12 Engineering Internships for High School Students in New York (NY)
Taking up engineering internships for high school students in New York (NY) is a good opportunity to discover your interests and develop skills that will benefit you throughout your academic and professional journey. They allow you to experience the real-world application of your knowledge, helping you stand out when applying for college. They also connect you with mentors and professionals who can guide you in your chosen career path.
For students in New York who are passionate about STEM, engineering internships for high school students in New York (NY) offer unique advantages. They let you dive into exciting fields like biomedical engineering, robotics, or environmental science while gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and techniques.
To help get you started, we’ve curated a list of 12 engineering internships for high school students in New York (NY).
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting from $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. February 9, 2025, for the spring cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The spring cohort starts on March 3, 2025
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! As a participant, you will work with a high-growth start-up health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. As part of the program, you will get to work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and eventually present your work to the company. You are also offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other valuable skills and will have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in your cohort.
Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. Here is the application form.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost:
$2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program
$5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
$6,900 for both
Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars
Application Deadline: January 19, 2025, for the spring cohort
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter. You can see the spring + summer dates here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI is a program founded and run by Harvard graduate students for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence. If you’re new to concepts like AI, ML, and data science, then you would benefit from the AI Scholars program. It is a 10-session boot camp where you will be introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
If you’re a more advanced student, on the other hand, then consider the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program. It gives you the chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that you will have access to the in-house publication team, which will help you secure publications in high school research journals. The fellowship encourages you to explore interdisciplinary approaches, enabling you to merge AI with various fields such as finance, medicine, sports, environmental science, and more! You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Stipend: While most interns receive a stipend, certain opportunities are unpaid
Application Deadline:
Summer 2025: February 28, 2025
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Dates:
Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May
Summer Session: Late May to August
Fall Session: Late August to Mid-December
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
The NASA OSTEM Internship Program gives you the chance to work directly at NASA centers across the country. With spring, summer, and fall sessions, this program allows you to engage in innovative projects across fields, such as engineering, science, technology, and business operations.
Through close collaboration with NASA’s renowned scientists, engineers, and mentors, you’ll contribute to advancements in space exploration and breakthrough technologies. This program is designed to combine practical problem-solving with professional development, equipping you with essential skills while fostering connections with industry experts. By tackling real-world challenges and networking with top professionals, you’ll develop invaluable skills and insights in a stimulating environment.
4. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025
Dates:
Spring Session: February 27, 2025 – May 22, 2025
Summer Session: June 30, 2025 – August 15, 2025
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older by the orientation date who live or attend an NYC public or charter school within 45 minutes of Genspace
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a six-month science research internship that introduces you to cutting-edge genetic engineering and biology techniques. During the internship, you’ll collaborate with peers and scientific mentors to explore advanced concepts, conduct experiments, and design your own research projects. The program also includes behind-the-scenes lab tours, field trips, and improv training to develop creative communication strategies for engaging diverse audiences.
Through this unique opportunity, you’ll gain hands-on laboratory experience, career guidance, and exposure to the inner workings of biotech companies and research labs. By connecting with experienced scientists and mentors, you’ll get to deepen your understanding of genetic engineering and develop biology laboratory skills while building a strong foundation for future academic and professional endeavors.
5. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple locations across the country, including Rome Laboratory, NY
Stipend: Varies. See specifics here
Application Deadline: January 10, 2025
Dates: Varies for different programs. Runs for a minimum of 8 weeks
Eligibility: Students who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old by the application deadline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program offers stipend-paid internships for upper-level high school students that provide hands-on experience in cutting-edge aerospace engineering research and technology. As a participant, you’ll get to work closely with AFRL scientists and engineers, gaining insight into advanced projects and exploring innovative solutions in the field. You will have the opportunity to tour AFRL laboratories and engage in unique, research-based assignments under the guidance of experienced mentors.
The program primarily offers summer internships with a limited number of positions available during the fall and spring semesters. Internship durations vary based on participant availability and funding. You can apply to up to three topics per AFRL site, selecting from a range of technical areas outlined in the program’s topic list.
6. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Location: Multiple locations across the country, including New York
Stipend: Varies from location to location
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: Varies depending on the location
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents; additional eligibility requirements vary by location
The AEOP High School Internship is a summer program that offers high school students an immersive experience in research and innovation. During the program, you will be able to work in state-of-the-art laboratories at universities or U.S. Army Research Centers, engaging in cutting-edge projects alongside professional scientists and engineers. You will be exposed to advanced techniques and high-tech equipment while contributing to meaningful research addressing the nation’s biggest challenges. The program also provides one-on-one mentorship from experienced STEM practitioners, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills essential for a successful STEM career.
Beyond lab work, you’ll benefit from ongoing support through AEOP’s community resources, including virtual office hours, webinars on STEM careers, and workshops focused on college readiness and professional skills. The program also provides an educational stipend to interns.
7. Cooper Union Summer STEM Internship
Location: Manhattan, New York
Cost:
$3,950 for the 6-week classes
$1,950 for the 3-week classes
Financial aid available
Application Deadline: March 26, 2025
Dates:
6-week courses: July 7 – August 14, 2025
3-week courses: July 7 – July 24, 2025; July 28 – August 14, 2025
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 11
The Summer STEM program by The Cooper Union offers an opportunity to explore engineering through hands-on learning and collaborative projects. Designed for high school students in grades 9, 10, and 11, this selective program introduces you to college-level topics, techniques, and research projects led by Cooper Union faculty and students. Whether you're new to engineering or looking to expand your knowledge, the program is open to curious and college-focused students eager to solve real-world challenges. The program is available in two formats: three weeks and six weeks.
The three-week Design Thinking in Engineering course introduces you to the five steps of human-centered design: empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing. You'll develop creative critical thinking skills, empathy for users, and an understanding of inclusive design while practicing research, data analysis, and basic prototyping techniques. The six-week Design and Drawing for Engineering course dives deeper, teaching you essential engineering skills like sketching, technical drawing, computer-aided design (CAD) using Onshape, and rapid prototyping. Through faculty-led discussions and real-world problem-solving, you'll design solutions for community needs, test prototypes, and create a portfolio and video to showcase your work.
8. Columbia University Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost:
Commuter Fee: $5,875
Residential Fee: $10,790
Application Deadline: March 3, 2025
Dates:
Session 1: July 7 – July 25, 2025
Session 2: July 29 – August 15, 2025
Eligibility: Current high school students (freshmen to seniors). The residential program is open to students 16 and above
Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) offers two 3-week sessions packed with college-level, project-based engineering courses taught by Columbia faculty. Alongside your chosen course, you’ll benefit from electives, college preparation workshops, and mentorship from Columbia students. While the program doesn’t grant college credit, it offers a deep dive into engineering concepts and practical skills.
The engineering courses offered in the program include “Biomedical Engineering: Where Biology, Medicine & Design Meet,” where you’ll explore the intersection of biology, medicine, and technology. Through hands-on lab exercises, you’ll delve into biomechanics, bioinstrumentation, and medical imaging while using rapid prototyping techniques like 3D printing to construct your own biomedical device.
The course “Sustainable Engineering: Designing a Better Planet,” introduces you to pressing sustainability challenges and solutions. You’ll analyze energy systems, renewable resources, and waste management, learning about sustainable development frameworks, life cycle analysis, and the economics of sustainability. Working in groups, you’ll design and present a poster showcasing your innovative solutions for a greener future.
9. BlueStamp Engineering Remote Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,200
Application Deadline: Rolling basis. The program has a limited number of openings
Dates:
Session 1: June 16 – July 3, 2025
Session 2: July 7 – July 25, 2025
Session 3: July 28 – August 15, 2025
Eligibility: Incoming 8th – 12th graders
The BlueStamp Engineering Remote Internship Program is a live, synchronous program that is open to students worldwide, making it accessible no matter where you are. BlueStamp provides you will all the necessary resources, mailing you all the parts and tools for your project and maintaining a 4:1 student-to-staff ratio for personalized guidance. During this program, you’ll build an engineering project, create a portfolio to document your work, and present your achievements at a Demo Night.
Your journey begins by selecting a project from the BlueStamp project book in consultation with a lead instructor. Once chosen, your summer kicks off with a starter project to develop foundational skills, such as soldering and troubleshooting. From day one, you’ll dive into building your main project, documenting your progress, and learning engineering fundamentals. As you complete your project, you’ll have the chance to iterate and personalize it, adding unique modifications to make it truly your own. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work at Demo Night, showcasing your skills and creativity to peers, instructors, and family.
10. StandOut Connect
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,950
Application Deadline: February 2, 2025 (regular application deadline)
Dates: Spring program:
Weeks 1 – 5 (Professional Training): March 9 – April 6, 2025
Weeks 6 – 14 (Internship): April 7 – June 6, 2025
Eligibility: Any student who will be 15 or older by March 2025
The StandOut Connect Internship Program offers you a comprehensive, three-month online experience that begins with a month of weekend workshops focused on college and career preparation. You’ll learn how to build a standout resume, craft a compelling personal story, and integrate tools like AI and Excel into your workflow. Mock interviews, networking strategies, and professionalism training will equip you with the skills needed to succeed in future internships. At the end of this phase, you’ll interview with partner companies and receive a guaranteed internship offer.
In the second phase, you’ll spend two months as a remote intern, working with a company matched to your interests and skill level. With access to over 500 partner organizations in fields ranging from engineering to AI, you’ll gain valuable experience through impactful projects.
11. Engineering the Next Generation (ENG)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Stipend: $15/hour at 25 hours/week
Application Deadline: Rolling. January 20, 2025 (Ladders for Leaders); March 3, 2025 (CS3 MyStreetscape track)
Dates: July 7 – August 14, 2025
Eligibility: Rising seniors (current 11th graders) who reside in and attend school in 5 boroughs of NYC or the Palm Beach, FL area
The Engineering the Next Generation (ENG) program by Columbia Engineering is an immersive six-week summer research experience designed to prepare you for college and future careers in STEM. Open to rising high school seniors, the program allows you to work alongside Columbia Engineering researchers, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge engineering projects. With a focus on multi-level mentorship, you’ll collaborate with faculty, staff, and students while also receiving a stipend to support your summer learning.
During the program, you’ll engage in genuine research across fields, such as biomedical engineering, computer science, and environmental engineering. You’ll develop essential research skills, practice collaboration, and participate in college prep workshops tailored to help you navigate your academic journey. Science communication workshops will teach you how to effectively present your findings, while additional seminars and opportunities will broaden your understanding of the engineering field.
Location: New York, Miami, and Los Angeles
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025 (tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Dates: September 2025 – June 2026 (tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors enrolled in a NYC public or public charter high school
The Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) Program is a nine-month, immersive out-of-school program that equips you with technical skills, professional development, and real-world exposure to the tech industry. Through weekly sessions led by industry experts, career days, and mentorship opportunities with representatives from leading tech companies, you’ll gain the knowledge to pursue degrees and careers in technology and software engineering.
The program begins with foundational web development training, where you’ll learn HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap. Your skills will be put to the test in a Demo Day Competition, where you’ll collaborate with peers to present your web projects to a panel of judges. In the second semester, you’ll specialize in a tech track of your choice, such as advanced web development, UX design, digital marketing, product management, or data science, gaining expertise in a targeted area.
Sessions are primarily conducted via Zoom, with in-person meetings three times per semester for hands-on learning, Demo Days, and graduation events. If you're in NYC, you'll also have the chance to work with the Access Tech team to secure a paid summer tech internship with top companies.
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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