Top 15 Best High School Internships in New York City (NYC), NY 2026

Global Capital of Everything

New York City stands as the world’s financial, media, cultural, and commercial capital, creating internships for high school students in NYC unmatched in scope and prestige. From Wall Street investment banking to Broadway theater production, from cutting-edge medical research at Memorial Sloan Kettering to museum curation at the Met, from NASA space science at Goddard Institute to municipal government across 300+ agencies, the five boroughs offer career opportunities across every conceivable industry. NYC’s density of Fortune 500 headquarters (70+ companies), world-renowned cultural institutions, leading hospitals and research centers, thriving tech ecosystem (“Silicon Alley”), and global media empires create professional pathways accessible nowhere else in America.

From biomedical research at Columbia University and Mount Sinai to legal careers through the Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program, from arts administration at Apollo Theater and Brooklyn Museum to environmental conservation with NYC Parks, the city provides transformative experiences for ambitious students. New York City’s commitment to youth employment—exemplified by programs like Ladders for Leaders connecting 1,000+ students annually with paid internships—creates structured pathways supported by massive infrastructure. The metropolitan area’s unparalleled public transit system, cultural diversity representing every nation on Earth, and 24/7 energy make professional opportunities accessible in ways impossible in car-dependent cities like high school internships in Los Angeles or sprawling metros like high school internships in Denver.

This guide features 15 verified high school internship programs across New York City’s five boroughs for 2026, representing opportunities from global corporations to neighborhood nonprofits, from elite research institutions to community organizations. Whether exploring finance careers unique to NYC or seeking opportunities in other major metros like high school internships in Washington, DC or high school internships in Jersey City, NJ just across the Hudson, New York City’s incomparable concentration of excellence provides foundation for global professional success.

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15 Outstanding High School Internships in New York City 2026

1. NYC Ladders for Leaders

• Organization: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development
• Description: Comprehensive six-week paid internship program administered by city government connecting NYC youth ages 16-24 with industry-leading businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies across five boroughs. Part of NYC Summer Youth Employment Program, Ladders for Leaders provides pre-employment training, professional development, networking events, and post-program opportunities with participants earning minimum $16/hour working across finance, technology, healthcare, media, government, and professional services.
• Eligibility: NYC residents ages 16-24, legally authorized to work, prior volunteer or paid work experience required
• Duration: 6 weeks summer
• Compensation: Paid minimum $16/hour
• Deadline: February 3, 2026
• Apply: NYC Ladders for Leaders

2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Summer Student Program

• Organization: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Manhattan
• Description: Elite eight-week paid biomedical research internship at world-renowned cancer hospital (U.S. News top-ranked). High school juniors conduct independent research projects under scientist mentorship spanning cancer biology, computational biology, genetics, immunology, and translational medicine with laboratory training, tours, team-building, and professional development experiences.
• Eligibility: High school juniors, 3.5+ GPA in science subjects, reside within 25 miles of Upper East Side Manhattan campus (NYC, NJ, CT)
• Duration: 8 weeks (June 30 – August 22, 2025)
• Compensation: $1,200 stipend
• Deadline: February 7, 2026
• Apply: MSK Summer Student Program

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

• Organization: American Museum of Natural History
• Description: Year-long paid research program enabling NYC high school students to conduct original research with Museum scientists across disciplines including astrophysics, paleontology, biodiversity, genomics, anthropology, and earth sciences. Students learn laboratory techniques, data analysis, programming (Python, R), scientific writing, and research methodology while contributing to Museum’s scientific enterprise.
• Eligibility: NYC high school 10th or 11th graders passing classes for last three semesters
• Duration: One year (academic year commitment)
• Compensation: $2,500 stipend upon completion
• Deadline: Applications typically open winter
• Apply: AMNH SRMP

4. Columbia University Zuckerman Institute BRAINYAC Program

• Organization: Columbia University Zuckerman Institute
• Description: Seven to eight-week neuroscience research apprenticeship providing rare opportunity for high school students to conduct cutting-edge brain research in university laboratory. Students work alongside scientists studying neural circuits, behavior, cognition, and neurological diseases using advanced technologies while gaining understanding of scientific discovery and research careers.
• Eligibility: 10th or 11th graders enrolled in partner programs (S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, BioBus), NYC residents
• Duration: 7-8 weeks summer
• Compensation: Paid research stipend
• Deadline: Check with individual partner programs
• Apply: Columbia BRAINYAC through partner programs

5. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program

• Organization: New York City Bar Association
• Description: Six to eight-week paid legal internship pairing diverse NYC public school students with law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and legal nonprofits. Students gain exposure to legal practice, court operations, paralegal work, legal research, and attorney responsibilities working 35-40 hours weekly while exploring law careers and developing professional skills.
• Eligibility: NYC public school students residing in five boroughs, legally authorized to work
• Duration: 6-8 weeks summer
• Compensation: Paid minimum $15/hour (some positions up to $21/hour)
• Deadline: March 10, 2026
• Apply: Thurgood Marshall SLIP through NYC Bar Association

6. Brooklyn Museum Apprentice & Creative Practice Programs

• Organization: Brooklyn Museum
• Description: Multiple paid museum internship tracks including Museum Apprentice Program (8-month or 2-month summer) providing art education, curatorial exposure, family programming, tour leading, and camp instruction, plus Creative Practice Program (8-month) enabling interns to teach art classes and collaborate on exhibition-related creative projects. Programs provide MetroCards, professional museum experience, and art historical knowledge at major NYC cultural institution.
• Eligibility: NYC high school students ages 14-19 (Apprentice) or 15-19 (Creative Practice, sophomores-seniors)
• Duration: 8 months (November-June) or 2 months summer (Apprentice); 8 months (Creative Practice)
• Compensation: Paid $16/hour (first-time) or $17/hour (returning); up to 180 hours/year (Apprentice), 120 hours/year (Creative Practice)
• Deadline: Check website for application periods
• Apply: Brooklyn Museum Programs

7. Apollo Theater Academy Internships

• Organization: Apollo Theater – Harlem
• Description: Two internship tracks at historic cultural landmark: Technical Theater Production (six weeks) teaching lighting design, videography, audio engineering, and stage production ($16.50/hour); Arts Administration (10 weeks) developing understanding of live entertainment operations, event programming, and theater management. Students gain rare behind-the-scenes exposure to legendary venue’s operations and professional entertainment industry training.
• Eligibility: Entering high school seniors (Technical), current seniors (Arts Admin), interest in arts and entertainment
• Duration: 6 weeks (Technical) or 10 weeks (Arts Admin) summer
• Compensation: Paid $16.50/hour
• Deadline: Technical (April 7), Arts Admin (January 31)
• Apply: Apollo Theater Internships

8. NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Internships

• Organization: NYC DCAS – Multiple Programs
• Description: City government internships spanning High School Automotive Internship Program (six weeks partnering with NYPD, FDNY, DOT, DSNY learning vehicle maintenance, fleet management) and general DCAS internships across citywide administrative services including human resources, technology, facilities, procurement, and operations. Students gain public sector experience serving 8.3 million NYC residents while learning municipal government operations.
• Eligibility: NYC high school students, automotive program requires enrollment at participating schools
• Duration: 6 weeks summer (automotive); varies by position
• Compensation: Paid internship wages
• Deadline: Check DCAS website for automotive and general internship periods
• Apply: NYC DCAS Internships

9. NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies Internships

• Organization: NASA GISS – New York City
• Description: Space science and climate research internships at NASA’s NYC facility conducting cutting-edge research on Earth’s atmosphere, climate modeling, planetary atmospheres, and space exploration. High school students work on projects supporting NASA missions, learn scientific computing, data analysis, and research methodology while gaining exposure to federal space agency operations.
• Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, minimum age 16, 3.0+ GPA
• Duration: Varies (summer, semester, or academic year placements)
• Compensation: Paid NASA internship wages
• Deadline: Varies; check NASA OSSI portal regularly
• Apply: NASA Internships or OSSI Portal

10. Mount Sinai Center for Excellence in Youth Education (CEYE) Programs

• Organization: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Description: Multiple healthcare career pathways including Internship Placement Program with four tracks: Hospital Placement (clinical exposure), Veterinary Sciences (animal medicine), NeuroSurgery Scholars (surgical observation), and Cultivating Neurological Scholars (neurology focus). Programs partner with NYC schools and youth organizations providing structured medical education, research exposure, and healthcare career exploration at premier academic medical center.
• Eligibility: NYC high school students, varies by program track and partner organization
• Duration: Varies by program (summer or academic year)
• Compensation: Some programs paid; others volunteer for experience
• Deadline: Varies by program
• Apply: Mount Sinai CEYE

11. NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

• Organization: New York University Tandon School of Engineering
• Description: Ten-week paid STEM research program enabling NYC high school juniors and seniors to conduct engineering and science research under NYU faculty mentorship. Students participate in laboratory research, attend workshops, receive college advising, develop technical skills, and present findings while exploring university research environment and STEM careers.
• Eligibility: NYC high school juniors and seniors (11th-12th grade)
• Duration: 10 weeks summer
• Compensation: $1,000 stipend; additional funds available for demonstrated financial need
• Deadline: Applications typically open winter/spring
• Apply: NYU ARISE

12. NYC Parks Programs

• Organization: NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
• Description: Multiple environmental and public service opportunities including Ranger Conservation Corps (eight-week environmental restoration with Urban Park Rangers, one day weekly commitment) and various parks internships spanning recreation programming, urban forestry, horticulture, facilities management, and visitor services across NYC’s 30,000+ acres of parkland. Programs provide environmental education, outdoor leadership, and public service experience.
• Eligibility: NYC high school students, varies by program
• Duration: 8 weeks (Conservation Corps); varies by internship
• Compensation: Some paid positions; many volunteer opportunities
• Deadline: Rolling admissions for Conservation Corps; varies by internship
• Apply: NYC Parks Opportunities

13. Bank of America Student Leaders

• Organization: Bank of America – NYC Program
• Description: Eight-week paid internship connecting community-minded high school juniors and seniors with NYC nonprofits to gain firsthand experience with social impact work, community development, and civic engagement. Program includes professional development, leadership training, networking opportunities, and culminates with week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. bringing together student leaders nationwide.
• Eligibility: NYC high school juniors and seniors, strong community service record, demonstrated leadership
• Duration: 8 weeks summer, full-time schedule (35 hours weekly)
• Compensation: Paid stipend plus all-expenses-paid D.C. summit
• Deadline: January 15, 2026
• Apply: Bank of America Student Leaders

14. NYC School Construction Authority (SCA) Summer Internship

• Organization: NYC School Construction Authority
• Description: Six-week program introducing NYC high school students to careers in architecture, engineering, construction management, information technology, business, and public administration. Interns spend four days weekly with host departments and one day engaged in educational programming including design challenges, panel discussions, and professional development workshops while contributing to city’s massive school construction program.
• Eligibility: NYC high school students
• Duration: 6 weeks summer, 30 hours weekly
• Compensation: Paid $16.50/hour
• Deadline: March 7, 2026
• Apply: NYC SCA Internship

15. Ladder Internship Program

• Organization: Ladder Internships
• Description: Selective remote startup internship program connecting ambitious high school students with high-growth technology companies nationally (5-10 hours weekly). Students work on real projects spanning technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, consulting, and fintech with YCombinator alumni and venture-backed startups, accessible from anywhere in NYC via remote work.
• Eligibility: High school students globally, entrepreneurial mindset
• Duration: 8-12 weeks flexible, part-time (5-10 hours weekly)
• Compensation: Varies by company
• Deadline: Rolling admissions; main summer deadline May 11
• Apply: Ladder Internships

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How to Apply for NYC Internships

Understanding NYC’s Unmatched Advantages

New York City’s economy dwarfs every U.S. metropolitan area with 70+ Fortune 500 headquarters (more than Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston combined), Wall Street financial dominance (Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup), media capital status (NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, New York Times, major publishers), premier healthcare systems (Memorial Sloan Kettering, Mount Sinai, Columbia, NYU Medical Centers), cultural institutions (Met, MoMA, AMNH, Brooklyn Museum, Apollo Theater, Lincoln Center), technology growth (“Silicon Alley” startups, Google NYC, Facebook offices), and municipal government serving 8.3 million residents across 300+ agencies. This density creates opportunities impossible to replicate including comparable scale to high school internships in Washington, DC federal concentration but across ALL industries simultaneously.

Application Timeline

January 2026: Bank of America Student Leaders deadline January 15, Apollo Theater Arts Admin deadline January 31. Begin researching competitive programs.

February 2026: Ladders for Leaders deadline February 3, MSK Cancer Center deadline February 7. Peak application season begins for summer programs.

March 2026: Thurgood Marshall Law deadline March 10, NYC SCA deadline March 7. Healthcare programs, museums, cultural institutions finalize. NASA applications.

April – May 2026: Final opportunities. Apollo Technical deadline April 7, Ladder main summer deadline May 11. Direct employer outreach.

June – August 2026: Programs begin across five boroughs.

Required Documents

Resume, cover letters (customized per organization), transcripts, 2-3 recommendations, essays (competitive programs), work authorization (must be legally authorized to work in NYC), background checks (healthcare, youth programs).

Application Methods

Online portals for Ladders for Leaders, MSK, NASA, NYU ARISE, Bank of America, and city government programs. Direct contact for museums, cultural institutions, and hospitals. Through schools for some CTE-connected opportunities.

Strengthening Applications

• Emphasize NYC understanding: Programs value students who comprehend the city’s unique scale, diversity, and complexity.
• Show transit literacy: The Ability to navigate the subway system independently demonstrates maturity.
• Highlight relevant experience: Finance programs value quantitative skills, cultural institutions seek arts passion, and research programs need STEM excellence.
• Leverage borough connections: Many programs prioritize specific borough residents.
• Quantify achievements: Use specific metrics in accomplishments.

Interview Tips

Business professional attire essential for Wall Street finance, corporate roles. Business casual appropriate for healthcare, research, museums, nonprofits. Research organization thoroughly: NYC organizations expect deep knowledge of their work given city’s competitive environment. Demonstrate independence and maturity: Navigate to interview via public transit, arrive early, show self-sufficiency valued in NYC. Ask sophisticated questions: Programs seek intellectually curious students. Follow up within 24 hours.

Transportation

NYC’s unmatched public transit: 24/7 subway (472 stations), buses, ferries make virtually every internship accessible without cars unlike high school internships in Kansas City, MO, high school internships in Denver, or high school internships in Los Angeles. MetroCard provided by many programs. Walking/biking viable for many positions. Commute planning: Factor 30-60 minute commutes across boroughs.

Resources

• Individual school career counselors across NYCDOE
• NYC Career and Technical Education (CTE) offices
• NYC Department of Youth & Community Development
• Borough-specific workforce development centers
• Public library career resources
• CUNY and community college career services

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are NYC high school internships paid?

Yes, many offer competitive compensation including Ladders for Leaders ($16+/hour), MSK Cancer Center ($1,200 stipend), AMNH SRMP ($2,500 stipend), Brooklyn Museum ($16-17/hour), Apollo Theater ($16.50/hour), Thurgood Marshall Law ($15-21/hour), NYC SCA ($16.50/hour), NYU ARISE ($1,000 stipend), Bank of America (paid stipend + D.C. trip), while some museum volunteers, conservation programs, and research positions provide unpaid experience with recommendations.

When should I apply for summer 2026 NYC internships?

Apply January through May 2026 with Bank of America deadline January 15, Apollo Arts Admin January 31, Ladders for Leaders February 3, MSK Cancer Center February 7, Thurgood Marshall March 10, NYC SCA March 7, Apollo Technical April 7, Ladder main summer May 11, though many programs recruit November-December for summer positions.

What makes NYC unique for high school internships?

NYC offers unparalleled concentration of 70+ Fortune 500 headquarters, Wall Street financial dominance, global media capital status, world-class cultural institutions (Met, AMNH, Brooklyn Museum, Apollo Theater), premier research hospitals (MSK, Mount Sinai, Columbia), NASA space science, comprehensive public transit enabling car-free access unlike high school internships in Milwaukee, WI or high school internships in Minneapolis, and opportunities across ALL industries simultaneously unavailable anywhere else globally.

How competitive are NYC’s elite internships?

MSK Cancer Center, AMNH SRMP, Columbia BRAINYAC, NASA, and Thurgood Marshall Law rank extremely competitive requiring exceptional academics (3.5+ GPA for research), strong recommendations, demonstrated passion, and selection from thousands of applicants, while accessible entry points exist through Ladders for Leaders (broader eligibility), Brooklyn Museum (ages 14-19 welcome), NYC Parks, and borough-specific community programs.

Can students from other boroughs access Manhattan programs?

Absolutely—NYC’s 24/7 subway system connects all five boroughs making Manhattan opportunities accessible to Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island residents within 30-60 minutes, though some programs like Ladders for Leaders, Brooklyn Museum, and borough-specific initiatives particularly value applicants from underrepresented boroughs beyond Manhattan.

Does NYC offer Wall Street finance internships for high school students?

High school students rarely access Wall Street firms directly (Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan primarily recruit college students), though Ladders for Leaders places students at financial services companies, Thurgood Marshall places students at corporate legal departments, Bank of America program provides financial sector exposure, and students can explore nearby high school internships in Jersey City, NJ where Goldman Sachs and other firms have major operations offering more accessible entry points.

Are NYC internships accessible without car?

Yes—NYC’s comprehensive 24/7 public transit (subway, buses, ferries) makes car ownership unnecessary unlike virtually every other U.S. city including high school internships in Alpharetta, GA, high school internships in Augusta, GA, or high school internships in Katy, TX, with many programs providing MetroCards for interns.

How do NYC opportunities compare to Washington, DC?

NYC excels in finance (Wall Street vs D.C.’s limited finance), media (global capital vs D.C.’s political media), arts and culture (unmatched concentration), healthcare research (MSK, Mount Sinai vs NIH), while high school internships in Washington, DC dominates government/policy (federal agencies, Congress, think tanks), both cities offering world-class but distinct career pathways.

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Explore More Internship Opportunities

Nearby Metro Access:

• High School Internships in Jersey City, NJ – PATH train to NYC (10 minutes)

Major Metro Areas:

• High School Internships in Washington, DC – Federal government capital
• High School Internships in Los Angeles – Entertainment capital
• High School Internships in Miami – International business

Growing Regions:

• High School Internships in Denver – Aerospace and energy
• High School Internships in Alpharetta, GA – Technology corridor
• High School Internships in Augusta, GA – Cybersecurity center

Midwest Excellence:

• High School Internships in Minneapolis – Fortune 500 density
• High School Internships in Kansas City, MO – Regional hub
• High School Internships in Milwaukee, WI – Manufacturing innovation

Mid-Atlantic:

• High School Internships in Delaware – Corporate headquarters
• High School Internships in Maryland – Federal research

Southeast:

• High School Internships in Florida – Space and tourism

Statewide:

• High School Internships in Texas – Energy and aerospace
• High School Internships in Massachusetts – Biotech excellence
• High School Internships in Minnesota – Regional opportunities

Specialty:

• High School Internships in Katy, TX – Houston area

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Final Thoughts

Internships for high school students in NYC provide unmatched access to global excellence across finance, media, culture, healthcare, and technology with 24/7 public transit enabling car-free career exploration. Start with Ladders for Leaders for structured city-supported pathways, explore elite research opportunities at MSK and Columbia, apply to cultural institutions showcasing NYC’s arts leadership, and leverage the world’s greatest concentration of opportunity for transformative professional growth in the global capital of everything.

Questions? Contact program coordinators or your school’s career counselor for NYC-specific internship guidance.