15 Internships for High School Students in New Jersey (NJ)
- Stephen Turban
- 18 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you're a high school student in New Jersey thinking about your future, an internship can be a great way to explore your interests and gain real experience along the way.
Internships give you a chance to step into real workplaces—whether that’s a hospital, research lab, nonprofit, or tech office—and see what a day on the job actually looks like. You’ll build useful skills, get to work on interesting projects, and connect with professionals who can guide you. That kind of experience not only strengthens your college applications but also helps you figure out what you enjoy (or don’t!).
Choosing a local internship in New Jersey means you can often avoid long commutes or relocation expenses, while still getting access to high-quality opportunities. Plus, you’re more likely to build lasting connections in your own community, connections that could lead to future research, volunteering, or even paid roles.
Here we have curated 15 internships for high school students in New Jersey. We have focused on options offered by credible institutions that can provide you with structured, hands-on experiences.If you're looking for other prestigious internships, browse this set of blogs for additional opportunities!
15 Internships for High School Students in New Jersey
Location: Virtual
Program dates: Upcoming summer cohort: Eight weeks starting July 14; multiple cohorts available
Application deadline: June 23 for the upcoming cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder internships offer highly selective opportunities, connecting high schoolers with high-growth startups and non-governmental organisations that raise about a million dollars on average. As an intern, you will be supervised by a manager from the organization while you engage in tasks like research and work on real-world projects that align with your interests and the organization’s goals. A Ladder Coach will offer 1-on-1 mentorship and assistance to help you work on your deliverables. Internship opportunities are available in diverse industries, including health tech, media, psychology, medicine, healthcare, and law.
You can also opt for Ladder’s CEO internship program if you wish to directly work with a start-up CEO from a FAANG (Google, Facebook, etc.) background. To pursue research under mentorship while interning, you can choose the Combination program.
Location: NJIT campus, Newark, NJ
Cost: $150 program fee; need-based waivers are available
Program dates: June 23 – July 31
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Students who will complete grade 10 or 11, have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.75, and live in New Jersey
NJIT’s High School STEM Research Internship is a selective program, accepting just 20 students each year. It offers New Jersey high school students opportunities to engage in STEM research alongside NJIT faculty and research teams consisting of undergraduate and graduate students. The program can offer insights into scientific inquiry, innovation, and problem-solving involved in STEM research. You will be exposed to real-world laboratory environments and develop your skills in research methodology, data interpretation, and critical thinking. You will also receive mentorship and guidance, and get to work in one of five specialized fields: AI, data science and management, bioscience and bioengineering, machine intelligence and robotics, and environment and sustainability. You will also attend workshops, seminars, and collaborative meetings that simulate a professional research setting, helping you build a foundation in STEM research.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Program dates: Cybersecurity Basics: July 14 – 18 | Advanced Cybersecurity: July 21 – October (exact dates TBD)
Application deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Current New Jersey high schoolers; Advanced Cybersecurity Internship applicants must demonstrate cybersecurity experience or participation in a prior NJCCIC internship
The New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell is a state-level cyber threat information sharing and analysis organization. It offers school and college students various internships to explore the world of cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity Basics Program, designed for high schoolers, will introduce you to the fundamentals of cybersecurity throughout a week-long internship. If you have some experience in the field, you can opt for the Advanced Cybersecurity Internship to develop a deeper understanding of the nuances of cybersecurity over several months. Both internships will help you explore the field through hands-on tasks focusing on digital forensics and threat analysis.
Location: The Newark Museum of Art, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: No cost; internships are paid, but the exact stipend is not specified
Program dates: Year-round program involving six after-school hours/week, 60 hours of community service/year, and 25 hours/week each summer.
Application deadline: June 15
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who reside in Newark or attend Newark schools and have a minimum GPA of 2.7
The Explorers Program offered by the Newark Museum of Art is a year-round opportunity to develop professional skills and get to work with and learn about the museum’s resources, collections, and staff. The program is limited to 50 students each year. If selected, you will get to develop public speaking and leadership skills through various activities such as STEM workshops, career-readiness training, Career 101 workshops, SAT prep, college readiness workshops, field trips, and college tours. You will also have access to the museum professionals who will offer valuable insights into art, culture, and museum careers. The program offers perks like an invitation to the museum gala, a 3-day senior trip, and financial literacy workshops. During the program, you will work on museum-based art and science projects.
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Program dates: June 30 – August 1
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who are at least 16 years of age and authorized to work in the U.S.
PPPL offers internships to high schoolers interested in engineering, computer science, and physics. Hosted by Princeton University and the U.S. Department of Energy, the program provides an opportunity to engage in contemporary research in fusion energy and plasma physics. As an intern, you will have access to mentorship and training as you work alongside researchers and engineers on real-world projects. You will also get insights into magnetic confinement fusion, experimental design, and computer modeling, and gain hands-on experience in these areas. You may work on tasks such as analyzing data and developing simulations.
Location: Various nonprofits in New Jersey
Stipend: Paid; amount not specified
Program dates: 8 weeks in the summer, including 1 week Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors with good academic backgrounds who are authorized to work in the U.S.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers internships to high school students interested in exploring community service and developing leadership skills. If selected, the program will match you with a local nonprofit to engage in community engagement tasks. Here, you will work 35 hours a week to help the organization address community-specific challenges. You will gain real-world work experience while developing professional skills in a supportive, mission-driven environment. This program can offer you insights into the daily operations of nonprofits and issues prevalent in your community. You will also get to attend the National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., a fully funded, week-long event that explores how nonprofits, government, and businesses collaborate to address community challenges.
Location: Liberty Science Center at Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ, and various college or university research facilities in NJ
Stipend: Paid; exact amount not specified
Program dates: June 25 – August 16
Application deadline: Typically in March; dates TBA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are 16 years old by July 1
Liberty Science Center’s Partners in Science offers high school students opportunities to engage in scientific research in professional research settings. The program will match you with a mentor in the tech, science, or health fields who will guide you through the research process. You will get to work in a college/university research facility. Throughout the program, you will engage in lab work and develop skills in scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and communication through oral presentations and written reports. You will get exposure to ongoing STEM research and access to professional networking opportunities.
Location: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Program dates: Four weeks from mid-July to mid-August
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students who are at least 17 years old
The Coriell Institute for Medical Research offers hands-on exposure to real-world scientific research and biobank operations through its Summer Experience for High School Students program. The four-week program allows you to work alongside Coriell’s professional scientists and technicians, gaining experience in the day-to-day functions of high-level production and molecular biology labs. Opportunities are typically available in Corriell’s Production Lab, Stem Cell Lab, and Molecular Biology Lab, where you will learn various techniques, including DNA extraction, stem cell processing, and karyotyping, to identify genetic disorders. The program also offers professional development sessions covering public speaking, resume-building, and interview preparation, along with weekly scientific seminars led by internal researchers and guest speakers. The program will end with a presentation, where you will share your work with your peers and Coriell staff.
Location: Mercer County, Trenton, NJ
Stipend: $17/hour
Program dates: July 7 – August 29
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years of age and live in or attend a school in Mercer County
Mercer County’s Student Internship Program offers a structured introduction to local government operations to high school students. Here, you will be placed in county departments and get some real-world work experience in public administration, communications, and community development. In addition to department-based tasks, you will participate in skill-building workshops that will enhance your resume writing, interview strategies, financial literacy, and public speaking skills. The program also offers training on workplace professionalism, civic responsibility, and networking to improve your technical and soft skills. You will get opportunities to engage with local leaders and professionals and build connections to support your future academic and professional pursuits while contributing to the community.
Location: Various sites in the U.S., including Lakehurst, NJ
Stipend: New participants: $4,000 | Returning participants: $4,500
Program dates: Eight weeks; exact dates depend on the lab
Application deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens and 18 years old at the time of application
Every year, SEAP offers high school students opportunities to work with lead researchers, scientists, and engineers at Navy laboratories and facilities, and conduct real-world Naval research under their mentorship and guidance. You can apply for a position at the NAWCAD Lakehurst laboratory in Central New Jersey, where you will assist your mentor with guided research projects, network with STEM professionals and peers, and shadow professional researchers on various projects and jobs. You will also get to participate in technical meetings, seminars, conferences, lab tours, group mentoring sessions, and other professional development activities. This placement will offer hands-on work experience in advanced technologies, including avionics, electromagnetics, material science, jet propulsion, cybersecurity, systems analysis, systems engineering, and artificial intelligence/machine learning.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $40 application fee + $850 participation fee; financial waivers available
Program dates: June 16 – 27
Application deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students who are 14 years or older, U.S. citizens/ permanent residents, or valid visa status holders with documentation proof; students who have participated in a healthcare project or have strong programming/math skills are preferred
Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program designed to introduce you to the technical and clinical applications of AI in medicine/healthcare through daily lectures covering foundational AI concepts. As an intern, you will also explore real-world medical applications during the program and work closely with Stanford researchers and student mentors on hands-on group projects. The program offers mentoring sessions, collaborative working groups, social activities, and career “Lunch and Learn” events featuring speakers from academia, industry, government, and nonprofits. You can also participate in the extended independent research internship once the program ends. The program can offer you insights into the role of AI and how to use the tech to address health challenges.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Program dates: Five weeks during the summer; exact dates not specified
Application deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates who are at least 16, not older than 18, and U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Laboratory Learning Program is an in-person opportunity to work closely alongside Princeton faculty and research staff in an active science or engineering research lab. You will participate in real-world projects in fields like chemical engineering, molecular biology, environmental science, and data analysis, and make contributions to the lab’s ongoing work. The exact tasks vary based on the assigned lab’s focus, availability of the supervising mentor, and the nature of the project; however, you will get exposure to professional lab techniques, research methods, and scientific problem-solving during regular weekday hours. You will also submit a two-page research summary report at the end of the program.
Location: Opportunities available across the U.S., including NJ, within a 45-minute commute of your residence
Stipend: $3,000
Program dates: Eight weeks from mid-June to July/August; flexible dates
Application deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and rising college freshmen who are at least 16 years old by the start of the internship
Offered by the American Fisheries Society, the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is meant for high school students interested in marine biology and aquatic sciences. You will work with a fisheries professional mentor in your area on tasks like electrofishing, water quality testing, data processing, establishing aquatic vegetation and fish habitats, and conducting fish population surveys. During the program, you will learn about the various nuances of the fisheries industry and participate in resource conservation and management projects. You may work in an office, lab, or out of the field on a boat! The program also includes a fully funded week-long Hutton Scholars Summit, where you may get to learn about college admissions and fisheries as a career path.
Location: Virtual or in-person at NASA facilities across the country
Stipend: Most interns get paid; the exact amount is not specified
Program dates: Varies by position
Application deadline: Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older and U.S. citizens with a minimum 3.0 GPA
NASA OSTEM offers various in-person and virtual internships to high school students throughout the year. As a NASA intern, you will get insights into space science, engineering, and research while working with NASA scientists and engineers. You will engage in real projects in areas such as aerospace engineering, data analysis, software development, and even non-STEM fields like communications or business administration.
Your tasks may involve collecting and analyzing data, conducting research, and engaging in academic readings. The experience can help you develop professional skills and get insights into the work of a space agency.
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: None
Program dates: July 5 – 25
Application deadline: January 10
Eligibility: New Jersey high school juniors demonstrating academic excellence and a strong interest in engineering and technology
The Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology (GSET), although not an internship, is a fully funded program offering hands-on experiences in which you get to collaborate and address real-world engineering problems. The opportunity is designed for academically talented students interested in developing technical skills and achieving personal growth in a pressure-free environment. You will participate in courses such as Robotics and Physics, choose electives from topics such as biomedical engineering and microfabrication, and work on a research project under the mentorship of Rutgers faculty or industry professionals. The program ends in a conference-style paper and presentation at a formal symposium. During the program, you will also visit companies such as Lockheed Martin and Johnson & Johnson, hear from guest speakers across academia and industry, and participate in workshops on career development and engineering life skills.
One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you want to pursue independent research under the guidance of a mentor, consider applying to Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective high school programs founded in partnership with Harvard and Oxford researchers. In the past, 4,000+ students applied for just 500 spots in the research program. You can learn about the application and available programs on the application form here.
Also, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a research mentor to develop a research paper.
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