15 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
If you are a high school student interested in research, summer programs are an excellent way to gain practical experience. These programs give you exposure to research methodologies, professional networking, and skills that can shape your future academic and career trajectories. Participating in a research program demonstrates a commitment to academic exploration, making them a solid addition to your resume.
As a student in New Jersey, you are fortunate to have access to institutions like Princeton University, Rutgers University, and specialized research facilities that welcome high school participants. These research opportunities for high school students can enhance your college applications and provide clarity about potential career paths. The combination of rigorous academic work, mentorship from experts, and collaboration with peers creates an environment where you can explore your interests. New Jersey’s commitment to STEM education means you can choose from a range of well-supported programs.
We have carefully curated this list of 15 research opportunities for high school students in New Jersey, focusing on programs that offer educational value and strong mentorship.
15 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
1. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 15 – 20 students
Dates: 5 – 6 weeks between July and August
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students must be 16 years or older by June 15 | Enrolled in US high school | US citizen or legal permanent resident
The Laboratory Learning Program at Princeton University offers you full-time research opportunities in sciences and engineering under direct faculty supervision. You’ll participate in ongoing research programs, working closely with Princeton faculty and research staff on scientific projects. The program can facilitate customized schedules based on your specific research interests and faculty availability. You will gain hands-on experience with sophisticated laboratory equipment and techniques while contributing to meaningful research initiatives. This experience includes opportunities for you to present research findings and develop your scientific communication skills through symposiums and presentations. This program provides you with access to world-class research facilities and mentorship from faculty members.
2. Ladder Internships - Mentored Research Program
Location: Virtual program
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 8-12 weeks during summer with two cohorts starting June 2 and July 14
Application Deadline: Summer Cohort I: May 12; Summer Cohort II: June 23
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to work 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships provides you with a unique research opportunity that combines startup internship experience with academic research mentorship. You will intern with high-growth startups across various industries, including technology, AI/ML, health technology, marketing, journalism, and consulting. The program’s research component involves you working with PhD mentors from top universities to develop undergraduate-level research papers. You will receive 15 one-on-one sessions with research mentors, along with additional support from writing coaches and publication specialists. The program is founded by Harvard entrepreneurs and partners with companies that have received funding from prestigious accelerators like Y Combinator. You will work on professional-level projects that address genuine business needs while developing research skills through rigorous academic methodology.
3. Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES)
Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 4th week – August 25
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who attend a school in New Jersey | Aged 16 by June 15 | U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In this program, you will receive hands-on training in advanced cancer research techniques while working in mentor-supervised laboratories for approximately 35 hours per week. You will prepare formal presentations, including poster sessions and 10-minute talks based on your research experiences, for the Annual Research Day. The program seeks to encourage youth from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in cancer research and healthcare. You will participate in educational seminars that address key concepts in cancer research and explore current scientific literature in the field. This multi-year commitment allows for deep immersion in research projects and the development of strong mentoring relationships with professional scientists and faculty.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Summer I cohort: June 1, Summer II cohort: July 14
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; Summer I: May 10, Summer II: June 23
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers you an intensive 12-week research opportunity featuring one-on-one mentorship with PhD scholars from prestigious universities. You will engage in independent research projects across diverse academic disciplines, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. The program culminates in the development of a comprehensive independent research paper that demonstrates your mastery of research methodologies and subject matter expertise. You will work closely with your assigned mentors through weekly virtual meetings, receiving personalized guidance on research design, data collection, analysis, and academic writing. You may also be eligible to earn a UCSD credit at the end.
5. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Summer Internship
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, NJ
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who are at least 16 years old, and are US citizens or permanent residents
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory provides you with research opportunities in the cutting-edge field of plasma physics and fusion energy. As a graduating high school senior, you will work on authentic research projects with PPPL scientists and engineers. You are expected to commit approximately 40 hours per week to your research projects, gaining substantial professional experience. You will engage in either experimental or computational plasma physics projects under the direct supervision of research staff. You will work with sophisticated equipment and contribute to ongoing research initiatives that advance understanding of fusion energy. The program recommends you have a strong background in physics, chemistry, advanced mathematics, and engineering, along with coding experience.
6. Governor's School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive, 15-25% acceptance rate
Dates: July 5 – 25
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: New Jersey rising seniors nominated by their high schools
In this program, you will take four academic courses, complete research and design projects, and present your findings at a research symposium. The program includes engaging workshops, insightful site visits to local companies, and extensive networking opportunities with professors and industry professionals. You will collaborate with peers on research projects while exploring various engineering disciplines and career pathways. The program uniquely combines academic coursework with hands-on research experience and corporate site visits. You will develop critical skills in teamwork, leadership, and entrepreneurship while working on challenging technical projects that demonstrate real-world applications of engineering principles.
7. Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science Summer Research Program
Location: Rutgers Institute, New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Third week of June until second week of August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students entering sophomore, junior, or senior year| At least 16 years old | Minimum GPA of 3.0
In this program, you will join research teams and contribute to planning, analysis, and experimental procedures while receiving mentorship from professional scientists and faculty. The program offers hands-on laboratory experience that provides insights into pursuing advanced degrees in biomedical sciences. You will conduct experiments, analyze data, and present your findings through both written reports and oral presentations. The program helps you clarify your preferred college environments and supports your college applications by demonstrating early involvement in academic research. You will complete comprehensive training in laboratory safety, research ethics, and scientific methodology while working on authentic research projects.
8. New Jersey Institute of Technology High School Summer Research Internship
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $150 tuition / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 24 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders with 3.75 GPA, New Jersey residents
NJIT's six-week summer research program provides you with intensive STEM research experience across five major areas: Artificial Intelligence, Bioscience & Bioengineering, Data Science & Management, Environment & Sustainability, and Materials Science & Engineering. You will collaborate directly with faculty members and receive mentorship from both undergraduate and graduate students in active research laboratories. The program begins with comprehensive lab safety training and concludes with a research symposium where you will present your findings to faculty and peers. You will develop essential research skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, while contributing to ongoing university research projects. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, providing you with authentic research experiences.
9. Kean University Group Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Kean University, Union, NJ
Cost: 4-week session: $2,500; 2-week session: $1,250; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 4-week session: July 7 – 31; 2-week session: July 21 – 31
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Kean University's STEM-focused program allows you to conduct advanced research in areas including Scientific Visualization, Cancer Biology, Machine Learning, Developmental Biology, and Modern Drug Discovery. You will work directly with faculty members on sophisticated research projects while gaining valuable technical skills and hands-on laboratory experience. The program includes professional development workshops, equipment demonstrations, and expert guidance on college and career pathways in STEM fields. You will learn essential teamwork skills in laboratory settings while contributing to meaningful scientific discoveries. You will receive comprehensive training in various research methodologies and have opportunities to present your work to faculty and peers.
10. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 5 weeks in summer (July – August)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high schooler Juniors and Seniors living in North America
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a virtual summer experience focused on neuroscience for high school juniors and seniors. This national program will introduce you to neurological science through research-based activities, educational presentations, and hands-on virtual lab skill development. You’ll also take part in professional development and mentorship sessions led by experienced researchers. By the end of the program, you'll have explored cutting-edge topics in brain science and earned a certificate of completion. In addition to training, the program also allows you to interact directly with leading neuroscientists.
11. Governor's School of New Jersey in the Sciences
Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive
Dates: July 6 – 26
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: High school juniors who are New Jersey residents | Top student at school, mostly A grades in honors math and science, with excellent standardized test scores (top 5% or 90th percentile) | Must be nominated by their high school
This three-week residential program immerses you in college-level research opportunities across multiple scientific disciplines. As a participant, you will take advanced classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science while engaging in team research projects. The program includes lectures from scientists and experts, along with a comprehensive exploration of various STEM career pathways. You will conclude the program with a symposium where you present your research findings to faculty and peers. The intensive format allows for deep immersion in scientific concepts and research methodologies. The program is tuition-free and seeks to introduce talented students to advanced scientific topics through hands-on learning experiences.
12. Rowan University STEAM Academy Pathfinders
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: $4,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive admission
Dates: July 5 – 17
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering 10th through 12th grades | 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Rowan University's interdisciplinary program combines arts and sciences in fields including psychology, computer programming, education, and engineering. Morning sessions feature accredited Rowan University courses, while afternoons include leadership development activities. Pathfinders provides you with excellent research opportunities in areas of personal interest, always with direct faculty mentorship. You will develop both academic knowledge and crucial leadership skills through structured coursework and hands-on research experiences. The program's interdisciplinary approach allows you to explore connections between different fields of study while building strong research competencies. You will also receive college credit for participating in the program while conducting research with Rowan faculty mentors.
13. Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students
Location: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Four weeks during summer, typically mid-July to mid-August
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students aged at least 17 by July 1 | Legal US residents | Able to commute to Coriell's facility in Camden
In this program, you will engage in hands-on activities including culturing and freezing biological samples, observing karyotyping techniques, and extracting DNA. The program provides you with a comprehensive introduction to biobanking and genomics through direct laboratory experience. You will work in the Stem Cell Lab, Cytogenomics Lab, and Molecular Biology Lab, learning cutting-edge research techniques. The program includes resume-building workshops, public speaking training, and weekly scientific seminars hosted by Coriell's research faculty. You will culminate your experience by presenting your findings and experiences in formal presentations to Coriell staff and peers. This program emphasizes both technical laboratory skills and professional development competencies essential for scientific careers.
14. Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $4,500; Partial scholarships and financial aid are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Four weeks during summer between July and August
Application Deadline: Typically late March
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 11
In this program, you will engage in rigorous problem-solving exercises and apply complex mathematical concepts in various research contexts. The program offers you invaluable opportunities to interact with renowned professionals who serve as mentors and role models. You will develop a deeper understanding of discrete mathematics through hands-on application of theoretical concepts. The residential format creates an immersive academic environment where you can focus intensively on mathematical research. You will enhance your problem-solving abilities while exploring a field with wide-ranging applications and significant future research opportunities. The program aims to inspire your passion for mathematical sciences and encourage you to pursue careers in this dynamic field.
15. Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey High School Research Program
Location: Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey, partnered with MidAtlantic Neonatology Associates
Cost: Approximately $1,700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Two weeks during summer
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Outstanding high school students interested in science and medicine
BRInj offers you a two-week, hands-on research experience in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. You will conduct biomedical research in collaboration with PhD and MD scientists, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research methodologies. The program is designed to help you assess your inclination for careers in science and medicine. As a participant, you will develop transferable skills that can be applied in college-level laboratory courses and future research opportunities. You will work directly with professional researchers while learning laboratory and essential research techniques. The program provides you with unique opportunities to gain appreciation for scientific and medical careers through authentic, immersive research experiences.
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