research techniques, image analysis, software development, robotics systems, data handling, scientific communications, or nonprofit operations. The program also exposes you to professional research environments, interdisciplinary collaboration, and career pathways in biotechnology and scientific research.
Questions students often ask about these internships
1. Do I need prior lab experience to apply to these science internships?
Not usually. Most of these programs are designed to teach research skills from the ground up, so no lab background is expected going in. A few of the more advanced or highly selective programs do favor students with some science coursework, so check eligibility details closely.
2. A few of these programs aren't open to general applicants. How do I know if I qualify?
Check the eligibility section carefully, since a handful of these require a school nomination, partner-program enrollment, or a specific home address. The rest are open to any eligible student who applies directly, so don't assume every listing works the same way.
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 couple require an even tighter radius around one particular campus, so double-check the location field before applying.