High school internships offer students a valuable glimpse into the professional world, bridging the gap between academic studies and practical work experience. Engaging in internships allows students to explore various career paths and industries, providing clarity and direction for their future educational and professional choices. By participating in real-world work environments, students can discover their interests and passions, which can guide their decisions about college majors and career goals.

If you live in New York, however, it could be hard to apply for internships in other areas as commuting and transportation costs add up! However, New York has a wide range of internship opportunities, and in this blog, we cover 10 such opportunities for high school students!  

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

Stipend: A stipend is offered, but the amount is not specified.

Location: Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University
Application Deadline: 2025; applications will open in October 2024.

Internship Dates: 7 weeks during the summer

Eligibility: Open to high school students who are:

• in 10th or 11th grader

• nominated by one of the partner programs

• residing in New York City (preferably upper Manhattan and the South Bronx)

The Zuckerman Institute's BRAINYAC program at Columbia University is dedicated to nurturing future scientists from today’s high school students. This intensive summer research initiative allows students to gain hands-on experience in Columbia's laboratories, where they build valuable connections with practicing scientists and learn key skills essential for research.

Participants are paired with mentors who are Columbia neuroscientists, guiding them through distinct research projects and exposing them to the dynamics of transformative discovery within a professional academic environment. Through this experience, interns delve into the intricacies of lab research, gain firsthand exposure to the academic world, and deepen their enthusiasm for pursuing careers in science.

2. Simons Summer Research Program

Stipend: Stipend is provided to the interns, but they are expected to cover their own transportation and residential accommodations

Location: Stony Brook University, New York

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.

Internship Dates: July 1 - August 9, 2024 

Eligibility: Open to students who are:

• high school juniors at the time of application

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents

• 16 years of age by the start of the program

The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University provides high school students with an exceptional chance to engage in active STEM research under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors. In this program, participants are integrated into a research team or group, where they are responsible for their own specific projects.

Each student is paired with a faculty mentor who determines the exact hours of commitment in consultation with the student. Participants should be prepared to dedicate a minimum of four hours daily, either working independently or collaborating with their mentor and research group. At the conclusion of the program, students must present their findings through a written research abstract and a detailed research poster.

3. Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Program at JP Morgan & Chase

Stipend: Both a stipend and a scholarship are available. 

Location: New York City 

Application Deadline: There is no information about this at this time, but the application is currently closed. 

Internship Dates: Students work part-time in the summer and full-time in the school year. 

Eligibility: High school students located in NYC can apply. 

Designed for NYC high school students aiming for a career in finance, this 20-day internship offers practical experience within JPMC’s elite business divisions while also providing a full four-year university scholarship. Interns will develop crucial skills needed for financial services careers through hands-on participation and real-world tasks.

Annually, interns are given the chance to rotate through various areas of the firm, expanding their understanding of the industry and experiencing different roles. During the internship, students will work within one of JPMC’s business units or corporate functions, engaging in significant projects, attending meetings, and networking with managers.

4. Manhattan District Attorney Internship Program

Stipend: Interns will be paid minimum wage

Location: Manhattan, New York

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted from January to early March

Internship Dates: July - August

Eligibility: Open to high school students who are sophomores, juniors, and seniors 

Participants will gain an introductory understanding of the criminal justice system, taking part in interactive legal workshops and engaging in a simulated trial experience. They will have the chance to explore courtroom dynamics, understand legal procedures, and participate in workshops designed to develop their analytical and argumentative skills

This experience culminates in a mock trial, where they will apply what they have learned in a realistic courtroom setting, presenting cases, examining witnesses, and making arguments. This immersive approach provides a comprehensive look at the workings of the criminal justice system.

5. NYC Office of the Mayor Internship

Stipend: $16/hour

Location: New York City

Application Deadline: Open to February - March

Internship Dates: June - August OR September - April 

Eligibility: Open to high school students who are 16 or older and enrolled in high school or registered for courses at college or university. Must be NYC residents 

Students will have the opportunity to work closely with the mayoral team, involving themselves in various tasks such as conducting research, handling inquiries, analyzing data, engaging in outreach activities, and assisting in event management. Their roles will include collaborating with staff on comprehensive data analysis, responding to public queries, and supporting outreach initiatives. Additionally, students will contribute to organizing and staffing various events. 

As part of the program, participants will also engage in the office’s speaker series, which features discussions on relevant topics and insights from experienced professionals. Furthermore, students will team up with their peers to design and execute a community service project, enhancing their teamwork skills and contributing positively to local initiatives!

6. BioBase Junior Scientist Internship

Stipend: An hourly stipend is offered, but the amount is unspecified

Location: Harlem, New York

Application Deadline: Rolling deadline

Internship Dates: 14 months spanning from June of one year to May of the following year

Eligibility: Open to 9th - 11th graders that attend high school in New York City

This 14-month paid internship program caters to students with a strong interest in science, offering them a chance to gain both research and teaching experience under expert mentorship. The program kicks off with a summer boot camp designed to equip participants with vital scientific skills.

Following this training, interns serve as camp counselors for the BioBus summer camp, where they mentor and teach younger students from underrepresented communities with a focus on enhancing diversity in STEM. During the internship, students work closely with Ph.D. scientists, receiving mentorship and developing their own independent research projects utilizing advanced microscopes and scientific equipment.

7. Internships at the Biological Field Station at SUNY Oneonta

Cost: None

Location: State University of New York Oneonta campus, Buffalo, NY

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.

Internship Dates: late May to August (~9 weeks)

Eligibility: Open to all high school students who are 16+ and reside in New York

SUNY Oneonta’s esteemed summer research internship spans nine weeks and is highly competitive, offering only 1-3 slots for New York high school students. This selective program allows interns to assist faculty and staff at the BFS central lab with their research while concurrently pursuing their own projects. The internship culminates in a poster presentation, where participants showcase their findings to mentors, BFS faculty, and fellow interns.

The program offers an in-depth look at various research components, including fieldwork, lab analysis, data interpretation, and scientific writing. Past interns have gained hands-on experience through activities such as fisheries and plant surveys, fish dissections, and water sampling, ensuring a thorough and well-rounded research experience. For more insight into previous projects, reviewing past publications is recommended.

8. Academic Year Teen Internship Program with DOROT

Stipend: None

Location: New York, New York

Application Deadline: Applications are closed for the spring semester and will reopen for the fall semester soon. 

Internship Dates: March - May

Eligibility: Open to high school students

DOROT provides a range of activities for interns, such as tech assistance, intergenerational chess, home visits, and contemporary board games. This unique program promotes continuous community service by linking teens with older adults through diverse, intergenerational engagements. Participants are well-trained and earn service hours while forming meaningful connections through these activities.

9. Summer Teen Internship with DOROT

Stipend: Manhattan Locations: None; Suffolk Y JCC Session costs $450 with a $100 stipend to students offered at the end

Location: Manhattan or Long Island, New York

Application Deadline: Applications are still open, and no date has been posted for closing. Apply ASAP!
Internship Dates: Session 1: June 24 - July 18 | Manhattan; Session 2: July 23 - August 15 | Manhattan; Suffolk Y JCC Session: July 22 - August 15 | Long Island

Eligibility: Open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors 

This internship invites students to join a diverse cohort of socially aware peers, fostering essential social connections with older adults. Through one of the three summer teen programs, participants can develop leadership skills and engage in meaningful interactions with seniors. Activities include intergenerational events like discussion groups, home visits, creative arts, and tech support. This summer, contribute to your community while earning over 112 service hours.

The Manhattan program welcomes students who identify as Jewish or have Jewish heritage, while the second session is secular and open to all. Both programs feature leading weekly discussions on relevant program topics and exploring community connections.

10. KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience

Stipend: $25/hour

Location: New York City

Application Deadline: As they continue their launch of this program, they will update the program’s information throughout the summer. Pay attention for new updates.

Internship Dates: 3 weeks spanning through July

Eligibility: Open to students who:

• Are rising juniors or seniors in high school

• Live in commutable proximity to a KPMG local office

The KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience is designed for students keen on exploring careers in accounting, finance, and professional services. This program immerses participants in the practical aspects of the field, including accounting fundamentals, auditing techniques, tax principles, and advisory roles.

The program moves beyond traditional learning methods by involving students in hands-on workshops and real-world case studies, facilitating the practical application of their knowledge. Students work collaboratively in teams, which strengthens their problem-solving skills and deepens their understanding of the accounting profession. Throughout the experience, mentorship from KPMG professionals offers essential guidance and insights, contributing to a comprehensive learning environment.

Looking for an immersive internship experience?

Check out Ladder Internships!

Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!

Image Source - KPMG Logo