Exploring summer programs and research opportunities is a fantastic way for high school students to gain hands-on experience, expand their knowledge, and prepare for college.

Here are 12 programs based in New York, complete with descriptions, eligibility requirements, and acceptance rates.

1. Columbia University Summer Immersion Program

This program offers a wide range of courses in fields such as science, writing, business, and the arts. Students work closely with faculty and participate in workshops, projects, and discussions to deepen their learning.

Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9–12

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 50%.

2. NYU Precollege Program

This six-week program allows students to take actual college courses at NYU and earn college credits. Participants also have access to workshops on college applications and essay writing.

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a strong academic record are eligible.

Acceptance Rate: Around 35%.

3. Rockefeller University's Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)   

SSRP places students in real research laboratories at Rockefeller University, where they work alongside leading scientists on cutting-edge research projects.

Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors with a strong interest in science and prior coursework in biology or chemistry.

Acceptance Rate: Highly selective, with an acceptance rate of about 5%.

4. Cooper Union Summer STEM Program

This program focuses on hands-on projects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students work in teams to solve problems and present their findings.

Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Acceptance Rate: Competitive, around 15%. 

5. Barnard College Summer in the City Program

This summer program for young women offers courses in leadership, STEM, and the arts, along with seminars on college preparedness. Students get a glimpse of college life at a liberal arts institution.

Eligibility: High school girls who are at least 14 years old. 

Acceptance Rate: Moderate, around 40%.

6. Einstein-Montefiore High School Research Program

At this research summer program, participants engage in biomedical research under the mentorship of faculty members, contributing to real scientific studies.

Eligibility: Rising seniors from the New York City area with an interest in biomedical science.

Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive, less than 10%.

7. City College of New York STEM Institute

This program provides college STEM enrichment courses, including coding, engineering, and math, as well as SAT prep and workshops on college readiness.

Eligibility: Open to New York City public high school students, particularly from underrepresented groups.

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 30%.

8. Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP)   

HPREP is a free, ten-week program at Weill Cornell Medical College that introduces students to careers in medicine through lectures, workshops, and mentoring by medical professionals.

Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, with priority given to underrepresented minorities in medicine.

Acceptance Rate: Selective, about 20%.     

9. American Museum of Natural History Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)

In this 4-week program, students work with scientists at the museum on research projects in fields like astrophysics, biology, and anthropology. Participants present their findings at a research symposium.

Eligibility: Open to New York City high school students in grades 10–11.

Acceptance Rate: About 15%.

10. Stony Brook University Garcia Summer Research Program   

The Research Experience for High School Students program immerses students in materials science research, where they learn laboratory techniques and conduct experiments under faculty mentorship.

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong background in science and math.

Acceptance Rate: Highly selective, around 10%.

11. SUNY Downstate High School Summer Program in Medicine

This program gives students a behind-the-scenes look at careers in medicine and health through shadowing, lectures, and hands-on clinical experiences.

Eligibility: Open to students in grades 8-12.

Acceptance Rate: Selective, less than 15%.

12. The HK Maker Lab

This program at Columbia University focuses on engineering and innovation, where students work on solving real-world problems through design and prototyping using advanced tools like 3D printers.

Eligibility: Students in grades 10-11 with a strong interest in engineering and design and who attend NYCDOE public or charter high school.

Acceptance Rate: Around 25%

Bonus: Innovator Global Lab (IGL)

Indigo Research is hosting IGL in New York, as well as Singapore and Pasadena. You conduct your own research focused in Biotechnology, Molecular biology, Cell biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, and Biomed.

The focus is to train your research methods, gather your original data, and complete a rigorous publication-ready research paper.

Eligibility: High school students, between the ages of 15 and 19, with a strong interest in biotechnology and life sciences.

Acceptance Rate: The cohort is around 10 students.

Doing Summer Programs in New York

Summer programs enable you to explore new subjects, go beyond high school classes, and take your learning to the next level. 

Make sure to do research into each program and if it aligns with your interests before you apply, so that you enjoy it and get the most out of it!