13 STEM Programs for High School Students in NYC
As a high school student in New York City, participating in STEM programs can significantly enhance your academic profile and bolster your college applications. These programs typically allow you to combine hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, exposure to real-world problem-solving, and the opportunity to work alongside professionals and like-minded peers.
To help you find the right fit for you, we have compiled a list of 12 STEM programs for high school students in NYC.
1. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center HOPP Summer Student Program
Cost: Free (Paid stipend of $1,200)
Application deadline: February 9, 2024
Program dates: June 27 - August 22
Eligibility: Students must meet the following criteria:
Completion of at least the 9th grade by June 2024
Must be 14 or older by June 27, 2024
A genuine interest in science and laboratory research
3.5 GPA in science subjects
At the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP), you will explore biomedical and computational research through an 8-week summer internship. This program not only focuses on laboratory or computational-based research projects but also includes postdoctoral-led journal clubs, student-led journal clubs, PI luncheons, laboratory tours, teambuilding, and social networking sessions.
Each participant is matched with a mentor, such as a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or research technician, who provides supervision and guidance throughout the program. This program ends with a presentation of your research project at a poster session. Beyond the scientific training, HOPP SSP allows you to participate in tours of MSKCC's state-of-the-art facilities, training sessions, and luncheons with principal investigators.
2. Veritas AI Scholars and Fellowship Program
Cost: AI Scholars (10-session bootcamp) - $1,490; AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase (1-1 mentorship) - $4900
Program Dates: Multiple dates throughout the year. Upcoming summer cohort is from May to September.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Upcoming deadlines for the summer cohort are March 24, 2024 (early admission), April 21 (regular admission I), May 19 (regular admission II).
Eligibility: High school students (grade 8-12). For the AI Scholars program, no prior experience is required - just a keen interest in AI. For the AI Fellowship program, applicants need to have prior experience with python or need to complete the AI Scholars program.
Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI Scholars bootcamp, students learn the fundamentals of AI, ML, and Python while working on collaborative, real-world projects under the guidance of AI practitioners and researchers. Students get to engage in live lectures, coding notebooks, and hands-on, real-world projects.
In the AI Fellowship, students work 1-1 with PhDs from top universities to create a personalized AI model/research paper over 12-15 weeks. Students can opt to work on a project of their choice at the intersection of AI – AI & finance, AI & medicine, AI & gaming, AI & sport, and more! You can find more information about the programs here and some past projects here.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Cost: $2800 (12 week program), $5400 (16-20 week program), $8900 (6-12 month program).
Program dates: The upcoming summer cohort starts on June 3, 2024.
Application deadline: The upcoming summer cohort deadlines are April 14 (regular admission I) and May 12 (regular admission II). Apply here.
Eligibility: All high school students
Founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford, Lumiere is a program for high school students to produce university-level research papers. Each student is paired with a top PhD and receives 1-1 coaching from their mentor.
There is a wide range of subjects to choose from, including STEM fields like data science, chemistry engineering, computer science and medicine. The programs are fully virtual and vary in duration based on the student’s end goal concerning how much of a deep dive they would prefer.
Cost: $1,990
Program dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Upcoming deadline for Summer 2024 is in April.
Eligibility: All high school students
Ladder Internships is a selective program for high school students to work with startups. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project and present their work at the end of their internship. These internships provide a structured pathway for high school students to engage in real-world research and innovation.
What sets the Ladder Internships apart is their emphasis on mentorship, giving students the chance to work alongside tech professionals who worked at companies like Google, Microsoft, McKinsey,and more! Participants gain hands-on experience, exposure to diverse technology disciplines, and the chance to explore areas such as AI, machine learning, and programming. The program's emphasis on hands-on experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering a sense of confidence and adaptability.
This internship serves as a bridge between academic learning and practical application, offering a glimpse into future careers in technology. If you’re interested, check out this detailed guide on why Ladder Internships might be a good fit for you!
5. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here!
6. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
Cost: Free
Application deadline: January 5, 2024
Program dates: June 24 - August 8, 2024
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors
At the Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP), you will engage in authentic scientific research alongside a team designed and led by experienced Rockefeller trainees. Each team, composed of about 8 SSRP scholars, is led by a trainee who acts as the team lead, with additional support from dedicated scientist-mentors.
You'll work in your own space within the RockEDU lab, focusing on a project that aligns with both the team lead's expertise and your own scientific interests. The program also allows you to participate in elective scientific courses, guest lectures, and social events.
In the first week, you'll be introduced to your team's topic, becoming familiar with essential research techniques and laboratory norms. By the second week, you will have the opportunity to choose a specific research question within the team's topic to explore further. Over the following weeks, under the guidance of your team leader and scientist-mentors, you will delve deeply into this question, employing the research techniques you've learned to gather and analyze data.
7. NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Cost: Free
Application deadline: March 6, 2024
Program dates: June 3 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility: New York City high school students currently enrolled in the 10th or 11th grade with strong academic records and demonstrated interest in STEM subjects
The NYU ARISE program, hosted by the Tandon School of Engineering, is a tuition-free, 10-week summer program. The program introduces you to research in biomedical engineering, civil and urban engineering, mechanical and aerospace engineering, among others. The program is structured into four weeks of remote after-school workshops in June, followed by six weeks of hands-on lab work.
In addition to acquiring hands-on research skills, ARISE will allow you to receive specialized training in presentation and public speaking. This training culminates in the program's concluding colloquium, where you will present your research findings to NYU faculty, graduate students, fellow ARISE participants, academic experts, as well as family and friends.
Check out this ultimate guide to NYU ARISE!
8. American Museum of Natural History Science Research Mentoring Program
Cost: Free (Stipend of $2,500)
Application deadline: March 8, 2024
Program dates: August 5 - August 31, 2024
Eligibility: You must be in the 10th or 11th Grade and passing your classes for the last three or more semesters. You must also meet the requirements listed here.
The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History is a great opportunity for you to engage in groundbreaking research projects alongside museum scientists, exploring diverse topics such as the genetic behaviors of ogre-faced spiders, astrophysical methods to determine the mass of stars, and more.
You will learn practical laboratory techniques like data analysis using advanced software like Python and R, and the critical evaluation of scientific literature. Additionally, the 2024-2025 school year will see a special emphasis on integrating Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into scientific research.
Beyond the technical skills, SRMP emphasizes the development of your communication, presentation, and writing abilities. You will dedicate four hours each week to your research project. The program culminates in the presentation of your research findings.
9. NYU GSTEM
Cost: $5,300
Application deadline: April 15, 2024
Program dates: July 1 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility: Current high school juniors
NYU GSTEM is committed to introducing you to scientific research, mentorship, and access to a wide peer network. The program starts off with a week of orientation, followed by five weeks of intensive research under the guidance of a STEM mentor. During this period, you will work on a specific research project, which could range from optimizing whole-brain labeling methods for visualizing dopaminergic neurons to exploring the effects of ethidium bromide on multiple tryptophan residues in EmrE.
In addition to the research component, NYU GSTEM gives you access to field trips to places like the Museum of Math, Google, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. These provide valuable real-world insights into the applications of STEM in various sectors. Furthermore, the program offers workshops in scientific writing and presenting, equipping you with the skills necessary to effectively communicate your research findings. By the end of the program, not only will you have completed a significant research project.
Here’s everything you need to know to get into NYU GSTEM!
10. NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Cost: $350
Application deadline: March 24, 2024
Program dates: July 5 - August 4
Eligibility: High school students grades 9-12 who have an 80 average in Math, Science, and English and meet state-determined economic criteria listed on the eligibility section of the website.
The NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) provides you with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in scientific and technological disciplines. Morning enrichment classes form the core academic component of STEP, covering a wide range of subjects including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus AB, and calculus BC. This rigorous academic preparation is complemented by the opportunity to engage in scientific or technological research at NYU facilities.
Beyond academics and research, STEP includes afternoon elective classes in fields such as internet technologies, art and design, engineering, and clinical medicine. The program provides specialized services for juniors and seniors through college prep classes, career exploration seminars, and panel discussions with professionals.
11. Columbia S-PREP
Cost: Free
Application deadline: May 15
Program dates: July 1 - July 31, 2024
Eligibility: 7-12th graders who maintain at least an 80% grade average particularly in math and science
The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is an initiative offered by the Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Columbia University. This program is tailored for 7th through 12th graders who aspire to careers in medicine or related STEM fields. S-PREP aims to increase the representation and enhance the educational pathways of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students into the realms of mathematics, science, technology, health-related fields, and licensed professions.
During the summer session, classes run from Monday to Friday throughout July, focusing on a broad spectrum of subjects from anatomy to statistics, including preparatory courses for the PSAT. The program includes college preparation and career development workshops, personalized college and academic counseling services, as well as enrichment opportunities such as field trips and college tours.
12. Baruch College STEM Research Academy
Cost: Free ($1,575 stipend)
Application deadline: December 2024
Program dates: July - August 2024
Eligibility: Must be a current NYC Public High School 10th or 11th grader when applying by December with an overall 80+ average.
The Baruch College STEM Research Academy is a two-semester program aimed at NYC public high school students. Initially, during the spring semester, you will be enrolled in a college-credit research methods course designed to equip you with the essential tools of scientific inquiry. This includes formulating research questions, designing experiments, performing literature searches, and critically engaging with scientific literature, all aimed at preparing you for the expectations and rigor of working in a research lab environment.
Successful completion of this course, with at least a grade of C, paves the way for a hands-on, six-week summer research experience under the guidance of CUNY research faculty, where you can choose to dive into a research internship. The program's objectives are centered on developing a profound understanding of the nature of science, acquainting students with the culture of scientific research, and enhancing literacy skills critical for success in science. This culminates in a team-based presentation of your research findings at the CUNY STEM Research Exhibition and the NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium Summer Symposium.
13. NYU Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding
Cost: $2975
Application Deadline: April
Program Dates: June 17 - June 28 for session 1, July 8 - July 19 for session 2, and July 29 - August 9 for session 3
Eligibility: Must be at least 14 years old the day the program begins
The Summer Program for Automation Robotics and Coding (SPARC) will introduce you to the basics of robotics, mechatronics and programming. This is a 2 week, full-day summer program for rising 9th through 12th grade high school students. You do not need experience in robotics to participate in SPARC, but should be academically strong students with an interest in robotics and the ability to take initiative.
During the program, you will learn about applications for microcontrollers, interface sensors and actuators through hand-on manipulation of the components provided in their robotics kit. SPARC is robotics at a high level and combines concepts and practices from computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. You get a chance to learn about basic electrical components, circuits, and circuit configurations; microcontroller anatomy, features, and programming; coding key constructs like variables, conditionals, loops, data representations; all while building interactive, robotic devices.
If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!
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