Summer is a great break to unwind, take some time off, and not have to worry about school demands. But summer programs in NYC for high school students show it can be so much more, offering a chance to gain perspective through experiences you’ll look back on long after summer ends.

Picture spending your afternoons sketching in Central Park after a design class. Or discussing political theory with classmates from across the world on the steps of historic campuses. These programmes are more than academics. They give you a taste of university life, blending academic rigour with the vibrant culture of one of the world’s most iconic urban centres.

But what if New York City is already your home? In that case, these programs could make you experience NYC in a fresh light, influenced by the independence, curiosity, and energy of stepping into a pre-college environment.

What summer programs for high school students does NYC offer?

Some summer programs can feel like nothing but a holiday with a high price. That’s where guidance becomes extremely important: to help you sort through the programs and identify the best ones.

Multiple universities, museums, research centers, and arts institutions offer rigorous summer programs in STEM, business, pre-med, finance, creative writing, and more. There are various offerings for beginners and advanced students alike. So, you could explore an existing passion or delve into a newfound interest.

You’ll be taught by distinguished faculty, work on hands-on activities, and connect with like-minded peers. Throughout the program, you’ll develop teamwork and confidence, and get a picture of what future college life could look like.

Regardless of the program, you’ll have to put in the work. To help you decide, we’ve curated a list of 15 Summer Programs in NYC for High School Students, picked for their mentorship offerings, academic depth, and worldwide repute.

15 Summer Programs In NYC For High School Students

1. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: June 22nd – August 6th
Application Deadline: January 2nd
Eligibility: Applicants must be 16+ by 22 June 2026, be a current high school junior or senior when applying, and may apply from outside the US.

This highly selective programme is one of the most rigorous summer programs in NYC for high school students, offering an intensive, fully immersive research experience in biomedical science. You will work full-time in a Rockefeller University laboratory, mentored by PhD students, postdocs, and world-renowned university faculty. You are expected to conduct authentic, original research that contributes to an ongoing project in fields such as neuroscience, cell biology, or genetics.

In addition to this, the program provides an in-depth introduction to the demanding environment of an advanced scientific research institution. You’ll‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ get first-hand experience with laboratory techniques, help create scientific reports, and present your results at the final poster session. The SSRP is perfect for you if you want to have a challenging, selective college application ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌credential.

Why it stands out: It emphasizes original research, mentorship from leading scientists, and a final poster presentation, so you’ll have a renowned credential for STEM applications.

2. Immerse Education’s Pre-University New York Summer School

Location: Barnard College (Columbia University), Manhattan, New York City
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 28th Jun – 11th Jul, and 12th Jul – 25th Jul
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 from around the world who want to explore future career options

Immerse Education’s New York Summer School is a two-week, in-person programme built around project-based learning, industry insight, and personalised career coaching. You’ll study in small groups, receive one-to-one guidance, and work toward a final presentation that showcases your growing confidence and skills. Architecture and Design participants explore core principles such as proportion, scale, rhythm, balance, and sustainability, developing sketches, digital visualisations, and simple 3D models while examining adaptive reuse and refurbishment strategies. Fashion and Design participants investigate how culture shapes trends, experiment with 3D printing and wearable tech, and translate ideas into practical studio work.

Throughout the programme, you’ll connect learning to real-world industries through curated NYC experiences, including visits such as the Fashion Institute of Technology. Your home for the summer is Barnard College at Columbia University, offering modern facilities, Wi-Fi, 24/7 on-site security, and separate housing for male and female participants, creating a safe, inspiring environment in the heart of Manhattan.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn in the heart of Manhattan, combining hands-on industry projects with small-group teaching, one-to-one career coaching, and real NYC site visits.

3. NYU Tandon Applied Research Innovations in Science & Engineering (ARISE)

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: June 1st – August 14th
Application Deadline: February 21st
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students residing in New York City who are high-achieving and have demonstrated interest in STEM

The ARISE program is a free, highly selective summer research internship designed to place you into NYU Tandon research labs. You begin with an intensive period of technical skill-building workshops before transitioning into a research internship where you work on ongoing projects under the guidance of NYU faculty and graduate mentors. The‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ scope of their research is multidisciplinary and highly advanced.

Adding to this, the program ranks among the top five percent of the most selective research opportunities in the United States, at no cost to students. You’ll have the opportunity to gain a lot of practical experience through high-grade research projects. You‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ carry out a formal presentation along with the written report on your research results; hence, you get a valuable experience for further STEM applications.

Why it stands out: You’ll be placed at a cutting-edge engineering lab and do a final research presentation, giving you an experience of how academic research works.

4. Columbia University – Summer Programs for High School Students

Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost: ~$12,764 for a 3-week residential session
Dates: Session A: June 29th – July 17th; Session B: July 21st – August 7th
Application Deadline: Early Registration Deadline is Feb 2, 2026, and the General Application Deadline is Mar 2, 2026
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12, aged 15+; international students accepted

The Columbia University high-school summer program offers a residential academic immersion at an Ivy League campus in NYC. You’ll select from subject areas such as business, neuroscience, law, or creative writing and engage in seminar-style classes taught by university-level instructors. The structure includes morning and afternoon lectures, with independent work and peer-group assignments to develop analytical and communication skills.

Beyond the classroom, residential life on the Morningside Campus provides a realistic preview of college living, including access to libraries and campus resources. By the program’s end, you’ll earn a certificate and gain a clearer understanding of university academic expectations and major selection.

Why it stands out: It offers academic courses while living on the Columbia campus, so you’ll get a solid glimpse into university life.

5. New York University — Pre-College

Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: ~$4,004 for two credits (tuition only, plus housing and fees)
Dates: July 1st – August 12th (tentatively)
Application Deadline: June 15th (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide entering 11th or 12th grade

The NYU Pre-College program gives high school students the chance to enroll in undergraduate-level courses alongside NYU undergraduates and earn college credit. You’ll choose from over 30 academic areas, such as engineering, journalism, or computer science, and attend lectures and seminar discussions in a New York campus setting.

Alongside academics, participants reside in NYU accommodation and gain access to resources such as libraries and labs, creating a full campus experience. You will be doing assignments and may get graded credit. The program is a means to delve deeper into your chosen areas of study and figure out if you have the academic capacity and independence required for higher-level ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌work.

Why it stands out: You’ll be taking classes alongside NYU undergraduates, so you’ll have the opportunity to build a useful network.

6. Barnard College Pre-College Programs

Location: Barnard College, New York, NY
Cost: $10,771 (residential) / $8,160 (commuter)
Dates: Session 1: June 29th – July 17th; Session 2: July 20th – August 7th
Application Deadline: Opening on December 1st; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, international students are accepted

Barnard’s Pre-College Programs offer young women a taste of intellectual and residential life at a top liberal arts college in New York City. The offerings are intensive, non-credit courses in subjects that emphasize social justice, philosophy, entrepreneurship, and creative endeavors. You engage closely with Barnard faculty and students, participate in seminar-style discussions, and take field trips across the city.

At the same time, the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and the development of personal and academic independence within a challenging, women-centred environment. The program is a strong preparatory experience for liberal arts colleges, and you receive a certificate of completion.

Why it stands out: Its intellectually-focused curriculum and teaching under Barnard faculty help you prepare a strong application for liberal arts and social science colleges.

7. Colleg e Now Summer Architect Immersion Program

Location: City Tech Campus, NYC
Cost: Free
Dates: June 30th – July 31st
Application Deadline: Yet to be announced
Eligibility: Must be a New York City Public High School 10th or 11th grader; check here

Through theArchitecture and Urban Design Immersion Program, you will explore design, composition, and construction using NYC as a living laboratory. Workshops will focus on freehand drawing, drafting, graphic standards, 2D & 3D composition, and reading architectural drawings.

As the program progresses, participants develop graphic skills and a foundation to write, discuss, and visually express architecture and construction. The program highlights the interconnections between various fields by linking architecture to its historical, cultural, and political context. If you complete the course, you will earn 2 college credits.

Why it stands out: It provides a solid foundation for architectural design and construction, helping you build a competitive design portfolio.

8. Fordham University Summer Leaders Academy

Location: Fordham University (Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses), New York, NY
Cost: $1,449 (non-credit commuter, 1-week) up to $6,236 (4-credit resident)
Dates: Immersion 1 June 22–26; Immersion 2 July 6–10 (1-week) or July 6–16 (2-week); Immersion 3 July 20–24 (1-week) or July 20–30 (2-week)
Application Deadline: April 30th for resident application. And May 1 for Immersion 1; May 29 for Immersions 2 & 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors worldwide (entering 11th or 12th grade)

The Summer Leaders Academy offers a short yet intensive introduction to selected university majors and college life. The curriculum is organised into focused academic tracks such as Pre-Health, Pre-Law, Finance, and Global Business, with courses taught by Fordham faculty. Participants can choose between one- or two-week sessions, with both credit and non-credit options available. Learning takes place through seminar-style classes, collaborative group discussions, and persuasive presentations.

Alongside academics, the programme includes career-building sessions, college application guidance, and community-focused social activities. These experiences help develop critical thinking, public speaking, and professional skills within a Jesuit-informed academic setting. Students also take part in college readiness workshops and receive a certificate of completion at the end of the programme.

Why it stands out: It’s focused on university-style classes and professional skills, so you’ll get a glimpse into university life.

9. BEYOND ALBERT High School Research Program – Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Location: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
Cost: Free; $2,500 stipend provided
Dates: Late June through August
Application Deadline: January 12th
Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old by the program start date, live and attend high school in the Bronx, and be entering the 11th or 12th grade

This eight-week summer program offers an intensive, full-time, hands-on laboratory research experience focused on biomedical science and cancer biology. You attend seminars and workshops led by Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center faculty, postdocs, and students, providing a deep dive into biomedical research careers. If you opt for the after-school program, you can continue with scientific talks and professional development workshops throughout the academic year.

As a result, this highly selective program is a foundational experience for you if you are interested in a career in medicine or scientific research, with significant financial support provided. You develop your own research presentations and present your work to faculty, demonstrating college-level engagement.

Why it stands out: Mentorship by Einstein faculty and structured research presentations could help build a foundation for pre-med or biomedical research paths.

10. Borough of Manhattan Community College STEP Program

Location: BMCC, NYC
Cost: Free
Dates: July – August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: NYC high school student, NY State resident (lived in NY for 1+ years), and must submit economic eligibility documentation

The BMCC Step programs cover topics in mathematics, science, technology, and health-related fields. Your classes would involve hands-on, activity-based projects. If you opt for STEP research, you will conduct experiments in BMCC’s laboratories under the supervision of BMCC students and faculty.

You could also enrol in their test prep program to receive guidance on ACT, PSAT, SAT, and REGENT prep. Finally, STEP also conducts workshops centered on various STEM degrees and professions, as well as college admissions prep.

Why it stands out: It focuses on students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, giving you opportunities for test prep and lab work, which might not be typically accessible.

11. The Cooper Union Summer STEM Program

Location: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, New York, NY
Cost: $3,150 (3-week) or $5,150 (6-week)
Dates: July 6th – August 13th
Application Deadline: Typically mid-December
Eligibility: Current high school students from around the world who have completed 9th, 10th, or 11th grade

As a part of this program, you’ll be exposed to college-level science and engineering ideas geared towards high school students. It’s a distinctive, non-credit program at the historically venerable institution. Along with lectures, you get to do hands-on labs and design projects in various engineering fields, such as chemical, civil, electrical, and ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌mechanical.

In addition, the program is taught by Cooper Union faculty and alumni, with a strong emphasis on practical, collaborative problem-solving. You’ll work on a final project, developing strong technical skills and gaining a concrete, practical understanding of the engineering design process and various career options. The fully-funded structure makes high-level engineering education accessible.

Why it stands out: It removes access barriers and provides rare access to college-level engineering training and design facilities.

12. Columbia Engineering SHAPE (Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers)

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $10,705
Dates: Session 1: July 6th – July 24th; Session 2: July 27th – August 14th
Application Deadline: March 2nd
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above, and Summer 2026 residential is limited to students who currently live and attend school in the US

SHAPE is one of the most selective summer programs in NYC for high school students, offering a paid, pre-college experience for students passionate about STEM, especially engineering and its real-world applications. You take college-level engineering courses, work on practical, hands-on projects in Columbia’s engineering labs, and learn directly from university faculty. The‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ studies involve essential subjects such as robotics, computer science, and electrical engineering that focus on interdisciplinary, real-world problem-solving.

You can pick from residential and commuter options. The program is a good combination of challenging academic lectures, an introduction to Columbia’s Makerspace facilities, and professional workshops related to college readiness and engineering ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌careers. You receive a certificate of completion from Columbia Engineering.

Why it stands out: It provides access to Columbia’s engineering labs and renowned Makespace, helping you build a strong foundation for engineering applications.

13. Cornell University – Pre-College Studies

Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: ~$1,940 per credit
Dates: Varies by session
Application Deadline: Varies by session and program type, check here
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 worldwide who have completed their sophomore year of high school

The Cornell Pre-College Studies program allows high school students to enroll in regular Cornell University undergraduate courses and earn official credit. You’ll attend lectures, complete assignments, and engage with faculty in fields ranging from engineering and business to the humanities and veterinary science.

In addition, the residential option places you in a campus residence hall with access to student resources, labs, and social programming. A strong emphasis on college-style study helps you build academic habits and assess which majors or disciplines might interest you. By completing the program, you receive a Cornell transcript and gain clearer insight into the demands and rewards of university-level learning.

Why it stands out: It provides a unique opportunity to take undergraduate courses and earn official Cornell credits.

14. Manhattan College Entrepreneurship Pre-College Camp

Location: Manhattan University, Riverdale, NY
Cost: $1,400 plus a $50 non-refundable registration fee
Dates: Typically mid-July – mid-August (3 weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications open in January
Eligibility: 15-17-year-old high school students

This intensive pre-college camp is designed for high school students interested in the complex process of starting and scaling a business venture. The‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ first three weeks are all about teamwork where you and your teammates come up with a business idea and take it step by step to a full-fledged business plan and a final pitch.

Additionally, the program is a blend of core university business concepts such as business management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurial strategy, and the faculty is always there to ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌guide you. Students learn essential skills in financial modeling, market research, and public speaking through the process of developing and formally pitching their final venture.

Why it stands out: Its structure involves building a business venture and a pitch deck, so you’ll get an experience of how collegiate business programs work.

15. The New School: Parsons Summer Intensive Studies

Location: The New School, New York, NY
Cost: $5,610 plus $265 university fees
Dates: Session 1: June 8th – June 26th; Session 2: July 6th – July 24th
Application Deadline: Session 1: May 8th; Session 2: June 1st; April 1st for international students
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students from around the world who are 16 years of age or older

This is a rigorous, three-credit program designed for pre-college students who are serious about pursuing art and design at the university level, taught by Parsons faculty. You can choose from a focused range of studios, including fashion design, photography, graphic design, and architecture, with a significant emphasis on developing technical skills.

Throughout the program, the curriculum is project-based, requiring thought-provoking assignments, field trips across New York City, and critiques from industry professionals. The program’s primary academic value is helping you build a strong, college-ready portfolio and receive high-level critique and feedback from Parsons Admissions officers.

Why it stands out: You’ll work with Parsons faculty and industry professionals, helping you build a foundation in design and a valuable network.

From Curiosity to Direction: What Your Summer Can Unlock

Summer in New York feels different. Yellow cabs rush past, conversations spill onto sidewalks, and every block hums with possibility.

When learning happens here, ideas feel alive. You might leave a seminar and find yourself sketching in Central Park, debating big questions on campus steps, or spotting real careers unfolding beyond the classroom.

That’s why these summer programs in NYC for high school students leave such a lasting mark. The city’s pace, people, and institutions turn curiosity into clarity, helping you picture where your interests could lead.

If that spark is starting to grow, our Career Exploration blogs offer grounded insights and real stories to help you keep exploring what comes next.