25 NYC Summer Programs for High Schoolers in 2026
What’s Covered:
Summer is a time to relax, but if college is in your future, it’s also a time to explore your passions, build your skills, and gain experience. If you live in New York City, there is no shortage of opportunities for high schoolers, with a wide range of niches to explore—from the arts to STEM.
Here are 25 summer programs for high school students in NYC to check out.
25 Summer Programs in New York City
1. All Star Code Summer Intensive
Dates: July 6 – August 14
Location: New York City, NY
Application Deadline: April 17
Cost: Free
This coding program helps high schoolers from underserved communities build foundational coding skills and gain insight into the tech industry. The free, six-week program is an immersive dive into tech—featuring workshops to develop problem-solving and critical thinking.
Participants also have the opportunity to network and receive mentorship from professionals in the tech industry.
2. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Location: New York University (NYU)
Application Deadline: February 27
Cost: Free
A ten-week program from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, ARISE is open to students in grades 10 and 11 with a strong interest in pursuing STEM careers. Participants engage in college-level workshops, lab research, and scientific methods.
Students will gain roughly 120 hours of lab experience and conclude the program by presenting their work at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Poster Symposium.
The ARISE program is only open to New York City school students who live in NYC.
3. High School Summer Art Intensive
Dates: July 6 – August 2
Location: New York University (NYU)
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: $7,360
This four-week art intensive introduces high schoolers to college-level studios and fine arts academics. Participants grow their artistic knowledge and develop techniques while exploring three art disciplines: digital art, painting, and sculpture.
The program is open to students in grades nine through 11. In addition to art classes, students are also introduced to the New York art world, meet working artists, and explore the city’s museums, galleries, and studios.
4. Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)
Dates:
- Session 1: July 6 – August 7
- Session 2: July 13 – August 7
Location: New York University (NYU)
Application Deadline: May 15
Cost: Free
This program allows New York City students in grades nine through 11 to explore fields like technology, science, and entrepreneurship through the lens of smart cities. The four- to five-week program gives participants insight into topics including:
- Copyrights
- Economics
- Patents
- Pitch Presentations
- Project Development
- Project Management
Students must commit to attending the program full-time and be able to get to and from campus every day. The program is only open to New York City residents.
5. NYU Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Location: New York University (NYU)
Application Deadline: May 15
Cost: Free
Offered by NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, this four-week program equips students with the fundamentals of cybersecurity and computer science. CS4CS participants explore a variety of topics throughout the program, including cryptography, security-focused scripting, and digital forensics.
Participants will also engage in Capture the Flag competitions, hands-on security challenges, and research projects. This free program is open to residents of New York City, Nassau County, and New Jersey in the 10th and 11th grades.
6. Apollo Theater Academy Arts Administration Internship
Dates: N/A
Location: Apollo Theater
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Interested in the administrative side of theater? The Apollo Theater Academy Summer Internship Program gives students experience in arts administration on live and recorded productions. Interns will learn to develop events through many lenses, including:
- Education
- Marketing
- Operations
- Production
- Programming
The internship is open to current seniors who are New York City residents.
7. Summer Leadership Academy
Dates:
- Session 1: July 5 – 11
- Session 2: July 19 – 25
- Session 3: August 2 – 8
Location: Mercy University
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $695
Summer Leadership Academy is a week-long, residential, leadership- and 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 have the opportunity to visit Fortune 500 Companies, explore careers, and engage in team-building exercises, such as a Shark Tank-themed activity. Tuition and housing are provided free; however, there is a $695 fee to cover food and activities.
8. College Now
Dates: N/A
Location: Varies
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
College Now allows eligible New York City public high school students 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.
9. 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
Slightly different from the other programs on this list, SRMP is a 10-month program for New York City high schoolers in grades 10 and 11. Participants learn how to conduct scientific research under the guidance of AMNH scientists.
Students are expected to participate in a four-week summer session and commit to working four hours a week 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 and are eligible to earn 1 CUNY Lehman College credit at no additional cost.
10. Hk Maker Lab Summer Engineering Design Program
Dates: July 6 – August 7
Location: Columbia University
Application Deadline: January 7
Cost: Free
This free program is for current 11th- and 12th-graders interested in engineering careers. The program is run through Columbia University, where students will 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 to enroll in NY Bioforce the following year, which includes a paid internship in a research lab or healthcare institution.
11. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s Secondary School Field Research Program
Dates: N/A
Location: Columbia University
Application Deadline: March 2
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 program’s conclusion, students present their work at a symposium.
12. Freedom and Citizenship
Dates: One year (summer intensive June 29 – July 24)
Location: Columbia University
Application Deadline: March 30
Cost: Free
Rising high school juniors 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.
13. Museum of Arts and Design Artslife
Dates: N/A
Location: Museum of Arts and Design
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Just 10 rising sophomores and juniors from New York City public and charter high schools are chosen to participate in Artslife. This paid, five-week internship 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, develop tours, and build career readiness.
Participants earn $16.50 an hour.
14. Genspace Biorocket Internship
Dates: July 6 – August 14
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
This science-focused summer program is open to high schoolers who live in New York City or attend a NYC public or charter school. Participants explore genetic engineering while developing lab techniques, science communication skills, and firsthand research experience.
Students work alongside professional scientists, visit leading labs and biotech companies, and receive career guidance—all while building lasting connections with a city-wide network of like-minded teen interns.
15. The Met High School Internship Program
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Location: The Met
Application Deadline: March 13
Cost: Free
This internship program offers high schoolers the chance to gain real-world experience at the country’s largest art museum, The Met. Participants build professional skills and expand their networks while working across a range of fields in and beyond the arts, including:
- Curation
- Design
- Education
- Imaging
- Social Media
The program is open to high school sophomores and juniors from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Interns work between 10 and 20 hours per week and receive a $1,100 stipend upon completion.
16. Bossgirls Summer Program
Dates: June 29 – July 30
Location: The City College of New York (CCNY)
Application Deadline: February 28
Cost: Free
This five-week program, offered by the Zahn Innovation Center at The City College of New York, is designed to introduce high school girls and nonbinary students (grades nine through 12) to the ins and outs of running a business and provide insight into entrepreneurship.
Participants work in groups to conceptualize, create, brand, and build a product. The program culminates with groups pitching their products to an audience, like Shark Tank, without the sharks.
The program is open to residents of the tri-state region who can commute to CCNY’s campus for the duration of the program.
17. Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Dates: June 22 – August 6
Location: The Rockefeller University
Application Deadline: January 2
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 its intersection with society.
The program is open to high school juniors and seniors who are 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.
The program is extremely competitive—just 32 students are accepted in SSRP annually.
18. The Wooster Group Summer Institute
Dates: July 7 – 25
Location: The Performing Garage in Lower Manhattan
Application Deadline: April 22
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.
19. Youth Art Connection (YAC)
Dates: July 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, and 30
Location: American Folk Art Museum
Application Deadline: May 8
Cost: Free
This six-session program from the American Folk Art Museum takes place throughout July and is aimed at high schoolers interested in careers in art and museums. Participants discuss pieces in the museum’s collection and create their own art inspired by it.
Students also meet with museum staff, get an up-close look at its operations, and visit other art institutions. All New York City high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply; however, preference is given to those who live or attend school in Queens and are graduating seniors.
20. Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program
Dates: June 29 – July 31
Location: Manhattan
Application Deadline: 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.
21. The Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (BALI)
Dates:
- Session 1: June 29 – July 10
- Session 2: July 13 – 24
- Session 3: July 27 – August 7
Location: Hunter College
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: Free
BALI aims to develop the leadership skills of all youth, including female-identifying and gender-expansive individuals. The program is open to students ages 13-21 in the New York City metropolitan area. Participants build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to actively participate in all circles of life through workshops, seminars, speakers, networking, and debate labs.
Priority is given to applicants from underserved neighborhoods and schools.
22. Summer Shakespeare
Dates: N/A
Location: Stella Adler Studio of Acting
Application Deadline: June 1
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 demonstrated need for exposure to the arts, such as students who don’t have access to art programming.
Just 22 students are selected to participate in the program.
23. Riverside Park Conservancy Teen Corps
Dates: July 7 – August 27
Location: Riverside Park Conservancy
Application Deadline: May 1
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 assist with a variety of activities, including caring for plantings, landscaping, and preparing for volunteer groups. Ultimately, students help keep the park safe, clean, and healthy while earning a $1,000 stipend for their participation.
24. Springboard to Design (SB2D)
Dates: July 19 – 25
Location: Midtown Manhattan
Application Deadline: January 15
Cost: Free
Springboard By Design allows students from underrepresented groups to explore American Theatre design. The program’s curriculum includes workshops, seminars, and work on and off Broadway in fields ranging from costume, set, lighting, projection, hair, makeup, and sound design.
The program is held in New York City, but those living outside the area are encouraged to apply. The program provides free housing for students and one guardian—the guardian must be present with the student outside program hours.
25. Summer Engineering Awareness Program
Dates: July 6 – 10 & July 13 – 17
Location: Manhattan University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
This free 10-day program is open to minority and female rising juniors and seniors in the New York City area. Participants are exposed to a variety of engineering and scientific fields through hands-on labs, workshops, and lectures. Students also explore potential career paths and receive guidance about the college admissions process.
How Impressive Are Summer Programs?
Extracurricular activities are an important part of the college 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 the most common activities. The standard summer program is usually considered a Tier 3-4 activity, although some particularly impressive programs are more prestigious and are 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!
