Medical research opportunities are a great way for high school students to explore their interests. These programs offer early exposure to college-level academics, giving you practical skills like laboratory techniques and data analysis. You will gain insight into the medical field, from research to professional practices, helping you make an informed career decision. 

Local research opportunities are appealing for students in New Jersey interested in medicine because they often come at little to no cost. Many of these programs have competitive acceptance rates, making them a good way to signal your academic abilities to college admissions officers. If you’re looking for more research programs, internships, or region-specific opportunities in New Jersey, check out this blog. 

Here is our list of the top 8 in-person medical research opportunities for high schoolers in New Jersey to help you get started!

1. Waksman Student Scholars Program

The Waksman Student Scholars Program allows high school students and teachers to collaborate on a research project in molecular biology and bioinformatics. The program begins with summer institutes for teachers and a few students, introducing them to research. It then continues during the school year, allowing more students to participate through classes or clubs. By working on a genuine research problem, you will gain practical skills, making this an excellent opportunity for those exploring a future in STEM.

Location: Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ

Cost: Fully funded

Application Deadline: TBA

Program Dates: Year-long, starting with a 2-week summer institute. Specific dates TBA.

Eligibility: New Jersey high school students

2. Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) Program

RUYES is a fully funded, 10-week program that encourages high school students from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in cancer research and healthcare. Hosted by the Rutgers Cancer Institute, the program allows you to contribute to ongoing cancer research studies under a mentor's guidance. Over two consecutive summers, you’ll spend about 35 hours per week in the lab, gaining experience in hypothesis testing and data analysis. The program culminates in a presentation of your findings during the Annual Research Day. In addition to lab work, you’ll engage in professional development and community activities, including attending seminars on scientific literature review. 

Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ

Cost: Fully funded

Application Deadline: Early decision by February 23, final deadline March 8, applications accepted until positions are filled

Program Dates: June 25 — August 27

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, as well as graduated seniors who are rising freshman undergraduates. 

3. Medical Internship Navigating Diversity and Science (MINDS)

MINDS is a six-week paid internship program for high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented or financially disadvantaged backgrounds with an interest in medicine. The program focuses on how social factors like environment and education affect health outcomes. You’ll complete a research project on health disparities in New Jersey while gaining experience through medical simulations and field trips. Additionally, earning CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification ensures you leave with valuable skills for a future in healthcare.

Location: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, NJ

Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend.

Application Deadline: May (tentative). Applications will open in February.

Program Dates: 6 weeks, July — August

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from underserved backgrounds, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, can apply.

4. Partners In Science — Liberty Science Center

The Partners in Science program offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists in a laboratory over 8–10 weeks. You will engage in research across fields like environmental science, biology, engineering, and chemistry. You will develop proficiency in advanced lab techniques and hone skills in data collection and analysis. The program also provides access to professional-grade equipment. In the end, you’ll present your findings at a symposium, receiving constructive feedback from experts in the field.

Location: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ

Cost: N/A. Students can reach out to partnersinscience@lsc.org for more information

Application Deadline: No application deadline specified.

Program dates: June 25 — August 16

Eligibility: 11th or 12th-grade students who will be 16 years of age as of July 1 can apply.

5. Kean University’s Group Summer Scholars Research Program

Kean University offers a research program that allows students to work alongside faculty on projects in various STEM fields, including Scientific Computation, Cancer Biology, Machine Learning, Developmental Biology, and Modern Drug Discovery. This program allows you to gain experience in advanced research and develop technical skills. Along with research, the program includes professional development workshops and equipment demonstrations. You’ll also receive guidance on college and career pathways, helping you make informed decisions about your future.

Location: Kean University, Union, NJ

Cost: 4-Week Session: $2,500 | 2-Week Session: $1,250

Application Deadline: March 14

Program Dates: 4-week session: July 7 – July 31 | 2-week session: July 21 – July 31

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors can apply.

6. Rutgers: Toxicology, Health & Environmental Disease (THED) High School Summer Program

The THED High School Summer Program offers a two-week experience for students interested in medicine, pharmacy, toxicology, environmental science, and biomedical research. The program covers laboratory ethics, experimental design, genetics, pharmacogenetics, and forensic toxicology. During the program, you’ll gain skills and explore various career paths by learning from professionals in these fields. To apply, you must submit your high school transcript and a 200-word essay explaining your interest in biomedical or environmental research.

Location: Rutgers Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ

Cost: $925 (covering tuition, lunch, and all supplies during the program). Need-based financial aid is available.

Application Deadline: March 14

Program Dates: Session 1: July 21–25 | Session 2: July 28 — August 1

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

7. New Jersey Institute of Technology: High School STEM Research Programs

The STEM Research Programs at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) offer high school students the chance to gain experience in research and explore careers within STEM. You’ll collaborate with NJIT faculty and students on advanced research projects, focusing on areas like Bioscience and Bioengineering. You will be paired with a faculty advisor and research team. The program also includes guest speakers who provide insights into STEM careers and trends. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research through electronic posters at the Summer Research Symposium.

Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ

Cost: Unspecified

Application Deadline: TBA

Dates: TBA

Eligibility: New Jersey high school students.

8. Rutgers New Jersey Medical School: High School Internships

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School offers high school students internship opportunities to work directly with faculty members on medical research. This experience allows you to engage in real-world scientific projects, gaining exposure to the research process. Throughout the internship, you’ll work closely with a faculty mentor on specific research topics. You’ll need to secure a commitment from a Rutgers RBHS-NJMS faculty member to participate. 

Location: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ

Cost: Free (stipend information not available)

Application Deadline: Varies based on the arrangement with the host faculty member.

Program Dates: Arranged individually with the host faculty member.

Eligibility: High school students who are at least sixteen years old

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.