15 Computer Science Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
- Stephen Turban
- Jul 7
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 14
If you are a high school student in New Jersey interested in computer science (CS), summer programs in the field can be a great way to gain some hands-on experience, advanced exposure, and local networking opportunities in the tech industry.
Additionally, New Jersey is home to many universities and organizations , such as Princeton, Rutgers, and Stevens Institute of Technology , that offer CS programs to high school students. These opportunities often include coding boot camps, AI workshops, and app development courses, which can help you build real-world tech skills. As many of these programs are conducted locally and during school breaks, they will not interfere with your coursework or be difficult to access.
During the program, you may also get to meet industry professionals, interact with like-minded peers, and explore career paths in CS.
If this sounds like something you would like to explore, here we have curated a list of 15 computer science programs for high school students in New Jersey to make the search easier for you:
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost: $150, which can be waived for eligible students
Application deadline: February 27
Program dates: June 23 – July 31
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders in New Jersey with a GPA of 3.75 or higher
The New Jersey Institute of Technology Provost Summer Research Internship is an opportunity for high school students to contribute to STEM research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. Here, you will be involved in various stages of the research process, including formulating questions, designing and conducting experiments, collecting data, and interpreting results. Throughout the program, you will get to collaborate with undergraduate and graduate students, along with postdoctoral researchers, and learn firsthand how research teams operate. To get better insights into CS, you can choose the Data Science and Management track while applying. This can be an opportunity to hone practical skills like data analysis, lab skills, and scientific research writing. During the program, you will create an electronic research poster and present it at the Summer Research Symposium at the end of the experience, where members of the academic community will review your work.
Location: Remote
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on the cohort.
Program dates: The dates vary according to the session. The summer session typically runs from June to August, the fall session runs from September to December, the winter session runs from December to February, and the spring session is held from March to June.
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is designed to support high school students in completing an independent research project over 12 weeks. As a participant, you will be matched with a Ph.D. mentor who will guide you through the research process via regular one-on-one meetings. Together, you will choose a topic that aligns with your interests and work on a project from start to finish, which will include reviewing background material, forming a research question, and writing a final paper. The program is structured to help you build research skills while exploring a specific topic in depth.
You can choose from various subject areas, including computer science, data science, engineering, and more. At the end of your session, you will have completed a research paper that reflects your work and understanding of your chosen subject. You can find out more about the program and application here.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: None
Application deadline: March 15
Program dates: TBA, but the program runs for five to six weeks in the summer.
Eligibility: Students over 16 enrolled in U.S. high schools
Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program allows high school students to assist faculty and research teams in carrying out active research projects. During the program, you will contribute to work in areas such as robotics, environmental science, biotechnology, and computational modeling. Depending on the project, you may get to engage in coding, analyzing data, running simulations, and working with lab equipment. Program topics in recent years include machine learning applications, power systems, and other interdisciplinary research. To get some hands-on experience in computer science, you can choose research topics involving computational modeling. Projects in this area may involve the use of simulations and algorithms to study complex real-world systems.
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. The applications for the upcoming Summer Cohort close on May 25. You can apply here.
Program dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts (spring, summer, fall, and winter) run throughout the year.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students. However, AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or have some familiarity with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI programs are designed for high school students interested in exploring topics in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. For instance, the AI Scholars is a 10-session introductory program in which you will learn core AI concepts and how to apply them via guided, real-world projects. This program is meant for anyone who is new to the field of AI and is looking for a structured starting point.
For those with more experience, the AI Fellowship program will be a better pick. It offers you a chance to work one-on-one with a mentor from a leading university and design an independent project. Here, you will also find support if you want to submit your work to research journals.
Location: Rowan University campus, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: $4,200
Application deadline: May 1
Program dates: July 6 – 18
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 3.5+
Rowan University’s STEAM Academy Pathfinders Program offers high school students the chance to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. In the mornings, you will take a credit-bearing college course taught by Rowan faculty, while in the afternoons, you will engage in activities focusing on leadership and personal development. If you choose to focus on a specific area , like computer programming , you will get to explore that subject in depth through coursework and guided research throughout the program. For example, if you choose the Java Development course, you will primarily explore the syntax of the programming language and structured code writing. During the program, you will collaborate with a faculty mentor on a research project in your chosen field. This experience can help you work on your critical thinking and research skills while earning college credit in a university setting.
Location: Kean University, Union, NJ
Cost: $1,250 for the two-week session and $2,500 for the four-week session | Scholarships are offered.
Application deadline: March 14
Program dates: July 21 – 31 (two-week session) and July 7 – 31 (four-week session)
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 to 12
The Group Summer Scholars Program at Kean University lets high school students participate in short-term research experiences guided by university faculty. You can choose between a two-week or four-week session, depending on your schedule and research streams of choice. During the program, you will work on structured research projects and attend seminars as well as skill-building workshops. While applying, you can choose a research stream that involves the use of computational techniques and CS to solve real-world problems. For instance, if you select the “AI for Good: Create a Smart System to Support PKU Patients” stream, you will explore the use of Python programming, AI, and data analysis to address healthcare challenges. The program also combines hands-on lab work with discussions and collaborative activities to support technical and communication skills.
Location: Drew University campus, Madison, NJ
Cost: Free program
Application deadline: January 10
Program dates: July 6 – 26
Eligibility: New Jersey high school juniors nominated by their school
The New Jersey Governor’s School in the Sciences, a residential summer program held at Drew University, is designed for high school students with a strong interest in STEM. During the program, you will take advanced courses in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science. The computer science courses will focus on the fundamentals of the field as well as their practical application.
Along with attending regular classes, you will work in small groups on research projects guided by faculty mentors. These projects will provide you with some hands-on STEM-based experience. The program will also offer you a chance to attend talks from professionals in the science and technology fields, offering you some insight into current research and career paths. At the end of the program, you and your team will present your research findings at a symposium, allowing you to practice communicating technical ideas in a formal setting.
Location: The College of New Jersey campus, Ewing, NJ
Cost: $475
Application deadline: March 15
Program dates: July 21 – 25
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed one year of high school math and science
Camp Innovate and Investigate at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a free, one-week summer program for high school students interested in exploring STEM subjects, including computer science. During the program, you will work on hands-on projects that cover topics across various disciplines, including biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science. If you choose to focus on computer science, you may get to participate in activities that involve coding, simulation, data analysis, programming tasks, and/or computational techniques. You will also explore STEM fields via experiments, lab work, and visits to active research sites. Throughout the week, you will also attend college prep workshops and interact with industry professionals.
Location: Remote or New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell offices in West Trenton and Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Interns are paid a stipend (No amount specified)
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year | The applications for summer sessions close on May 9.
Program dates: Multi-week program offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The upcoming summer internships are scheduled between July and October.
Eligibility: High school students
The NJCCIC internship program offers high school students interested in computer science a way to explore the field of cybersecurity in a professional setting. As an NJCCIC intern, you will be part of a team that focuses on identifying and analyzing digital threats. Here, you will work with tools commonly used in the field to support real-world cybersecurity operations. During the program, you will get some exposure to key cybersecurity topics like email security, threat detection, incident response, and public cybersecurity education. You will also have the chance to observe how professionals manage digital risk and respond to ongoing security challenges.
Location: The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
Cost: Residential Camp: $1,200 | Commuter Camp: $800
Application deadline: TBA; check here for more information.
Program Dates: July 6 – 11
Eligibility: High school students.
The Game Design Camp at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) offers high school students a chance to explore game design. Throughout the program, you will design, program, and refine a small video game using creative coding tools that encourage hands-on experimentation. The camp focuses on teaching fundamental game design concepts and programming techniques that will help you bring your game ideas to life.
You will also learn how to incorporate play-based techniques to elevate your game. The camp is open to students of all skill levels, so you will have a chance to learn at your own pace. This experience can help you build practical skills in coding and game design, which can be helpful if you are considering an education or a career in computer science.
Location: Edison Township, Edison, NJ
Cost: Unspecified. Check here for more information and updates.
Application deadline: Based on the academic year of the eligible schools
Program dates: Based on the academic year of the eligible schools
Eligibility: Rising 9th-grade students at Edison High School and John P. Stevens High School
The Edison Township Computer Science Academy (CSA) provides hands-on learning experiences in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, programming, and data analytics, helping you build practical CS skills. During the program, you will get the chance to earn industry-recognized credentials and engage in real-world projects. The academy’s curriculum includes a variety of courses designed to introduce and develop your understanding of key CS topics. For instance, you can take AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, and Cybersecurity Fundamentals, along with specialized courses in advanced robotics and networking. Additionally, the academy offers a capstone project that allows you to apply what you have learned to a comprehensive, practical task.
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application deadline: Applications open by mid-January
Program dates: Typically two weeks in July, but may vary
Eligibility: Female and non-binary high school students
Girls Who Code offers free computer science programs for high school students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, allowing them to gain experience in technology and connect with professionals in the field. The organization’s summer programs include a two-week immersion and a six-week self-paced track. The two-week immersion program is designed for beginners and covers fundamentals, including topics in computer science, design processes, UX principles, and the tech industry. Those with some experience can consider the six-week self-paced program, which offers a choice between web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and intermediate Python, with a focus on subjects like cybersecurity or data science.
Location: Rutgers University, Newark, NJ
Cost: $459/credit
Application deadline: May 19 (Session I and 12-week session) | June 10 (Session II)
Program dates: May 27 – July 3 (Session I and 12-week session) | July 7 – August 13 (Session II)
Eligibility: 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Summer Edge program at Rutgers University-Newark offers rising high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors the chance to experience college life while earning college credit. Here, you get to take college-level courses, including those in computer science, and get an early introduction to university-level learning. For instance, you can explore undergraduate courses that cover the basics of computer science, operating systems, cloud computing, and programming. For your participation, you will gain a Rutgers University transcript and earn credits that may be transferable to other college programs in the future. This can strengthen your college applications, as it shows your ability to handle college coursework. You’ll also receive personalized attention from Summer Session staff to help you navigate the program.
Location: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
Cost: $3,150 (one-week programs) | $4,700 (two-week programs)
Application deadline: None | Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: High school students
Stevens Institute of Technology offers various pre-college residential programs for high school students interested in exploring college-level academics. Here, you will find a few computer science programs conducted over one or two weeks. For instance, you can choose beginner-friendly programs like Introduction to Programming, Introduction to Game Design, and Cybersecurity (Beginner) or opt for more advanced courses like Intermediate Computer Science and Cybersecurity (Advanced). Regardless of the option you choose, you will explore the basics of CS, including concepts like programming languages, system security, and software, as well as get some hands-on experience by working on small projects. You will also get to work with tools like the Unity game engine and Aseprite.
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application deadline: None
Program dates: Self-paced session
Eligibility: Open to all!
Harvard University’s Introduction to Computer Science is open to all, even those with no prior programming experience. The course focuses on helping you develop your problem-solving skills and ability to think algorithmically. It covers a range of topics, including abstraction, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, security, and web development, as well as programming languages such as C, Python, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
The self-paced course also focuses on problem sets based on real-world applications in areas like biology, cryptography, finance, forensics, and gaming. Here, you can earn a certificate by completing the assignments and final project. If you prefer a traditional classroom setting, Harvard also offers an on-campus version of the course, CS50, which is one of the university’s largest courses.
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.
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