STEM summer programs in NYC for high school students are designed to help you build practical skills in areas like experimental design, data analysis, the scientific method, and the use of lab tools and software through hands-on projects and guided instruction. Alongside this, you also experience university-style learning through lectures, research exposure, and collaborative projects that reflect how STEM subjects are studied at the undergraduate level.

Spending your summer studying STEM in New York City allows you to learn in an environment where scientific research, innovation, and real-world application intersect. From working in university labs to engaging in structured coursework, you begin to see how concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are applied beyond the classroom.

What STEM summer programs are available in NYC for high school students?

New York City is packed with amazing opportunities for high school students who want to spend their summer exploring science, technology, engineering, and math. You can work in laboratories, build cutting-edge projects, and study complex topics like medicine or computer science alongside professional researchers. 

Prominent universities like Columbia University and New York University host a wide variety of these experiences. World-renowned research and medical institutions like Rockefeller University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center also provide opportunities for teens to dive deep into the biomedical sciences. Whether a student is interested in coding a new app, designing bridges, or learning about genetics, the city offers an exciting, real-world environment to build new skills and prepare for the future.

To make your choice easier, we’ve compiled a list of 15 STEM summer programs for high school students in NYC. They’ve been selected based on academic rigor, institutional credibility, hands-on learning opportunities, and access to faculty and research exposure.

For adjacent opportunities, have a look at online STEM programs and STEM summer internships.

15 STEM Summer Programs in NYC for High School Students

1. Columbia University – NYC Residential Summer Programs (STEM Tracks)

Location: Columbia University, Morningside Campus, New York City, NY
Cost: $12,838 per session + $80 application fee + additional fees; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 20-25 students
Dates: Session A: June 29th – July 17th; Session B: July 21st – August 7th; Session AB: June 29th – August 7th
Application Deadline: Session A: April 20th; Session B: May 11th
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12; students who are 15 must turn 16 by December 31st of the program year; open to international students

As one of the most academically rigorous STEM summer programs in NYC for high school students, Columbia’s Summer Immersion Program allows you to explore STEM subjects through structured, university-level coursework taught by Columbia instructors. You can choose from tracks such as artificial intelligence, engineering, neuroscience, and data science, depending on session availability. The program combines lectures with hands-on activities and collaborative projects, helping you apply concepts in practical contexts.

Classes are designed to reflect the pace and expectations of undergraduate study while remaining accessible to high school students. You also engage with peers from diverse academic backgrounds, building collaboration and communication skills. By the end of the program, you will receive a Columbia University certificate, which can support your academic profile.

Why it stands out: It offers a flexible, subject-specific introduction to STEM within an Ivy League setting, with a wide range of tracks and structured academic exposure.

2. Immerse Education’s NYC Engineering Summer School

Location: Columbia University, New York City, USA
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions across June-August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18; open to international students

The Career Insights Program lets high school students explore careers in major global industry hubs. The Engineering track in New York is designed on the practical application of engineering principles through interactive, hands-on workshops and site visits to major industry hubs. 

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. You can find more details about the application here!

Why it stands out: It offers a structured, university-style introduction to engineering in small cohorts, combining academic rigor, mentorship, and real-world urban context in New York City.

3. New York University (NYU) – Precollege (STEM Courses)

Location: New York City, NY (NYU campus)
Cost: Varies as per credits and course type + $50 application fee + optional dining fee; limited need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 15-25 students per section
Dates: July 1st – August 12th
Application Deadline: Domestic/Online students: June 15th; International students: March 13th
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grades 10 or 11 who are at least 16 years old by the program’s start; open to international students

NYU’s Precollege Program gives you the opportunity to enroll in actual undergraduate STEM courses and earn college credit while still in high school. You can choose from subjects such as computer science, mathematics, biology, physics, and data science, depending on course availability. You attend classes alongside other precollege students, complete assignments, and take exams that follow university standards, giving you direct exposure to academic expectations.

The program also includes access to NYU’s academic resources, advising, and campus environment. Living in New York City further connects your coursework to real-world applications across research and industry. By completing the program, you earn transferable college credit, which can strengthen your preparation for STEM majors.

Why it stands out: You will be attending classes alongside NYU undergraduates, so you could build valuable connections and get insights into NYU’s academics and student life.

4. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

Location: New York City, USA (The Rockefeller University)
Cost: No cost / Need-based travel stipends available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 32 students per summer
Dates: June 22nd – August 6th
Application Deadline: January 2nd
Eligibility: High school students in grades 11-12 who are at least 16 by the start of the program; open to international students

Rockefeller’s SSRP offers you a full-time, lab-based research experience within a leading biomedical research institution. You are placed in a working laboratory, where you collaborate with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty mentors on active scientific projects. You engage with ongoing research in fields such as neuroscience, cell biology, or genetics, gaining insight into how scientific questions are developed and investigated.

The program introduces you to essential laboratory techniques, data collection, and the process of documenting research findings. You also learn how to interpret results and communicate your work within a scientific context. The experience culminates in a poster presentation.

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.

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

Location: Brooklyn, New York City, USA (NYU Tandon School of Engineering)
Cost: No cost / $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 60 students
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

NYU Tandon’s ARISE program begins with a structured phase of remote workshops focused on building technical and research skills, before transitioning into an in-person research internship. You are matched with faculty and graduate mentors, where you work on ongoing, real-world research projects across interdisciplinary STEM fields.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing you to contribute to active research rather than simulated exercises, which helps you understand how complex scientific problems are investigated. Throughout the experience, you develop skills in data analysis, experimentation, and critical thinking within a university lab environment. You also prepare a formal research paper and present your findings, strengthening both your analytical and communication abilities.

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

6. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Summer Student Program

Location: New York City, USA (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
Cost: No cost / $1,200 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 20 students
Dates: June 29th – August 21st
Application Deadline: February 6th
Eligibility: High school juniors aged 14+ with a strong academic record in science;  3.5 GPA; must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and reside in NY, NJ, or CT within commuting distance; not open to international students

In this program, you spend several weeks working alongside researchers, where you are introduced to areas such as tumor biology, genetics, and immunology through real lab environments. The program includes observing experiments, assisting with data-related tasks, and attending seminars that connect individual projects to broader research goals.

With guidance from mentors, you learn how to read scientific literature, understand research questions, and communicate findings effectively. You also gain insight into how laboratory research is structured and how scientific discoveries are developed over time. By the end, you have a clearer understanding of biomedical research pathways and whether pursuing fields like oncology or life sciences aligns with your interests.

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

7. Cornell Tech – Summer Innovation Intensives

Location: Cornell Tech Campus, Roosevelt Island, NYC
Cost: Before May 1st: $5,500; After May 1st: $6,500; $45 application fee applies 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort sizes
Dates: July 13-30
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students ages 15-19; must have completed 10th grade by the start date; reside in NYC Metropolitan area; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; not open to international students

The Cornell Tech Summer Innovation Intensives is a daytime program where you learn about artificial intelligence, ethical coding, data science, and product design. While on the Roosevelt Island campus, you will analyze large sets of data, design helpful tech solutions, and pitch your own AI project at a final showcase.

By doing this, you learn how to spot real-world problems and build practical skills in prototyping, storytelling, and logical thinking. Since you do not need any past coding experience, you can jump right into creating things inside the Future Builders Studio. By the end, you earn actual college credit to help jumpstart your future.

Why it stands out: It allows you to experience life on an advanced, graduate-level tech campus while building real startup solutions, even if you have never written a single line of code.

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

Location: New York City, USA (Columbia University)
Cost: Residential: $11,492; Commuter: $6,241; need-based scholarships available for U.S. students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 25 students per class
Dates: Session 1: July 6-24; Session 2: July 27th – August 14th
Application Deadline: March 2nd
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores to seniors; must be at least 16 for residential option; open to international students

Columbia Engineering’s SHAPE allows you to study engineering through college-level coursework combined with hands-on, project-based learning. You enroll in courses across areas such as robotics, computer science, and electrical engineering, while working on applied projects that demonstrate how engineering concepts are used in practice. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary problem-solving, encouraging you to approach challenges from multiple technical perspectives.

You also gain access to Columbia’s engineering facilities, including spaces for prototyping and design, where you can engage with tools commonly used in undergraduate programs. By the end, you complete projects that reflect your learning and receive a certificate from Columbia Engineering.

Why it stands out: It provides direct access to Columbia’s engineering labs and project-based learning environment, offering a strong introduction to how engineering is studied and applied at the university level.

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

Location: Brooklyn, New York City, USA (NYU Tandon School of Engineering)
Cost: $3,300 tuition + ~$638 housing + ~$199/week meals + $30 dining fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically around 20-30 students per session
Dates: June 16-27; July 7-18; July 28th – August 8th
Application Deadline: May 15th
Eligibility: Rising grades 9-12; minimum age 15; have a strong math background; open to international students

NYU Tandon’s SPARC program introduces you to robotics, automation, and coding through hands-on lab work and faculty-led instruction. You build foundational knowledge in areas such as robot navigation, microcontrollers, and sensor integration, working through guided technical exercises.

The program emphasizes project-based learning, where you design, construct, and test robotic systems, helping you connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications. You also gain experience with Python programming and basic control algorithms, which are commonly used in robotics and engineering workflows. Lab sessions and collaborative projects form the core of the experience, allowing you to iteratively improve your designs.

Why it stands out: It provides a focused, hands-on introduction to robotics and automation, combining coding, hardware integration, and engineering design within a university lab setting.

10. Cooper Union Summer STEM

Location: New York City, USA (School of Engineering, Cooper Square)
Cost: 3-week program: $3,150; 6-week program: $5,150; financial aid is available; free for students whose household income is below NYC median income
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; around 20-25 students per course
Dates: 3-week sessions: July 6-23 and July 27th – August 13th; 6-week session: July 6th – August 13th
Application Deadline: March 22nd
Eligibility: Students who have completed grades 9-11; some advanced courses require high academic performance; open to international students

The Cooper Union Summer STEM program gives you a hands-on introduction to engineering through intensive, project-based learning in a university setting. You explore topics such as robotics, digital fabrication, app development, biomedical engineering, data science, and sustainability, depending on the course you select. The program emphasizes practical work, where you build circuits, develop code, and create prototypes using tools and methods used in engineering education.

You also engage with interdisciplinary challenges that connect technical concepts to real-world problems, particularly in areas like urban systems and environmental design. The curriculum is designed to reflect the rigor of early undergraduate engineering coursework, giving you insight into how engineers approach problem-solving.

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

11. Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) – STEP Program

Location: New York City, NY (BMCC, CUNY)
Cost: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not publicly specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 15-20 students
Dates: Approximately 5 weeks between July and August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 9-12 who meet economic eligibility criteria; not open to international students

BMCC’s STEP Program introduces you to STEM and health-related fields through hands-on, activity-based coursework. You take part in classes that emphasize practical learning through projects and experiments. If you opt for the research track, you work in BMCC laboratories under the guidance of faculty and college students, gaining exposure to basic research methods.

The program also integrates academic support, including preparation for exams such as the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and Regents. In addition, you attend workshops focused on STEM careers, college readiness, and navigating the application process. By combining academic support with lab-based learning, the program helps you build both technical skills and readiness for future study.

Why it stands out: It provides a free, structured STEM pathway with both lab exposure and academic support, specifically designed to increase access for students from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

12. The CCNY STEM Institute – Summer Program

Location: New York City, USA (The City College of New York)
Cost: No cost / $1,000 provided for the STEM Research Academy track, and stipends may be available via SYEP for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 150-200 students total
Dates: July 7th – August 7th
Application Deadline: May 25th 
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12; some courses have additional prerequisites, such as prior math coursework or placement testing for advanced math classes; not open to international students

The CCNY STEM Institute’s Summer Program gives you a multi-week, hands-on introduction to STEM and STEAM through project-based courses at The City College of New York. You can choose from offerings such as artificial intelligence, robotics, rocketry, general chemistry, physics, app development, game programming, and intro to electrical engineering, depending on your grade level and preparation.

The program also includes free lunch and emphasizes real-world application through design projects, coding, lab-based work, and collaborative problem-solving. Because the course list spans both foundational and advanced topics, it can work well whether you are testing out a new STEM interest or building on existing strengths.

Why it stands out: It offers a free, broad-based STEM experience on a public university campus, with unusually wide course selection and a schedule that combines academic instruction with research-style afternoon work.

13. NYU GSTEM

Location: New York City, USA (New York University)
Cost: $5,750 tuition; optional housing with meals: ~$3,840; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 40 students each year
Dates: June 29th – August 7th
Application Deadline: March 2nd 
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (rising seniors) with a strong interest in STEM; primarily for students authorized to study in the U.S.; not open to international students unless already on an active F-1 visa

NYU’s GSTEM program offers you a six-week research experience where you work directly with scientists in active laboratory settings. You explore disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computer science, data science, mathematics, and engineering, depending on your research placement. The program centers on an independent research project, where you apply lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific reasoning to investigate a specific question.

You also participate in workshops focused on scientific communication, helping you present and write about your work effectively. Field trips and speaker sessions introduce you to professionals across STEM fields, giving you insight into possible career pathways. The program concludes with a final symposium.

Why it stands out: It combines a mentored, research-focused experience with a strong support network for students underrepresented in STEM, emphasizing both academic rigor and community building.

14. Genspace – Biorocket Youth Research Internship

Location: Brooklyn, New York City, USA (Genspace)
Cost: No cost / $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15 students
Dates: Summer session: July 6th – August 14th
Application Deadline: January 8th
Eligibility: New York City public or charter high school students aged 16+ who live or attend school within about 45 minutes of Genspace; not open to international students

Genspace’s Biorocket program is one of the more distinctive STEM summer programs in NYC for high school students, giving you a six-month research internship in biology and genetic engineering that combines spring training with an in-person summer research experience in Brooklyn. You learn lab skills, work with scientist mentors, and help design a summer research project with other teens, which makes the experience more collaborative.

The program also includes science communication training, behind-the-scenes lab tours, field trips, and career guidance, so you gain exposure to both research practice and STEM pathways beyond high school. By the end, you have worked in a real biology lab, built communication skills, and taken part in a citywide network of teen research internships.

Why it stands out: It allows you to engage in community-driven biotech experimentation helping you understand how real biological systems are used in creative research.

15. Manhattan University Residential Summer Engineering Program for High School Students

Location: Manhattan University, New York City (Bronx), NY
Cost: $2,500; limited scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; approximately 20-30 students per session
Dates: August 2nd – September 8th
Application Deadline: February 28th
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-11; 16+; open to international students

In this program, you will live on campus while exploring the fundamentals of chemical, civil, environmental, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Throughout the week, you will complete hands-on lab experiments, meet with industry professionals for career guidance, and take evening excursions to explore New York City.

The program uniquely offers an authentic residential college experience while exposing you to a broad range of technical fields before you ever have to apply to college. By working through these demonstrations and guided projects, you will learn how to apply math and science principles to practical design challenges.

Why it stands out: It allows you to test drive six different engineering disciplines in just one week while experiencing real college dorm life right in New York City.

From STEM in NYC to Bigger Career Possibilities

Some summers give you memories, but this kind gives you evidence of what excites you, challenges you, and what future you may want.

Through STEM summer programs in NYC for high school students, classrooms become labs, ideas become projects, and curiosity starts turning into something more focused and personal.

Instead of only wondering whether engineering, medicine, coding, or research suits you, you begin testing those paths in real settings shaped by innovation.

What if one summer in New York could spark an idea that shapes your entire future? Open our Career Exploration blogs to explore bold paths, fresh inspiration, and careers you may not have considered yet.