15 College Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
Getting a taste of college-level learning before you graduate from high school can help you make more informed decisions about your academic future. College programs designed for high school students let you explore subjects in greater depth while building practical skills that go beyond the standard classroom experience. Depending on the program, you might conduct research in a university lab, take introductory college courses, work on engineering or business projects, or learn investigative techniques in areas such as journalism or forensic science. Along the way, you'll receive mentorship from professors, collaborate with peers who share similar interests, and see how professionals approach real-world problems.
Why should you attend a program in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s universities and research institutions host a wide range of college programs for high school students that let you experience learning beyond the classroom. You may find yourself contributing to scientific research, developing startup ideas, taking real college courses, or working on interdisciplinary projects that blend engineering, technology, and the arts. These opportunities are accessible to both local students and out-of-state students looking to study in a well-connected academic environment.
To help you get started, we have put together a list of 15 college programs for high school students in New Jersey.
If you’re looking for free online programs, check out our blog here.
1. Princeton University – Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University main campus, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: 5 weeks during the summer (exact dates vary)
Application deadline: March 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents enrolled in a US high school who are 16 years old by June 15 (specific research opportunities may have additional eligibility criteria)
Princeton’s Laboratory Learning Program gives high school students the opportunity to work inside an active university research lab for several weeks during the summer. You'll join a faculty-led research group and contribute to ongoing projects in fields such as molecular biology, biomedical engineering, or environmental science. Your daily work may include designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, or using computational tools to study scientific questions. This hands-on experience helps you observe how concepts you learn in school translate into real research settings. The program concludes with a written research summary that explains your project’s goals, methodology, and findings strengthening your ability to communicate scientific work clearly.
2. Veritas AI Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; full need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Vary by cohort; several cohorts (in summer, winter, fall, and spring) are scheduled each year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; certain programs may require prior experience with AI/Python or completion of the Veritas AI Scholars program
Veritas AI runs virtual programs that introduce high school students to artificial intelligence through a mix of guided coursework and project-based learning. The AI Scholars program focuses on building foundational knowledge in Python, machine learning, and data analysis while exploring how AI models are used in fields such as healthcare, finance, and social policy. You work in small collaborative groups to apply these concepts to real-world datasets and technical challenges. If you're seeking a more advanced experience, the AI Fellowship track focuses on developing your own independent AI project under the mentorship of researchers and industry professionals who will help refine research questions, evaluate results, and improve how you present your ideas. By the end of the program, you'll complete a project that demonstrates how machine learning methods can be used to address a practical problem. You can check out past projects here.
3. Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) Program
Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, NJ
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 4th week of June through August 25
Application deadline: Applications close March 8, but will be accepted until positions are filled
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; Citizen or permanent resident (green-card holder) of the United States; Must turn 16 by June 15
This college program for high school students in New Jersey introduces you to the fundamentals of cancer research through a multi-year mentorship experience. You spend each summer working in mentor-supervised laboratories at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, where you assist with experimental design, literature review, and laboratory analysis. Your research may focus on areas such as cancer biology, treatment development, and health disparities. Beyond lab work, the program includes seminars that examine scientific literature and the social context of biomedical research. The program also includes professional development activities that help you build skills in scientific communication and understand career pathways in medicine and research. At the end of the research cycle, you’ll present your findings through a poster session and formal presentation at a program symposium.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial assistance offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions of varying lengths (12 weeks–1 year) available, including summer cohorts
Application deadline: Varies by cohort/multiple cohorts run each year, including in the summer
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a remote research experience designed for high school students interested in developing independent academic work. After choosing a field, ranging from neuroscience and engineering to economics or psychology, you'll work one-on-one with a PhD-level mentor to refine a research question. Mentors guide you through each stage of the research process, including literature review, methodology design, and data interpretation. You'll also take part in workshops on research methodology and academic writing, which will help you strengthen both your analytical and communication skills. Regular meetings with mentors allow you to test ideas, revise arguments, and deepen your understanding of your chosen topic. The experience culminates in a completed research paper that reflects your independent investigation and academic reasoning. You can find more details about the program application and available formats here.
5. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
Location: Online & Princeton University campus, Princeton
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40 students
Dates: Online workshops throughout July + a 10‑day residential session in early August
Application deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High-achieving high school juniors with a minimum unweighted grade point average of 3.5 out of 4.0; Must meet at least one of the socioeconomic conditions listed here
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program introduces you to the fundamentals of reporting, media analysis, and college preparation. You begin with virtual workshops led by journalists and faculty members, where you'll learn how news organizations investigate and report on current events. As part of the program, you’ll interview sources, conduct research, and write your own stories, while examining the role journalism plays in shaping public discourse. The summer experience concludes with a residential session on Princeton’s campus, where you'll work in a newsroom-style environment alongside other students. Together, you'll collaborate on reporting projects that contribute to the Princeton Summer Journal, a student-produced newspaper. Following the summer, the program continues to support you with individualized college advising through your senior year.
6. Waksman Student Scholars Program
Location: Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Begins with a 2-week summer institute; continues during the school year
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: New Jersey high school students
The Waksman Student Scholars Program introduces high school students to real molecular biology research that continues beyond the summer experience. You'll learn laboratory techniques such as DNA purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and gel electrophoresis, while working with genetic material in a research setting. In addition to lab work, you'll use bioinformatics tools to compare newly identified DNA sequences with existing genetic databases, allowing you to analyze real biological data. Your findings can contribute to ongoing scientific research and may be submitted to GenBank, the international repository for DNA sequences, where contributors receive recognition for their work. The project continues during the academic year through school-based research activities.
7. NJ GEAR UP/College Bound
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Academic year-program with a summer component
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12 who live in the city of Newark and attend one of the listed target schools
This college program for high school students in New Jersey supports Newark students by combining academic learning with exposure to college environments. You’ll attend sessions throughout the academic year focused on strengthening your mathematics, science, and communication skills. You'll also take part in mentoring and leadership development activities where you can connect with professionals and learn about different career paths. In the summer, the program continues with academic instruction and enrichment activities that deepen your learning. Workshops and counseling sessions guide you through college preparation topics, including study strategies, career exploration, and academic planning. The program also involves families through seminars designed to support your educational goals.
8. Summer Entrepreneurship and Business Academy (SEBA) – Stockton University
Location: Stockton University, Galloway, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort size
Dates: July 12 – 18
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Stockton University’s Summer Entrepreneurship and Business Academy introduces high school students to the fundamentals of starting and managing a business. You get to explore subjects such as marketing, finance, management, and hospitality through interactive lectures and workshops led by faculty and industry professionals. You'll work in small teams to develop a startup concept, identify market needs, and build a business model and strategy around it. Guest speakers and field experiences help you understand how entrepreneurial ideas move from concept to real companies. Along the way, you’ll refine your proposal and prepare a formal business presentation. The program concludes with a business plan competition, where you'll present your startup to faculty and community leaders.
9. Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology (GSET) @ at Rutgers University
Location: Rutgers University, Piscataway
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Fewer than 100 students
Dates: Approximately 4 weeks starting close to the beginning of July
Application deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school juniors residing in New Jersey
The Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology is a selective residential program designed for high school students interested in advanced STEM study. You’ll take part in coursework taught by Rutgers faculty across engineering design, computer science, and emerging technologies. You'll work in small research teams to tackle real-world engineering challenges while learning how scientific ideas translate into practical solutions. The program also includes workshops and seminars on topics such as innovation, entrepreneurship, and the ethical impact of technology. Moreover, you’ll visit engineering companies and technology organizations to observe how engineering principles are applied in professional environments. The program concludes with a research symposium, where you'll present your work through formal papers and presentations.
10. NJIT – Forensic Science Initiative
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Cost: $1,550 (some scholarships are available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 – August 6
Application deadline: March (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from select Newark public high schools
NJIT’s Forensic Science Initiative introduces high school students to the scientific techniques used in criminal investigation and evidence analysis. You'll work in university laboratories studying forensic biology, chemistry, and crime scene reconstruction, gaining an understanding of how science supports criminal investigations. Through practical exercises, you'll learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret physical evidence. Classroom discussions go a step further by connecting scientific findings to legal proceedings and courtroom testimony. You may also take part in field visits to courts and other relevant institutions, where you can observe how forensic science contributes to real criminal justice processes.
11. NJIT – JumpAhead in Chemistry
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Cost: $1,000 (some needs-based financial assistance available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 30
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who have taken basic high school chemistry
JumpAhead in Chemistry helps you build a strong foundation in chemistry through a problem-centered approach. You’ll explore core principles such as molecular structure, chemical reactions, and thermodynamics, while investigating a real-world scientific challenge that brings these ideas to life. This program combines lectures with laboratory experiments, allowing you to see how theoretical concepts apply in practice. Faculty mentors guide you through data analysis and scientific reasoning, preparing you for the expectations of college-level science courses. You'll also explore how chemistry connects to fields such as environmental science, medicine, and engineering, helping you understand its broader implications. Alongside the academic work, the program includes guidance on preparing for college applications and future STEM studies.
12. Montclair State University’s Pre-College Summer Program
Location: Montclair State University, NJ
Cost: $1,900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 12 – 18 | July 26 – August 1
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 at the time of application
Montclair State University’s Pre-College Summer Program introduces high school students to university-level coursework through short residential sessions. You’ll select a subject track such as animation, psychology, entrepreneurship, or pre-medical studies and spend several days working with faculty on hands-on projects. You'll take part in collaborative assignments that encourage discussion, experimentation, and creative problem-solving, helping you engage with ideas in a more active way. Outside academic hours, you take part in campus activities designed to simulate the social experience of college life. The program also includes excursions and industry interactions that connect what you learn to real-world professions.
13. Rutgers University’s Pre-College Summer Scholars Program
Location: Virtual or in-person at Rutgers University
Cost: Varies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session I starts May 27, Session II starts July 7
Application deadline: May 17 (Session I) | June 28 (Session II)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are 16 or older and have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
Rutgers’ Pre-College Summer Scholars Program allows high school students to enroll in real university courses before graduating from high school. You can choose from a wide range of topics, spanning disciplines such as biology, economics, literature, environmental health, and mathematics. These courses follow the same academic expectations as undergraduate classes, with regular assignments, examinations, and graded assessments. You’ll learn from Rutgers faculty and doctoral instructors who bring current research perspectives into the classroom. By studying alongside undergraduate students, you'll experience the pace of college learning firsthand.
14. Kean University – Group Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Kean University
Cost: 4-Week Session: $3,000 | 2-Week Session: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 4-week session: July 6 – 30 | 2-week session: July 20 – 30
Application deadline: March 6
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Kean University’s Group Summer Scholars Research Program introduces high school students to collaborative scientific research across a range of STEM fields. As part of a faculty-guided team, you'll work on a project in areas such as cancer biology, machine learning, computational science, and developmental biology. Your work will focus on key aspects of research, including experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication. The program also includes workshops on professional development, covering topics such as college preparation, research ethics, and emerging career paths in science and technology. You'll also observe demonstrations of advanced research instruments and laboratory techniques, gaining insights into how modern scientific studies are conducted.
15. Rowan University – STEAM Academy Pathfinders
Location: Rowan University
Cost: $4,300
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 5 – 17
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 3.5+
Rowan University’s STEAM Academy Pathfinders program combines college coursework with faculty-mentored research for high-achieving high school students. You’ll take accredited Rowan courses in subjects such as engineering design, leadership, or computer programming. Afternoon sessions focus on project development, where you'll work in teams to apply concepts from science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to solve interdisciplinary challenges. Faculty mentors guide you through research planning, experimentation, and the design of your own presentation. The program concludes with a presentation of your work, where you showcase your project and highlight both technical learning and leadership development.
Image source - Princeton Logo