15 STEM Internships for High School Students in New Jersey

STEM internships are essential for building practical skills you won’t find in a classroom. They let you tackle real problems, work with industry professionals, and develop expertise in areas like coding, data analysis, and engineering design. If you're a high school student in New Jersey interested in exploring science, technology, engineering, or math, you’re in luck! 

New Jersey is home to multiple organizations and universities that offer summer work-learn programs in STEM, and allow residents (like yourself) to apply. 

Summer internships in STEM give you the chance to work on hands-on projects, build valuable skills, and connect with professionals in the field. You'll not only get a glimpse into potential career paths but also develop problem-solving, communication, and technical skills that will make your college applications stand out.

In this list, we’ve gathered 15 of the best STEM internships for high school students in New Jersey!

15 STEM Internships for High School Students in New Jersey

1. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)

Cost: Free

Location: Princeton, NJ

Dates: Custom dates based on research mentor; typically June–August for 5–6 weeks

Application Deadline: February 15 - March 15 

Eligibility: High school students who are 16+ by June 15, and US citizen or legal permanent resident. 

The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) offers high school students a hands-on research experience at Princeton University during the summer.  You’ll explore key research areas like physics, engineering, and biology, diving into topics such as microfluidics, sustainable design, and cellular biology. 

Throughout your time in the program, you’ll engage in problem-solving, troubleshooting experiments, and collaborating with graduate students, postdocs, and faculty. You’ll learn to communicate your findings clearly and effectively, building a strong foundation for your future STEM studies.

2. Ladder Internships

Cost/Stipend: Starting at $2,490; financial aid available

Location: Remote

Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. The Summer Cohort application deadline is May 11!

Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. 

Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks.

The Ladder Internship Program connects high school students with high-growth startups across industries like technology, AI/ML, healthcare, marketing, consulting, and journalism. Over 8–12 weeks, you’ll work remotely on meaningful projects that make an impact. You’ll work with startup managers and receive guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach, helping you develop key skills for your future career.

Throughout the program, you’ll gain experience in professional development and end with a final presentation to company leadership. These startups have typically raised over $1M in funding, giving you valuable exposure to fast-paced, innovative environments that are shaping the future.

3. Veritas AI’s Internship

Cost/Stipend: $2,490

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: The summer cohort deadline is April 27.

Program Dates: Varies according to cohort.

Eligibility: High school students with prior experience in AI/ML or who have completed a Veritas AI program. 

The Veritas AI Internship is an 8-week virtual program where high school students can apply their AI and machine learning knowledge to real-world projects with VC-backed startups. You’ll work directly with company executives and receive mentorship from professionals at top organizations like Google, Microsoft, McKinsey, Wharton, and Harvard.

This internship is ideal for students with prior AI/ML experience who want to deepen their practical skills and grow their professional network. You’ll gain hands-on experience in AI/ML projects, learning to apply theories to solve real business challenges.

4. NASA OSTEM Internships

Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount varies)

Location: Virtual & on-site options at NASA centers across the U.S.

Dates: Varies by position

Application Deadline: February 28 (Summer cohort) and May 16 (Fall cohort)

Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens with minimum 3.0 GPA

The NASA OSTEM Internship Program allows you to work on NASA research projects in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, aerospace systems, and virtual/augmented reality. You’ll work  directly with NASA scientists and engineers, either virtually or on-site at various NASA centers.

You may be involved in tasks such as software development, prototype testing, data modeling, and systems analysis. You’ll develop technical skills in programming languages, machine learning algorithms, data analysis, and testing procedures.

5. NJIT Provost High School Summer Research Internship

Cost/Stipend: $150 program fee

Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 

Dates: June 23 – July 31

Application Deadline: February 27

Eligibility: High school students who have completed 10th or 11th grade by June with a minimum 3.75 GPA, and are residents of or studying in New Jersey

The NJIT Provost High School Summer Research Internship is a six-week program where you’ll engage in hands-on research in science and engineering under the mentorship of NJIT faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students. The program begins with mandatory lab safety training.

You’ll be involved in tasks such as data collection, statistical analysis, and laboratory experimentation. Depending on your assigned research area, you may work with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, utilize data visualization tools, or conduct experiments using specialized equipment. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at a research symposium, enhancing your scientific communication skills.

6. Army Research and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (REAP)

Cost/Stipend: Stipend amount varies by internship location and program duration

Location: Stockton University, Galloway, NJ 

Dates: June 22 – August 7

Application Deadline: Rolling basis

Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents 

The REAP Internship at Stockton University is a summer program designed for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in chemistry, environmental science, and engineering. Over the course of 6–8 weeks, you’ll work closely with university faculty and conduct hands-on research using advanced lab equipment and research methodologies.

Through this program, you’ll get the chance to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, working on projects that could range from environmental assessments to chemical analyses. 

7. NJCCIC High School Cybersecurity Internship Program

Cost/Stipend: Free (unpaid)

Location: Virtual

Dates: Basics Program: July 14 – July 18, Advanced Program: July 21 – October

Application Deadline: May 9

Eligibility: New Jersey high school students (grades 9–12) interested in cybersecurity. The Advanced Program requires prior experience or previous NJCCIC internship.

The NJCCIC Cybersecurity Internship offers high school students the chance to dive into the world of cybersecurity through two distinct virtual summer programs. The Basics Internship Program is a week-long introduction to the foundational concepts of cybersecurity. You’ll explore core topics such as network security, threat identification, encryption, and online safety.

For those looking for a deeper understanding, the Advanced Internship Program spans several months and offers an immersive experience in cybersecurity research and real-world applications. You’ll engage in complex tasks like threat analysis, digital forensics, and system vulnerability assessments, working on projects that simulate actual cybersecurity challenges.

8. Rutgers NJMS High School Student Interns

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid

Location: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 

Dates: Individually arranged; varies by faculty mentor

Application Deadline: At least 4 weeks prior to start date

Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old. Must obtain a commitment from a Rutgers NJMS faculty member to host the internship

The Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) Research Internship offers high school students the chance to pursue independent research projects in a medical school setting. You’ll work directly with NJMS faculty to arrange your own research experience in fields such as biology, biomedical engineering, or medical research.

This flexible program allows you to choose your area of interest and connect with faculty members who align with your goals. You’ll be responsible for preparing a research proposal and fulfilling requirements like lab safety and biosafety training, proof of insurance, and state working papers.

9. Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students

Cost/Stipend: Free (unpaid)

Location: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ

Dates: Mid-July – Mid-August (4 weeks)

Application Deadline: May 15

Eligibility: High school students who are at least 17 years old by July 1 and U.S. resident with a strong interest in science (advanced coursework preferred).

The Coriell Summer Experience is a four-week unpaid internship where high school students work directly in Coriell's biobanking and production laboratories, gaining hands-on experience in biotechnology and biomedical research. 

You’ll work with Coriell’s scientific staff on real-world projects, diving into techniques such as DNA extraction, stem cell research, karyotyping, and sample preparation. Throughout the internship, you’ll attend weekly scientific seminars and participate in career development training. The program culminates in a formal presentation where you’ll share the research work you’ve contributed to.

10. Inspiring Medicine’s Future M.I.N.D.S. Program

Cost/Stipend: $1,200 stipend provided

Location: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ 

Dates: 6-week program (typically mid-July to late August)

Application Deadline: Varies; typically in the spring

Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are New Jersey residents

The M.I.N.D.S. (Medical Internship Navigating Diversity and Science) Program, offered by the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, is a six-week paid internship aimed at high school juniors and seniors interested in the medical field. During the program, you will engage in activities like brain dissections, public speaking workshops, and medical research projects. 

You’ll also explore health disparities and social determinants of health, gaining insights into critical issues shaping healthcare. In addition to the hands-on experiences, the program includes SAT preparation classes and opportunities to learn about various medical professions from professionals within the Hackensack Meridian Health network.

11. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) High School Summer Internship

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid

Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, NJ 

Dates: June 30 – August 1

Application Deadline: November 22 - March 1

Eligibility: Graduating high school senior (the summer after graduation, not after junior year) at least 16 years old and authorized to work in the United States

The PPPL High School Summer Internship is a five-week, full-time program designed for graduating high school seniors interested in plasma physics and fusion energy. Based at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, you will work closely with research or engineering staff on hands-on projects related to plasma science.

During the internship, you’ll focus on tasks like data analysis, experiment setup, and lab maintenance, gaining practical experience in areas like fusion energy research, plasma diagnostics, and computational modeling. You will be involved in experiments aimed at understanding plasma behavior, which is key to developing fusion energy as a sustainable power source.

12. EDIT ML Summer Internship Program

Cost/Stipend: Free

Location: Virtual

Dates: April 15 – June 15

Application Deadline: April 15

Eligibility: Open to high school students who have a background in computer science

The EDIT ML Summer Internship Program, hosted by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, gives you the chance to explore how artificial intelligence intersects with healthcare. During this two-month, virtual internship, you’ll work on projects that involve developing and testing machine learning models to aid in clinical decision-making.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with tools like Python and R, focusing on areas such as medical imaging, natural language processing (NLP), and data analysis. By the end of the program, you will present your work in a research presentation, sharing your findings with healthcare professionals and peers.

13. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

Cost/Stipend: Free; $300 need-based stipend available

Location: Virtual

Dates: Session 1: July 1 – July 18 and Session 2: July 28 – August 8

Application Deadline: April 11

Eligibility: Female and non-binary students in grades 9–11

The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a two-week virtual program designed for female and non-binary high school students interested in computer science. You will learn essential coding skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and user interface design while working on hands-on projects like games, websites, and apps.

The program also provides career panels, mentorship, and daily support from experienced instructors, helping you gain confidence and technical skills. Whether you’re new to coding or have some prior knowledge, this program offers a welcoming environment to grow and develop.

14. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; fee waivers available

Location: Virtual and In-Person

Dates: June 18 – August 8

Application Deadline: February 2

Eligibility: Age 15+ for remote/in-person computer lab internships and Age 16+ for in-person wet-lab internships

The ASSIP Program at George Mason University is an eight-week research internship for high school students, offering hands-on experience in STEM fields. You will work with faculty mentors on real-world projects in areas like cybersecurity, computational science, and electrical engineering. Throughout the program, you’ll use tools like Python, R, and MATLAB to develop skills in data analysis, modeling, statistics, and scientific writing. You will also present your findings at the end of the program.

15. Colorado School of Mines: Computer Science Internship Program

Cost/Stipend: $100

Location: Virtual and In Person 

Dates: June 1 – August 6

Application Deadline: April 18

Eligibility: Open to high school students with strong interest in computer science and mathematics. No prior experience required

The Computer Science Internship Program at the Colorado School of Mines offers high school students practical experience in computer science, mathematics, and technology. This selective internship can be completed either virtually or in person, making it accessible to students nationwide.

During the program, you’ll work on projects that enhance your programming skills, algorithmic thinking, and problem-solving abilities. The curriculum focuses on logic and mathematical reasoning, providing a solid foundation for students pursuing academic or career paths in technology. Selected students are notified in mid-April.

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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