15 Internships for High School Students in New Jersey
- Stephen Turban
- 1 day ago
- 11 min read
If you're a high school student in New Jersey looking to explore a field in a professional setting, consider an internship in the city! These internships can let you explore real work settings and build practical skills like writing, research, data analysis, organization, communication, time management, and teamwork.
Through the internships listed below, you will learn how to draft a research abstract, collect samples in a conservation area, assist in engineering experiments, or support a local nonprofit. Some programs place you directly in a government office, a startup, or a university lab.
In addition to skill-building, internships help you stand out on college applications by showing initiative and a willingness to take on advanced learning opportunities outside of school.
To get started, here are 15 internships for high school students in New Jersey! If you're looking for more prestigious STEM programs/internships for high schoolers, check out this set of blogs!
15 Internships for High School Students in New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: No registration fee/Stipend - $4,000 for new participants, $4,500 for returning participants
Location: Across the U.S. [the NJ lab is at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Lakehurst]
Dates: Vary depending on the chosen, typically 8 weeks in summer (with an extension possibility up to 2 additional weeks)
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, at least 16 years old by the internship start date, completed Grade 9, and enrolled in high school. Must commit to 40 hours per week. Some labs allow exceptions.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) gives you a chance to work in the Department of the Navy (DoN) labs and explore careers in fields like computer science and aeronautics. As a high school student, you’ll be paired with Navy scientists and engineers and take part in research-focused STEM projects. You’ll get to shadow professional researchers, build teamwork and leadership skills, attend technical meetings and seminars, join group mentoring sessions, and tour labs.Â
In New Jersey, SEAP runs internships at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) in Lakehurst. There, you’ll help design, develop, and analyze air launch and recovery equipment, along with support equipment used in advanced avionics systems. You’ll build hands-on skills in electronics, mathematics, hydraulic systems, material science engineering, and more.
Cost/Stipend: Starts at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies as per the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students should commit to 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a competitive program where you get matched with startups around the world to work on real projects in your chosen field. Once selected, you’ll meet regularly with mentors from the startup and present your final work at the end of the internship. You can choose from fields like machine learning, AI, computer science, sustainability, finance, journalism, marketing, medicine, and more.Â
Some of the startups you might work with include Softenmind, IPMD, Fintech Launch, Billion Dollar Startup Ideas, Fair Opportunity Project, and JuneBrain. You’ll also be paired with a Ladder coach for extra support throughout the internship. Most opportunities are based in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the UK. Apply here.
Location: Throughout the U.S.
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Based on the internship
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16 or older, enrolled in high school or a GED program with a 2.0 GPA or higher.
The U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program offers two paid options to explore federal careers: the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). High school students often choose ITEP because it runs during the academic year and allows you to work during school breaks or year-round.
You can find opportunities across the country with agencies like the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Department of Health and Human Services. If you complete the program, earn a qualifying degree, and meet specific requirements, you may be eligible for a full-time federal job with benefits. All internship openings are listed on the USAJobs portal. Internship vacancies are displayed at the USAJobs portal.
Cost/Stipend: Free participation/Educational stipend depends on location, duration, academic level, field of research, and experience, if any, typically up to $4,500
Location: NJIT, Newark, NJ/possible onsite location
Dates: Depends on the project, 6 -10 weeks in June-August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
NJIT's Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) internship lets you work directly with a university researcher or a Department of Defense scientist on real STEM research. This program partners with universities and U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers. You’ll get access to lab facilities at one of these institutions and can use the internship to meet school internship or co-op requirements.
Your research will focus on topics like optics, photonics, imaging, and biological and environmental sensors. You’ll use lab equipment, learn new techniques, and join weekly virtual workshops and webinars. At the end of the internship, you’ll write a research abstract that will be published in the AEOP Research Journal, and you can also submit it to the AEOP Junior and Humanities Symposium.
Cost/Stipend: $150 program fee with need-based waiver available; no stipend offered
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Dates: June 23 to July 31
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: New Jersey high school students who are residents of New Jersey with an unweighted minimum GPA of 3.75, should be completing 10th or 11th grade in June, and have a demonstrated interest in science
The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) provides internship opportunities to NJ high schoolers to explore STEM career paths in robotics, engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and more! With just 20 spots, this selective 6-week research program motivates students to learn and discover multifold aspects of science & engineering under the guidance of an NJIT faculty mentor, with team members consisting of undergraduates, graduates, and postdoctoral students.
You can opt for any one of the broad research areas, including Bioscience & Bioengineering, AI, ML & Robotics, Data Science & Management, Environment & Sustainability, and Material Science & Engineering. You will work on cutting-edge research projects in labs alongside academic sessions to get hands-on experience.
6. Youth Conservation Corps Program
Cost/Stipend: Federal minimum wage or the state minimum wage, if higher
Location: Across the U.S.
Dates: 1- 3 months during summer
Application Deadline: Varies as per internship
Eligibility: U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States, must be at least 15 years of age on enrollment and not reach 19 years of age before program completion; have a work permit; be willing to work outdoors up to 8 hours a day, depending on the type of YCC position, and committed to completing the assigned project.
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program is a paid summer work experience for youth, including high schoolers, who are keen to assist in developing and maintaining the natural and cultural resources of the U.S., such as in national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries.Â
You will explore green career opportunities in natural and cultural resource management, urban forestry, and more. You will have a wide spectrum of opportunities with YCC at the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service, such as building & fixing a broken trail, planting flora, repairing a historic building, assisting with wildlife research, supporting staff, and more!Â
Cost/Stipend: Free with stipend
Location: NJ locations in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren
Dates: Vary by market, typically start soon after the end of the school year (8 weeks, including a week at the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: NJ high school juniors/seniors who can work in the U.S., commit to a full-time 8-week internship, attend a July D.C. summit, and aren't Bank of America employees or relatives. Check other requirements here!
The Bank of America Leadership Program is a paid internship for high school students in New Jersey who want to build leadership skills. You will be placed at a local nonprofit organization, where you will work on community service projects and take part in hands-on activities.Â
The program ends with an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the Leadership Summit. There, you will meet other student leaders, attend sessions with Bank of America executives and government officials, and explore major landmarks. You will also build civic, social, and business leadership skills.
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 stipend
Location: Across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Islands in the student's residency region within a reasonable commuting distance
Dates: Mid-June - late July/August (8 weeks) with flexible start and end dates
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or college freshmen living in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, or Canada. Must be 16 by the application deadline and commit to 32 hours per week for 8 weeks.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a summer internship for high school students interested in fisheries, aquatic science, or environmental work. You will work closely with a professional mentor in your local area and gain hands-on experience in both field and lab settings.
You might collect and test water samples, tag and track fish, restore habitats, use seining nets, or support educational programs for younger students. Some internships include overnight field trips if you have parental permission.
You will build skills in environmental observation, scientific research, teamwork, and data analysis. You will also write a mid-summer progress report and a final reflection at the end of the program.
Cost/Stipend: Free, unpaid
Location: Virtual
Dates: Vary with morning/afternoon sessions; Summer cohort - June - July; Spring cohort - September - December; Spring cohort – January - April
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: New Jersey high school students in Grades 9 to 12. Prior cybersecurity experience or past NJCCIC internship required for the Advanced Internship.
The New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) summer internship is a virtual program for high school students interested in cybersecurity. Run by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, this program lets you explore career paths by working with professionals in the field.Â
You can choose from four Divisions: Intelligence and Operations, NJCCIC, Preparedness, and Support Services, or join the Communications Office. You will work on real-world cybersecurity tasks like responding to simulated cyberattacks, improving cyber defenses, and applying security measures.Â
Activities include live fire exercises, Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, and a virtual escape room. The internship begins and ends with group discussions, and you will complete a final capstone project to present to NJOHSP's leadership.
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Location: Rutgers, NJMS Research Laboratory, Newark, NJ
Dates: Vary as per dates assigned by the mentor
Application Deadline: Four weeks before program start
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age; must commit a Rutgers, RBHS-NJMS faculty member to host the internship, and submit required consent forms
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) Research Internship offers high school students the chance to work on a research project in biomedical engineering or medical science. Before starting lab work, you will complete lab safety and biosafety training.
You can choose your area of interest and connect with an NJMS faculty mentor. You will write a research proposal, gain exposure to medical school-level topics, and build skills in scientific communication and data analysis through hands-on lab experience.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Location: Newark Museum of Art, Newark, NJ
Dates: Year-round, typically over 4 years
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Grades 9-12 in a Newark school or reside in Newark with a minimum 2.7 GPA; must commit to spending 6 after-school hours per week during the school year + 60 hours of community service per year + 25 hours per week each summer.
The Newark Museum of Art Explorers Teen Program is a year-round paid internship for high school students in the Newark area. You will work across different museum departments, receive STEAM career mentoring, and take part in college prep activities. You may be assigned to help with museum exhibits, collections storage, visitor services, teen events, or as a teaching assistant at summer camps.Â
You will take part in various projects, interact with museum professionals, and join workshops on STEM topics, financial literacy, self-defense, SAT prep, and essay writing. You’ll also receive free admission to other museums, discounts at the museum shop, and an invitation to the annual Museum Gala.
Cost/Stipend: Free/$17 per hour
Location: Mercer County Departments, Trenton, NJ
Dates: July 7 - August 29 (maximum 25 Hours per week)
Application Deadline: April 12
Eligibility: High school students living in or attending school in Mercer County, at least 15 years old, committed to the full 8-week program.
The Mercer County Internship Program gives you hands-on experience in public service, health, law, environmental work, and other civic fields. You will be placed in a specific Mercer County department where you’ll take on real-world tasks.
You can help with airport operations, assist the youth services team in a library, support staff in IT or records offices, work on a golf farm, or shadow a park ranger. Along the way, you’ll take part in workshops to build your communication and public speaking skills, learn professional etiquette, write a resume, prepare for interviews, and understand financial literacy.
Cost/Stipend: Free (unpaid)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Dates: June - August, with dates customized as per the schedules of the research personnel and the specifics of the project (5 - 6 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: U.S. high school students or recent grads under 18 by June 15, age 16+ by June 15, living locally, and U.S. citizens or legal residents. Some projects may have extra requirements.
Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) at Princeton University gives you a chance to build skills in laboratory techniques, scientific analysis, data interpretation, and research communication. Before you start, you will complete the safety training required for lab work.
You will work closely with a faculty mentor in a Princeton lab, learning how to design experiments, record precise data, and participate in research discussions and seminars. By the end, you will write a two-page research summary explaining your methods and findings. Past projects included geothermal well analysis, creating cement from alternative materials, and studying electrified ammonia synthesis.
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Location: Camden, NJ; Newark, NJ
Dates: Summer cohort - August 12 - August 29; Fall cohort – TBD (mid-September to mid-December); Spring cohort – TBD (January - mid-May)
Application Deadline: Typically, the second week of April
Eligibility: High school students
The internship program with Senator Cory Booker lets you build skills in communication, active listening, policy analysis, research methods, and professional writing. You will answer phones, connect with constituents, draft policy memos, assist with legislation, and conduct detailed research.Â
You will also develop event planning and networking skills by attending community events and engaging with political leaders. This experience gives you direct insight into how the legislative process works.
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Location: Across the U.S.
Dates: Varies as per the type of internship (summer)
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High school students at least 15 years of age, undergraduate, graduate, and law students
SikhLEAD is a summer internship program by the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) for high school and college students interested in public service. You will be placed in government offices or advocacy organizations at the local or state level based on your interests and available openings. You can participate in Seva projects like voter mobilization, charity events at Gurdwaras, assisting health clinics, or volunteering at schools.
You will develop skills in leadership, communication, networking, project organization, and community outreach. You will gain hands-on experience with government functions and the legislative process. You will also have the option to choose a mentor for guidance throughout the internship.
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.
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