15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
Free programs give high school students the chance to gain academic and practical experience without financial barriers. These opportunities often include hands-on learning, guided projects, and mentorship from faculty, researchers, or professionals. Because many free programs are fully funded, they are typically selective, so being accepted can strengthen your college applications. Participating in a free summer program can demonstrate initiative, academic commitment, and readiness for advanced academics.
What free programs are available for high schoolers in New Jersey?
New Jersey is home to a range of free summer programs for high school students offered by universities, research centers, and local organizations. Programs span areas such as STEM, healthcare, business, leadership, and the arts. Depending on the program, you may take part in research, coursework, workshops, or project-based learning. You’ll aslo get to connect with mentors and peers from across the state.
Here are 15 free summer programs for high school students in New Jersey!
1. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Summer Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 30 - August 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising seniors in high school
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory offers high school students an opportunity to explore plasma physics, fusion energy, and other cutting-edge science. Princeton’s free summer programs for high school students in NJ let them work alongside scientists and engineers on experimental projects and computational simulations. You will gain practical experience in scientific research methodologies, data analysis ,and lab work, while contributing to ground-breaking discoveries at a leading national laboratory.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Full financial aid available!
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective program that gives high school students an opportunity to work with fast-growing start-ups and gain real-world experience. Partner companies span exciting industries such as tech, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. Many of these start-ups have raised over a million dollars in funding. As an intern, you’ll work on real projects alongside company managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach, and present your final work to the organization. Here is the application form to get started on your start-up journey.
3. New Jersey Institute of Technology’s High School Summer Research Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Generally at the end of February
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors with an unweighted GPA of 3.75 or higher
The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Provost Summer Research Program offers high school students an opportunity to dive into real STEM research alongside experienced mentors. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, you’ll work through all stages of the research process, from designing experiments and forming hypotheses to data collection, analysis, and final presentation. You’ll collaborate with undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, gaining firsthand insight into university-level science. The program culminates in an electronic poster presentation at NJIT’s annual Summer Research Symposium, where you’ll share your findings with faculty and other students.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Full financial aid available
Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is a non-profit initiative offering talented students from low-income backgrounds free access to one-on-one research mentorships. Modeled after the renowned Lumiere Research Scholar Program, the Breakthrough Scholar Program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors for 12 weeks to conduct independent research. You’ll explore a wide range of subjects from psychology, physics, economics, data science, to engineering, computer science, chemistry, and international relations, and produce a paper at the end of the program. This program is ideal for students to experience real interdisciplinary research and even to work towards an independent publication.
5. Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology (GSET)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Location: Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: July 5–25
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors living in New Jersey
The Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology (GSET) program is a free summer program for high school students in NJ that introduces them to engineering and technology. Hosted by Rutgers University, the program combines workshops, faculty lectures, and hands-on projects that challenge you to think like an engineer. You will visit local companies to observe engineers at work, design and execute your own STEM research project, and present your findings at the closing symposium. With a small cohort size, you’ll receive close mentorship from Rutgers professors and graduate students. Although the program doesn’t award grades or college credit, it provides valuable preparation for future engineering studies. Admission is limited and requires high school nominations, so early application is crucial.
6. Liberty Science Centre Partners in Science
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Liberty Science Centre, Jersey City, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None; students receive a stipend upon completion
Dates: June 25 – August 16
Application Deadline: March 31 (varies by year)
Eligibility: Rising 11th or 12th graders at least 16 years old by July 1
The Partners in Science program at the Liberty Science Center is an eight-week, paid research experience for high school students passionate about STEM. You’ll be paired with mentors in fields such as science, technology, and health. You’ll dedicate 25–30 hours per week to research projects that may include studying marine ecosystems, analyzing data, or helping design museum exhibits. The experience also features workshops on science communication and industry lab tours – so you get a sense of how scientists work. The program culminates in a final poster presentation, where you’ll share your findings with professionals and other students.
7. Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Online & on Princeton University’s campus
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Online workshops throughout July and a 10-day residential experience on Princeton's campus in early August
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors who meet certain low‑income criteria
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a fully-funded opportunity for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are interested in storytelling and media. This hybrid program begins with online sessions in July and continues with an on-campus residential experience at Princeton in August. You will attend workshops and lectures led by journalists and educators, visit major news organizations such as The New York Times, HuffPost, and Bloomberg, and report on live events, including sports and local news. The program concludes with the publication of The Princeton Summer Journal, showcasing your original reporting and giving you a true taste of life in journalism.
8. Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science (RITMS) Summer Research Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None; a travel stipend is provided to offset commuting costs
Dates: Eight‑week program running mid‑June to mid‑August
Application Deadline: Generally early February
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 and entering sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school; minimum GPA of 3.0
This Summer Research Program offers high school students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in biomedical research under the mentorship of Rutgers scientists. You will learn lab techniques, assist in experiments, and attend weekly seminars covering topics such as molecular biology and clinical research. The program ends with a presentation of your findings to faculty and other students, giving you a valuable experience in scientific communication. As one of Rutgers’ competitive programs, early application—preferably by February—is recommended, especially for students with prior science coursework.
9. Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts of students and teachers
Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None; stipend provided
Dates: 4th week of June through August 25
Application Deadline: Early decision deadline February 23; final deadline March 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds; must be at least 16, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and commit to two summer sessions
The Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) Program is a two-year cancer research training initiative supported by the National Cancer Institute, designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of biomedical researchers. Each summer, you’ll work in a Rutgers research lab, collaborating with faculty mentors and graduate students on cancer research projects. You’ll also attend seminars on cancer biology, health disparities, and scientific communication, while participating in community outreach activities that connect science to real-world impact. The program requires participants to return for a second summer to continue their research. RUYES is open to students from groups underrepresented in biomedical research who are eager to explore careers in research and medicine.
10. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Location: Princeton University’s campus in Princeton, New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Flexible five‑week sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Must be 16 years old by June 15
The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) at Princeton University gives high school students an opportunity to conduct real, university-level research alongside Princeton faculty and graduate students. You’ll explore disciplines such as physics, biology, and computer science while contributing to ongoing research projects. You’ll take part in forming hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, and discussing your findings with mentors. Each lab sets its own schedule, but most internships last at least five weeks.
11. Summer Entrepreneurship and Business Academy (SEBA)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort of local students
Location: Stockton University, Galloway, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: July 13 – 19
Application Deadline: June 17
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors
The Summer Entrepreneurship and Business Academy (SEBA) at Stockton University’s School of Business introduces high school students to the world of entrepreneurship and business management. You’ll explore key topics such as finance, accounting, and marketing, through interactive lectures, workshops, and field visits. The program culminates in a business plan competition, where teams pitch their ideas to a panel of faculty, industry leaders, and advisory board members, and winning teams can even earn cash prizes for their innovative solutions.
12. Rowan University’s Think Like an Entrepreneur
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts
Location: Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 24 – 27
Application Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Rowan University’s Think Like an Entrepreneur program gives high school students an opportunity to earn 3 college credits while diving into the exciting world of entrepreneurship and innovation. Working in teams, you’ll tackle business challenges tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals by developing business models, analyzing finances, and crafting creative solutions. The program culminates in a pitch competition, where teams present their ventures to a panel of industry judges. You’ll earn credits, which can be applied towards a degree at Rowan University or transferred to other institutions – making this program a head start on your college journey.
13. New Jersey Scholars Program (NJSP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 39 scholars each year
Location: The Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 29 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically in early February
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending a New Jersey secondary school
The New Jersey Scholars Program (NJSP) is a five-week residential experience that brings together some of New Jersey’s top students for an interdisciplinary academic journey that changes focus each year. You’ll live on campus, attend morning lectures and discussions, conduct independent research in the afternoon, and take part in cultural events and recreational activities in the evening. Each summer centers on a new theme – past topics have included climate change, global justice, and democracy. The program is fully funded, covering room and board. Admission is by school nomination, so early interest and preparation are of crucial importance.
14. Mercer County Summer Internship Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Various departments, Mercer County, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Paid; interns earn hourly wages for their work
Dates: Internships begin after the school year ends (late June) and end on the Friday before Labour Day
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Students aged 15 and older who live or attend school in Mercer County
Mercer County’s paid internship program gives high school students an opportunity to explore careers in public administration, law, finance, parks, and other government sectors. You will work on projects, build professional skills, and attend career workshops hosted by the Office of Personnel. Open to students aged 15 and above, this program is both paid and free, making it an excellent way to strengthen your résumé, earn money, and discover career paths in career service.
15. Newark Museum of Art’s Explorers Teen Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students each year
Location: Newark Museum, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Early October
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 2.7
The Explorers Teen Program at the Newark Museum of Art helps high school students in Newark grow as leaders, communicators, and creative thinkers through explorations of art and culture. You’ll explore your interests and develop college, career, and life skills, using the museum’s vast collections and resources. As an Explorer, you’ll work within different museum departments, attend workshops on self-discovery, leadership, and public speaking – helping you discover your strengths and develop as a speaker, educator, and researcher.
Image Source - Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Logo