15 Summer Programs in NYC for Teens

TL;DR

This roundup covers 15 teen summer programs across New York City, spanning STEM, fashion, journalism, art, and business at universities like NYU, Columbia, and Cooper Union. Costs vary widely, from fully funded options to residential programs over $7,000, with day, commuter, and virtual formats available. You can apply as a high school student in grades 9 through 12, and Jane Street's Academy of Math and Programming even offers a $5,000 completion scholarship. Immerse Education's TED Summer School also appears here, a two-week public speaking program open to students aged 15 to 18 in London, New York, Singapore, or online.

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Summer gives high school students a few weeks to step outside their regular classroom routine and spend time learning about subjects that may not fit into the school curriculum. With so much free time available, you can use part of your summer to explore an academic interest, develop new skills, and get a better sense of what you may want to study later. A summer program is one smart way to do this, giving you focused time to work on a subject while also adding meaningful academic experience to your college application.

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If you're based in New York City, you're in luck. The city has a wide range of universities, cultural institutions, research organizations, and professional communities that offer programs for high school students. If you're interested in finance, you are surrounded by one of the world's major financial centers; if art or music interests you, there are museums, galleries, studios, and performance spaces across the city; and if you're leaning toward science or medicine, there are universities, hospitals, and research institutions working across a wide range of fields.

Why should you consider a summer program in NYC?

New York City offers a particularly broad range of academic opportunities because of the concentration of universities, research institutions, cultural organizations, hospitals, financial institutions, and creative industries across the city. For high school students, this means there are programs covering subjects from STEM and medicine to business, humanities, arts, and design. You can choose an experience that matches your existing academic interests or use the summer to explore an area you have not studied in depth before.

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A summer program can also help you test an academic interest before committing to it as a college major. Spending several weeks studying a subject in greater depth can show you whether you actually enjoy the coursework and questions that come with it. It can also strengthen your college application by giving you specific academic experiences, projects, or coursework to discuss. 

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With that in mind, here are 15 summer programs in NYC for teens!

15 Summer Programs in NYC for Teens

1. NYU Tandon ieSoSC (Innovation, Entrepreneurship and the Science of Smart Cities)

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Cost: Fully funded. The program is offered at no cost through support from the Winston Foundation.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; the exact cohort size is not publicly disclosed

Program Dates: ieSoSC I: July 6th - August 7th (5 weeks); ieSoSC II: July 13th - August 7th (4 weeks)

Application Deadline: May 15th

Eligibility: NYC residents entering grades 9–11; not open to international students

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This five-week summer program introduces high school students to engineering and entrepreneurship through the lens of smart city technologies. You'll learn coding, electronics, microcontrollers, circuit design, sensor integration, and rapid prototyping while working in teams to develop technology-driven solutions. 

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Alongside the technical curriculum, you'll study product development, economics, branding, intellectual property, and project management before refining your ideas through presentation and theatre-based communication workshops. By the end of the program, you'll have built a functional prototype and pitched your solution, gaining practical experience in both engineering design and entrepreneurial thinking.

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Why it stands out: Combine engineering, coding, entrepreneurship, and smart city innovation in a fully funded program at NYU Tandon, where you'll prototype technology solutions and develop business pitches for real-world urban challenges.

2. Immerse Education’s TED Summer School

Location: New York
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 (14–18 for the virtual programme); strong English proficiency recommended; Open to students worldwide

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TED Summer School is a two-week public speaking, communication, and leadership programme developed in partnership between Immerse Education and TED. Designed for motivated high school students, the programme helps participants discover meaningful ideas, develop them through structured reflection and practice, and communicate them with clarity and confidence. 

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Across small-group sessions guided by expert tutors trained by the TED team, students learn core frameworks for idea development, storytelling, and presentation. The programme culminates in each student delivering a TED-style talk, which is recorded and shared as part of a personal portfolio, alongside a formal certificate and individual feedback. TED Summer School is ideal for students looking to build confidence, sharpen their thinking, and develop communication skills valued by universities and future careers.

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Why it stands out: The programme combines structured academic mentorship, small-group learning, and a final portfolio-based outcome, allowing you to develop transferable skills in communication, critical thinking, and idea development.

3. NYU Precollege

Location: New York University, New York City

Cost: Ranges from $4,004 - $16,016, depending on course load

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; the exact cohort size is not publicly disclosed

Program Dates: July 1st - August 12th

Application Deadline: International students: March 13th. U.S. and online students: June 15th

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (Grades 11–12). A 3.0 GPA or higher is recommended; open to international students

NYU Precollege lets you take undergraduate-level courses across areas such as computer science, engineering, psychology, business, biology, film, music technology, and creative writing. You will attend classes taught by NYU faculty and complete coursework in the same university setting used by degree-seeking students. 

Depending on your course, you can explore a potential major through lectures, assignments, discussions, and projects. Outside class, the College Prep Series covers topics such as admissions, financial aid, and preparing for college. You can also use NYU’s academic resources and earn college credit while exploring subjects you may want to study after high school.

Why it stands out: Earn transferable college credit while taking undergraduate courses taught by NYU faculty alongside university students.

4. NYU Steinhardt High School Summer Art Intensive

Location: NYU Steinhardt, New York City

Cost: $7,360 total, including tuition, housing, and meal plan. Financial aid is available.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 54 students

Program Dates: July 6th - August 2nd

Application Deadline: Financial Aid Applicants: February 15th; International Students: February 15th; Regular Decision: March 1st

Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–11 with demonstrated interest and academic strength in studio or fine arts. Applicants must submit a portfolio of 10–15 original artworks; open to international students

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NYU Steinhardt's High School Summer Art Intensive is a four-week studio program designed for students who want to strengthen both their technical skills and artistic practice. You'll complete coursework in painting, sculpture, and digital art while experimenting with materials and technologies such as textiles and laser cutting. 

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Alongside studio classes, you'll participate in seminars exploring New York City's museums, galleries, and working artists, helping you understand how contemporary art is created and exhibited. Evening studio sessions provide dedicated time to refine projects and build a cohesive portfolio under faculty guidance. The program is particularly valuable if you're preparing for college applications in fine arts, design, or related creative disciplines.

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Why it stands out: Develop a professional-quality art portfolio while studying painting, sculpture, and digital art with NYU Steinhardt faculty and engaging directly with New York City's contemporary art scene.

5. NYU Tisch Summer High School

Location: NYU Tisch School of the Arts, New York City

Cost: Tuition varies by artistic track

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; the exact cohort size is not publicly disclosed

Program Dates: July 5th - August 1st

Application Deadline: December 1st

Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 10–11 with a recommended cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher. Applicants must submit an application, personal statement, creative résumé, recommendations, transcripts, and track-specific materials; open to international students

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NYU Tisch Summer High School offers intensive training in disciplines such as animation, dance, drama, dramatic writing, filmmaking, game design, photography and imaging, recorded music, and production and design. Each track follows the structure of the first year of the corresponding NYU Tisch undergraduate program, giving you an authentic conservatory-style academic experience. 

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You'll spend full days in studio classes, workshops, rehearsals, and collaborative projects led by Tisch faculty while working closely with peers pursuing similar creative interests. The program culminates in projects or performances and awards 4–6 college credits upon successful completion. 

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Why it stands out: Study the first-year undergraduate curriculum of NYU Tisch while receiving professional training in a specialized artistic discipline and earning college credit.

6. Columbia University College Edge

Location: New York City, New York

Cost: $2,672 per credit 

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; the exact cohort size is not publicly disclosed

Program Dates: Summer Session A: May 25th - July 3rd; Summer Session B: July 6th - August 14th

Application Deadline: Varies by session 

Eligibility: High school students in Grades 11–12 who meet Columbia Pre-College admissions requirements; open to international students

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College Edge allows you to enroll in the same credit-bearing courses as Columbia undergraduates, giving you an authentic introduction to university academics. Alongside your coursework, you'll receive academic advising, professional development programming, and workshops designed to help you prepare for college and future careers. 

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You'll also have access to campus resources and participate in a student community that mirrors the undergraduate experience. By earning transferable college credit while studying on Columbia's Morningside campus, you can better understand the pace, expectations, and independence of university life before beginning your undergraduate education.

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Why it stands out? You'll be able to learn from Columbia faculty, interact with Columbia undergraduates, and gain college credit.

7. Vogue Summer School

Location: Vogue College of Fashion, New York City

Cost: Day Program: $6,195; Residential Program: $7,695. Need-based scholarships are available.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; the exact cohort size is not publicly disclosed

Program Dates: June 7-19, June 21st - July 3rd, July 5-17, or July 19-31

Application Deadline: Priority: February 27th; Round 1: March 13th; Round 2: April 10th; Rolling Admissions begin April 13th

Eligibility: Students aged 15–18, including rising grades 10–12 and graduating seniors; open to international students

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Vogue Summer School introduces you to the creative and commercial sides of the fashion industry through specialized pathways in fashion communication, business, media, and styling. You'll learn from Vogue and Condé Nast journalists alongside industry professionals while working on practical projects that mirror real editorial, branding, and creative workflows. 

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Beyond the classroom, the program incorporates visits to Vogue headquarters, designer studios, flagship stores, museums, and galleries, using New York City as an extension of the curriculum. Guest speakers from fashion journalism, luxury brands, museums, and design studios provide additional insight into career pathways across the industry. 

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Why it stands out: Learn directly from Vogue and Condé Nast journalists while exploring fashion business, media, styling, and communication through hands-on projects and site visits across New York City's fashion industry.

8. Fordham University Summer Leaders Academy

Location: Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus, Bronx, New York City

Cost: Tuition ranges from $1,418 to $4,332 depending on format   (duration / residential/ commuter). Need-based discounts are available.

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Individual courses are capped at approximately 20 students.

Program Dates: One- and two-week sessions from June 22nd - July 30th. Dates vary by course.

Application Deadline: Residential applications: May 1st. Commuter deadlines vary from May 15-29. Apply by April 1st for consideration for a limited need-based discount.

Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least their first year of high school. A GPA of approximately 3.0 or higher is recommended, though prior subject experience is generally not required; open to international students

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Fordham’s Summer Leaders Academy lets you explore a specific academic or professional field through a short, project-based university course. Depending on your selection, you might analyze network security threats, film and edit video projects, build a fashion portfolio, or practise sports journalism and broadcasting. 

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Many courses include site visits, guest speakers, studio work, simulations, or access to university facilities such as WFUV radio and Fordham’s laboratories. Residential students live on campus, eat in university dining facilities, and participate in organized excursions around New York City. The program can help you test a prospective major, develop portfolio-ready work, and understand how subject-specific learning is structured at college.

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Why it stands out: You can choose from focused courses in areas such as cybersecurity, film production, fashion design, sports communication, law, medicine, and the arts while living on Fordham’s Rose Hill campus.

9. The School of The New York Times Summer Academy

Location: New York City, New York

Cost: Day: $6,195; Residential: $7,695. Limited need-based scholarships are available.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; the exact cohort size is not publicly disclosed

Program Dates: June 7–19; June 21st – July 3rd; July 5–17; July 19–31

Application Deadline: Varies by term

Eligibility: Rising high school students in grades 10–12 and graduating seniors, ages 15–18; open to international students

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The School of The New York Times Summer Academy combines journalism fundamentals with subject-specific reporting across politics, business, sports, fashion, culture, photography, opinion writing, and multimedia storytelling. You'll develop skills in interviewing, reporting, editing, fact-checking, media ethics, and digital storytelling while examining real issues shaping New York City. Classes are taught by practicing journalists and editors who bring current newsroom experience into the classroom. 

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The program emphasizes hands-on reporting through field visits and direct engagement with people, institutions, and communities across the city. If you're interested in journalism, media, communications, or public affairs, it offers an opportunity to build practical reporting skills while experiencing how professional newsrooms approach stories.

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Why it stands out: Learn directly from experienced New York Times journalists, editors, and media professionals while reporting on stories across New York City.

10. Cooper Union Summer STEM

Location: New York City, New York

Cost: 3-week courses: $3,150; 6-week courses: $5,150. Financial aid is available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; acceptance rate and cohort size are not publicly disclosed

Program Dates: Session I (3 weeks): July 6-23; Session II (3 weeks): July 27th - August 13th; 6-week session: July 6th - August 13th

Application Deadline: Applications typically open in December and close before late April

Eligibility: Current high school students who have completed 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. Open to domestic and international students. Financial aid priority is given to students residing in New York City and its boroughs.

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Summer STEM introduces high school students to engineering and computer science through intensive three- and six-week courses. You can choose from areas such as digital systems, sustainability, app development, algorithms, Python, digital fabrication, embedded systems, and engineering design. 

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You'll work on hands-on projects that mirror coursework completed by first- and second-year Cooper Union engineering students while learning in professional laboratories and makerspaces. The curriculum emphasizes design thinking, programming, prototyping, experimentation, and collaborative problem-solving rather than lecture-based instruction. 

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For more STEM options, have a look at STEM summer programs in NYC.

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Why it stands out: Experience college-level engineering and computer science through project-based courses taught in Cooper Union's School of Engineering, with access to the same technologies and hands-on learning environments used by undergraduate students.

11. The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive

Location: New York City, New York

Cost: Tuition varies by course. The Jeffrey & Paula Gural Merit Scholarship is available for eligible NYC public school students.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; the exact cohort size is not publicly disclosed

Program Dates: July 13th - August 6th

Application Deadline: Enrollment deadline: July 5th; Gural Scholarship deadline: April 12th

Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 who are rising sophomores through rising seniors (or equivalent); international student eligibility not specified

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The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive introduces high school students to undergraduate-level studio practice through concentration tracks in drawing, animation, painting, graphic design, and studio practice. 

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You'll spend four weeks developing technical and conceptual skills in professional studio spaces while receiving instruction from practicing artists and support from current Cooper Union undergraduate teaching assistants. The program also includes workshops, museum and gallery visits, artist talks, and a final public exhibition of student work. 

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Why it stands out: Study studio art at The Cooper Union while working in undergraduate studios, learning from professional artists, and exhibiting your work in a public showcase alongside other aspiring artists.

12. Pratt Institute Summer Scholars

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Cost: Tuition varies by course. Need-based financial aid is available.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; the exact cohort size is not publicly disclosed.

Program Dates: July 6-17

Application Deadline: Registration opens April 22nd and remains open until classes are filled.

Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 - 12 who demonstrate an interest in art and design and can attend the full two-week program; international student eligibility not specified

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Pratt Institute Summer Scholars introduces high school students to undergraduate-level art and design education through studio courses in architecture, drawing, painting, sustainable fashion, and related creative fields. You'll develop technical skills through hands-on projects, physical and digital prototyping, observational drawing, and design exercises while learning from faculty in Pratt's Schools of Art, Design, and Architecture. 

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Depending on the course, you'll also gain exposure to software workflows, portfolio development, and sustainable design practices. The program emphasizes studio-based learning in a professional art school environment and offers financial aid to eligible students, making it an accessible option for aspiring artists and designers.

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Why it stands out: Learn studio art and design from Pratt Institute faculty while exploring college-level creative disciplines, with opportunities to build portfolio-ready work and, in select courses, earn college credit.

13. Jane Street Academy of Math and Programming (AMP)

Location: New York City, New York

Cost: Free. Jane Street covers tuition, housing, meals, travel to and from the program, and organized social activities. Participants also receive a $5,000 scholarship upon successful completion.

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; acceptance rate and cohort size are not publicly disclosed.

Program Dates: June 29th - July 31st

Application Deadline: March 11th

Eligibility: Recent high school graduates who are interested in mathematics and computer science, have experienced barriers to accessing advanced STEM opportunities, and are authorized to work in the U.S.

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Jane Street’s Academy of Math and Programming (AMP) combines advanced mathematics with computer programming and problem-solving. You will study topics such as algorithms, data analysis, game theory, and mathematical reasoning through challenging coursework and hands-on exercises. 

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The program includes problem sets, coding activities, puzzles, and games that require you to apply what you learn. You will also attend guest lectures led by Jane Street professionals and explore how mathematical and programming concepts are used in quantitative fields. The five-week program puts a strong emphasis on analytical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

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Why it stands out: Receive a fully funded, intensive STEM education with a student-to-teacher ratio of less than 4:1 while earning a $5,000 scholarship and learning directly from one of the world's leading quantitative trading firms.

14. Sotheby's Institute of Art – Art Business: Markets, Museums, and Money

Location: New York City, New York

Cost: Day Program: $6,195; Residential Program: $7,695

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; acceptance rate and cohort size are not publicly disclosed.

Program Dates: July 5-17; July 19-31

Application Deadline: Varies by term

Eligibility: Rising grades 10–12 and graduating seniors; open to international students

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This two-week pre-college course explores the business of art through the lens of galleries, auction houses, museums, collectors, and cultural institutions. You'll examine the primary and secondary art markets, learn how artworks are valued and sold, and study emerging trends such as digital art commerce and evolving business models. 

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The curriculum combines college-level lectures with site visits to institutions including Sotheby's, the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and leading galleries across Chelsea and the Lower East Side. Throughout the program, you'll interact with auction specialists, gallerists, art advisors, and museum professionals while developing an understanding of the commercial and nonprofit ecosystems that shape the contemporary art world. 

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Why it stands out: Gain behind-the-scenes access to New York's art industry through visits to Sotheby's auction house, leading galleries, museums, artists' studios, and conversations with professionals shaping the global art market.

15. School of Visual Arts (SVA) Pre-College Program

Location: New York City, New York

Cost: Tuition varies by course and housing option (Residential/commuter)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; acceptance rate and cohort size are not publicly disclosed.

Program Dates: Multiple summer sessions available. 

Application Deadline: Rolling until courses are full

Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 in the fall; open to international students

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SVA’s Pre-College Program lets you experience art school through intensive studio courses taught by professional SVA faculty. You will build technical and conceptual skills while creating portfolio-ready work in a college studio setting. Your courses include critiques where you will discuss your work and receive feedback from instructors and other students. 

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You can also explore areas such as fine arts, illustration, animation, graphic design, and photography. The program includes three transferable college credits and gives you opportunities to experience New York’s museums, galleries, and creative spaces.

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Why it stands out: Experience college-level art education taught by SVA's undergraduate faculty while earning three college credits, building a competitive portfolio, and immersing yourself in New York City's creative community.

Frequently asked questions: Summer Programs in NYC for Teens

Are there free summer programs for teens in NYC?

Yes, several NYC summer programs cost nothing at all. NYU Tandon's ieSoSC program is fully funded through the Winston Foundation for NYC residents entering grades 9 through 11, and Jane Street's Academy of Math and Programming covers tuition, housing, meals, and travel while also awarding a $5,000 scholarship on completion. Both are highly selective and require an application process rather than open enrollment. If free options fill up or don't match your interests, need-based financial aid is available at many of the paid programs listed here, including Fordham and NYU Steinhardt.

Do NYC summer programs for teens offer college credit?

Some do, while others focus on skill building or portfolio development instead. NYU Precollege, Columbia College Edge, and NYU Tisch Summer High School all let you earn transferable college credit alongside matriculated undergraduates, with Tisch awarding 4 to 6 credits depending on your track. SVA's Pre-College Program includes three transferable credits as part of its studio curriculum. Programs like Cooper Union Summer STEM and the Fordham Summer Leaders Academy, by contrast, emphasize hands-on projects and portfolio work rather than formal credit, so check each program's structure if credit matters to your plans.

Can students who don't live in NYC attend these summer programs?

Most programs welcome students from outside the city, though a few restrict eligibility to local residents. NYU Tandon's ieSoSC program, for example, is limited to NYC residents entering grades 9 through 11, while programs such as NYU Precollege, Columbia College Edge, and Cooper Union Summer STEM accept domestic and international applicants. Residential options let out-of-town students live on campus for the full session, while commuter and day formats suit those who can travel in daily. Always confirm a program's residency requirements and application deadlines before applying, since international deadlines often fall earlier.

How much do NYC summer programs for teens cost?

Costs range from completely free to over $7,600 for residential programs. Jane Street's Academy of Math and Programming and NYU Tandon's ieSoSC cost nothing, while day programs like Fordham's Summer Leaders Academy start around $1,400 and residential options such as NYU Steinhardt's Art Intensive or Vogue Summer School run $6,000 to $7,700. Credit bearing university courses are typically priced per credit, with NYU Precollege and Columbia College Edge charging roughly $2,600 to $4,000 per credit. Need based financial aid and scholarships are available at most programs, so check each one's aid policy directly.

What grade level do you need to be in to apply?

Eligibility varies by program, but most accept students in grades 9 through 12. NYU Tandon's ieSoSC is limited to grades 9 through 11, while Columbia College Edge and NYU Tisch Summer High School are reserved for rising juniors and seniors. Programs like Cooper Union Summer STEM and Pratt Institute Summer Scholars accept a broader range, from rising 9th through 12th graders. Always check a program's specific grade requirements before applying, since even programs at the same university can set different eligibility rules by track.

Are NYC summer programs residential or commuter?

Both formats exist, and the right choice depends on where you live and what experience you want. Programs such as NYU Steinhardt's Art Intensive and NYU Tisch Summer High School offer residential stays with housing and meal plans included, giving you the full campus experience. Fordham's Summer Leaders Academy and Vogue Summer School offer both residential and commuter or day options at different price points, so local students can save on housing costs. Immerse Education's TED Summer School adds a third option, a fully virtual two week session for students who prefer to join from anywhere in the world.

Turn a NYC summer into study abroad experience

A summer program in New York City introduces you to city life, new routines, and the kind of independence study abroad experiences are built on.

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Many summer programs in nyc for teens pair coursework with residential life, letting you test whether living away from home suits your goals.

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Skills like navigating a new city, managing your own schedule, and adapting to unfamiliar surroundings translate directly into confidence for programs further from home.

To keep building that confidence for whatever comes next, explore Immerse's study abroad resources and start planning your next international academic step today.