THE BIOROCKET PROGRAM (PAID)

WHO: All NYC high school students 16 years of age or older 

WHAT: The Biorocket Program is a spring after-school hands-on science program and summer research internship experience for New York City public high school students age 16 and up. This program gives students an opportunity to learn the latest advances in genetic engineering and biology laboratory skills. By participating in the program, teens will have access to scientific mentors, behind-the-scenes lab tours and field trips, and improv training for science communication skills at Genspace, a community biology lab in Brooklyn, NY. Participants will: Spend 7 weeks from July-August working on a team research project with scientist mentors, get career guidance, tour other research labs and biotech companies, have the opportunity to enroll in SYEP during the summer part of our program, and join a city-wide network of other teen research internships. Students will end a $2,000 stipend

WHEN: February 25 - May 21, 2026 Wednesday - Thursday From 4:00pm - 6:30pm

WHERE: 132 32nd Street, Suite 108, Brooklyn, NY 11232

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  January 5th, 2026

HOW: https://www.genspace.org/biorocket

MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY HIGHSCHOOL INTERSHIP PROGRAM (PAID)

WHO: Sophmores, Juniors or seniors in high school

WHAT: The Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program is a rigorous five-week internship that provides students with an insider’s view of the criminal justice system. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in workshops and discussions, participate in a mock trial program, develop professionalism in an office setting, and more. Interns will be paid minimum wage.

WHERE: One Hogan PlaceNew York, NY 10013

WHEN: in-person Monday through Friday from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Opens January 26th, 2026

HOW:  https://manhattanda.org/careers/internship-opportunities/high-school-internship/

STUDENT AIDE I (Internship Opportunity) (PAID)

WHO: High school Students 

WHAT: The mission of the NYS Unified Court System is to deliver equal justice under the law and to achieve the just, fair and timely resolution of all matters that come before the courts. To promote civic education and readiness, we have developed an Internship Program for high school and undergraduate college students that enhances students’ fundamental understanding of the court system and the role of courts in the function of government. Interns are provided the opportunity to integrate classroom education and theory with practical and relevant career experience. Interns will gain insight regarding the work of judges, attorneys, court clerks, court reporters, court officers, interpreters, and other professionals and receive hands-on experience in the work of the courts.

WHEN: The Internship program will run from July 6, 2026 through August 12, 2026.

WHERE: Multiple positions are available throughout New York State

DEADLINE TO APPLY: January 6th, 2026

HOW: https://portal.nycourts.gov/StudentAideApplication/ 

GIRLS WRITE NOW COLLABORATOR (UNPAID)

WHO: High School Girls ages 14 & up

WHAT: Where can you go to form meaningful connections, build valuable marketplace skills, and experiment with new tools and ideas? The Girls Write Now Collaboratory—with 11 Journeys open to you this spring! What are your goals? Your passions? What does your schedule look like? Find the Journey that is just right for you. For only three hours per month from March through May 2026, you can meet with a mentor or mentee to work on creative, academic, and/or professional projects, while forming lifelong relationships. You don't need anything more than your own unique experience and with our model, mentors and mentees explore chosen topics side-by-side.

WHEN: For only three hours per month from March through May 2026

WHERE: NYC

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  December 31st, 2025

HOW: https://girlswritenow.org/journeys/

YES IN THE HEIGHTS PROGRAM (UNPAID)

WHO: High School Students ages 14 & Up

WHAT: The YES in THE HEIGHTS program, formerly known as the Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience (CURE), at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center is a summer internship for high school and undergraduate students that aims to increase the pool of under-represented and under-resourced youth entering STEM fields.

In addition to diversifying active cancer research environments, the National Cancer Institute's Youth Enjoy Science (YES) Research Education Program (R25) aims to support institutions in the maintenance and development of innovative early intervention strategies to guide and prepare youth for a career in biomedical research. The mission of the Northern Manhattan-based program “THE HEIGHTS” (Training in Health Equity, Highlighting Environmental Inequities, & Growing neighborHood Teachers and Students) is to reduce the cancer burden and cancer health inequities through training and mentorship. Over the course of two years, the YES Student Equity Scholars gain hands-on experience in cancer research by working alongside world-renowned researchers and physicians with a focus on cancer. The 8-12 week program includes a formal orientation and hands-on scientific training as well as training in academic etiquette and professionalism, completion of an Individual Development Plan, required submission of a scientific abstract of their work, and for 2nd years, a scientific oral presentation.

WHEN: June 29 to August 21, 2026. Trainees should be committed to working 8 hours daily between working hours of 8am-6pm during the summer (this is contingent on the lab or group the participant is assigned to).

WHERE: 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, 2nd Floor, Room 201 New York, NY 10032

DEADLINE TO APPLY: January 9th, 2026

HOW: https://www.cancer.columbia.edu/education/educational-opportunities/high-school-and-undergraduate-programs/yes-heights-program