In high school, summer is often seen as a chance to rest and step away from academic pressure. But it can also be a meaningful time to grow, explore new environments, and gain experiences that shape your future. Summer internships in NYC for high school students offer a way to learn beyond textbooks, test your interests in real-world settings, and build skills that support both personal development and future college applications.

Imagine working alongside researchers in a science lab, assisting legal professionals in courtrooms, contributing to museum projects, or seeing how public institutions operate from the inside. In a city like New York, internships place you in professional environments across fields such as medicine, law, engineering, arts, and public service. These experiences go beyond observation, allowing you to learn through problem-solving, collaboration, and hands-on involvement.

Even if you already live in New York City, a summer internship can open doors you might not otherwise access. You gain early professional experience, develop practical skills, and connect with mentors and peers who share your interests.

What kinds of summer internships in NYC are available for high school students?

Finding meaningful internships is not always easy. You don’t want an experience that feels superficial or one that offers little learning or mentorship. Choosing the right opportunity matters because not all internships provide the same level of exposure, guidance, or skill-building.

NYC is home to many universities, research institutions, museums, legal offices, and public organizations that offer internships designed specifically for high school students. These programs allow you to explore your interests while also learning something entirely new from experienced professionals working on real projects.

You can also engage with your interests at a deeper level through summer programs in NYC for high school students.

To make the process easier, we’ve put together a list of 15 summer internships in NYC for high school students. They are picked for their educational value, hands-on experience, and ability to help students make the most of their summer.

15 Summer Internships in NYC for High School Students

1. Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)

Location: Columbia Laboratories
Cost/Stipend: Free; A stipend is provided
Dates: Five weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Applications open in October
Eligibility: High school juniors or sophomores; Preference is given to students in Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx

The Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships BRAINYAC program offers an immersive, hands-on research experience to high school students. You’ll interact with real scientists, develop research skills, and work on a research project through guidance and mentorship from a Columbia neuroscientist. The program aims to inspire young students to become future scientists.

You’ll gain exposure to a professional academic environment, improve your connection with science as a career option, and understand the impact of laboratory research on transformative discoveries in science. If you’re interested in learning from experienced professionals and scientists, this program may be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It lets you conduct hands-on neuroscience research under Columbia mentors while gaining real lab experience and professional guidance.

2. Immerse’s Career Insights New York Summer School

Location: Barnard College, Columbia University, New York
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students around the world aged 15-18 

The Career Insights Program allows high school students to explore future careers in some of the world’s most influential industry hubs. In New York, the programme places you at the centre of a global business and cultural capital, with industry exposure across finance, media, technology, fashion, and the arts. You’ll take part in project-based learning with established organisations, attend interactive workshops led by industry professionals, and visit key sites such as Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and leading creative and media spaces across Manhattan.

Students are based at Barnard College, part of Columbia University, offering an authentic Ivy League residential experience. Weekly in-person 1:1 career coaching sessions provide personalised feedback on your CV, professional profile, and career goals, culminating in a final presentation of your project to industry experts.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore real-world careers through hands-on projects, company visits, and personalized career coaching from industry experts.

3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program

Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; a $1,200 stipend is paid
Dates: June 29th – August 21st
Application Deadline: February 6th
Eligibility: High school juniors with a 3.5 GPA in science subjects living in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut; ages 14 or above. More information here

Joining the Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program will introduce you to careers in biomedical sciences. The program spans eight-weeks and focuses on two areas, including independent research in a stimulating learning environment and professional and personal development. You’ll work in Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) research lab, develop technical skills, and receive mentorship from a supervisor.

The internship will give you a chance to participate in lab meetings, attend program sessions, and connect with people from the MSK community. You’ll participate in events outside of the laboratory settings and understand the world of translation research and medicine from up-close. You’ll also work on a self-directed project supporting the Principal Investigator’s overall objectives.

Why it stands out: It will let you gain hands-on biomedical research experience at MSK while developing technical skills and receiving mentorship from experts.

4. NYU High School Medical Ethics Internship

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free; A stipend is paid
Dates: Summer (To Be Announced)
Application Deadline: To Be Announced
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; international students welcome

If you join the NYU High School Medical Ethics Internship, you’ll be introduced to the main concepts of bioethics. You’ll have the chance to collaborate with the NYU faculty and work on ongoing projects while participating in division activities in a range of areas, including transplant ethics, clinical ethics, research ethics, and sports ethics.

You’ll connect and interact with experts from different fields, including bioethics, healthcare, patient advocacy, law, and the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Along with gaining practical experience and knowledge, the internship also gives you a chance to develop professional relationships with mentors for prospects. 

Why it stands out: You’ll explore real-world bioethics issues while working on projects with NYU faculty and connecting with expert mentors.

5. American Museum of Natural History Science Research Mentoring Program

Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,500 stipend
Dates: August – June
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: 10th or 11th-grade students attending high school in NYC. More information available here 

The American Museum of Natural History’s Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) will give you a chance to conduct scientific research with Museum scientists for one year. You’ll connect with your peers and mentor scientists twice every week and work on an organic project on a unique topic.

You’ll develop a range of scientific skills, including data analysis, working with DNA in laboratory settings, coding, reading scientific articles, and analysing data in different programming languages, including Python, R, and more. Along with scientific learning, the program will also give you the chance to sharpen your skills in writing, communication, teamwork, and presentation. The program will make you eligible to receive 1 CUNY Lehman College credit.

Why it stands out: It lets you conduct year-long scientific research with museum scientists while building lab, coding, and communication skills.

6. NYU Tandon Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; a $1,000 stipend is paid
Dates: June 1st – August 14th
Application Deadline: February 20th
Eligibility: 10th or 11th-grade students attending NYC schools; must be NYC residents

If you join the Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering program, you’ll be immersed in a ten-week summer research experience. The first four weeks of the program will include safety training, development of research skills, and attending college writing workshops. During the remaining six weeks, you’ll assist researchers and faculty and work on real-world research projects in NYU research labs.

You’ll gain 120 hours of lab experience, gain access to a wide network of alumni, and have an opportunity to present your research at Colloquium to the NYU community. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to present your work at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Poster Symposium.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain hands-on research experience in NYU labs while developing skills and presenting your work at AMNH and NYU events.

7. The New York Historical Society: Student Historian Internship Program

Location: The New-York Historical Society, NY
Cost/Stipend: $700 stipend
Dates: July 8th – August 14th (tentative, based on previous years
Application Deadline: March 30th (tentative)
Eligibility: Grade 10th-12th students living and attending school in the NYC metro area. More information here 

The New York Historical Society: Student Historian Internship Program offers high school students an opportunity to conduct in-depth research. You’ll interact with professional staff, gain knowledge about the museum, digital humanities, library, and history fields. You’ll work in collaboration with other students and develop a range of skills, including historical thinking, communication, and digital media.

The internship is based on the theme, “Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America”, and involves intensive research, writing, and hands-on work to develop your understanding of American history and the digital humanities. 

Why it stands out: You’ll conduct hands-on historical research while learning from museum staff and developing skills in writing, digital media, and historical analysis.

8. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program

Location: Multiple legal institutions across NYC
Cost/Stipend: Free; A $16/hour or more stipend is paid
Dates: June 24th – August 27th
Application Deadline: January 12th
Eligibility: NYC high school students interested in law

The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program offers you an opportunity to explore the legal profession through professional development training and summer internships. You’ll work in law firms, non-profit organisations, government agencies, and corporations to gain in-depth knowledge about the everyday work-life of legal professionals.

You’ll go through an application and interview process to be placed with the right employer for you. The program is conducted annually and aims to expand access to the legal profession for students interested in pursuing a career in law. If you’re a high school student interested in legal professions and looking to learn from experts in the field, then this internship program can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore the legal profession firsthand by interning at law firms, nonprofits, or government agencies while gaining professional training.

9. CCNY STEM Research Academy

Location: City College of New York (CCNY), Manhattan, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,575 stipend paid on completion
Dates: July 6th – August 6th (tentative)
Application Deadline: January 16th
Eligibility: NYC Public high school students (Grades 10th-11th)

CCNY STEM Research Academy is a free program that gives high school students an opportunity to become scientific thinkers. At first, you’ll participate in a Spring course in an area of research area. On successful completion, you’ll have the opportunity to join the summer STEM research internship, where you’ll be matched with a City University of New York (CUNY) or City College of New York (CCNY) faculty member.

You’ll work in a research lab for four-five days a week, complete a research project, and participate in the weekly seminar and workshop. You’ll have the opportunity to share your research project at the New York Science Center for Research and Mentoring (NYSCRM) poster presentation at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH).

Why it stands out: You’ll gain hands-on experience in a research lab, work closely with faculty on a scientific project, and present your findings at the AMNH poster session while developing critical STEM skills.

10. Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program

Location: Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Manhattan, NY,
Cost/Stipend: Free; Minimum wage is paid
Dates: June 29th – July 31st
Application Deadline: To Be Announced; Applications open: January 26th
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors residing in Manhattan 

Joining the Manhattan District Attorney’s  High School Internship Program (HSIP) will allow you to explore the criminal justice system from up-close. You’ll engage in workshops, discussions, participate in mock trials, and learn to conduct yourself professionally in the work environment. You’ll work in different office units and assist them with a range of tasks, including research, case preparation, and administrative activities.

You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of the legal ethics, civic responsibility, and processes of criminal justice. If you’re a high school student interested in learning about the legal system in a professional environment, then this program can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain hands-on experience in the criminal justice system by assisting office units, participating in mock trials, and learning professional legal practices

11. Alley Pond Park Field Biology Internship

Location: Alley Pond Environmental Center, Queens, NY
Cost: $150
Dates: 6 days in June, July, and August
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: High school students; Minimum age: 14 years; international students welcome

Alley Pond Park Field Biology Internship offers high school students an opportunity to develop skills in STEM and gain knowledge about local ecosystems. You’ll visit different ecosystems in Alley Pond Park, study organisms in their natural environment, and learn about the local flora and fauna. The internship allows you to develop a range of skills, including personal research, public speaking, and presentation.

You’ll learn field data collection and recording, interact with local environmental professionals, and form a meaningful community with fellow interns and mentors. If you’re a high school student interested in pursuing a career in the field of biology, environmental science, natural science, and related fields, then this program can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll study local ecosystems hands-on, collecting data and learning from environmental professionals while developing research and presentation skills.

12. The Rockefeller University: Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

Location: RockEDU laboratories
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipends available to students with financial hardships
Dates: June 22nd – August 6th
Application Deadline: January 2nd
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors ages 16 and above; international students welcome

Joining the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) offers a team-based mentored opportunity in science. You’ll participate in hands-on laboratory research and receive guidance from scientific trainees from the Tri-Institutions (Rockefeller, MSK, and WCMC). You’ll take elective courses, attend workshops, guest lectures, and participate in social events.

The program spans seven weeks and will introduce you to a research topic, learn research techniques, explore research questions, and engage you in data analysis. You’ll have the opportunity to present your research findings through a poster at the program symposium.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain hands-on lab research experience with expert mentors while learning techniques, analyzing data, and presenting your findings at a symposium.

13. The Met: Summer High School Internships

Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, NYC
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,100 stipend is paid
Dates: To Be Announced
Application Deadline: To Be Announced in early February
Eligibility: Grade 10 or 11 students residing and attending school in either New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut

The Met Summer High School Internships are among the most culturally immersive summer internships in NYC for high school students, offering paid experience within one of the world’s leading museums. You develop professional skills, engage in networking opportunities, and work closely in small cohorts with museum professionals across art, design, education, and digital media.

The internships will allow you to learn from professionals belonging to a range of fields, including social media, imaging, design, education, and more. If you’re a high school student looking to explore your interests and gain valuable insights from experts in different related fields, then this program can be a good option to consider. 

Why it stands out: You’ll gain paid, hands-on experience in museum work while learning from creative professionals across art, design, and education fields.

14. The New York City School Construction Authority (SCA): High School Summer Internship Program

Location: Various SCA departments and partner companies in NYC
Cost/Stipend: Free; a $17/hour stipend is paid
Dates: July 6th – August 14th
Application Deadline: March 6th
Eligibility: New York City public high school students 

The SCA High School Summer Internship offers a six-week paid opportunity to talented NYC public high school students. You’ll be exposed to careers in a range of industries, including engineering, business, architecture, construction management, public administration, and more. You’ll participate in workshops, panel discussions, and work on assignments.

The program offers a free ten-hour OSHA construction safety training, an opportunity to network with fellow interns, industry professionals, and staff. You’ll also be assigned a college supervisor who will monitor your program progress. If you’re interested in a paid opportunity offering career exploration and guidance, this program can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain paid work experience and explore careers across multiple industries while receiving mentorship and professional training.

15. Museum of Arts and Design (MAD): Artslife Internship

Location: Museum of Arts and Design
Cost/Stipend: Free; a $16.50/hour stipend is paid
Dates: Six weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: April 21st ( tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores and juniors enrolled in New York City public and charter high schools.

The Museum of Arts and Design’s Artslife Internship offers a paid opportunity that combines arts and design with leadership training, community engagement, and museum studies. You’ll be introduced to careers in a range of museum sectors, including communication and marketing, visitor services, development, curatorial, education, security, and registrar.

During the first week of the internship, you’ll engage in team-bonding activities. For the remaining five weeks, you’ll work on collaborative projects with art professionals, museum staff, and local designers. The program will help you build career reading, develop presentation, communication, and public speaking skills, and visit cultural institutions in NYC.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain paid experience in arts and museum work while building leadership, communication, and creative skills through real projects.

Turning New York Experience Into Direction

Spending your summer in a professional setting helps you see how learning connects to real work. You gain perspective, confidence, and clarity that classrooms alone cannot offer.

Through these summer internships in NYC for high school students, you test interests, build practical skills, and learn what different careers look like day to day. These experiences help you understand what motivates you and where your strengths lie.

As you reflect on your time in labs, offices, museums, or institutions, patterns begin to emerge. You start to recognise which environments, challenges, and subjects suit you best.

To explore these paths further, visit our Career Exploration blogs for insights into careers, key skills, and study routes that can help you plan your next steps with confidence.