12 Research Opportunities for High Schoolers in New York City (NYC)
Research opportunities are great ways to gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills while exploring your interests. Whether you’re interested in science, technology, medicine, or social research, these programs provide the opportunity to work alongside experts, develop critical thinking skills, and explore real-world applications of academic concepts.
Participating in a research program allows you to deepen your understanding of a subject while building valuable skills that can strengthen your college applications. Many of these opportunities also connect you with mentors and peers, helping you expand your academic and professional network.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 12 research opportunities for high schoolers in NYC!
1. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brooks University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 7
Dates: June 30 - August 8
Eligibility: Students in 11th grade at the time of applying, 16 years or older by the start of the program
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University offers high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience at a major research institution. As a Simons Fellow, you will be paired with a Stony Brook faculty mentor and join a research team, where you will take responsibility for a project.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn valuable research techniques and attend faculty research talks, workshops, and special events. The program concludes with the presentation of your research through a written abstract and a research poster at a symposium. Fellows receive a stipend for their participation and are expected to dedicate at least 4 hours a day to their work.
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. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
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, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Eligibility: Students living in New York City completing 10th or 11th grade in June
ARISE at NYU is a 10-week STEM research experience for high school students, providing hands-on opportunities to work in active research labs. This program explores interdisciplinary topics, including bioengineering, molecular engineering, chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
As a participant, you’ll gain practical experience in cutting-edge research while deepening your understanding of STEM fields. With its expanded format, ARISE ensures a comprehensive introduction to scientific exploration through immersive, hands-on learning in real-world research settings.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper!
You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. CUNY’s STEM Research Academy
Location: The City University of New York, the program is available in multiple campuses.
Stipend: Varies depending on the campus chosen.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the campus chosen.
Dates: Varies depending on the campus chosen.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11
The STEM Research Academy is a two-semester program for NYC Public School high school students interested in STEM research. In the spring, you’ll take a pre-college course at CUNY to learn scientific research skills, followed by a six-week summer research experience in a CUNY lab. This hands-on program enhances your scientific literacy and numeracy while fostering mentorship and collaboration. You’ll present your findings at a summer research exhibition hosted by the American Museum of Natural History. Participants receive a stipend along with opportunities to join a network of STEM mentors and alumni for future research pursuits.
6. Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Stipend/Cost: There is no information available currently.
Application Deadline: October
Dates: TBD for 2026
Eligibility: 10th and 11th-grade students enrolled in partner programs residing in New York City
The BRAINYAC program at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute offers high school students an immersive summer research experience in neuroscience. If selected, you’ll work closely with a Columbia neuroscientist who mentors you through a research project, providing insight into how laboratory research leads to scientific discovery.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, exposure to an academic research environment, and skill-building necessary for careers in science. Open to New York City students, particularly those in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, BRAINYAC connects you with a professional academic community and enhances your understanding of neuroscience as a field.
7. Urban Barcode Research Program
Location: DNA Learning Center NYC, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $500
Application Deadline: May 27 (Tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Dates: Specific dates for the upcoming cycle are provided upon acceptance.
Eligibility: Students grades 9-12 at a public or private high school in NYC, residing in NYC
The Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP) engages NYC high school students in biodiversity research using DNA barcoding technology. You’ll begin with a training course covering biodiversity, conservation biology, and research techniques, followed by a student-driven research project under expert mentorship. Over the academic year, you’ll collaborate with a team and mentor to design, conduct, and present your research at a spring symposium. Participants complete at least 55 hours of research and receive a $500 stipend upon meeting program requirements. As part of the NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium, you’ll also have access to events at partnering institutions to deepen your scientific experience.
8. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Application Deadline: January 8
Dates:
Spring Session: February 27 - May 22
Summer Session: June 30 - August 15
Eligibility: Students aged 16 or older by the orientation date who live or attend a NYC public or charter school within 45 minutes of Genspace.
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a 6-month science research experience for New York City high school students aged 16 and up. You’ll work with genetic engineering techniques and biology lab skills while collaborating with scientist mentors and fellow students to design a research project based on your interests.
The program includes lab tours, field trips, and science communication training to help you share your findings. You’ll gain valuable career insights and hands-on experience in a professional research environment. In addition to learning scientific techniques, you’ll develop communication skills and receive a stipend for your participation.
9. Environmentor—Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE)
Location: RISE, Far Rockaway, NY
Stipend: Up to $1,200
Application Deadline: Applications will open in Late February
Dates: June 5 - August 15 (Tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Eligibility: 9-11 grade students who live or attend school in or near the Rockaway peninsula
The Environmentor program provides high school students with hands-on experience in environmental research focused on Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway shoreline. For six weeks, you’ll collaborate with a science mentor from a local university or research institution to design and conduct an individual research project. The program also incorporates water safety, CPR training, and recreational activities such as kayaking, biking, and surfing. In addition to research, you’ll participate in community service events organized by RISE and earn service hours. Students receive up to a $1,200 stipend, making this a blend of scientific exploration, skill-building, and community engagement.
10. Lamont-Doherty's Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP)
Location: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Palisades, NY
Stipend: This is a paid internship, however the amount is not specified.
Application Deadline: TBD
Dates: June - August (6 weeks)
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12, enrolled in a partner school
The Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory is a six-week summer research experience in field and laboratory science. You’ll work alongside Columbia University researchers and mentors to conduct hands-on environmental and ecological studies at Piermont Marsh, part of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Research topics include sediment accumulation, nutrient cycling, groundwater chemistry, and fish and plant ecosystems. Additionally, some participants gain lab placement opportunities within Lamont-Doherty and Earth Institute laboratories. This program provides authentic research experience, teamwork skills, and insight into scientific careers.
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 3
Dates:
Afterschool portion: February 27 – June 12
Summer Science Research Program: June 23 – August 7
Eligibility: High school junior or senior, aged 16+ at program start, enrolled in an NYC High School
The Jumpstart program at Rockefeller University is a spring and summer research skills-building opportunity for high school juniors and seniors in New York City. During the spring phase, you'll spend after-school hours developing scientific thinking and research skills through workshops and mentorship.
In the summer, you'll transition into full-time research work as part of a team, conducting experiments and contributing to real research projects. You'll also receive mentorship from practicing scientists, gaining insight into the field of scientific research. The program is designed to support students with little prior research experience or those who have had limited access to STEM opportunities.
Location: Wave Hill, Bronx, NY
Stipend: Approximately $2,275
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: July 7 - August 15
Eligibility: High school students, aged 16 years old by May 1st, residing in NYC
The Forest Project is a paid summer internship that provides high school students with hands-on experience in urban ecology. You'll work on field projects that focus on restoring woodlands, including tasks like trail building, invasive plant removal, and slope erosion prevention. As part of a team, you'll gain skills in environmental management while contributing to Wave Hill’s restoration efforts. The program also includes an accredited college-level course on ecology, where you'll participate in group projects and research. Throughout the summer, you'll connect with peers and develop a deeper understanding of ecological restoration.
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