15 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
Summer medical programs give you the chance to explore healthcare careers, gain hands-on experience, and develop practical skills outside of the classroom. Participating in local programs can be especially helpful, letting you access hospitals, research labs, and medical institutions across the state without the added costs and logistics of traveling out-of-state.
If you’re a high school student in New Jersey interested in medicine, biotechnology, or healthcare, local summer programs provide accessible opportunities to build your skills, deepen your interests, and connect with professionals who can mentor you and guide you as an intern. Depending on the program, you might engage in lab work, clinical simulations, research projects, or hospital site visits.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 summer medical programs for high school students in New Jersey that provide practical exposure, industry insights, and meaningful connections.
1. Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Mini-Medical School
Location: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ (hybrid: in-person and virtual)
Cost/Stipend: $75 per student
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited capacity; registration closes once the applications are full
Dates: September 25 – November 13 (7 weeks; evening sessions only)
Application Deadline: September 18
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; a guidance counselor, science teacher, or advisor email is required for registration
The Mini-Medical School at Rutgers NJMS is a seven-week hybrid program designed to introduce high school juniors and seniors to careers in medicine and healthcare. You will attend weekly lectures led by medical students and professors covering cardiology, oncology, mental health, infectious diseases, orthopedics, and health equity. The program is a combination of virtual and in-person sessions, with attendance mandatory for select on-campus classes and graduation. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a Certificate of Achievement recognizing your active participation and completion.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Starting at $2,490; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohorts across industries
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Spring: January; Summer: May; Fall: September; Winter: November)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships offers you an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a fast-growing start-up, including placements in health tech and medical innovation. Over 8–12 weeks, you’ll work on real-world projects under the dual mentorship of a Company Manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach. You’ll collaborate with a small team, improve your professional and technical skills, and present your work to the start-up at the end of the program. Some participating companies are high-growth ventures that have raised significant funding, giving you unique insights into innovation-driven environments. This selective program is designed to help you build a competitive resume while exploring whether health tech or medical entrepreneurship could be a great career path for you or not
3. New Jersey Medical School SMART Summer Program
Location: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ (hybrid: 4 virtual days + 1 day in-person every week)
Cost/Stipend: $350 as program fee + $25 as application fee
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders; priority for students from underprivileged backgrounds
The SMART Summer Program at Rutgers NJMS is a four-week enrichment initiative established in 1991 to encourage high school students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue careers in medicine and biomedical sciences. You’ll engage in a combination of lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities that explore health science topics and professional development skills. The hybrid model allows you to attend four days of virtual learning and one in-person day per week on campus. With its strong emphasis on youth development and academic support, the program helps you build both foundational knowledge and confidence in pursuing health-related careers.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based program; financial aid available on application
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 1:1 mentorship model
Dates: Multiple cohorts year-round (Spring: March–June, Summer: June–August, Fall: September–December, Winter: December–February)
Application Deadline: Rolling; deadlines before each cohort (January, May, September, November)
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records; recommended GPA 3.3+; no prior research experience required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a prestigious mentorship-based opportunity that allows you to conduct original academic research in medicine, psychology, economics, computer science, and other disciplines. Over 12 weeks, you’ll work 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor from a top university to design and complete an independent research project. Along the way, you’ll gain experience in performing literature reviews, analyzing data, and writing in an academic style. The program concludes with a polished research paper, giving you both a tangible product and a deeper understanding of the research process. With its highly flexible subject options, Lumiere provides an advanced entry point into scholarly work for motivated high school students.
5. Toxicology, Health & Environmental Disease (THED) High School Summer Program
Location: Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: $925 program fee (covers tuition, materials, safety equipment, and lunch); limited need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; reviewed on a rolling basis
Dates: Session 1(July 21–25); Session 2(July 28–August 1)
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders; Completion of at least one high school biology course recommended
The Toxicology, Health & Environmental Disease (THED) High School Summer Program at Rutgers is a two-week intensive program designed for highly motivated students interested in biomedical and environmental sciences. You will explore topics like laboratory ethics, experimental design, genetics, pharmacogenetics, forensic toxicology, and drug metabolism. The program combines lectures, hands-on lab work, and career discussions with professionals in medicine, pharmacy, and biomedical research. You will attend one full-week session, either in late July or early August, and gain valuable experience in laboratory techniques and environmental health science.
6. High School Biomedical Scholars Program
Location: Rowan University, Stratford Campus, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $1,500 tuition (includes all materials); $500 as a non-refundable deposit due upon acceptance; balance amount to be paid by May 31
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited enrollment; space is competitive and capped
Dates: August 4 – August 15
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.2+ ; official transcript required; STEM teacher recommendation encouraged but optional
The High School Biomedical Scholars Program is a two-week, extensive research and medical experience led by faculty and graduate student mentors from Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences and Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. You will gain hands-on exposure to biomedical research methods, laboratory techniques, and scientific inquiry while working directly with mentors in their areas of speciality. The highlight of the program is the rare opportunity to participate in a Human Gross Anatomy Lab, with an alternate activity option available if preferred. Beyond lab experience, you’ll receive guidance on careers in medicine and research, and advice on navigating graduate or medical school admissions. The program concludes with a recognition ceremony where students and families meet Rowan faculty and administrators.
7. Jersey City Medical Center Volunteer Program
Location: Jersey City Medical Center, Jersey City, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; volunteer hours confirmed with certificate after 50 hours of minimum service
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open, but all applications are screened; orientation required.
Dates: Year-round; summer-only option for high school and college students (applications due date is April 1)
Application Deadline: April 1 for summer volunteers; rolling for school-year volunteers
Eligibility: Minimum age of 16 years; must speak, read, and understand English; Social Security number required for background check; medical clearance required.
The Volunteer Program at Jersey City Medical Center allows high school students to contribute to a healthcare environment while developing professional and interpersonal skills. You’ll provide companionship and support to patients, assist with clerical tasks, act as a messenger or patient escort, and help staff across different hospital departments. Although volunteers do not participate in clinical care, the program offers valuable exposure to the hospital setting and the chance to explore a career in health care. High school students can commit to a minimum of 3 hours per week during the school year and up to 20 hours per week during the summer. Once you complete at least 50 hours of service, you’ll receive formal recognition of your volunteer contribution.
8. Cooper University Health Care Student Volunteer Program
Location: Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; fulfill community service or internship hours
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited; summer session is competitive due to high demand
Dates: Summer session is from from June - September; limited school-year positions also available
Application Deadline: Selective
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–17; parental consent required
The Student Volunteer Program at Cooper University Health Care provides teens with meaningful opportunities to contribute to a hospital environment while gaining early exposure to healthcare careers. As a volunteer, you’ll assist in areas such as patient care, clerical work, transport, radiology, and concierge services. These roles are designed to complement hospital operations and improve the patient experience without direct clinical responsibilities. The program is especially popular during the summer, when students can commit more hours to service, and is also open in limited capacity during the school year. Participation allows you to fulfill community service or honor society requirements while learning about different aspects of hospital life.
9. Governor’s School of New Jersey
Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free; fully funded by state and corporate sponsors
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; small cohort of rising seniors statewide
Dates: July 6 – July 26
Application Deadline: Fall of junior year for the following summer
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are nominated by their schools; New Jersey residents preferred only
The Governor’s School of New Jersey in the Sciences is one of the most prestigious summer programs in the state, offering a rigorous three-week residential experience for top high school students. Hosted at Drew University, the program immerses you in college-level STEM coursework, laboratory research, and interdisciplinary seminars taught by university faculty. You’ll collaborate with peers on advanced scientific projects, gain exposure to high-level research, and present your work in a final symposium. Admission is highly competitive and requires nomination by your high school during junior year. With full funding from the state and corporate partners, the program provides a rare, no-cost opportunity for motivated New Jersey students to engage in an intensive scientific study.
10. Summer Term
Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ (on-campus and online options available)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based; reduced summer tuition rates available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; space limited depending on course availability
Dates: Session I(May 27 – July 3); Session II(July 7 – August 8)
Application Deadline: Registration begins March 17; open until classes are filled
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; must be prepared to take college-level courses.
Drew University’s Summer Term allows high school juniors and seniors to get ahead by taking real college classes in subjects such as neuroscience, statistics, computer science, anthropology, and psychology. You’ll attend sessions alongside undergraduates, experiencing small class sizes and the pace of a college academic environment. Courses can be taken on campus or remotely, making it flexible for students balancing summer activities. With options for GenEd requirements, exploring new fields, or lightening future course loads, Drew’s Summer Term provides both academic enrichment and college credits. This program is an excellent way to experience college life early while strengthening your transcript.
11. Inspiring Medicine’s Future (M.I.N.D.S.) Program
Location: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free; participants receive a $1,200 stipend funded by Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohort of high school students across New Jersey
Dates: Six weeks of summer
Application Deadline: Typically due in spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; priority given to minority groups in medicine (including first-generation Americans, African Americans, Latino/Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and financially underprivileged students)
The M.I.N.D.S. (Medical Internship Navigating Diversity and Science) Program is a six-week paid internship designed to prepare minority high school juniors and seniors for careers in medicine. You will engage in lectures, workshops, and projects on topics such as brain dissection, radiology, internal medicine, health disparities, and social determinants of health. Beyond academic content, the program incorporates research projects, public speaking training, and even SAT preparation. Participants learn directly from faculty at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and professionals across the Hackensack Meridian Health network. With financial support, hands-on activities, and a strong focus on equity in healthcare, M.I.N.D.S. offers an intensive, career-shaping introduction to the medical field.
12. Clinical Research Experience for High School Students (CREHST)
Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free; funded by the Rita Allen Foundation
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; ~5 students accepted annually
Dates: Begins in July; full-time (40 hours/week) during summer, plus one afternoon per week during the school year
Application Deadline: Typically due in spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from minority backgrounds in biomedical sciences
The Clinical Research Experience for High School Students (CREHST) is a competitive year-long program designed to prepare minority high school juniors and seniors for careers in biomedical and clinical research. Hosted at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the program begins with an intensive full-time summer research program , followed by part-time participation during the academic year. You will gain knowledge alongside physician-scientists, working on projects in oncology research areas such as hematologic malignancies, genetic therapies, prostate cancer, and clinical drug development. In addition to research, the program includes enrichment activities in cancer prevention, bioethics, experimental design, and scientific writing. With mentorship, hands-on lab work, and exposure to clinical research pathways, CREHST provides a rare and prestigious opportunity to explore a future in medicine and biomedical science.
13. MEDacademy
Location: CMSRU Medical Education Building, Camden, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 as tuition fee; $500 non-refundable deposit required; financial aid not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~50 students
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: Preferred deadline March 3; rolling until seats are filled
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; GPA of 3.3+; successful completion of maths and science courses; demonstrated interest in medicine
MEDacademy is a four-week summer medical education program designed for highly motivated high school juniors and seniors considering a career as a physician. Through lectures, demonstrations, case-based learning, and interactive simulations, you’ll explore medical specialities including pathology, cardiopulmonary, gastroenterology, and neurology. The program also features guided hospital tours, guest speakers, and a final group research presentation at the closing ceremony. You will complete the program and receive three undergraduate elective credits at Rowan University, with an option to apply these credits earned towards a Rowan biology major.
14. Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students
Location: Coriell Institute, Camden, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; program is free to attend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; limited number of students accepted each year
Dates: Mid-July – Mid-August
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students age 17+ by July 1; strong science background preferred; U.S. residents preferred only; must commute to Camden, NJ
The Coriell Summer Experience provides high school students with an extensive introduction to biotechnology and biomedical research. Over four weeks, you will rotate through professional research environments such as the Production Laboratories, Stem Cell Lab, and Molecular Biology Lab. Hands-on activities include freezing and distributing cell samples, exploring induced pluripotent stem cells, observing karyotyping for chromosome analysis, and extracting DNA from various samples. In addition to lab training, the program includes career development workshops with Human Resources, public speaking training, and scientific seminars on a weekly basis with Coriell researchers and invited experts. The experience concludes with a formal student presentation to Coriell faculty and peers, giving you both technical and professional development skills.
15. Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey (BRInj) High School Research Program
Location: Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey, Cedar Knolls, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited slots available each summer
Dates: Two-week summer session
Application Deadline: Typically due in spring
Eligibility: Outstanding high school students with a demonstrated interest in science and medicine
The High School Research Program at BRInj offers students the opportunity to conduct biomedical research alongside PhD and MD scientists in a state-of-the-art laboratory. Over two weeks, you will gain exposure to cutting-edge scientific inquiry while learning foundational laboratory and research techniques. The program emphasizes mentorship and skill development, providing early training in practices you’ll use in college-level lab classes and potential future research opportunities. With its partnership with MidAtlantic Neonatology Associates and other medical organizations, BRInj ensures participants gain both hands-on skills and an appreciation for careers in science and medicine.
Image Source - Rutgers Health new Jersey Medical School Logo