If you’re a high school student interested in science, technology, engineering, or math, you may already enjoy solving problems, experimenting, or building projects. But beyond classroom learning, you might still wonder what studying STEM at a deeper, university-level truly looks like, which is why many students begin exploring STEM summer programs for high school students in New York. With its leading universities, research institutions, and innovation-driven industries, New York offers an exciting place to take that next step.

Imagine spending your summer attending workshops in robotics, computer science, engineering, biotechnology, or data science. You could work on hands-on projects, collaborate with ambitious peers from around the world, and see how STEM concepts are applied in cutting-edge fields. These programmes combine academic rigour with practical experience, giving you a clearer sense of both university-level study and real-world STEM applications.

How do you choose the right STEM summer programs in New York for high school students?

With many options available, it’s important to distinguish between programs that offer surface-level introductions and those that provide meaningful, hands-on learning. Some focus on lectures, while others emphasize labs, collaborative projects, and real-world problem-solving. Thoughtful research ensures you find a program that aligns with your interests and experience level.

Across New York, STEM summer programs may cover areas such as engineering, computer science, environmental science, robotics, and biomedical research. You might participate in experiments, coding sessions, design challenges, or group projects that reflect real-world STEM applications. You’ll learn from experienced instructors, collaborate with motivated peers, and strengthen key skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability. 

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in New York. They’ve been selected for their academic quality, hands-on opportunities, and ability to inspire curiosity and innovation.

For more subject options, you can consider summer programs in New York.

15 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in New York

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

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $2,000 stipend
Dates: Remote Workshops: June 1-25; In-person lab sessions: July 6th – August 14th
Application Deadline: February 27th
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students residing in New York City; not open to international students

As one of the standout STEM summer programs for high school students in New York, this program begins with an intensive phase of technical skill-building workshops, followed by a research internship where you work on active projects with guidance from NYU faculty and graduate mentors. The research is multidisciplinary and advanced, giving you exposure to how complex problems are approached in academic settings.

You contribute to ongoing projects rather than simulated exercises, which helps you build practical research experience. The programme is highly selective and offered at no cost, making it accessible while maintaining a competitive admissions process. You also prepare a formal research report and present your findings, developing both analytical and communication skills.

Why it stands out: You’ll get access to NYU’s alumni network with jobs, internships, and research opportunities.

2. Immerse Education’s New York Medicine Summer School

Location: New York
Cost/Stipend: Varies by format; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18; international students can apply

The Immerse Education Medicine Summer Programme places you directly into the fast-paced healthcare environment of New York City. You spend 2 weeks participating in engaging, project-based learning sessions guided by real medical professionals and industry experts. The curriculum allows you to step away from standard textbooks and actually visit university research facilities and high-tech simulation labs.

During your stay, you also receive dedicated one-on-one coaching to help you plan your future medical career and craft a strong university application. You work hard to complete a comprehensive personal project that you proudly present to experts at the end of the course. This hands-on journey gives you the exact skills and confidence you need to succeed in medical school. You can secure your spot by applying right here.

Why it stands out: It combines expert-led teaching with real-world industry visits in a major global healthcare hub, giving you a true taste of fast-paced urban medicine.

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

Location: Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $2,500 stipend
Dates: 8-week summer session (Late June – August) + Academic year after-school program (September – May)
Application Deadline: January 12th
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors; at least 16 years old; must reside and attend high school in the Bronx; not open to international students

This eight-week summer program gives you a full-time, hands-on research experience in biomedical science, with a focus on cancer biology. You work in a laboratory setting while also attending seminars and workshops led by faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students from the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center. These sessions introduce you to current research practices and possible career pathways in medicine and scientific research.

Alongside lab work, you develop an understanding of how research is conducted, communicated, and applied in clinical and academic contexts. If you continue with the after-school component, you can participate in additional talks and professional development sessions throughout the academic year. With its selective admissions and financial support, the program provides early exposure to research environments for students considering long-term study in biomedical fields.

Why it stands out: You could build a foundation for pre-med and biomedical research pathways because of the mentorship by Einstein faculty and by creating research presentations.

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

Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $11,492; Commuter: $6,241; need-based scholarships are available for U.S. students
Dates: Session 1: July 6-24; Session 2: July 27th – August 14th
Application Deadline: March 2nd
Eligibility: Rising 10th through 12th graders; at least 16 to enroll as a residential student, open to international students

SHAPE is one of the most academically rigorous STEM summer programs for high school students designed for those interested in engineering, is applied in real-world contexts. You take college-level engineering courses while working on hands-on projects in Columbia’s engineering labs, guided by university faculty. The curriculum covers robotics, computer science, and electrical engineering, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary problem-solving.

You also gain exposure to facilities like Columbia’s Makerspace, where you can engage with tools and prototyping environments used in engineering education. The program includes both residential and commuter options, as well as workshops focused on college readiness and engineering career pathways. At the end of the program, 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.

5. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / need-based travel stipends are given
Dates: June 22nd – August 6th
Application Deadline: January 2nd
Eligibility: High school students in grades 11-12 who are 16 years of age by the start of the program; open to international students

Among the most research-focused STEM summer programs for high school students in New York, this program gives you a full-time, immersive introduction to biomedical research within a leading scientific institution. You are placed in a laboratory at Rockefeller University, where you work closely with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty mentors on active research projects. Your work involves contributing to ongoing studies in areas such as neuroscience, cell biology, or genetics, rather than completing simulated exercises.

Through this, you gain exposure to how research questions are designed, tested, and refined in a real lab setting. You also learn core laboratory techniques, assist in preparing scientific documentation, and develop your ability to communicate findings. The program concludes with a poster presentation, where you share your research outcomes in a format commonly used in academic science.

Why it stands out: It focuses on independent research, mentorship from eminent researchers, and a final poster presentation, providing you with valuable experience for STEM applications.

6. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – PREFACE Summer Engineering Design Program

Location: Troy, NY
Cost/Stipend: $4,750; limited partial scholarships are available
Dates: July 19th – August 1st
Application Deadline: April 11th
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 11-12; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; not open to international students

The PREFACE Program introduces you to engineering problem-solving within a structured university setting at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. You work in teams on a design project, guided by faculty and current engineering students, which helps you understand how engineers approach real-world challenges. The curriculum includes lectures, lab demonstrations, and modeling sessions that break down how complex systems are analyzed and designed.

You also gain exposure to tools and skills, including CAD software, technical communication, and engineering ethics. Throughout the program, you focus on framing problems clearly and collaborating to develop practical solutions. The experience concludes with a final presentation in which you share your design outcomes with faculty and peers.

Why it stands out: You’ll get hands-on engineering design experience and an introduction to university-level academics, which is rarely available for high school students.

7. NYU Tandon School of Engineering – SPARC (Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding)

Location: Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: $3,300 + $638 housing fees + $199/week meal charges + $30 dining charges
Dates: June 16-27; July 7-18; July 28th – August 8th
Application Deadline: May 15th
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th-grade students; 15+; have a strong math background; open to international students

SPARC is one of the more practical STEM summer programs for high school students in New York, introducing you to robotics, automation, and programming through hands-on lab sessions and faculty-led instruction at NYU Tandon. You build foundational knowledge in areas such as robot navigation, microcontrollers, and sensor integration while working through guided exercises. The program includes workshops where you design, construct, and test robotic systems, helping you connect theory with practical application.

Coding instruction covers Python and basic control algorithms, giving you an entry point into how robots are programmed and managed. The curriculum focuses on project-based learning, so you spend a significant portion of your time building and refining working models.

Why it stands out: It offers hands-on robotics and coding experience, focusing on microcontrollers, sensor integration, and Python programming, giving you practical skills in automation and robotics for future engineering studies.

8. Cooper Union Summer STEM

Location: School of Engineering, Cooper Square, New York City, NY
Cost: 3-week course: $3,150; 6-week course: $5,150; financial aid is available; free for students whose household income is below the current NYC median income
Dates: 3-week course: July 6-23; 6-week course: July 27th – August 13th; July 6th – August 13th
Application Deadline: March 22nd
Eligibility: Students who have completed grades 9, 10, or 11; some advanced courses require a 93rd percentile or higher in Math and Chemistry; open to international students

The Cooper Union Summer STEM program is an intensive experience and a strong option among the different summer programs for high school students in New York if you want to tackle hands-on engineering challenges in a real college setting. You will explore topics including robotics, digital fabrication, app development, biomedical engineering, urban infrastructure, extended reality, data science, sustainability, and racecar design.

Throughout the course, you will engage in practical activities like building electronic circuits on breadboards, coding iOS apps using Swift, and prototyping eco-friendly 3D-printed materials. A unique feature of this camp is that you work on the exact same curriculum and faculty research projects that Cooper Union undergraduates handle in their first two years.

Why it stands out: It bypasses standard high school concepts, instead prioritizing real-world “tech for good” applications where you solve urgent environmental and community problems alongside leading engineering faculty.

9. Borough of Manhattan Community College STEP Program

Location: Manhattan
Cost: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Dates: 5 weeks between July – August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students from NYC in 9th – 12th grade who meet economic requirements; check here; not open to international students

The BMCC STEP program introduces you to STEM and health-related fields through hands-on, activity-based learning. You participate in classes that focus on practical projects rather than purely theoretical instruction. If you choose the research track, you conduct experiments in BMCC laboratories under the guidance of students and faculty.

The programme also offers test preparation support for exams such as the ACT, PSAT, SAT, and Regents. In addition, you attend workshops that explore STEM careers and provide guidance on college applications.

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

10. Adelphi University Pre-College Summer Programs

Location: Garden City, New York (on the Adelphi University campus)
Cost: One-week non-credit academies: $1,000; Three-week college-credit courses: $3,540 (Residential); $4,540 (Commuter)
Dates: One-week: July 20-24; Three-week: July 12th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Non-credit academics: June 12th; Three-week: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Non-credit academies: Students entering 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade | College-credit courses: Students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade; open to international students

The Adelphi University Pre-College Summer Program gives you a structured introduction to college academics across a wide range of subjects, including AI, business, psychology, healthcare, and more. You take part in hands-on activities such as CPR training, business planning exercises, and college preparation workshops.

The program also includes field trips and interactive sessions that connect classroom learning with real-world applications. A notable feature is its support system for students with different learning needs, along with opportunities for future college scholarships. By the end, you will have developed skills in communication, time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Why it stands out: It lets you earn real college credits while giving you hands-on career practice and extra support in a welcoming campus setting.

11. Simons Summer Research Program

Location: Stony Brook University Campus, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $2,450 + $120 additional meal costs (Est.) / Stipend paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: June 29th – August 7th
Application Deadline: February 5th
Eligibility: Current high school juniors; 16 or older by program start; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; not open to international students

This program places you with faculty mentors at partner universities, where you contribute to research in areas such as biology, neuroscience, or chemistry. You take part in lab meetings, practise experimental techniques, and engage with readings to build the scientific context for your project.

The structure encourages independent thinking, allowing you to develop and refine your own research questions over time. Throughout the program, you gain insight into how academic research is planned, conducted, and evaluated. You also present your work to peers and faculty, building experience in formal scientific communication.

Why it stands out: Its labs are connected to national research centers, and you’ll contribute to cutting-edge computational and applied math projects.

12. Summer Student Program – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Location: New York City, NY
Cost: No cost / $1,200 stipend
Dates: June 29th – August 21st
Application Deadline: February 6th
Eligibility: High school juniors who are 14 years or older by June, have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects, are legally authorized to work in the U.S., residents of NY, NJ, or CT, and live within 25 miles of the main campus; not open to international students

In this program, you’ll spend several weeks working alongside researchers, learning how scientists study tumor biology, genetics, immunology, and the development of treatments. You’ll observe experiments, assist with data collection or analysis, and attend presentations that explain how individual projects fit into broader cancer-research goals.

Mentors guide you through reading scientific papers, understanding research questions, and communicating findings, helping you build the skills expected in university-level biomedical research. Eventually, you get to know more about lab operations and scientific thinking, and you can also decide if further studying biomedical sciences or oncology will be a good fit for your interests and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌abilities.

Why it stands out: It immerses you in cancer research under active faculty mentorship, helping you gain lab skills rarely available to high schoolers.

13. NYU Tandon Machine Learning Summer Program

Location: New York, NY
Cost: $3,180 (Tuition); Housing $327/wk (Optional); $206 per 10 Meal Packages + $30 Dining Bucks (Optional)
Dates: Session1: June 15-27; Session 2: July 6-17; Session 3: July 20-31
Application Deadline: Session 1: April 17th, Session 2 & 3: May 1st
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, completion of Algebra 2, and coding experience; open to international students

This two-week course at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering introduces you to the core computer science and mathematical concepts behind artificial intelligence. You learn topics such as model development, cross-validation, linear regression, and neural networks through a mix of lectures and hands-on labs. Working with faculty and graduate mentors, you build and test models that help you understand how machines perform specific tasks.

The program includes project-based learning, where you apply concepts through weekly assignments that strengthen your technical skills. Although non-credit, it provides a strong foundation for further study in AI, data science, and automation.

Why it stands out: It focuses on engineering problem-solving, where you learn to apply machine learning models to address real-world societal challenges.

14. NYU GSTEM

Location: New York University, New York City, NY
Cost: $5,750; optional housing with meals: $3,840; financial aid is available
Dates: June 29th – August 7th
Application Deadline: March 2nd
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (rising seniors) with a strong aptitude and interest in STEM; not open to international students apart from those who are already living in the U.S. on an active F-1 student visa

The NYU GSTEM program is a six-week summer experience where you work directly with professional scientists in a real-world laboratory, making it one of the most enriching STEM summer programs for high school students in New York. You can explore diverse STEM fields, including biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, data science, and engineering. Throughout the program, you will conduct hands-on research for an individual project, participate in field trips to meet successful women in STEM, and attend targeted communication workshops.

The program focuses on breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups by creating a strong peer network alongside one-on-one mentorship. By presenting your findings at the final symposium, you will develop practical skills in laboratory techniques, programming, data analysis, and scientific writing.

Why it stands out: It directly tackles the lack of mentorship for girls and minorities in STEM by combining rigorous, independent laboratory research with an actively supportive peer community.

15. Mount Sinai Center for Excellence in Youth Education (CEYE)

Location: Mount Sinai Health System / Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY
Cost: None
Dates: Typically late June to mid-August
Application Deadline: Usually in early March
Eligibility: Current NYC high school students (specific grade requirements depend on the track; not open to international students

The Mount Sinai Center for Excellence in Youth Education (CEYE) program gives you a real look into healthcare and medical research. You will explore science topics like cell biology, genetics, brain function, and computer coding for biology. Throughout the program, you will do hands-on activities like running experiments in a real lab and shadowing staff in different hospital departments.

You will also talk directly with doctors and present your own research projects to others. Created specially for underrepresented or lower-income students in NYC public schools, this program gives you rare access inside a top medical school. By the end, you will learn practical skills in scientific communication, data analysis, teamwork, and clinical observation.

Why it stands out: It lets you step out of a regular high school classroom and actually experience what it is like to work inside a major hospital every day. 

From Summer Learning to Long-Term Medical Ambition

From cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering to biotechnology labs, coding workshops, and medical simulation experiences, these programmes show how wide STEM pathways can be.

That is why STEM summer programs for high school students in New York stand out, giving you access to real labs, expert mentors, and project-based learning.

For aspiring medics, opportunities like hospital shadowing, biomedical research, and final presentations can help you understand patient care, scientific thinking, and university-level expectations.

To keep that momentum going, explore our Medicine Top Books Guide for essential reads on anatomy, ethics, diagnosis, and the realities of modern clinical practice.