If you are a high school student interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, STEM internships in NYC for high school students can be a valuable way to explore these interests beyond the classroom. While textbooks can help you build a strong foundation, internships enable real learning by letting you apply concepts to real-world challenges in the workplace. They also allow you to see how STEM fields operate in practice, helping you develop skills like professional communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Imagine spending your summer working alongside researchers in a laboratory, helping engineers solve technical problems, analysing data for a technology project, or learning how innovation shapes industries. A STEM internship can help you discover new academic interests, strengthen your college applications, and connect with mentors who can guide your future goals.

Whether you are passionate about coding, medicine, environmental science, robotics, or engineering, New York City can be a great place to explore. The city is home to organisations that provide meaningful opportunities for motivated students.

What kind of STEM internships are available in NYC for high school students?

Many universities, research centers, hospitals, nonprofits, and technology companies across New York City offer internships designed specifically for high school students. Depending on the program, you may participate in research projects, gain laboratory experience, learn programming skills, collaborate with professionals, or explore emerging technologies. 

Finding the right STEM internship can feel challenging. Some programs offer you broad exposure to multiple fields, while others focus on specialized research or technical training. Understanding your interests and goals can help you identify opportunities that match your needs. The best choice will depend on your interests, skill level, and long-term goals. 

To make your search easier, we have put together a list of 15 STEM internships in NYC for high school students. 

For related options, consider the online biology program, the online coding program, and the online chemistry program.

Key Takeaways

• Stipends vary widely, from unpaid positions at the Cooper Union Saturday Program to $4,200 at Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Science Enrichment Program.
• Most internships on this list are restricted to NYC residents, including ARISE at NYU, Columbia Engineering’s ENG program, and several Memorial Sloan Kettering programs.
• Program length ranges from a few weeks, as with the Forest Project, to a full year, as with Science Enrichment Program (SEP) and SPARKED, both of which include extended school-year training before a summer placement.
• Several programs place students directly in active research labs, including BRAINYAC at Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute and RockEDU Jumpstart at Rockefeller University.
• Acceptance rates are highly competitive at flagship programs: Memorial Sloan Kettering’s SSP accepts only about 2% of applicants, and RockEDU Jumpstart selects just 16 students per year.
• Several programs target students from specific NYC neighborhoods or backgrounds, including the RISE Environmentor Internship for Rockaway-area students and New York Bioforce for students demonstrating educational or economic disadvantage.
• Nearly every internship concludes with a formal presentation, whether a research poster, symposium talk, or final showcase to mentors and peers.
• Immerse Education’s Medicine Summer Internship is one of the few options open to students worldwide aged 15 to 18, combining hands-on medical simulations with 1:1 career coaching and bursary support.

15 STEM Internships in NYC for High School Students

1. ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering) @ NYU 

Location: NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering campus, Brooklyn (NYC), NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1st – August 14th
Application deadline: February 27th
Eligibility: Incoming high school juniors and seniors who are full-time New York City residents attending NYC schools

ARISE is a 10-week research experience that gives you the chance to work alongside faculty and researchers in NYU laboratories. The program begins with training in research methods, scientific writing, lab safety, and professional skills, then transitions to a lab placement for hands-on research.

During the research phase, you will contribute to ongoing projects in fields such as engineering, computer science, data science, and the life sciences. You will also develop presentation and communication skills through workshops and mentoring sessions. At the end of 10 weeks, you will present your work.

Why it stands out: You will gain roughly 150 hours of hands-on research experience while working in an NYU lab and earning a stipend.

2. Immerse Education’s Medicine Summer School

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

Immerse’s Medicine Career Insights Program lets high school students explore careers in major global industry hubs. You’ll participate in hands-on medical simulations, attend engaging classes, and critical discussions. You’ll receive guidance from experienced medical professionals and gain both clinical and critical thinking skills. You’ll not only gain theoretical knowledge about a medical career but also understand the development of treatment plans. 

Participants engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters. The program also includes in-person weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalized feedback on your resume and overall profile. You’ll also present your findings to industry experts at the end of the program. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll receive a certificate. You can find more details about the application here!

Why it stands out: You’ll explore university-level concepts in fields like medicine and psychology, giving you early exposure to the academic pathways behind real careers.

3. Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Summer Student Program (SSP)

Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,200 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2% applicants accepted; 20 interns/year
Dates: June 29th – August 21st
Application deadline: February 6th; applications will open on December 1st
Eligibility: High school juniors, ages 14 and up, with a GPA of 3.5+ in science; applicants must live in NY, CT, or NJ within 25 miles of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s main campus

Among the more research-intensive STEM internships in NYC for high school students, SSP at Memorial Sloan Kettering offers hands-on exposure to biomedical and computational research over the course of eight weeks. You will work closely with MSK researchers on an independent project aligned with the lab’s scientific goals, gaining experience in data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication.

Research placements typically span STEM and biomedical fields, including computational biology, genomics, cancer biology, cell/molecular/developmental biology, chemical biology, immunology/immuno-oncology, and structural biology. Alongside research work, you will attend seminars, lab meetings, and professional development sessions to learn about cancer biology and translational medicine, and gain exposure to the broader scientific community at MSK. The program ends with poster presentations.

Why it stands out: It lets you take on an independent biomedical or computational project and connect with scientists in a laboratory environment.

4. Columbia Engineering: Engineering the Next Generation (ENG)

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend of $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6th – August 13th
Application deadline: FoR track: January 16th | CS3 track: March 1st
Eligibility: Current 11th graders (rising seniors) attending NYC schools who are legally allowed to work in NYC with prior work or volunteer experience; international students are not eligible

ENG places students within Columbia University’s research labs for hands-on research work over the course of six weeks. You can choose from two tracks: Foundations of Research (FoR) and Center for Smart Streetscapes (CS3). In the FoR track, you will work closely with Columbia Engineering faculty and researchers on projects in biomedical engineering, computer science, and environmental engineering. In the CS3 track, you will focus on computer vision, AI, coding, and urban tech, with an emphasis on how technology affects community life.

Both tracks include science communication training, research skills workshops, college prep sessions, and mentorship from college students and faculty. Depending on your track, you may also get to present your work to city officials or contribute to a research paper.

Why it stands out: It offers paid, hands-on research experience inside Columbia University’s Engineering labs while working on projects with real-world impact.

5. Science Enrichment Program (SEP) @ Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $4,200 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 interns annually
Dates: November 15th – August 26th (including an 8-week summer internship)
Application deadline: September 1st
Eligibility: High school juniors nominated by one of SEP’s partner NYC schools; applicants must have completed a full year of biology and demonstrate a strong interest in STEM careers

SEP offers students the opportunity to explore cancer science and engage in biomedical research alongside researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering, one of the nation’s leading cancer centers. During the school year, you will participate in courses covering cancer biology, laboratory techniques, computational sciences, and professional development. .

In the summer, you will join a full-time research internship where you will work closely with a mentor on a biomedical or computational project. You will gain firsthand experience with scientific inquiry while developing technical and analytical skills. At the end of the 10-month program, you will share your work in the form of a poster.

Why it stands out: You receive nearly a year of training and mentorship before stepping into an intensive summer research placement at a renowned cancer research institution.

6. BioRocket Research Internship Program 

Location: Genspace Community Biolab, Brooklyn (NYC), NY
Cost/Stipend: Free + $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: February 25th – May 21st (Spring Session) + July 6th – August 14th (Summer Session)
Application deadline: January 8th (applications open November 1st)
Eligibility: New York City public and charter high school students who are at least 16 years old by the orientation date; applicants must live in NYC or attend a qualifying school within commuting distance of Genspace

BioRocket Research Internship is a six-month program that offers you a chance to step into a real research environment while still in high school and gain exposure to investigations within biotechnology, genetics, or molecular biology. You will learn laboratory techniques used in modern biological research, including genetic engineering methods, before collaborating with peers and scientist mentors on a team research project.

The program includes visits to research laboratories and biotech organizations, helping you see how scientific discoveries move beyond the classroom. By the end, you will have completed an original research project and developed a clearer understanding of careers in the life sciences.

Why it stands out: It combines hands-on biotechnology research with science communication training while offering a stipend and the opportunity to work alongside professional scientists.

7. STEM Research Academy @ City Tech 

Location: New York City College of Technology (City Tech), Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; summer internship offers a $1,575 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: February 14th – May 16th (Spring Research Course) + six-week summer internship
Application deadline: December 12th
Eligibility: New York City public high school sophomores and juniors

If you want to experience scientific research before college, this two-part program offers a structured pathway from classroom learning to laboratory work. You will begin with a spring research course where you will learn how to formulate research questions, design experiments, analyze data, and read scientific literature.

If you complete the course, you can apply for a summer internship and work with a City Tech faculty researcher on an active project. Beyond lab work, you will attend seminars, write a research paper, and present your findings at the Summer Science Symposium.

Why it stands out: It lets you progress from learning research fundamentals to conducting faculty-mentored research, creating a clear bridge between STEM education and hands-on investigation.

8. RockEDU Jumpstart 

Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500 stipend for the spring session and $3,250 stipend for the summer research session
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 16 students
Dates: February 26th – June 11th (Spring Session); June 22nd – August 6th (Summer Session)
Application deadline: January 2nd
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 and attend New York City high schools

Jumpstart is one of the STEM internships in NYC for high school students that offers a paid research-focused skill-building experience using a unique two-phase model. You will begin with after-school sessions that introduce molecular biology techniques, scientific literature, and research design while connecting you with scientist mentors. As your skills develop, you will transition into Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program, where you will spend up to 35 hours per week working on an authentic research project.

Throughout the program, you will attend workshops, receive one-on-one guidance, and build confidence in scientific thinking. You will also design a poster to present your research work at the end of the summer.

Why it stands out: You will begin with months of preparation before entering a full-time research placement, receiving a deeper, more supportive introduction to scientific research than most summer internships.

9. BRAINYAC (Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia) 

Location: Columbia University Zuckerman Institute, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid (exact amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~20 students
Dates: June 30th – August 14th
Application deadline: Varies; applications typically open in October
Eligibility: 10th and 11th-grade students who reside in New York City and are enrolled in one of BRAINYAC’s partner programs

BRAINYAC offers an opportunity to work on neuroscience research in a Columbia University laboratory alongside professional scientists. You will be paired with a mentor who guides you through a hands-on research project. Throughout the summer, you will build laboratory and data analysis skills, attend educational sessions, and learn how research contributes to discoveries in brain science.

The experience culminates in a scientific poster presentation where you share your findings with the community. You will gain exposure to academic research and explore STEM careers within professional research settings, gaining an insider’s perspective.

Why it stands out: You get to work one-on-one with a Columbia neuroscientist while conducting authentic research in a university lab.

10. YES in THE HEIGHTS @ Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center

Location: Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; less than 10% high school applicants accepted
Dates: June 29th – August 21st
Application deadline: January 9th
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 14 years of age

YES in THE HEIGHTS is a selective program that introduces students to the scientific work taking place at Columbia’s cancer center. You will spend eight weeks in the summer working with researchers and mentors and learning how laboratory discoveries contribute to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The program combines hands-on research exposure with workshops that strengthen your scientific knowledge and professional skills. You will also interact with physicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals, gaining a broader understanding of STEM careers. You will continue engaging with the program for two summers.

Why it stands out: You get to explore cancer research within a leading academic medical center while receiving mentorship from scientists and healthcare professionals.

11. Weill Cornell Department of Pediatrics Summer Internship 

Location: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1st – August 7th (6-week and 10-week options available, depending on the project)
Application deadline: January 5th
Eligibility: Current NYC high school juniors and seniors, college students, college graduates, and medical students

If you are interested in medicine, research, or healthcare administration, this internship lets you explore a wide range of opportunities within Weill Cornell’s pediatric departments. You can choose from research, clinical, education, advocacy, or administrative tracks based on your interests.

Depending on your placement, you may contribute to studies on pediatric neurology, infectious diseases, nephrology, asthma, cardiology, or public health initiatives. Throughout the experience, you will work closely with faculty mentors while developing practical skills in research, data analysis, patient education, or healthcare operations.

Why it stands out: It offers placements across a wide range of pediatric research, clinical, and healthcare-focused projects within a single program, which is rare for high school internships.

12. New York Bioforce 

Location: Various labs in NYC + Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost + paid summer internship (exact stipend not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: April 4th – August 14th
Application deadline: Not specified; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: 11th and 12th-grade students attending a NYC Department of Education public or charter high school; applicants should demonstrate educational and/or economic disadvantage and have an interest in pursuing STEAM fields

New York Bioforce offers high school students a structured pathway into the scientific world through skill-building and research experience. You’ll begin with 50 hours of life science research and professional skills training, learning laboratory techniques, data analysis, and workplace communication.

After completing the training phase, you will engage in a six-week paid internship at a research lab, healthcare institution, or life sciences organization. Past placements have included Columbia Engineering, Weill Cornell Medicine, and biotechnology companies. You will present your internship research at the end.

Why it stands out: You receive both research training and a paid internship, engaging in STEM learning and real-world scientific work under one program.

13. Icahn School of Medicine SPARKED (Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge, Education and Development) 

Location: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8 students/summer
Dates: July 13th – August 20th (summer internship) + November – May (1-2 afternoon sessions/week)
Application deadline: Typically in the spring
Eligibility: Rising local high school juniors and seniors, ages 16-18; applicants must have completed at least one high school science course, maintain an 80% average in science subjects, and commit to the program’s 10-month schedule

SPARKED is one of the STEM internships in NYC for high school students that allows you to work alongside scientists at Mount Sinai’s Tisch Cancer Center through a 10-month program. You will join either an experimental biology lab or a bioinformatics research group and contribute to active research projects under the guidance of a mentor. The experience begins with preparatory workshops before transitioning into a six-week summer internship, where you will develop technical and analytical skills through hands-on work.

Throughout the year, you will attend scientific enrichment sessions, meet clinicians and researchers, and explore pathways into medicine and science. You will attend a final presentation event to share your work with peers and mentors.

Why it stands out: You get to work with mentors and build research skills long after the summer ends, making it a true year-long STEM experience rather than a short internship.

14. RISE Environmentor Internship

Location: RISE (Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity), Far Rockaway (Queens/NYC), NY
Stipend: $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July – mid-August (summer program; dates vary annually)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: 9th to 11th-grade students who live in New York City and attend school in or near the Rockaway peninsula

The RISE Environmentor program lets you explore environmental science and climate action through hands-on community projects. You will conduct research while working alongside environmental professionals and educators and learning about coastal ecosystems, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

You will engage directly with local environmental challenges affecting the Rockaway community. Fieldwork, leadership development, and career exploration activities will help you connect scientific concepts to real-world impact. You will also attend community service events and earn community service hours during the program.

Why it stands out: You learn about climate resilience in a coastal community that has firsthand experience with environmental change, making the learning experience tangible and relevant.

15. Forest Project 

Location: Wave Hill, Bronx, NY
Stipend: ~$2,275 (paid through the NYC SYEP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer program; specific dates not specified
Application deadline: TBA; applications for the following summer typically open in winter
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, are New York City residents, and are eligible to work in the United States

The Forest Project offers students a hands-on introduction to urban ecology and conservation through outdoor work in urban environments over the summer. You will spend the summer restoring woodland habitats, maintaining trails, removing invasive species, and supporting ecological stewardship efforts across Wave Hill’s grounds.

The internship combines fieldwork with a college-level course in ecological restoration, allowing you to connect practical experience with scientific concepts. You will also participate in group projects, data collection activities, and field trips with partner organizations. 

Why it stands out: You get to earn a stipend while helping restore a living ecosystem and receiving college-level environmental science training.

Frequently Asked Questions: STEM Internships in NYC for High School Students

What is a STEM internship for high school students?

A STEM internship is a structured opportunity for high school students to work alongside researchers, engineers, or professionals in fields like science, technology, engineering, or math. Most NYC-based internships place students in university labs, hospitals, or research centers, often pairing them with a mentor for hands-on project work. Programs typically run from a few weeks to a full year and usually conclude with a presentation or poster session.

Do I need prior research experience to apply?

No, most STEM internships are designed to introduce students to research methods from the start. Programs like ARISE at NYU begin with training in lab safety, scientific writing, and research methods before placing students in a lab. A genuine interest in STEM and willingness to learn matter more than existing technical experience.

Are STEM internships in NYC paid?

Many are paid, though amounts vary considerably. Columbia Engineering’s ENG program pays $17 per hour, while Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Science Enrichment Program offers a $4,200 stipend across its full 10-month structure. A few programs, including the Cooper Union Saturday Program, are unpaid but free to attend. It’s worth checking each program’s funding details directly, since stipend amounts can change year to year.

Can international students apply to these internships?

Most of the internships on this list are restricted to NYC residents or US citizens, since many require legal US work authorization. Programs like ARISE, Columbia Engineering’s ENG, and Memorial Sloan Kettering’s SSP are not open to international students. Immerse Education’s Medicine Summer Internship is a notable exception, open to students worldwide aged 15 to 18.

What age do I need to be to apply?

Age and grade requirements vary, generally falling between 14 and 18. BioRocket Research Internship requires students to be at least 16, while YES in the Heights accepts students as young as 14. Immerse Education’s Medicine Summer Internship accepts students aged 15 to 18 from anywhere in the world.

How competitive are STEM internships in NYC?

Competition varies significantly, with some flagship programs receiving far more applicants than available spots. Memorial Sloan Kettering’s SSP accepts only about 2% of applicants, while RockEDU Jumpstart selects just 16 students per year. Other programs, including several city- or borough-specific internships, don’t publish acceptance rates, making it harder to gauge competitiveness in advance.

How do these internships help with college applications?

Completing a STEM internship demonstrates genuine scientific curiosity and the ability to work in a professional research environment, both of which admissions officers value. Programs like BRAINYAC and ASSIP have students complete a formal poster presentation, giving them concrete material to reference in personal statements. Immerse Education’s Medicine Summer Internship provides 1:1 resume feedback and a certificate of completion, both useful talking points for interviews.

Making STEM Internships Part of Your University Journey

Early hands-on experience can help you move from classroom interest to practical understanding, showing how research, technology, engineering, and medicine work in real settings.

The STEM internships in NYC for high school students featured here offer hands-on projects, mentorship, presentations, and workplace exposure across competitive academic and professional environments.

These opportunities can strengthen your confidence, clarify subject choices, and give you stronger examples to discuss in personal statements, interviews, and future applications.

Want to turn experience into a standout university plan? Visit our University Preparation blogs for guidance on applications, interviews, subject choices, and next steps with more confidence today.