15 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in NYC
If you’re a high school student, research is one of the best ways to go beyond classroom learning. It challenges you to think critically, solve problems, and explore questions that don’t have ready-made answers. Along the way, you build skills that prepare you for college-level work and help you stand out in applications.
Staying local makes this path more accessible. You avoid the cost and stress of relocation while gaining opportunities to connect with mentors and institutions in your own city—connections that can continue well past the summer.
New York City is especially rich in opportunities. With world-class universities and research centers like Columbia University and New York University, you can access labs, professional tools, and academic communities right in your backyard. Many programs even offer stipends, mentorship, and the chance to present your work at symposiums, so you gain not just knowledge but also recognition for your efforts.
Below, you’ll find 15 of the best summer research programs for high school students in NYC. Each one has its own focus, structure, and outcomes, giving you a range of ways to explore your interests at a deeper level.
15 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in NYC
1. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program
Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 3 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who live and attend school in New York City
At ARISE, you will spend your summer building research skills and contributing to active STEM projects in one of over 80 NYU labs. The first month is devoted to lab safety, scientific writing, and core research methods, ensuring you can confidently handle more advanced work. You will then join a lab team to gain roughly 120 hours of hands-on research under the mentorship of NYU faculty and graduate students. Alongside lab work, you’ll develop skills in collaboration and public speaking, and you’ll present your findings at NYU and the American Museum of Natural History. The program’s structure balances technical training with opportunities to engage directly with NYC’s science community.
2. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,400
Dates: Varies by cohort (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: Applicants should have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience with AI concepts or Python
This fellowship is designed for high school students who want to conduct independent research in artificial intelligence with expert mentorship. Over 15 weeks, you’ll work one-on-one with a mentor to design and execute a project that combines AI with your chosen field of interest. You will take your project from initial concept through data analysis, model building, and final presentation, with the option to pursue publication. The program also offers collaborative sessions with peers, opportunities for feedback from AI professionals, and guidance on presenting technical work clearly. Students without prior AI experience are encouraged to first complete the AI Scholars program.
3. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: None, but on-campus housing and meals cost $2,360.25, plus $500 for extra food. Stipend is paid but amount unspecified
Acceptance rate: Around 5%
Dates: July 1 - August 9
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program is a highly prestigious and competitive research program for academically talented and motivated high school students at Stony Brook University. You will join a faculty-led research team and contribute to an ongoing project in the sciences or engineering. Your responsibilities may include designing experiments, collecting data, and performing statistical analysis. You will work closely with your mentor and peers to produce research suitable for formal presentation. In addition to lab work, you’ll attend lectures and workshops that broaden your understanding of scientific concepts and career paths. The program concludes with a poster symposium where you will share your findings with faculty, students, and invited guests.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies according to program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts during the year; Summer I and II cohorts: June 2 and July 14 respectively
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Summer I and II cohorts on May 11 and June 23 respectively; apply here
Eligibility: Current high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
Over the course of 12 weeks, you will team up with a PhD mentor for individualized guidance as they craft a comprehensive academic research paper. You will choose their research topic, shape your research question, and get step-by-step mentorship throughout the drafting and revision process. By the end of the program, you will produce a polished 15-page paper and formally present your findings at the Lumiere Research Symposium. The curriculum features peer discussions, in-depth methodology workshops, and continuous writing support. Research specializations span fields such as economics, data science, engineering, and gender studies. Additionally, the program offers the opportunity to earn academic credit through the University of California at San Diego (UCSD).
5. Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program
Location: Rockefeller University, Manhattan, NY
Stipend: Need-based stipend provided for students requiring assistance; amount not specified
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; 32 students selected
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
This program places you in a research team mentored by scientists from Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Weill Cornell. After a week of orientation, you’ll choose a research question to investigate for the rest of the program. You will participate in planning, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and collaborating with peers in a professional lab setting. Your days will reflect the pace and structure of a research laboratory, giving you a clear view of scientific careers. Mentors provide ongoing feedback to help you refine both technical skills and scientific thinking. The program concludes with a symposium where you present your work to the university community.
6. Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate: Extremely competitive
Dates: 5 weeks during the summer.
Application Deadline: Typically opens in October
Eligibility: 11th and 12th grade NYC students enrolled in BRAINYAC partner programs and schools in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx
BRAINYAC immerses you in neuroscience research under the direct mentorship of a Columbia University neuroscientist. You’ll be matched with a lab project aligned with your interests and trained in lab techniques and safety. Over the summer, you will contribute to active research, from reviewing scientific literature to collecting and analyzing data. You’ll gain insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of a neuroscience researcher, including problem-solving and adapting experiments. The program also fosters communication skills through discussions, presentations, and peer collaboration. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of both neuroscience concepts and lab culture.
7. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Summer Student Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering research labs, New York
Stipend: $1,200
Acceptance rate: Around 2%; 20 interns accepted
Dates: June 30 – August 22
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: High school juniors | At least 14 years old by June | GPA ≥ 3.5 | Authorized to work in the U.S. | Living within 25 miles of MSKCC
This eight-week program places you in a research lab working on biomedical or computational projects. You’ll take responsibility for a focused project under a mentor’s supervision, while attending lab meetings and cross-department sessions. Research areas include cancer biology, genomics, pharmacology, and immunology, giving you insight into the connection between lab work and patient care. You will develop problem-solving abilities as you interpret results and adjust your approach based on feedback. Networking opportunities are built into the program, allowing you to connect with professionals in different research areas. By the end, you’ll present your findings to faculty and peers.
8. CUNY’s STEM Research Academy
Location: Various CUNY campuses, NYC
Stipend: $1,575
Acceptance rate: Competitive; 25 students in spring course; 10 students in summer internship
Dates: July 1 - August 2
Application Deadline: Typically between mid-December and mid-January
Eligibility: New York City Public High School 10th or 11th grader during; 75 or above on the ELA Regents or 480+ on SAT Verbal or PSAT Reading; HS average of at least 80; Participants must have passed the Regents Algebra, Geometry, Living Environment, Earth Science, and Global Studies exam with a 66 or better
CUNY’s STEM Research Academy for high school students is a two-semester program designed for NYC public high school students interested in STEM research. It begins with a spring research skills course and continues with a summer placement in a university lab. You’ll learn to frame research questions, collect and interpret data, and prepare findings for public presentation. The summer internship gives you hands-on lab experience while deepening your scientific literacy. Faculty mentors guide you in applying classroom learning to real research challenges. You’ll also enhance your ability to communicate results clearly through reports and presentations. The program concludes with a citywide exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History.
9. Cornell University – CURIE Academy
Acceptance rate: Around 50 students admitted per year
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY – In-person (residential)
Cost: $1,850 (includes room, board, and research supplies; scholarships available)
Dates: July 14–July 20
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors with GPA 3.0+ in math and science
CURIE Academy is Cornell Engineering’s one-week summer program for high school students with an interest in aerospace and related fields. You’ll participate in lab sessions, lectures, and projects under the guidance of Cornell faculty and graduate researchers. You’ll design, test, and present aerospace-related projects while learning about the latest developments in engineering. The program also emphasizes collaboration and mentorship, allowing you to work closely with both peers and faculty. With a small, selective cohort, CURIE provides focused exposure to research in aerospace engineering.
10. Biorocket Research Internship Program
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate: Not specified;
Dates: Spring: February 28 – May 23; Summer: July 1 - August 16
Application Deadline: Typically early January
Eligibility: NYC public or charter high school students aged 16+
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a 6-month intensive science research internship for New York City public and charter high school students. It offers hands-on experience in biology and genetic engineering through lab work and mentorship. You’ll design a research project with guidance from scientists and learn to explain your findings to non-expert audiences. The program also includes field trips to research facilities and biotech companies to broaden your perspective. You’ll also practice communicating science clearly through improv-based training sessions. Alongside technical skills, you’ll develop confidence in presenting complex ideas. The summer ends with a showcase of your work to peers, mentors, and invited guests.
11. Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) Environmentor Program
Location: RISE, Far Rockaway, NY
Stipend: Up to $1,200
Acceptance rate: Not specified; 12–15 students accepted
Dates: June 5 to August 15
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11 who live in NYC and attend school in or near Rockaway; preference may be given to local residents
This mentorship program focuses on environmental field research along the Rockaway shoreline and Jamaica Bay. You’ll design and conduct an individual research project on topics like algae blooms, dune restoration, or microplastic pollution. Fieldwork includes collecting samples, kayaking to sites, and learning safety skills such as CPR and water navigation. Weekly workshops and community events provide additional training and engagement. Mentors guide you through data collection and analysis to ensure your project meets scientific standards. You’ll conclude by presenting your research findings to the community. This program is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research and field experience while earning a stipend and community service hours.
12. NYU GSTEM
Location: NYU or other academic institutions, NYC
Cost: Tuition: $5,500, housing with meal plan: $3,840
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; 40 students accepted
Dates: June 30 - August 8
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Current 11th graders with a demonstrated STEM interest
GSTEM pairs you with a STEM mentor for an original research project in their lab or workspace. Orientation week introduces you to program expectations and research basics before you begin your project. You will also be part of guest lectures from women in STEM, and skill-building workshops in scientific writing and presentation. You’ll take part in field trips to places like the Museum of Math, Google, the Met, or the Federal Reserve, and also get to interact with women in STEM. The program encourages networking with peers and professionals across NYC’s science community. You’ll gain insight into career paths in STEM while refining your technical skills. The summer ends with a presentation to faculty and fellow participants.
13. Wave Hill’s Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship (WERM)
Location: Wave Hill, Bronx, NY
Stipend: Approximately $3,500
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates:July 1–August 16
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: NYC high school students aged 16+ with interest in science and urban ecology | Eligible to work in the U.S.
Wave Hill’s Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship (WERM) is a paid 14-month program for motivated New York City high school students who have a strong interest in scientific research and the urban environment. It introduces you to urban ecology through coursework, fieldwork, and mentored research. You’ll learn restoration techniques and GIS mapping, applying them in NYC green spaces. Weekly workshops during the school year deepen your research skills and scientific literacy. Field sites across the city allow you to apply concepts in varied environments. In the final summer phase, you’ll complete a group project with a mentor and present it at a research symposium.
14. Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP)
Location: New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $500
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Dates: Lab training: August 25–29 + academic year sessions
Application Deadline: May 27
Eligibility: NYC high school students aged 13+
The Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP) is a year-long science education initiative for high school students in New York City that engages students in authentic research using DNA technology to study local biodiversity. You’ll start with lab training before designing a team research project under a scientist mentor. Your work will involve sample collection, genetic sequencing, and data analysis to explore how human activity impacts ecosystems. Additional workshops during the academic year will support your project development. You’ll gain experience with both field and lab techniques, as well as scientific writing. The program concludes with a public poster presentation of your research.
15. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Remote
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee (full financial aid available for both types of fees)
Acceptance rate: Highly selective; 25 students accepted
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 14+ | Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or provide documentation of valid visa status
This two-week virtual program blends lectures, workshops, mentorship, and hands-on group research to explore the technical and clinical implications of artificial intelligence in medicine. You’ll work in teams to address a real medical problem using AI tools, guided by researchers and Stanford Student Leads. The curriculum includes research projects, career sessions with guest speakers, and collaborative virtual work. You’ll gain practical skills in coding, data interpretation, and project presentation. Career-focused discussions will expose you to different roles in AI and medicine. Extended research opportunities for innovative AI solutions for improved healthcare may be available after the program.
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