15 Summer Academic Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 6
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 5
If you’re a high school student in New Jersey, summer is a great time to explore local summer programs. Summer academic programs, particularly, offer high school students a chance to explore college-level learning without the high cost of out-of-state options. These programs include structured courses or lectures and often cover practical skills, industry exposure, and opportunities to connect with peers and mentors. They also give students a preview of college life while building a strong academic foundation.
If you’re considering a summer program, it’s worth exploring those that are both challenging and well-regarded in terms of the academic rigor they allow you to engage in. We’ve narrowed down a list of top programs in New Jersey based on academic rigor, networking opportunities, funding availability, low acceptance rates, and backing from prestigious institutions.
Here are 15 summer programs for high school students in New Jersey!
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June-August), Fall (September-December), Winter (December-February), and Spring (March-June).
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school. No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week academic opportunity for high school students who want to explore a topic through independent research. In the program, you’re paired with a Ph.D. mentor who provides one-on-one guidance as you develop and complete a research project. At the end of the program, you’ll submit a full-length research paper based on your work.
You can choose to focus on a variety of subjects, including psychology, economics, computer science, physics, international relations, and more. The program is designed to support students who are interested in approaching a subject with more depth and academic structure. Information about how to apply is available here.
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 30 — August 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors, at least 16 years old when the internship begins
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) offers a full-time summer internship for students who have completed high school and are preparing to enter college. As an intern, you’ll work alongside researchers or engineers on ongoing projects related to plasma physics or fusion energy. Applicants should have a strong academic background in subjects like physics, chemistry, math, or engineering, and an interest in energy research.
Experience with programming languages such as Python or Java, or with design software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD, is recommended. The internship offers practical experience in a professional lab setting and introduces students to current work in plasma and fusion science. The program is competitive and provides a structured environment for exploring research in a specialized field.
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI provides a range of programs focused on AI education, including small-group learning and options for more individualized project work through one-on-one mentorship. If you’re applying to the AI Scholars program, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with PhD students from leading universities. The curriculum introduces Python programming and covers core topics in AI, machine learning, and data science, such as neural networks, regression models, and natural language processing. As part of the program, you’ll apply what you learn to practical projects.
The AI Fellowship program also includes personalized mentorship and allows you to develop an independent project. Previous participants have explored how AI can be used in areas like healthcare, climate science, mental health, sports analytics, and finance. Examples of past projects are available here.
Location: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 15
Program Dates: 4 weeks from mid-July to mid-August
Eligibility: Students who are at least 17 years old by July 1, residents of the U.S., and have a strong interest in science (advanced science classes are preferred), able to travel to the Coriell facility
The Coriell Summer Experience is a four-week summer internship for high school students interested in science and biotechnology. It runs from mid-July to mid-August and takes place at Coriell’s research facilities. During the program, you’ll rotate through various lab departments, such as Molecular Biology, Stem Cell, and Production, and learn techniques like DNA extraction, stem cell culturing, and karyotyping.
The program includes weekly seminars led by Coriell researchers that introduce current topics in science, as well as workshops focused on resume writing and interview preparation. You’ll also receive training in public speaking in preparation for a final presentation summarizing your experience. This internship is unpaid and designed to give you practical lab exposure and insight into careers in biomedical research.
Location: Science Complex at The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
Cost: $475
Application deadline: March 15. After this date, rolling admissions based on availability
Program dates: July 21–25
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Camp Innovate and Investigate at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a week-long summer program for high school students passionate about STEM. Through hands-on lab work, group projects, and field trips, students explore real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math.
You’ll take part in workshops across STEM fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and mathematics. Highlights include a hydroponics workshop, where students design and build soil-free growing systems while learning about sustainable agriculture, and sustainability-focused sessions that explore renewable energy, environmental engineering, and conservation technologies. Additional workshops cover topics like coding, data analysis, and the science behind current global challenges.
The program also includes college prep sessions that offer guidance on applying to STEM majors, exploring career paths, and building research experience. Led by TCNJ faculty and STEM professionals, the camp provides an engaging introduction to scientific investigation and the impact of innovation in solving today’s challenges.
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $150 program fee with need-based waiver available; no stipend
Application Deadline: Student application— February 27, letters of recommendation— March 6
Program Dates: June 23 — July 31
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) offers a six-week summer research internship for high school students in New Jersey who are interested in STEM fields. With about 20 spots available each year, this program allows selected students to explore areas such as robotics, engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and more.
As a participant, you’ll be matched with an NJIT faculty mentor and work as part of a research team that may include undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students. You can choose to focus on one of several broad research areas, including bioscience and bioengineering, artificial intelligence and robotics, data science, environmental studies, or materials science. The program combines lab work with academic sessions, offering direct experience in scientific research and its practical applications.
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: None
Application deadline: January 10
Program dates: July 5-July 25.
Eligibility: New Jersey students completing their junior year, who have taken honors math and science classes with primarily A grades, with outstanding standardized test scores. Students need to be nominated by their schools
The Governor’s School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology is a free, highly selective, month-long summer program for rising high school seniors. Each high school can nominate one student per 325 juniors, and fewer than 100 students are admitted. If selected, you’ll take four academic courses — two core subjects such as robotics and physics, and two electives like materials science, game design, or electronics for robotics.
In addition to coursework, you’ll collaborate in a small group on a research project guided by mentors from academia or industry, with the opportunity to visit local corporations to learn about potential future careers. Your group will write a research paper and present your findings at the end of the program. Past projects have included work on wind turbine design and biomedical devices. The program also features field trips, guest lectures, and sessions focused on college preparation.
Location: Environmental & Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, NJ
Cost: $925; need-based financial aid available
Application Deadline: March 14
Dates: Session 1: July 21 — 25 | Session 2: July 28 — August 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12 in the fall; students are highly encouraged to have completed at least one biology course
The Toxicology, Health and Environmental Disease (THED) High School Summer Program is a science-focused summer opportunity offered by the Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute. It introduces high school students to subjects such as genetics, drug metabolism, pharmacogenetics, forensic toxicology, and environmental science.
The program combines lab work with discussions led by professionals in fields like medicine, pharmacy, and forensic toxicology. You’ll explore topics related to human health and environmental impact while gaining experience in lab procedures and ethical research practices. The program will also include discussions on careers in medicine, pharmacy, toxicology, environmental science, and biomedical research. While not required, having completed at least one biology course is recommended before applying.
Location: Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, NJ, and virtual
Cost: $2,200 (residential) | $600 (virtual)
Application Deadline: Applications open after January 13 and are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: Session 1: June 23 — July 3 | Session 2: July 28 — August 8 | August 11—24 (virtual session)
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 who have completed a high school-level biology course.
The Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE) is a two-week, non-residential program held at Rutgers University’s Busch Campus for high school students interested in genetics and molecular biology research. The program combines daily seminars with hands-on lab work to introduce students to real-world scientific investigation.
Participants learn key techniques such as DNA purification, PCR, and gene sequence analysis, while also using bioinformatics tools to analyze genetic data. Students contribute to ongoing research by submitting verified gene sequences to GenBank, the national DNA database, with their names credited on the submission.
WISE offers both in-person and virtual participation options, allowing students to engage in research and data analysis remotely using online tools and guided instruction.
Location: Various school labs across NJ.
Cost: No cost. Participants receive a stipend
Application Deadline: Typically early March
Dates: June 25 — August 16
Eligibility: Rising 11–12 graders by June; 16 years old by July 1
The Liberty Science Center’s Partners in Science program is an eight-week summer research opportunity for rising high school juniors and seniors. In this program, you’ll work with mentors in university and research labs, gaining experience in scientific research across areas such as biology, health, and engineering.
The program focuses on developing skills in science communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. You’ll also have the chance to connect with scientists and peers from different backgrounds. After completing the program, you will receive a stipend for your participation.
Location: Kean University, Union, NJ
Cost: 4-Week Session: $2,500 | 2-Week Session: $1,250. Financial aid is available, you can check the eligibility criteria here
Application deadline: March 14
Program dates: Two-week session: July 21-31 | Four-week session: July 7 - 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Group Summer Scholars Research Program allows high school students to participate in STEM research alongside Kean University faculty and professional researchers. You can choose to take part in the program for two or four weeks. During this time, you’ll explore areas such as cancer biology, developmental biology, machine learning, scientific computation, and drug discovery.
You’ll work on a research project with other students under the guidance of faculty and graduate student mentors. The program also includes workshops on professional skills, demonstrations of lab equipment, and support with college and career planning. You can review the different research areas ahead of time to understand what each session covers.
Location: Online & on Princeton University’s campus, Princeton, NJ
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: Typically in February
Program Dates: Online workshops starting July 1, followed by a 10-day residential experience on Princeton’s campus from July 24 to August 3
Eligibility: You must be a rising high school junior and must meet at least one of the socioeconomic conditions listed here
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is a highly selective, tuition-free program for high-achieving high school juniors from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It begins with virtual sessions in July and continues with an in-person residential experience in August on Princeton’s campus.
During the residential phase, students participate in journalism workshops and lectures led by professional journalists and educators. They report on professional sports events, news in the Princeton area, and investigative stories, while also producing digital content, maintaining a group blog, and attending a film or theatre production for review. Students visit major media outlets like The New York Times, HuffPost, and Bloomberg for firsthand exposure to the industry.
The program also includes comprehensive college preparation, with one-on-one mentorship, application guidance, and essay-writing support. The students’ final work is published in The Princeton Summer Journal, showcasing the skills and stories they develop throughout the program.
Location: Rutgers, NJMS Research Laboratory, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Application Deadline: Four weeks before program start
Program Dates: Vary as per dates assigned by the mentor
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age; must have commitment from a Rutgers RBHS-NJMS faculty member to host the internship, and submit required consent forms.
The Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) Research Internship allows high school students to work on a research project in biomedical engineering or medical science. Before beginning lab work, you’ll complete training on lab safety and biosafety procedures.
You’ll select a research area that interests you and be paired with an NJMS faculty mentor. Throughout the internship, you’ll develop a research proposal and engage with topics at the medical school level. The program also helps you build skills in scientific communication and data analysis through hands-on experience in the lab.
Location: Stockton University, Atlantic City, NJ
Cost: No cost. The winning team will receive $500
Application Deadline: June 17 (tentatively, based on previous year’s deadline)
Program Dates: July 13-19
Eligibility: Must be a high school sophomore or junior
The Summer Entrepreneurship and Business Academy (SEBA) at Stockton University School of Business provides high school students with an introduction to entrepreneurship and business management. You’ll study topics such as accounting, finance, and marketing while participating in networking events and field trips.
The program includes a business plan competition where your team’s work will be reviewed by faculty, advisory board members, and industry professionals. At the conclusion of SEBA, teams present their business plans, and the winning team earns a $500 prize.
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ.
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: May 18
Program Dates: June 23-26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy offers you the chance to study entrepreneurship and earn three college credits, which can be applied at Rowan University or transferred to other schools. In the program, you’ll work with peers to explore topics such as business models, customer engagement, financial analysis, and pitching ideas.
You’ll be placed in a team and tasked with developing a solution related to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. At the end of the program, your team will present a pitch to a panel of industry professionals, showcasing your proposed solution.
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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