26 NYC Summer Programs for High Schoolers in 2024
What’s Covered:
Summer is a time to relax, yes, but for future college students, it’s also a time to explore your passions, build your skills, and gain experience. If you live in New York City, opportunities abound for high schoolers. From the arts to STEM, there’s a wide range of niches to explore.
Here are 26 summer programs for high school in NYC students to check out.
26 Summer Programs in New York City
1. All Star Code Summer Intensive
Dates:
- Session 1: July 8 – 26
- Session 2: July 29 – August 16
Location: Online
Application Deadline: April 19
Cost: Free
This virtual coding program helps young men of color build technical and soft skills that are essential for web development. The three-week program is the equivalent of a year of college-level computer science education! Participants also have the opportunity to network and receive mentorship from professionals in the tech industry.
This program is open to high schoolers of color who identify as male.
2. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Dates: June 3 – August 9
Location: Online and New York University (NYU)
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: Free
A ten-week program from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, ARISE is open to students in grades 10 and 11 with strong interests in pursuing STEM careers. Participants engage in college-level workshops, lab research, and scientific methods. They also explore fields such as bio and molecular engineering, computer science, AI, and robotics.
The ARISE program is only open to students who live in New York City.
3. Democracy Scholars
Dates: July 7 – 28
Location: New York University (NYU)
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
This free three-week residential summer program is for New York City high schoolers entering their senior year and helps students build essential skills in critical thinking along with college-level reading and writing. Over the course of the program, students will participate in discussion-based seminars led by NYU faculty and meet with student leaders, community activists, and global citizens.
This program is only open to New York City residents.
4. Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)
Dates: July 1 – August 2
Location: New York University (NYU)
Application Deadline: April 14
Cost: Free
This program allows New York City students in grades eight through 10 to explore the science behind urban infrastructure. The five-week program challenges participants to grow their skills in computer science, engineering, and technology, while also providing hands-on experience designing prototypes.
Students must commit to attending the full five-week program and be able to get to and from campus every day.
5. NYU Computer Science for Cyber Security
Dates: July 15 – August 9
Location: New York University (NYU)
Application Deadline: April 14
Cost: Free
Offered by NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, this three-week program equips students with knowledge of the fundamentals of cybersecurity and computer science. Students will explore a variety of topics over the course of the program, including “white-hat” hacking, cryptography, steganography, digital forensics, privacy, and data usage.
This free program is open to New York City residents in grades 9-12.
6. Apollo Theater Academy Technical Stage Production Internship
Dates: July 3 – August 9
Location: Apollo Theater
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Interested in the production side of theater? The Apollo Theater Academy Summer Internship Program gives students experience in technical theater and digital production. Interns work with members of Apollo’s production crew, where they learn about lighting design, videography, audio engineering, set design, and production design. The internship is open to rising seniors who are residents of New York City.
7. Baruch College STEP Academy
Dates: July 8 – August 1
Location: Baruch College
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Funded by the New York Education Department, the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is open to students in grades 7-12 who want to pursue careers in STEM fields. Students participate in labs, STEM enrichment courses, and college preparatory workshops.
8. Business Leadership Academy
Dates:
- Session 1: June 23 – 29
- Session 2: July 7 – 13
- Session 3: July 21 – 27
Location: Mercy University
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $595
Business Leadership Academy is a week-long, residential, business-focused program hosted by Mercy College. Rising high school seniors get a taste of business careers from professors who have worked at some of the top companies in the world. Participants will have the opportunity to visit Fortune 500 Companies, explore careers, and take part in team-building exercises, such as a Shark Tank-themed activity.
Tuition and housing are provided for free, however, there is a $595 fee to cover food and activities.
9. College Now
Dates: N/A
Location: Varies
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
College Now allows New York City public high school students who are rising juniors or seniors to take real college-credit courses online or at campuses like Baruch College, the City College of New York, and the Borough of Manhattan Community College. From business to robotics to sociology, there are a multitude of course options across a range of fields.
10. American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Dates: August – June
Location: American Museum of Natural History
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: Free
SRMP is a year-long program for New York City high schoolers in grades 10 through 11. Program participants learn how to conduct scientific research under the guidance of AMNH scientists. Students are expected to participate in a three-week summer session and commit to two afternoons of research weekly during the school year. The program concludes with a symposium where participants present their research.
Students are paid $2,500 upon completion of the SRMP.
11. Hk Maker Lab Summer Engineering Design Program
Dates: July 8 – August 13
Location: Columbia University
Application Deadline: February 2
Cost: Free
This free program is aimed at current 11th and 12th graders interested in a career in the biomedical sciences. The program is run through Columbia University and students take classes, learn design and innovation techniques, and participate in hands-on projects under the guidance of university faculty.
Students who complete the program are eligible for a paid internship in a research lab or healthcare institution the following summer.
12. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s Secondary School Field Research Program
Dates: N/A
Location: Columbia University
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: Free
High schoolers work under the supervision of undergraduate students, science teachers, and researchers in this six-week summer program. Participants conduct scientific research and perform experiments on topics such as nutrient cycling, natural carbon sequestration, and non-chemical management of invasive plants. At the conclusion of the program, students present their work at a symposium.
High school students can receive up to a $1,400 stipend—depending on their attendance and participation—for their involvement in the program.
13. Freedom and Citizenship
Dates: One year (summer intensive July 8 – August 2)
Location: Columbia University
Application Deadline: March 31
Cost: Free
Rising high school seniors in New York City will want to check out this year-long program provided by Columbia University and the Center for American Studies. During the summer, students participate in an intensive seminar focusing on political philosophy. Following the summer session, students engage in a civic leadership project—researching political issues and developing advocacy initiatives.
Participants also receive mentoring from Columbia undergraduates, college application guidance, and recommendation letters from their professors.
14. Museum of Arts and Design Artslife
Dates: July 9 – August 16
Location: Museum of Arts and Design
Application Deadline: April 7
Cost: Free
Artslife is a paid five-week internship for rising sophomores and juniors that combines art and design with leadership training, community engagement, and museum studies. Interns learn about a variety of museum-related careers while working with peers and receiving guidance and mentorship. Students will also create artwork, launch a podcast, and develop tours.
Participants are paid $16 an hour and receive an unlimited MetroCard for the duration of the internship.
15. New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute High School Internship
Dates: June 3 – August 9
Location: N/A
Application Deadline: January 5
Cost: Free
This paid ten-week internship allows participants to gain firsthand experience with the fast-paced world of stem cell research, learn about career paths in science, and build their network of professionals and peers. Opportunities are available in four tracks: data science, automation/software engineering, program administration, and laboratory research.
High school interns are expected to work 35 hours a week and are paid $18 an hour.
16. Summer Youth Podcast Academy
Dates: N/A
Location: Gimlet Media Office in Lower Manhattan
Application Deadline:
Cost: N/A
Calling all storytellers! The Bell, in partnership with Gimlet Media, offers a three-week summer podcasting academy to help students develop the skills and experience to create their own podcasts, all while working and networking with professional storytellers, editors, and producers. Students will learn how to interview people, write scripts, record, and edit.
Summer Youth Podcast Academy is open to NYC high school students.
17. Bossgirls Summer Program
Dates: July 1 – August 1
Location: The City College of New York (CCNY)
Application Deadline: March 31
Cost: Free
This program, offered by the Zahn Innovation Center at The City College of New York, is designed to high schoolers (grades 9 through 12) the ins and outs of running a business and insight into entrepreneurship. Participants work together in groups to conceptualize, create, brand, and build a product. The program culminates with groups pitching their products to an audience.
18. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Dates: June 24 – August 8
Location: The Rockefeller University
Application Deadline: January 5
Cost: Free
SSRP provides high schoolers with the opportunity to design and conduct their own research project modeled after a Rockefeller University research topic and/or technique. Program participants will deepen their understanding of biomedical research and how it intersects with society.
The program is open to high school juniors and seniors 16 years of age and older. Students are expected to work 35 hours a week and are provided with a MetroCard/OMNI card to cover their travel to and from campus by public transit for the duration of the program.
19. The Wooster Group Summer Institute
Dates: N/A
Location: The Performing Garage in Lower Manhattan
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
The Wooster Group Summer Institute is a free three-week program for New York City middle and high school students that allows them to explore different aspects of performance. Participants receive intensive mentoring and build confidence, independence, and creativity. The program culminates in three public performances for friends, family, and supporters.
Students accepted into the institute are invited back every year until they graduate from high school, at which time they may return as paid interns.
20. Youth Art Connection (YAC)
Dates: July 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, and 30
Location: American Folk Art Museum
Application Deadline: May 24
Cost: Free
This six-session program from the American Folk Art Museum takes place over the month of July and is aimed at high schoolers with an interest in careers in art and museums. Participants discuss pieces in the museum’s collection and create their own art inspired by the museum’s collection. Students also meet with museum staff, get a closer look at its operation, and visit other art institutions.
All New York City high schoolers are eligible to apply, however, preference is given to those who live or attend school in Queens and are graduating seniors.
21. Youth Onstage! (YO!)
Dates: N/A
Location: All Star Project Headquarters in the Theatre District
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
YO! is offered three times a year: in the fall, in the spring, and as an intensive institute for young people (ages 14 to 21) that meets four times a week over the summer. During the program, students participate in a variety of activities—including ensemble building, workshops, and classes—under the direction of theatre professionals. YO! students create a showcase each summer that challenges the performers and audience to tackle difficult social and political issues.
22. Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program
Dates: July 8 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 8
Location: N/A
Cost: Free
Manhattan high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors get an inside look at the criminal justice system in this rigorous five-week-long internship program. Students work in one of the nation’s top prosecutors’ offices along with participating in workshops, discussions, and a mock trial. Interns are paid minimum wage for their participation in the program.
23. The Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (BALI)
Dates:
- Session 1: July 1 – 12
- Session 2: July 15 – 26
- Session 3: July 29 – August 9
Location: Hunter College
Application Deadline: May 5
Cost: Free
The aim of BALI is to develop the leadership skills of female-identifying, LGBTQI, and gender-expansive individuals ages 13-21 residing in or from the New York City metropolitan area. Through workshops, seminars, speakers, networking, and debate labs, participants build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to actively participate in all circles of life.
The program is hosted by Hunter College and applicants from underserved neighborhoods and schools are given priority. Stipends are paid at the completion of the program. All students who attend the program receive a $500 stipend.
24. Summer Shakespeare
Dates: N/A
Location: Stella Adler Studio of Acting
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
This free five-week summer program trains high schoolers in voice, movement, ensemble work, and scene study—culminating with the production of an abbreviated Shakespeare play. The program is open to New York City high school students with financial need and a need for exposure to the arts, such as students who don’t have access to art programming.
25. Riverside Park Conservancy Teen Corps
Dates: July 10 – August 30
Location: Riverside Park Conservancy
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Learn about horticulture and environmental restoration in this summer program for teens from the West Harlem neighborhoods of Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, and Hamilton Heights. Participants will assist with a variety of activities, including caring for plantings, landscaping, and preparing for volunteer groups. Ultimately, students will help keep the park safe, clean, and healthy while earning a $1,000 stipend for their participation in the program.
26. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Dates: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15
Cost: $2,990 – $8,900
Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.
This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,990 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.
Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application here.
How Impressive Are Summer Programs?
Extracurricular activities are an important part of the admissions process. Admissions officers want to see students exploring their passions outside of the classroom, and summer programs are one way to do that.
That said, not all summer programs are equivalent in the eyes of colleges. Some are highly prestigious and selective, while others are less so. The more selective and impressive an internship, the more weight it will carry with admissions offices.
According to the four tiers of extracurricular activities, Tier 1 indicates the rarest and most exceptional extracurriculars while Tier 4 represents those that are the most common. The standard summer program is usually considered a Tier 3-4 activity, although there are some particularly impressive programs that are more prestigious and considered Tier 1-2 activities.
CollegeVine’s free chancing engine can help you determine how your extracurricular activities —along with additional factors like grades and test scores—affect your chances of admission to colleges across the country. Plus, you’ll receive tips on how to improve your profile!
Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.
