12 Paid Internships for High School Students in NYC (New York City)
If you’re a high school student in New York City looking to learn a new skill or explore avenues in a field of your interest, you should consider an internship. New York offers many options for students to delve into potential career paths, interact, and be mentored by industry experts. Paid internships, in particular, offer an advantage as they can cover the costs of transport and accommodation, apart from compensating you for your work.
In NYC high school students have access to various paid internships across a number of different industries. These positions offer a chance to explore interests, build professional networks, and experience the professional culture in one of the world's most dynamic cities. Whether you’re interested in finance, technology, biomedical research, arts, or public service, an internship will add value to your college applications and showcase your dedication to academic and hands-on learning in your subject of choice.
Check out this list of 12 paid internships for high school students in NYC spanning various fields.
1. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship
Subject Areas: Public policy and research
Location: Various city department offices across New York City
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend of $15/hour is provided.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Dates: June 10, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility:
- Must be 16 years of age or older.
- Must be enrolled in high school and must be a New York City resident.
The Office of the Mayor in New York City provides internship opportunities for high school students keen on understanding the operations of city government and policy development. Students can apply to their preferred department. As an intern, you will engage with permanent staff in a range of tasks, such as conducting research, participating in meetings, handling queries, analyzing data, preparing briefings, assisting in event organization, and more.
Through a bi-weekly Speaker Series, you will gain deeper insights into the workings of the city government. This series features talks from Deputy Mayors, Commissioners, program directors, and other high-ranking officials. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate on a service project aimed at benefiting communities in need across New York City.
Ideal for: Students curious about the inner workings of government offices, the policy-making process, and those keen to work on service projects.
2. Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program
Subject Areas: Applied mathematics and computational science.
Location: Stony Brook University, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend is provided to the students.
Application Deadline: February 7, 2024
Dates: July 1, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be in their junior year (11th grade) of high school at the time of applying
- Be US citizens and/or permanent residents.
- Be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program.
Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program is a chance to engage in hands-on research in STEM alongside faculty mentors. For this program, you will be matched with a faculty mentor, join a research group or team, and be responsible for a project.
Throughout the program, you will immerse yourself in innovative research, learn to conduct scientific investigations, communicate complex mathematics and computational science concepts, and explore careers in applied mathematics and computational science. You’ll get a chance to work with experts and forge valuable professional networks. Beyond research, you will also attend community and career-focused events, including faculty research talks and workshops, at no tuition cost.
By the end of the program, you will get to produce a written research abstract and a research poster. With an acceptance rate of about 5%, securing a place in this program can add considerable prestige to your college and scholarship applications.
Ideal for: Students interested in exploring careers in applied mathematics and computational science.
3. SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station (BFS) Internships
Subject Areas: Biology, chemistry, environmental science, and natural sciences.
Location: SUNY Oneonta campus, Buffalo, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Upon successful completion of the internship, interns receive $3,000.
Application Deadline: April 12, 2024
Dates: Late May-August (9 weeks).
Eligibility:
- Open to all high school students.
- Must have a solid academic background in environmental or natural sciences.
SUNY Oneonta offers 9-week summer research internships for New York State residents. SUNY Oneonta internships are highly selective, with only 1-3 positions available for high school students (with one place awarded to a resident of Otsego County, NY).
During the internship, you will aid faculty and staff at the BFS central lab with their research projects or work on your own research projects. You will engage in a mix of fieldwork, laboratory analyses, data analysis, and writing. You can view past intern publications here! Previous fieldwork and laboratory analysis experiences include fisheries and plant surveys, water sampling, water chemistry, zooplankton ID, and fish dissection. The program concludes with interns presenting a poster to display their research findings to their mentors, BSF faculty, and peers.
Ideal for: Students interested in fieldwork and lab work in the fields of fisheries and plant surveys, water sampling, water chemistry, zooplankton ID, and fish dissection.
4. Manhattan District Attorney Internship Program
Subject Areas: Criminology, public policy, sociology, politics, and law.
Location: Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns will be paid a minimum wage.
Application Deadline: March 8, 2024
Dates: July 8 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility:
- Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school.
- Must live in or attend school in Manhattan.
The High School Internship Program offered by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is designed to give students an inside look at the criminal justice system. As an intern, you’ll take part in workshops and discussions covering a wide range of topics, including criminal justice issues, police brutality, civic involvement, and leadership skills. The program also includes a series of presentations and dialogues to help you understand the basics of policy formation and execution. This internship will help you gain access to fields such as criminology, public policy, sociology, politics, or law, providing a unique opportunity to explore potential career paths within these areas.
Ideal for: Students interested in exploring the fields of criminal justice, public policy, politics, or law.
Subject Areas: Ecology and conservation science.
Location: Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center, Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students will receive a stipend of approximately $2,275, paid through the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Dates: July 1, 2024 - August 16, 2024
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in high school at the time of application.
- 16 years old by May 1, 2024.
- Must be a New York City resident, eligible to work in the US.
Wave Hill, a renowned public garden and cultural center, runs the Forest Project, which aims to involve NYC youth in ecosystem restoration work and the study of urban ecology. As an intern, you will work in small groups to create and implement restoration strategies for designated woodland areas. You will join a team led by a seasoned crew leader to engage in woodland restoration and investigative efforts. You will also participate in a collegiate course focused on the rejuvenation of New York City's Natural Areas, alongside team projects that gather data and conduct field research to support their academic learning. The program includes guest lectures, offering interns insights into a variety of career paths within the field of conservation science.
Ideal for: Students interested in working on a project in ecological restoration and conservation science.
Subject Areas: Editorial, marketing, social media, education, scientific research, conservation, and more.
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
Cost/Stipend: No cost; High School Interns receive a stipend commensurate with New York State minimum wage law.
Application Deadline: March 8, 2024
Dates: June 22, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility: Sophomores or Juniors who live or attend school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers paid internship opportunities for high school sophomores and juniors living in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Student interns work closely, individually or in small groups, with museum professionals across a variety of disciplines. Interns are expected to dedicate 40 hours of work that is specific to a department, with placements determined by the intern's interests, availability, and the needs of the museum's various projects. Past internships have spanned numerous areas including conservation, marketing, and editorial work, among others. This experience allows you to collaborate closely with renowned designers and contribute to high-profile events. The program is highly competitive and requires applicants to successfully get through several rounds of interviews to be accepted.
Ideal for: Students interested in exploring diversity in arts, museums, and creative careers.
Subject Areas: Data science, software development, and User Experience (UX) design.
Location: The program is conducted in a hybrid format, in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles (Summer Internship takes place in New York).
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $1,000 stipend is provided.
Application Deadline: The application cycle for Tech Flex Leaders 2024-2025 will open in May 2024 and close in August 2024.
Dates: 9 months starting in September
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in a New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami high school are eligible.
The Tech Flex Leaders program is an good fit for students keen to make their way in the technology sector. This program goes beyond the basics, offering insight into the complexities of emerging technologies.
Designed to nurture future leaders in technology, the program offers a variety of tracks, including UX Design, Data Science, and Web Development, among others. Throughout the program, students engage in workshops and hackathons designed to test their problem-solving abilities and learn various programming languages. With a structured approach that emphasizes both theoretical understanding and the development of practical skills relevant to the fast-paced tech industry, this program offers a comprehensive learning experience. Additionally, it provides opportunities for students to connect with and gain knowledge from industry experts, helping to build a valuable professional network.
Ideal for: Students interested in participating in hackathons and workshops in the fields of web development, data science, and UX design.
8. Project SEED by American Chemical Society
Subject Areas: Chemistry and related fields.
Location: Varies based on lab choice. Opportunities are available in New York City. Check here.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $4000 is awarded to the interns.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Dates: 8-10 weeks, June to August
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (and recent graduates).
- Have completed one course in high school chemistry.
Preference is given to students whose maximum family income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size.
Note: Project SEED has multiple methods of documenting eligibility that you can access here!
Project SEED is a paid, summer fellowship program for high school students. Once accepted, students commute daily to a research lab for anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks. This program offers an opportunity for students keen on working in laboratories and conducting work in the field of chemistry. Students will work in real laboratories at universities and other sites, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture lab.
In particular, Project SEED focuses on supporting over 350 students from underrepresented communities, providing both internships and summer camps to help students with university applications. As an intern, you will work on an independent project at a research lab located in the nearest Project SEED location. You get to choose the type of project you’re interested in – from a wide range of choices. Depending on your project site, you might have the chance to go on field trips and campus tours, attend career panels, and more!
A bonus is that your coordinator can choose to register you for the American Chemical Society National Meeting – where you can present your work.
Ideal For: Students looking to explore STEM careers with a focus on chemistry.
9. Brooklyn Museum Internships
Subject Areas: Fashion, design, art, and museum careers.
Location: Brooklyn Museum, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students receive a stipend of $15 per hour.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2023–24 are now closed. Check back in June 2024 for information on the 2024–25 program year!
Dates: All internships run during the school year, either September to May or November to August.
Eligibility: All internships are open to students in NYC aged 14-19. Some might have additional eligibility requirements, make sure you check before you apply.
The Brooklyn Museum presents several opportunities for NYC teens, including paid internships such as the Creative Practice program and the Museum Apprentice program.
In the Creative Practice program, participants can explore art, education, and museum careers by aiding teaching artists in conducting classes for a diverse age group. The role includes setting up studios and materials, mastering the art of lesson planning, and gaining skills in classroom management. The program engages students in discussions about the confluence of art, fashion, design, and society, and offers the opportunity to interact with artists, educators, and museum staff.
The Museum Apprentice program offers an immersive experience into the world of art and art history. Apprentices will explore museum education and develop their instructional materials for a broad audience. Engaging with artists and curators, you will gain insights into art and the Brooklyn Museum’s collections, tackle significant issues in museum education, and connect with the education team.
Ideal for: Students interested in art, fashion, or design and exploring various museum careers.
10. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Subject Areas: DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics.
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $2,000 stipend is provided.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in the fall and close in January.
Dates: Spring Session: February 28 to May 23, 2024 | Summer Session: July 1 to August 16, 2024
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be 16 years of age or older by orientation date.
- Live OR attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace.
The internship program at Genspace, a community-based biotech laboratory in New York City, provides an opportunity for students to explore biotechnology and genetic engineering. Throughout the program, you will engage in research spanning DNA sequencing, genetic modification, and bioinformatics.
Guided by experienced scientists and specialists at the lab, you will deepen your knowledge of life science concepts. You will also be able to refine your lab techniques and analytical abilities, by utilizing state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and technology. Emphasizing hands-on learning, the program helps students carry out genuine experiments within a fully equipped biotech lab. Through this internship, you will develop a better understanding of the foundations of biotechnology while understanding the importance of ethical and conscientious biotech applications.
Ideal for: Students interested in refining their lab techniques in genetic engineering and biotechnology.
11. Boyce Thompson Institute Internships
Subject Areas: Biology, bioinformatics, botany, and biological engineering.
Location: Cornell University Campus, Ithaca, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost; High school researchers receive a stipend, paid bi-weekly, totaling $4,000 for 7 weeks.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Dates: June 25, 2024 - August 9, 2024. (Tentative dates)
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be a current high school student, who is regional to Ithaca, NY year-round.
- Be 16 years of age before the first day of the program.
- Not be graduated by the first day of the program, June 25, 2024.
Internships at the Boyce Thompson Institute (BSI) are conducted alongside Cornell University and the USDA. This 7-week internship offers both lab experimentations and fieldwork in a variety of projects spanning plant science, plant molecular biology, plant biotic interactions, bioinformatics, and biological engineering of plant systems.
As an intern, you will be paired with a research mentor (typically a graduate student or a postdoctoral researcher) and a faculty mentor. You will work alongside your mentors on a predetermined project. Apart from conducting research, you can join undergraduate researchers for professional development lectures and discussions. Moreover, Boyce Institute organizes local field trips and training sessions as well!
Ideal for: Students interested in working on projects across fields of biology, bioinformatics, and botany.
12. City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth (CLARIFY) by City Limits
Subject Areas: Journalism. Photography, writing, media ethics.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,000 (Summer session) | $500 (Fall session).
Application Deadline: May 24, 2024 (Summer session) | September 9, 2024 (Fall session).
Dates: July 1 - August 8, 2024 (Summer session) | October 15 - December 10, 2024 (Fall session).
Eligibility: NYC junior, senior, and graduating high school students.
CLARIFY is an internship initiative of City Limits—the oldest nonprofit investigative news agency in NYC. The program seeks to involve students in public service journalism and help them improve their civic engagement, news and media literacy, and research, photography, writing, and interviewing skills.
The selected interns will be involved in multiple aspects of reporting and news writing, including research, media ethics, interviewing, photojournalism, and more. The cohort will work together and individually on reporting local issues. Although most work and sessions are conducted online, interns may occasionally have to travel locally to interview sources.
Ideal for: Students interested in training in public service reporting, photojournalism, and news writing.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.