15 Spring Programs for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
Spring programs offer high school students a structured way to explore their academic interests, build practical skills, and gain early exposure to college-level learning. These programs allow you to develop your problem-solving and collaboration skills, which can make you a stronger college applicant. These experiences also allow you to explore potential majors or careers and build networks with mentors and peers.
New Jersey spring programs, hosted by New Jersey universities like Rutgers and Princeton, provide an introduction to college-level academics, research, and campus life. These programs can help you solidify your interests and demonstrate intellectual curiosity on your college applications. For instance, New Jersey-based dual enrollment or pre-college courses allow you to earn transferable college credit and build an impressive transcript. Connecting with university faculty, researchers, and undergraduates can lead to personalized mentorship and strong letters of recommendation.
With so many options available, from university-run enrichment courses to industry-linked pathway programs, we’ve curated a list of 15 spring programs for high school students in NJ (New Jersey).
1. The Ronald E. Hatcher Science On Saturday Lecture Series – Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, NJ
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; typically, 300+ attendees
Dates: Saturdays from January 10 to March 7
Application Deadline: No formal application required; attendance is first-come, first-served
Eligibility: All high school students; students under 18 must attend with an adult
This long-running lecture series introduces high school students to research in physics, biology, engineering, environmental science, and more. Each Saturday, sessions feature a different scientist or engineer presenting their work, exposing you to real research questions and the methods experts use to address them. You’ll also gain insight into how scientific fields evolve and how researchers frame problems in areas like biodiversity, robotics, lasers, pollination ecology, and human cognition. The program encourages active curiosity, making it a useful option for students wanting structured science enrichment during the spring semester. Recordings are also posted online, allowing you to catch up if you miss a session.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (open to NJ students and students worldwide)
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%; 70 – 100 students
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts
Application Deadline: January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), and November (Winter)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8 – 12 weeks
Ladder Internships allow high school students to gain real experience by joining high-growth start-ups across areas such as AI/ML, deep tech, health tech, business, and communications. As an intern, you work directly with a manager at the company on meaningful projects rather than simulated assignments, giving you insight into how early-stage organizations operate. Throughout the internship, you develop problem-solving, communication, and project management skills while collaborating with small teams. You also learn how to structure deliverables and present your work to stakeholders. Because the program is remote, it provides NJ students with access to opportunities not limited by geography, making it a strong spring option for students juggling school schedules.
3. Youth Leadership Somerset – Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Location: Somerset County, NJ (various community sites across the county)
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 40 students
Dates: September – May, one Saturday per month
Application Deadline: Typically, late May
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10 – 12 who live in Somerset County
Youth Leadership Somerset is a nine-month community leadership program that introduces high school students to local issues, public institutions, and county-level decision-making. Over monthly Saturday sessions, you participate in discussions, small-group challenges, and interactive activities such as site visits and walking tours. Each session focuses on a theme, such as local government, emergency response, economic development, justice, or healthcare, and features presentations from community leaders and county professionals. The program is designed to build your understanding of how Somerset County functions while strengthening skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote (open to NJ students and students worldwide)
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, 1:1 mentor-student ratio
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts; 12 weeks to 1 year, depending on program
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with demonstrated high academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with individualized research training through 1-on-1 mentorship with Ph.D.-level researchers. Throughout the program, you design and execute an original research project in a field of interest, which may include economics, engineering, psychology, international relations, computer science, or other STEM and humanities subjects. You receive structured guidance on formulating research questions, analyzing data, and building a scholarly argument. By the end of the program, you will have completed a full-length research paper that reflects your independent work, and also become eligible for a UCSD Extended Studies credit. Many students also participate in optional opportunities such as conference submissions or writing competitions.
5. Rutgers Waksman Student Scholars Program
Location: Participating high school as a class or after-school club in NJ
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 1 – 2 students per participating school
Dates: Year-long program; Starts with a Summer Institute (typically July) and continues through the academic year (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Application Deadline: Typically, late winter/early spring
Eligibility: High school students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade for the next academic year who have completed at least one year of high school biology, attend a school that will conduct the program, and have an identified teacher attending the Summer Institute
The Rutgers Waksman Student Scholars Program (WSSP) is a unique year-long research initiative where high school students and their teachers conduct authentic research in molecular biology. The program focuses on the core topics of molecular biology, bioinformatics, and computational biology, often using a specific organism like duckweed to study gene expression. You engage in performing molecular biology lab procedures (like DNA purification and gel electrophoresis), analyzing novel gene sequences using bioinformatics tools, and presenting your findings at a forum. Students who successfully analyze a sequence can publish their findings on the international GenBank database, adding their names to scientific literature.
6. New Brunswick Saturday Scholars Academy
Location: Rutgers University–New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; small, focused cohorts
Dates: Academic year, September – May
Application Deadline: Not specified; contact ODASIS or your high school counselor for the current academic year's deadlines
Eligibility: Rising high school junior at the time of application, attending one of the participating New Brunswick high schools: New Brunswick High School or New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School
The New Brunswick Saturday Scholars Academy, sponsored by Rutgers ODASIS, is a free, academic-year program designed to prepare local high school juniors for college and careers in STEM and healthcare fields. The core academic topics covered include college-level Mathematics, Critical Reading/Writing, and Laboratory Sciences, aiming to bridge the gap between high school and university expectations. Throughout the program, you attend weekly Saturday classes on the Rutgers campus, complete advanced coursework, and participate in college admissions and financial aid workshops. The program features a high degree of personalized mentorship and dedicated support that continues through your senior year.
7. NASA OSTEM Internship Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Paid internships; amounts differ by center and academic level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; varies by NASA center and project
Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions (spring placements typically January – May)
Application Deadline: Varies by session; Spring: September 12
Eligibility: Current and full-time high school students who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
NASA’s internship programs allow students to contribute to mission-driven research and engineering projects at centers across the country. You work alongside NASA scientists, engineers, analysts, and technologists, gaining hands-on experience while developing technical and professional skills. Spring interns may support tasks in robotics, aeronautics, planetary science, computer science, communications, or STEM education, depending on project availability. The program emphasizes mentorship, workplace learning, and exposure to NASA's multidisciplinary culture. Although most opportunities are designed for college students, highly qualified high school applicants may be considered for select engineering or coding projects. All roles provide structured training and career development aligned with NASA’s broader workforce pipeline.
8. Community Leaders Club – Livingston Youth & Community Services
Location: Livingston Senior/Community Center, Livingston, NJ
Cost: $85
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; space may be limited
Dates: Weekly meetings during the school year, including the spring semester, with additional sessions as needed
Application Deadline: Rolling; registration through CommunityPass
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 committed to an ATOD-free (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs) lifestyle
The Community Leaders Club is a student-led leadership and service program that allows high school participants to mentor younger students and support community-based initiatives. You receive training in presentation skills, group facilitation, and event coordination, along with workshops on empathy, social media awareness, and substance-free decision-making. Throughout the spring, you will help run programs for elementary and middle school youth, including those with special needs, giving you experience in youth engagement and community outreach. Collaboration with local law enforcement introduces topics related to healthy choices and community safety. The program emphasizes responsibility, role modeling, and positive contribution to the local community.
9. Montclair State University – Early College Scholars Program
Location: Montclair State University, NJ or Online
Cost/Stipend: $825 per 3-credit course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; cohort size varies by course
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters; Spring: Multiple courses between January 16 and May 4
Application Deadline: Varies as per semester; Spring: December 15
Eligibility: U.S. high school students interested in taking up to two college courses per term
Montclair State’s Early College Scholars Program allows high school students to enroll in introductory undergraduate courses and earn transferable college credit. You may choose on-campus or online sections across fields such as anthropology, economics, computer science, or the arts, enabling you to explore potential majors while building academic confidence. Courses follow the same expectations as those for university students, giving you exposure to college syllabi, lectures, and assessment formats. Advisors support high school enrollees in selecting appropriate courses that match their preparation and workload. The spring term offers a structured way to experience university academics while still in high school.
10. Brookdale Community College Dual Enrollment Program
Location: Participating high school in NJ
Cost: Tuition, books, fees, and course materials costs apply but are not stated; per-credit rate must be confirmed with Brookdale's Bursar/Dual Enrollment office
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Acceptance rate not applicable; cohort size varies greatly depending on the high school and the chosen model (On-Site vs. Release)
Dates: Academic calendar; Fall, Spring, and Summer terms
Application Deadline: Fall: July 1; Spring: November 1; Summer: April 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who attend a high school that participates in a dual enrollment agreement with Brookdale | Must have the written approval and recommendation of the high school guidance counselor and a parent/guardian | Have the qualifying SAT/ACT scores (e.g., Math greater than equal to 530 or Critical Reading greater than equal to 540 SAT score; ACT equivalent scores also accepted) | Minimum 2.0 GPA in Brookdale courses
The Brookdale Community College Dual Enrollment Program allows high school students to take college courses and earn transferable college credit while still attending high school. The program covers a wide array of introductory college subjects, including English composition, mathematics, history, and various sciences, mirroring Brookdale's core curriculum. You will attend college lectures either at your high school or on the Brookdale campus, complete college-level assignments and exams, and interact with college faculty. The program provides an opportunity to transition into college with fewer general education requirements and substantial financial savings. By successfully participating, you gain skills in time management, advanced study techniques, and navigating the college environment before full-time enrollment.
11. West Windsor Recreation – Basketball Spring High School Girls Program
Location: West Windsor Recreation facilities, West Windsor, NJ
Cost: Standard recreation program fee; will be available upon going through the registration portal
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; cohort size may be limited
convenience fee
Dates: Spring season (weekly sessions between March and May)
Application Deadline: Registration open until filled
Eligibility: Girls in grades 8–11 attending or residing in West Windsor
West Windsor Recreation offers a spring basketball program designed for high school girls who want to develop foundational and advanced gameplay skills. Throughout the season, you will participate in structured practices that focus on shooting, defense, footwork, conditioning, and team communication. Coaches emphasize fundamentals while also preparing players for competitive play in scrimmages and small-team drills. Because the program meets weekly during the spring, it offers a consistent athletic commitment that complements the academic calendar. You will also benefit from a community-based environment that encourages teamwork, sportsmanship, and fitness. Registration is available through CommunityPass, with options to pay online or by mail.
12. NJIT Academy College Credit Courses for High School Students
Location: NJIT campus, Newark, NJ
Cost: $660 per credit + $60 non-refundable application fee; scholarships might be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small Saturday cohorts
available
Dates: January 24 – May 9
Application Deadline: First wave: December 15; Second wave: January 9
Eligibility: High-achieving 11th and 12th-grade high school students
NJIT’s Academy College Credit Program allows high school juniors and seniors to enroll in university-level courses and earn transcripted college credits during the spring semester. You will take classes on Saturdays in small groups led by NJIT faculty, gaining exposure to college-level expectations, STEM coursework, and peer collaboration with other motivated students. Courses range from computing to engineering and forensic science, each designed to build foundational college skills and academic independence. The credits you earn can be applied toward an NJIT degree or transferred to many other universities, depending on institutional policies. Throughout the semester, you will navigate real syllabi, graded assignments, and assessments that mirror first-year college courses.
13. Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP)
Location: On-site at participating high schools in Somerset and Hunterdon counties, NJ
Cost: $240 per CEP course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not applicable; cohort size varies by the high school and the popularity of the course available
Dates: High school academic year timeline, aligning with the RVCC Fall and Spring semesters
Application Deadline: Fall Semester: August 1, and Spring Semester: December 20
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors attending a participating high school (sophomores may be eligible for certain courses like Pre-Calculus) | Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (A B- average), a recommendation letter required for exceptions | Must satisfy any course-specific placement requirements
The RVCC Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) allows high school juniors and seniors to earn actual, transferable college credit right within their familiar high school setting. The program covers standard general education requirements, including topics in English composition, mathematics, history, and foreign languages, depending on the high school partnership. You participate by attending the CEP course taught by an RVCC-approved high school teacher, completing college-level reading and research assignments, and taking the official RVCC course final exam. The program significantly reduces college tuition costs while allowing you to be in the high school environment. You develop essential academic skills in collegiate reading comprehension, rigorous time management, and critical thinking.
14. Igniting Your Leadership Potential Certificate in Leadership Development
Location: Virtual (New Jersey 4-H Youth Development Program)
Cost: $25 per course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; cohort size not publicly stated
Dates: The Voice of Leadership: March 4 – 25 | The Art of Self Leadership: April 1 – 22
Application Deadline: The Voice of Leadership: February 27 | The Art of Self Leadership: March 25
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–13
This program’s Spring offerings include The Voice of Leadership, focused on communication as a leadership tool, and The Art of Self-Leadership, which emphasizes integrity, emotional awareness, and self-discipline. You meet weekly for one hour, combining instructor-led sessions with independent assignments to reinforce core concepts. You will examine leadership frameworks, analyze real-world examples, and complete reflective exercises aimed at strengthening your personal leadership style. You will earn a digital badge for every completed course and may obtain a certificate after finishing four courses. This program provides a flexible, structured way to develop foundational leadership competencies during the spring semester.
15. United Nations Young Leaders Training Programme – UNITAR
Location: Virtual
Cost: $750; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 30 students
Dates: January 12 – February 6; April 13 – May 8; June 8 – July 3; July 27 – August 21
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until seats are filled
Eligibility: High school and university students
This four-week online program introduces students to the structure, values, and decision-making processes of the United Nations while building foundational skills in diplomacy and global leadership. You will complete four self-paced modules covering topics such as UN governance, conference diplomacy, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and intercultural communication. The curriculum includes weekly reading materials, discussion forums, and live webinars led by UN experts focusing on the UN system, SDGs, Model UN training, and early career pathways. You will also take part in weekly e-workshops on leadership, negotiation, and professional development. All participants finish the program with an official UNITAR certificate recognizing their training in global leadership and international cooperation.
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