15 Summer Internships for High School Students in New Jersey
Are you a high school student in New Jersey looking to spend your summer exploring potential career paths? Summer internships for high school students in New Jersey offer a chance to learn from professionals in fields like politics, technology, public service, and finance, while also reducing travel, tuition, and housing costs.
Summer internships for high school students in New Jersey can help build valuable experience through mentorship and hands-on projects, which can boost your confidence and clarify your future goals. Schools like Rutgers, NJIT, and Princeton offer opportunities to work on group projects, take college-level classes, and sometimes even earn college credit.
Whether you're into policymaking, entrepreneurship, community work, or STEM, summer internships for high school students in New Jersey offer avenues to get you started. Below is a curated list of 15 summer internships for high school students in New Jersey to help you take your next step.
15 Summer Internships for High School Students in New Jersey
1. Congressman Chris Smith’s Internship Program
Location: Congressional District Office (NJ)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective | Not specified
Dates: Summer session (8–10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Not specified; applicants are advised to call the Toms River/Middletown office on 732-504-0567
Eligibility: Upperclassmen high school students in New Jersey and in Washington, D.C.
In this internship, you’ll assist with constituent services, liaise with local agencies, and support legislative research, gaining a first-hand insight into how policy and government function at the federal level. You’ll observe sessions on planning outreach events, drafting communications, and organizing community visits. Mentorship comes directly from congressional staff members who guide you through daily tasks. By the end, you’ll present a summary of your experience and a brief policy recommendation. This internship is apt for students curious about politics and civic leadership. You will learn valuable skills, including communication, research, office administration, and an understanding of legislative processes.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10% | 70-100
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Upcoming Fall cohort deadline is August 24
Eligibility: high school students, undergraduate, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students. In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up for an internship. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars, and their founders are from top accelerators like YCombinator and companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. They offer internships across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects, presenting their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long. You can apply here.
3. Senator Cory Booker's Office’s High School Internship
Location: Newark and Camden, New Jersey | Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Provided, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Approximately 10 interns
Dates: Session One: mid-May–June | Session Two: July–August; 14 consecutive business days in August
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors residing in New Jersey | U.S. citizen or permanent resident
In this internship, you’ll get a hands-on introduction to constituent services, event coordination, policy research, public service, government operations, and civic engagement. You will answer phones, manage constituent correspondence, attend local community events, and conduct research on public policy issues. You will learn about the legislative process, constituent services, and community outreach while gaining insight into how a Senate office operates daily. The internship focuses on New Jersey's local issues, opportunities to interact directly with elected officials and staff, and a paid stipend for high school students in state offices. You will develop valuable skills such as communication, professional writing, teamwork, and critical thinking.
4. Mercer County Administration Building’s Student Internship Program
Location: Trenton, NJ
Stipend: $17 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Limited spots
Dates: July 7–August 29
Application Deadline: Typically May
Eligibility: Must be at least 15 years of age | Either live in Mercer County or attend a school or university located in Mercer County
In this internship, you will be placed across various county departments such as administration, records, information technology, and libraries, where you will gain hands-on work experience. You will assist with office tasks, support special projects, attend career development workshops (like resume writing, interview preparation, and financial literacy), and collaborate on community initiatives. The internship also includes career-building workshops and mentorship from county professionals, and offers the chance to explore public sector careers in a supportive environment. You will develop valuable skills such as professional communication, time management, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of government operations.
5. Summer Intern Program S.W.A.G. – Camden
Location: Camden, NJ
Stipend: $14 per hour for up to 20 hours a week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified | Not specified
Dates: 5-6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: High school students in Camden County between the ages of 14-17 | Students who have not failed in core graduation subjects of English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Health/Physical Education
The program is a 5-week summer youth employment program for Camden City School District middle school and high school students. As a S.W.A.G. intern, you will work in community-based roles supporting youth services, environmental projects, or social justice efforts. You’ll plan and run workshops, help with outreach and data collection, and collaborate with nonprofit staff. You’ll conclude the internship with a community showcase of your project, gaining insight into urban-level community engagement and leadership. You will learn valuable professional and life skills such as resume writing, problem-solving, and customer service, essential for future employment or higher education.
6. NASA OSTEM High School Internships
Location: New Jersey Space Grant Consortium, Rutgers University, New Jersey
Stipend: Provided, depends on grade level and session duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive | >2,000 students
Dates: May – August (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: U.S. citizens | Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) | Full-time high school student | At least 16 years old at the time of application | Residing within 50 miles of a NASA center
NASA offers paid summer internships for high school students to contribute to real-world aerospace and engineering projects at NASA facilities across the U.S., including New Jersey. This internship allows you to contribute to real-world NASA missions under the mentorship of NASA engineers and scientists. You explore fields such as aerospace engineering, data science, planetary science, and systems design, be part of active research projects, and have access to cutting-edge NASA labs and technology. You’ll develop technical skills and learn professional standards while helping NASA teams with tasks ranging from hardware integration to data analysis. At the end of the summer, many interns share their experiences in intern showcases.
7. Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective | 15-20
Dates: 5-6 weeks between June-August
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Must be 16 years old or more by June 15 | Currently enrolled in a US high school | US citizen or legal permanent resident
In this program, you will join ongoing research projects in Princeton faculty labs, where you will gain firsthand experience using scientific equipment, conducting experiments, and analyzing data as part of a research team. You will shadow and assist researchers, complete laboratory safety training, write a two-page research summary report, and participate in research discussions. The program is selective, with only 15-20 students being selected out of more than 1,500 applications. You will develop valuable skills such as laboratory techniques, data analysis, scientific communication, and teamwork. Participation in this prestigious, selective program stands out on college applications by demonstrating advanced research experience, initiative, and a commitment to STEM.
8. Atlantic County Workforce Development Board’s Summer Youth Employment Program
Location: Atlantic County Workforce Development Board, Pleasantville, NJ
Stipend: $17 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective | 275 spots
Dates: May 1 - August 31
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: All residents of Atlantic County aged 16-24 including high school students
The Atlantic County Workforce Development Board’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a free, 8-week paid summer opportunity for Atlantic County youth ages 16–24. The program places you with local employers, ranging from nonprofits to small businesses, to gain summer job experience across the retail, hospitality, childcare, manufacturing, aviation, and engineering sectors. Typical activities include on-the-job training, participating in workforce readiness workshops, collaborating on community service projects, and receiving direct mentorship from professional supervisors. The program includes a culminating celebration event recognizing participant contributions, and you will learn vital skills such as teamwork, communication, workplace responsibility, and time management.
9. Bank of America’s Student Leader Program
Location: Local nonprofits + Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC
Stipend: $15-20 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 5-8% | >300
Dates: June-August
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors residing in New Jersey | Able to work legally in the U.S. (without sponsorship), through end of September 2025
The Bank of America Student Leader Program is a highly selective summer initiative for high school juniors and seniors focused on developing leadership skills and fostering civic engagement. It pairs you with nonprofits where you’ll develop leadership skills by working on meaningful community initiatives, such as fundraising, event planning, and marketing. You will complete projects that support nonprofit missions, attend leadership development workshops, and engage in networking sessions with peers and professionals in the program, which will culminate at the national Summit. By the end, you’ll lead a capstone presentation of your nonprofit work, building strong leadership and civic engagement skills.
10. The Summer Youth Employment Program’s Project Self-Sufficiency
Location: Newton, Sussex County, NJ
Stipend: Provided, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Not specified
Dates: July 7 - August 15
Application Deadline: Typically late spring
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors
The Summer Youth Employment Program’s Project Self-Sufficiency provides high school students with a paid summer work experience focused on career exploration, workplace readiness, and community engagement. You’ll be placed in agencies focused on workforce development, social services, or education and receive training in job skills such as resume writing, professional communication, time management, and teamwork. You will also take part in career workshops, participate in mock interviews, complete real job assignments with local employers, and engage in community service or leadership activities. At the end, you’ll reflect on your experience and share learning outcomes with your supervisor and peers.
11. 1435 Capital Management’s Venture Analyst High School Internship
Location: Princeton, NJ
Stipend: Provided, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective | 3-4 interns per cycle from hundreds of applicants
Dates: 10-week internship between June-August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18
The 1435 Capital Management Venture Analyst High School Internship is a highly selective 10-week summer program designed for high school students to explore venture capital and finance. As a venture analyst intern, you’ll support deal sourcing and financial modeling, working alongside analysts and partners to evaluate startups. You'll research market opportunities and help prepare presentation materials. You’ll have the chance to learn about investment strategies, engage with startups, and develop essential skills that will set you on the path to success in the finance industry. At the end, you'll present a summary of your findings to the team, having developed advanced analytical, research, and professional communication skills.
12. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Internship
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, on Princeton University's Forrestal Campus in Plainsboro, New Jersey
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective | 8-10 interns
Dates: June 30 - August 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school senior graduating in the spring | Minimum 16 years of age | U.S. citizen or permanent resident
This internship introduces students to the fields of fusion energy and plasma physics, covering topics such as the principles of particle motion, electromagnetism, energy generation, and advanced mathematical modeling. You will participate in hands-on research, help design and conduct experiments, work with coding and simulation software, and attend seminars with leading scientists. The internship includes direct mentorship from professional researchers, access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge fusion research at a national laboratory. You will develop valuable skills in scientific research methods, programming (such as Python or Java), data analysis, technical communication, and the use of CAD tools.
13. Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Research Internship
Location: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Not specified
Dates: Arranged individually with the host faculty member
Application Deadline: Varies based on arrangement with the host faculty member
Eligibility: High school students who are at least sixteen years old and have a commitment from a Rutgers, RBHS-NJMS Faculty Member
In this internship, you will work alongside faculty in real laboratory or clinical settings and participate in activities such as conducting hands-on experiments, assisting with data analysis, attending research seminars, and learning essential lab techniques. The program’s unique features include individualized research projects tailored to participant interests and the flexibility to arrange internship dates based on student and faculty schedules. You will develop critical skills like scientific reasoning, technical research methods, data interpretation, ethical research conduct, and professional communication. The program’s emphasis on independent study and mentorship will help you stand out in competitive college admissions.
14. The Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive | 35-40 participants
Dates: 6 weeks between June-August
Application Deadline: Typically February
Eligibility: High-achieving, low-income high school students enrolled in specific partner high schools in Mercer County | Must apply during their freshman year (9th grade) to participate starting sophomore year.
The Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) is a rigorous, multi-year academic enrichment and college access initiative designed for high-achieving, low-income high school students from specific partner schools in Mercer County, New Jersey. It provides deep engagement in critical subjects such as literature, math, science, cultural studies, and writing, as well as SAT preparation. It involves courses, test prep, and workshops led by Princeton faculty and campus visits. You’ll collaborate with partner schools, community agencies, university personnel, and college access networks, and also participate in a capstone presentation, benefiting from academic mentorship and college readiness training. It also includes ongoing alumni support for college application preparation.
15. Liberty Science Center’s Partners In Science Program
Location: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Stipend: Provided, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Not specified
Dates: June 25 - August 16
Application Deadline: Typically early March
Eligibility: Rising 11-12 graders by June | 16 years old by July 1
Partners in Science is an intensive, eight-week summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors that pairs students with mentors in science, health, and technical fields. You will be paired with professional mentors in science, medicine, engineering, or technology to work on real research projects, covering topics ranging from biology and health sciences to physics, computer science, engineering, and environmental studies. You’ll conduct research in fields like biology, environmental science, or physics, mentored by BNL scientists, attend special workshops on technical writing and scientific communication, write research papers, and present your findings at a formal symposium. You will also create a network of advisors and lifelong professional connections.
Image Source - Princeton University logo