10 STEM Internships for High School Students in NYC (New York City)
Looking to boost your college applications while gaining hands-on experience in STEM fields? New York City offers a range of internships designed to help high school students dive into these dynamic areas. These internships provide more than just knowledge—they offer real-world exposure, valuable networking opportunities, and insights into potential careers. They also make your college applications stand out by showcasing your initiative, passion, and practical skills. In this blog, we will highlight 10 STEM internships in NYC to help you kickstart your future in science, technology, engineering, and math!
Ladder Internships offer a structured virtual internship program for high school students eager to engage with startups. Upon joining, you’ll be matched with startups that align with your interests, where you’ll contribute to real-world projects that cater to the company's needs. Available STEM fields include Tech & Deep Tech, Machine Learning and AI, Software Engineering, Health Tech and Mental Health, and Environmental Science. Over 8 to 12 weeks, you will collaborate with both a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, who will guide you throughout the program.
You’ll kick off by defining your project goals and deliverables, with regular check-ins to track progress. Midway through, you’ll present preliminary work to your mentors for feedback, and by the end of the program, you’ll showcase your completed project in a final presentation. This internship not only builds skills in project management and problem-solving but also introduces you to the fast-paced world of startups.
Location: Virtual.
Cost/Stipend: The cost ranges from $2,490 to $7400, depending on the type of internship. 100% need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: The 2024 Winter Cohort will start on December 16, 2024.
Application deadline: Applications for the 2024 Winter Cohort will close on November 24, 2024. Click here to apply!
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
2. High School Initiative in Remote Sensing of the Earth Systems Engineering and Sciences (HIRES)
The High School Initiative in Remote Sensing of Earth Systems (HIRES), hosted by the City University of New York’s CREST Institute, offers an exceptional research experience for NYC high school students, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Over 7 to 8 weeks during the summer, 25 students work on advanced research projects focused on critical issues like climate change, water resources, and environmental justice.
You’ll be paired with a mentor—either a graduate student or faculty member—who will guide you through hands-on research using tools like remote sensing technology, Python programming, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In addition to research, the program includes professional development workshops, field trips, and public speaking training. Plus, you’ll earn a $1,000 stipend and 3 college credits, giving you a head start on higher education.
Location: The City College of New York.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost; interns receive a stipend of $1000.
Program dates: The internship runs for 7-8 weeks in the summer.
Application deadline: There is currently no information available on the website. Check here for regular updates.
Eligibility: High school students residing in NYC are eligible to apply. Click here for a comprehensive list of eligibility criteria.
3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Summer Student Program
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Summer Student Program offers a deep dive into biomedical sciences through an eight-week internship. You’ll work in biomedical or computational labs under the guidance of experienced mentors, conducting independent research that aligns with the lab's goals.
In addition to your hands-on lab work, the program emphasizes professional growth, offering insights into how research translates into clinical practice. You’ll explore fields like cancer biology, pharmacology, immunology, chemistry, and computational biology through educational events and networking opportunities. This program is ideal for students passionate about biomedical research and its real-world applications.
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Upper East Side, Manhattan.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost; interns receive a stipend of $1,200.
Program dates: The Summer 2025 internship will run for 8 weeks from June 30 to August 22, 2025.
Application deadline: Applications for Summer 2025 will open in December 2024 and close in February 2025.
Eligibility: High school juniors residing in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, who are 14 years or older by June 2025, and have a minimum 3.5 GPA are eligible to apply.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) and the Pathways Program offer high school students the chance to work alongside NASA experts on cutting-edge projects. OSTEM internships are paid positions that allow you to contribute to NASA’s mission in areas like science, engineering, and information technology.
For students aiming for a long-term career at NASA, the Pathways Internship Program offers a multi-semester experience where you’ll engage in career-focused projects while receiving ongoing mentorship. This program is designed to prepare students for future roles within NASA by providing challenging work assignments and professional development opportunities.
Location: Both virtual and in-person options are available. Click here to explore available opportunities in New York City.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. Majority of the programs offer a stipend but some volunteer opportunities are also available.
Dates: The dates vary depending on the internship program.
Application deadline: Applications for Summer 2025 will close on February 28, 2025, and Fall 2025 will close on May 16, 2025.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply.
5. American Chemical Society - Project SEED
Project SEED, an initiative by the American Chemical Society, provides high school students from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to participate in hands-on chemical research. Over 8 to 10 weeks, you’ll work alongside experienced mentors in academic or industrial labs, gaining practical experience in scientific problem-solving and laboratory techniques.
Project SEED also offers virtual summer camps to boost your readiness for higher education and careers in science. These camps provide training in lab safety, experimental design, and professional development, as well as guidance on the college application process. Project SEED aims to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in chemical sciences.
Location: The location varies depending on the internship. Click here to explore available opportunities in New York City.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost; interns receive a stipend.
Program dates: The internship program typically runs for 8-10 weeks between June and July.
Application deadline: Applications typically open in February and close in April.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who have completed at least one course of high school chemistry are eligible to apply. Click here for the full list of eligibility requirements.
6. Zuckerman Institute - Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
The Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) offers high school students the chance to dive into intensive neuroscience research at Columbia University. Through this immersive summer program, you’ll be paired with experienced scientists in cutting-edge laboratories, where you’ll work on hands-on research projects under expert guidance. Alongside your mentor, you’ll contribute to real research tasks, gaining practical experience while honing essential skills in a professional setting.
BRAINYAC is designed to give you deep insights into neuroscience research methodologies and techniques, showing you how scientific discoveries are made in real-time. It also helps you explore potential academic and career paths in the neuroscience field.
Location: Columbia University, New York.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost; interns receive a stipend.
Program dates: The program typically runs for four to five weeks in the summer.
Application deadline: Applications for 2025 will open in October.
Eligibility: High school students in 10th and 11th grade, residing in New York City and nominated by one of the partner programs (S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School and BioBus).
7. America On Tech -Tech Flex Leaders
The Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) Program introduces high school juniors and seniors from New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami to the tech industry through a 9-month out-of-school experience. The program blends weekly technical training led by industry experts with hands-on projects, covering areas like web development, UX design, and data science. In the first semester, you’ll learn the basics of web development (HTML, CSS, Bootstrap) and showcase your final projects at the Demo Day Competition. The second semester dives deeper into specialized areas like advanced web development or product management.
Beyond technical skills, TFL provides career-oriented sessions, mentorship, and career days with tech leaders. You’ll attend in-person and virtual events and participate in mandatory office hours to sharpen your professional readiness and technical expertise, preparing you for future success in STEM fields.
Location: Hybrid.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost; interns receive a stipend of $1000.
Program dates: The summer program runs for nine months and typically starts in September.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in August.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors currently enrolled in a school in NYC, LA, or Miami are eligible to apply.
8. Alley Pond Environmental Centre - Field Biology Internship
The Alley Pond Environmental Centre’s Field Biology Internship (FBI) offers high school students a hands-on introduction to field research and environmental science. This immersive program takes you out of the classroom and into urban ecosystems, where you’ll collect data, analyze local flora and fauna, and develop field research techniques. Set in Alley Pond Park, this internship bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering students a chance to engage in real-world scientific inquiry.
Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with peers, receive mentorship from experienced scientists, and meet local environmental professionals, giving you a well-rounded perspective on careers in sustainability, environmental science, and conservation.
Location: Alley Pond Park, Douglaston.
Cost: The cost of the internship is $150, with some financial aid available on request.
Program dates: The internship dates vary depending on the cohort.
Summer Cohort: July - August.
Fall Cohort: October - November.
Spring Cohort: March - May.
Application deadline: The applications typically close in September for the Fall cohort, February for the Spring cohort, and June for the Summer cohort. Click here to apply!
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 14 years old are eligible to apply.
9. Boyce Thompson Institute - High School Research Internships
The Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) at Cornell University offers a highly selective summer internship for high school students interested in plant science and computational biology. With only 10 spots available, this 6-week program provides hands-on research opportunities alongside graduate students and faculty members. You’ll work on carefully curated projects that allow you to explore scientific research in a supportive environment while building practical skills.
In addition to your research, you’ll attend weekly professional development sessions, lectures, and field trips, deepening your understanding of the scientific process. The internship culminates in a scientific symposium, where you’ll present your work to the academic community through a research poster, gaining valuable experience in scientific communication.
Location: Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost; interns receive a stipend of $4200.
Program dates: The internship runs for eight weeks between June and August
Application deadline: Applications typically open in August and close in March.
Eligibility: High school students residing within reasonable commute or in Ithaca, NY, and who are at least 16 years of age at the start of the program are eligible to apply.
10. Genspace - Biorocket Research Internship Program
The Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace offers a unique 6-month experience for high school students from New York City public and charter schools, immersing them in the fields of genetic engineering and biology. The program provides hands-on lab experience, where you’ll collaborate with scientists on real research projects. As part of the program, you’ll design and execute experiments that align with your interests, gaining advanced biotechnological skills.
Beyond lab work, the program focuses on scientific communication, with improv workshops that help you present complex scientific ideas to different audiences. You’ll also get exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of research labs and biotech companies, offering valuable insights into the biotechnology industry and potential career paths.
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost; interns receive a stipend of $2000.
Program dates: The internship program runs for six months and typically starts in February.
Application deadline: Applications for 2025 will open in October.
Eligibility: High school students who are enrolled in a New York City public or charter school and are at least 16 years of age are eligible to apply.
Are you looking to start a project or research paper in the field of AI and ML? Consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is an AI program designed for high schoolers. It’s founded and run by Harvard graduate students. The program aims to give students the opportunity to create unique projects in the field of AI. Participants will get to learn more about AI from researchers and experts and work 1-on-1 with mentors from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and more. In just the past year, we’ve had over a thousand students learn with us! You too can apply!
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