As a high school student in New York, exploring summer programs is a great way to deepen your understanding of subjects you're interested in while building a solid foundation for future academic and career goals. Whether you’re curious about science, technology, the arts, or journalism, these programs offer hands-on experiences, mentorship, and the chance to collaborate with professionals. 

Participating in a summer program not only boosts your skillset but also strengthens your resume or college application. Admissions officers value students who show initiative, and these programs demonstrate your willingness to go beyond the traditional classroom curriculum. Whether you’re preparing for future research, internships, or writing a compelling college essay, these experiences can give you a significant advantage.

Here’s a curated list of 12 summer programs for high school students in New York.

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Lumiere Education, established by Harvard and Oxford researchers, is a virtual platform for high school students to conduct advanced academic research. Through the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, you will engage in rigorous, university-level research under the guidance of mentors from top institutions.

The program offers three distinct tracks that cater to varying research goals. The Individual Research Program is a 12-week course where students work one-on-one with a mentor to produce a 15-page research paper on a topic of their choice. For those seeking publication, the Premium Research & Publication Program spans 16-20 weeks, including additional sessions with a publication specialist and a customized publication plan, though publication is not guaranteed. 

The most intensive option, the Research Fellowship, extends over 6-12 months and involves original data collection and analysis, aiming for publication in international journals or presentation at prestigious competitions like MIT’s THINK or ISEF Regeneron. Each track is designed to provide a rigorous academic experience, preparing students for university-level research and beyond. Apply here. 

Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world

Cost: $2,990. Need-based financial aid is available

Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Application deadline: November 24 for the upcoming winter cohort

Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school. Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)

2. Stony Brook University—Research Experience for High School Students

The Research Experience for High School Students is a seven-week intensive program designed for students to combine formal instruction with independent research. You’ll have the opportunity to design your own research project under the guidance of Garcia Center faculty, students, and staff. After the summer, you can continue in the Mentor Program, working with a faculty mentor to plan a research schedule throughout the academic year.

The program coordinates with local schools to arrange transportation and class schedules, allowing students from a wide area to participate. Since its inception, nearly 300 high school students have taken part, with many earning recognition through national competitions, publishing in refereed journals, winning patents, and being inducted into the National Young Inventor’s Hall of Fame. 

Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

Cost: $4,000 – $7,099.50

Program dates: June 26 – August 9

Application deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years of age who have:

• An unweighted GPA of 95/100 (3.8/4.0)

• At least 3 of these subjects: English, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Biology

• Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT and/or Regents) 60% or above

3. Ladder Internships

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

Location: Virtual

Cost/Stipend: $2,490, need-based financial aid available

Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Application deadline: November 24 for the upcoming winter cohort

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

4. Mercy University—Summer Leadership Academy

The week-long Summer Leadership Academy at Mercy University offers rising high school seniors a chance to experience university life and delve into leadership and business careers. Throughout the program, you'll participate in lessons led by faculty and leaders from top global companies. 

The curriculum covers essential topics like career mindset, four leadership archetypes, personal branding, and careers in finance, accounting, and marketing. You’ll also get to visit Fortune 500 companies, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the corporate world. You will engage in team-building activities such as the Shark Tank challenge, where you’ll work with peers to pitch ideas and tackle real-world business problems. 

Location: Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Cost: Tuition and board are provided for free; a fee of $695 is required to cover food and activities

Program dates: Choose from three one-week sessions: 

• June 23 – 29

• July 6 – 12

• July 20 – 26

Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged due to limited spots

Eligibility: High school juniors with a cumulative, weighted GPA above 90

5. Sarah Lawrence College—Writers Week for Teens

Conducted by Sarah Lawrence College, Writers Week for Teen is a week-long program that immerses students in creative writing and the performing arts. Each day, you’ll attend workshops led by prose writers, poets, and performance artists, focusing on storytelling, character, and narrative through both writing and theatre. With small classes and two teaching artists per workshop, you’ll get personalized feedback and plenty of interaction.

You’ll participate in improvisation, group projects, and creative games to enhance your process. You can select from theatre specialties like screenwriting, comedy sketch writing, or playwriting, with no prior theatre experience required. The program concludes with a celebration of student work and readings by both students and faculty.

Location: Virtual or Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY

Cost: $1,025 (virtual session); $1,550 (in-person session). Limited scholarships available for Yonkers Public School students

Program dates: TBA. Two sessions were offered in the past: 

• Online: July 15 – July 19

• In-person: August 5 – August 9

Application deadline: No information available

Eligibility: Students entering 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grades the following fall who are 14 or older at the start of the program

6. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) at NYU

The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program at New York University is a great opportunity for high school students interested in STEM. This 10-week summer program blends remote learning with hands-on lab experience, starting with 4 weeks of after-school workshops. These workshops introduce you to various STEM disciplines, setting the stage for the 6 weeks of lab work at NYU. During the program, you’ll dive into various interdisciplinary STEM fields, including Bio- and Molecular Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, AI, and Machine Learning. 

Location: New York University, New York City, NY

Cost: Full scholarship, $750 stipend provided

Program Dates: June 3 – August 9

Application Deadline: March 6

Eligibility: Students living in New York City completing 10th or 11th grade 

7. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) is an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical research. Over the course of seven weeks, you'll work up to 35 hours per week on campus, fully immersed in research activities. Each participant is part of a team led by Rockefeller trainees and supported by scientist-mentors, giving you hands-on experience in a real research lab setting.

You’ll not only get to explore cutting-edge research topics but also attend elective courses, guest lectures, and social events. By the end of the program, you'll have the chance to analyze data and present your findings at a symposium, enhancing your scientific and presentation skills.

Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY

Cost: No cost to participate

Program dates: June 23 – August 7 

Application deadline: Applications will open on October 14 and close on January 3

Eligibility: Current high school junior or senior at least 16 years old by the start of the program

8. Tandon School—Innovation, Entrepreneurship and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)

Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC) is an exciting five-week summer program that blends science, technology, and entrepreneurship. Open to NYC students in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, ieSoSC equips you with hands-on skills in coding, microcontrollers, and sensor integration, while also focusing on entrepreneurship—covering topics like economics, project management, and intellectual property. 

The course includes teamwork on smart city projects, culminating in a final presentation at a Shark Tank-style event. You will also engage in improv sessions through Irondale, aimed at improving your communication skills.

Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NY

Cost: Full Scholarship

Program dates: July 1 –  August 2

Application deadline: April 15

Eligibility: NYC residents currently in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade with basic knowledge of physics and coding

9. Barnard College—Summer Food Institute: Sustainable Food and the City

Barnard’s 3-Week Summer Food Institute: Sustainable Food and the City introduces students to the U.S. food system, focusing on food production, distribution, consumption, and waste management. Through four key lenses—agriculture, health and policy, food systems and climate change, and soil health—you will explore sustainable food practices and their broader impact on communities and the environment.

Each week, you’ll visit farms across New York City and New York State, learning directly from farmers. Hands-on experiences will show how sustainable farming is applied in real-world settings. You’ll also analyze food policies related to health, food recovery, and food insecurity in NYC, and evaluate how climate change is affecting food systems. Additionally, you’ll dive into the importance of soil health, exploring soil coverage, biodiversity, composting, and the role of soil in sustainable agriculture. The program concludes with a final project where you’ll choose a specific area of interest and apply what you've learned to envision a more sustainable food system.

Location: Barnard College, New York, NY

Cost: $7,772 (commuter program); $9,687 (residential program)

Program dates: July 22 – August 10

Application deadline: Applications typically close in April

Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school

10. Musical Theatre Intensive at Marymount Manhattan

The Musical Theatre Intensive at Marymount Manhattan College is a two-week, in-person program that provides individualized coaching in acting, singing, and dancing. You’ll learn to analyze scripts and songs, make informed acting choices, and prepare a digital pre-screen, all in line with industry standards for college auditions and the professional theatre world.

Faculty will guide you in selecting audition material, offer vocal and acting coaching, and teach self-tape techniques. You’ll also participate in daily dance warm-ups, study musical theatre history and music fundamentals, and engage with Broadway professionals through panels and guest seminars. Optional private voice lessons and group outings to Broadway shows can enhance your experience. The program concludes with a final performance for family and friends.

Location: Marymount Manhattan College, New York, NY

Cost: $4,550 or $4,775 with optional private voice lessons

Program dates: 

• Session 1: June 22 – July 5

• Session 2: July 6 – 19

Application deadline: Applications will be available on November 1 

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are 16 years old by the program start. Students are often required to submit an application form, along with the audition video, a personal statement, and possibly letters of recommendation

11. GSTEM at New York University

If you’re a high school student interested in STEM fields, NYU’s GSTEM program offers a great opportunity for you. In this six-week program, you’ll be paired with a STEM professor or researcher to work on individual projects in your chosen field, gaining hands-on experience in STEM labs. Throughout the program, you'll enhance your laboratory techniques, programming skills, scientific writing, and presentation abilities. GSTEM offers a supportive and inclusive environment for those historically underrepresented in STEM.

The program begins with an orientation week featuring social activities, guest lectures, and workshops. You’ll also participate in weekly field trips to local STEM institutions and present your research on Symposium Day. Summer housing is available on campus, with evening and weekend activities including Broadway shows, walking tours, and dining experiences.

Location: New York University, New York, NY

Cost: Tuition: $5,300, housing with meal plan: $3,702

Program dates: July 1 – August 9

Application deadline: April 15

Eligibility: High school students currently in 11th grade

12. Parsons New York Summer Intensive Studies

New York Summer Intensive Studies at Parsons is a three-week, three-credit program that immerses you in art and design while experiencing the creative inspiration of New York City. You’ll study under Parsons' faculty, engaging in project-based learning, art and design field trips, and guest lectures. The program also includes portfolio reviews and opportunities to participate in supervised extracurricular activities focused on fashion, art, design, and city exploration.

You’ll develop a deeper understanding of fine arts and design, acquire technical and creative skills, and prepare your portfolio for college admissions. The experience is designed for high school students preparing for future art and design programs, with guidance from faculty and small class sizes to ensure personalized feedback and hands-on learning.

Location: Parsons' NYC Greenwich Village campus, New York, NY

Cost: $5,145 plus $245 university fee

Program dates: TBA. Two sessions were offered in the past:

• Session 1: June 10 – 28

• Session 2: July 8 – 26

Application deadline: TBA. The past deadlines were:

• Session 1: May 15

• Session 2: June 8

Eligibility: Students aged 16-18. A written personal statement about a student’s creative or academic abilities is required

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.