15 Biology Summer Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
If you are a high school student interested in biology, a summer biology program can help you move beyond the classroom curriculum and see how research, medicine, and biotechnology work in academic settings. Biology programs let you work in a lab, analyze data, or assist with research projects alongside scientists and college students, while helping you build practical skills like scientific writing and laboratory techniques. These experiences also connect you with professors, researchers, and STEM professionals and offer an early look at possible career paths in medicine, public health, or research.
Why should you attend a program in New Jersey?
New Jersey is home to several major universities, medical centers, and biotechnology organizations that offer biology-focused learning experiences for high school students. Depending on the program, you may conduct experiments in a university lab, work on a research project, or explore careers in healthcare or biotechnology. These opportunities work well for both New Jersey students looking for local options and out-of-state students interested in the region’s research and STEM network.
To help you get started, we have narrowed down 15 biology summer programs for high school students in New Jersey.
If you’re looking for programs in New Jersey, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span molecular biology, cancer research, biomedical engineering, genetics, forensic science, environmental health, toxicology, and AI in medicine, so students with a wide range of biology interests can find a relevant option in New Jersey or online.
Several programs are free or paid, including Rutgers RUYES (stipend provided), Liberty Science Center Partners in Science ($1,200 stipend), Governor's School of NJ (free), RISER at Rowan University (free), and Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (some labs offer stipends), while programs such as Lumiere and Veritas AI, offer full financial aid for eligible students.
Many programs prioritize New Jersey residents or students within commuting distance, including RUYES, Governor's School of NJ, RISER (South Jersey residents prioritized), Coriell Summer Experience, and Princeton LLP, so local students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from one-week intensives, such as TCNJ Camp Innovate and THED, to multi-year research commitments, such as Rutgers RUYES (two consecutive summers), so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most selective programs fall early, including Liberty Science Center Partners in Science (January 18), Governor's School of NJ (January 8), Princeton LLP (March 17), and Rutgers RUYES (March 8), so students should begin researching options in the fall.
1. Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES)
Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Brunswick, NJ
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 4th week – August 25
Application deadline: March 8 (based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who are 16 or older, attend school in New Jersey, and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents; undergraduate students can also apply.
RUYES is a multi-year research opportunity for high school students interested in the intersection of biology, cancer research, and healthcare. Over two years, you will spend 10 weeks each summer working on biomedical research in a mentor-led lab for roughly 35 hours a week. During the academic year, you will continue participating in monthly sessions focused on professional development and community engagement. The program also includes seminars on cancer biology and scientific literature, helping you learn how researchers read and discuss published studies. At the end of each summer, you will present your work through a research poster and oral presentation.
2. Veritas AI’s Deep Dive: AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks; multiple cohorts each year
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 – 12 who have completed the AI Scholars program or have a background in coding
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers a range of programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. In the AI + Medicine Deep Dive, you will explore how tech like AI and machine learning can be used in healthcare and medical research. You will work on project-based tasks involving the development of AI models for healthcare applications such as disease diagnosis and medical imaging. The program also focuses on how AI-generated insights can support doctors and patients in medical decision-making. You will gain exposure to the link between artificial intelligence and medicine while working on real-world scenarios. You can learn more about the program through its brochure and application form.
3. Liberty Science Center’s Partners in Science
Location: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ + labs in NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,200 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 24 – August 22
Application deadline: January 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Partners in Science is an eight-week summer research program for high school students interested in how biology connects with biomedical engineering, environmental science, and interdisciplinary STEM research. You will be paired with a mentor in fields such as biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, or physics, and spend the summer working on a research project in a lab or professional research setting. You can expect to spend 35 to 40 hours each week on research, meetings, and project work. You will also attend professional development sessions at the Liberty Science Center. At the end of the program, you will present your work at a research symposium attended by mentors and peers.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Biology Track
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. It offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas that high schoolers can explore. The program will pair you with Ph.D. mentors to work on an independent research project. At the end of the program, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose topics from subjects such as biology, psychology, physics, engineering, data science, chemistry, international relations, economics, computer science, and more. You can find more details about the program application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Research Immersion in Biomedical Science and Engineering at Rowan (RISER)
Location: Rowan University labs, Glassboro, Stratford, and Camden, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application deadline: Nomination form deadline: May 15; Application Packet due within three weeks of receipt
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who live in or attend school in South Jersey (Cape May, Atlantic, Camden, Burlington, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, or Salem counties); non-South Jersey applicants can apply if they reside within a 30-minute driving distance to the assigned lab and can regularly attend in-person lab sessions.
RISER is a six-week, non-residential research experience at Rowan University for high school students interested in the intersection of biology with biomedical science, engineering, and applied medical research. You will be placed in a biomedical engineering or biomedical sciences lab across Rowan’s campuses and spend at least 20 hours each week on guided and independent research. Under the mentorship of laboratory staff, you will contribute to experiments and learn core research methods used in biomedical fields. The experience concludes with a symposium where you will present your work to faculty and peers.
6. Governor’s School of New Jersey Program in the Sciences
Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~60 scholars/year
Dates: July 12 – August 1
Application deadline: January 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who reside in New Jersey
The Governor’s School of New Jersey in the Sciences is a three-week residential program at Drew University for high school students interested in the intersection of biology with chemistry, physics, mathematics, and interdisciplinary scientific research. During the program, you will enroll in college-level courses across multiple STEM subjects. You will also participate in a lab course and work in small groups on guided research projects. Scientists and researchers will deliver lectures on scientific research and STEM careers. The program concludes with a conference-style presentation where you and your team will present your findings to faculty and fellow participants.
7. Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None; some labs may offer a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1 or 2 students/lab selected out of ~3,500 applications
Dates: Five to six weeks in the summer
Application deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, enrolled in a high school, U.S. citizens, and able to provide proof of local housing and transportation in New Jersey
The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) at Princeton University is a full-time summer research program for high school students interested in how biology connects with engineering, environmental science, chemistry, and computational research. During the program, you will work on an ongoing research project under the guidance of faculty members and research staff. Projects span multiple STEM areas, including biology. While the schedule can vary by placement, you will contribute to experiments, data analysis, and day-to-day lab work. At the end of LLP, you will submit a research summary based on your project and findings.
8. Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE)
Location: Virtual or Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: $2,200 (in-person WISE) | $600 (virtual vWISE)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 2 or July 27 – August 7 (in-person) | August 10 – August 21 (virtual)
Application deadline: Rolling; first-come, first-served enrollment
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least one high school-level biology course
WISE at Rutgers University is a two-week research program for high school students interested in the intersection of biology with genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. During the program, you will work on a research project focused on DNA sequences from the aquatic plant Landoltia punctata and compare them with genes from other species. Faculty-led seminars will cover key concepts, which you will apply during lab sessions and research activities. You will complete assignments and maintain records of your findings throughout the program. The program submits selected DNA sequences to GenBank and credits student contributors by name, giving you the chance to contribute to an active scientific database.
9. Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students
Location: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Mid-July – mid-August
Application deadline: May 15 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students who are U.S. residents and at least 17 years old with a strong interest in science; applicants should be able to commute to Coriell's facility in Camden.
This four-week program at the Coriell Institute for Medical Research is designed for high school students interested in how biology connects with biotechnology, genetics, and stem cell research. During the program, you will work in production and research laboratories under the guidance of scientists and researchers involved in biobanking. You will learn how biological samples are processed, stored, and distributed while exploring laboratory techniques used in molecular biology and stem cell science. Depending on your lab rotation, you may observe work related to DNA extraction, chromosome analysis, or induced pluripotent stem cells. The program also includes weekly scientific seminars and small-group sessions focused on professional development.
10. The College of New Jersey’s Camp Innovate and Investigate
Location: The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
Cost: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application deadline: March 31 (priority); rolling enrollment thereafter based on available space
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10 – 12 who have completed at least one year of high school math and science
Camp Innovate and Investigate is a one-week pre-college summer program at The College of New Jersey for high school students interested in the intersection of biology with chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and interdisciplinary STEM research. During the week, you will participate in labs and projects guided by faculty members and current students. Activities include experiments on urban heat and sustainability, workshops on hydroponics, and sessions exploring environmental impact. You will also participate in collaborative projects that bring multiple STEM fields together. You will engage in fieldwork, attend guest sessions with professionals, and participate in college-preparation workshops.
11. Rutgers Health Toxicology, Health & Environmental Disease (THED) High School Summer Program
Location: Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute on Rutgers Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: $975; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session 1: July 20 – 24 | Session 2: July 27 – 31
Application deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school students entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the fall; applicants must have completed at least one high school biology course.
THED is a one-week summer program for high school students interested in how biology connects with toxicology, pharmacology, environmental health, and biomedical science. You will explore laboratory ethics, experimental design, genetics, drug disposition, pharmacogenetics, and clinical toxicology. In the process, you will build a foundational understanding of key concepts in biomedical and environmental sciences. You will also have the opportunity to explore career pathways in medicine, pharmacy, toxicology, environmental science, and biomedical research through guided discussions.
12. The College of New Jersey’s Engineering in Health and Medicine Camp: Biomedical Engineering
Location: The College of New Jersey campus, Ewing, NJ
Cost: $2,000 + $39 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots
Dates: July 19 – 24
Application deadline: Rolling; applications open on February 9.
Eligibility: High school students in the top 30% of their class who have completed one year of high school math and science
The Biomedical Engineering Summer Camp at The College of New Jersey is a one-week residential program for high school students interested in how biology connects with engineering, medical technology, and device design. You will work in biomedical engineering labs and design spaces under the guidance of faculty and current BME students, exploring topics like medical imaging, drug delivery systems, neural engineering, and biomedical device development through projects. You may test biomaterials, study diffusion in biological systems, or design prototypes using CAD tools. You will also participate in project presentations and interact with biomedical engineers working in industry and research settings.
13. NJIT Forensic Science Initiative (FSI)
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Newark, NJ
Cost: $1,550 tuition + $50 registration fee; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed; typically small cohorts
Dates: July 6 – August 6
Application deadline: Not specified; registration opens in February.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are pre-enrolled in a forensic science course for their senior year, preferably NJIT FRSC 201 for dual credit, and have at least a C in biology, chemistry, and trigonometry
FSI is a five-week summer program for high school students interested in biology and forensic science. You will spend the program working through hands-on modules in forensic biology, forensic chemistry, crime scene investigation, and forensic law. Activities take place in dedicated labs, including simulated crime-scene tasks, as well as field-based work across nearby metropolitan sites. You will also participate in college preparation sessions, meet with faculty, and receive support for applications and dual-enrollment planning for an introductory forensic science course.
14. Kean University’s Integrative Science and Technology (IST) Group Summer Scholars Research Program (GSSRP)
Location: Kean University, Union, NJ
Cost: $5,000 (four-week session) | $3,000 (two-week session); discounts available on applying before May 1
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 30
Application deadline: May 22 (final payment deadline)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10 – 12 with an interest in STEM fields
The GSSRP is a two- or four-week program at Rowan University for high school students interested in exploring cancer biology, machine learning, bioinformatics, and data-driven scientific research. Hosted by Kean University’s Integrative Science and Technology department, the program lets you work with faculty on active research projects in biomedical science and related fields. You will contribute to lab work, learn computational and molecular techniques, and build technical skills through practical tasks. You will also collaborate with peers, gaining experience in working as part of a research team.
15. Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences: High School Biomedical Scholars Program
Location: Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Stratford, NJ
Cost: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: August 3 – 14
Application deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.2 GPA
This program places you in biomedical research labs under the guidance of faculty and graduate student mentors from the Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences and the School of Osteopathic Medicine. The program is designed for students interested in how biology connects with medicine, biomedical engineering, and translational health research. You will learn and practice core lab techniques while working within your mentor’s area of specialization within a professional lab setting. You may also have the option to participate in a Human Gross Anatomy Lab or a related alternative activity. Alongside lab work, you will attend sessions on careers in medicine and research and receive guidance on graduate school preparation. The program concludes with a closing event where you will connect with faculty across Rowan’s biomedical programs.
Frequently asked questions
1. What biology summer programs are available for high school students in New Jersey?
Options include biomedical and cancer research programs, such as Rutgers RUYES, Coriell Summer Experience, and RISER at Rowan University, university lab placement programs, such as Princeton LLP and Liberty Science Center Partners in Science, molecular biology and genetics programs, such as Waksman Institute WISE, environmental and toxicology programs, such as Rutgers THED, biomedical engineering programs, such as TCNJ Biomedical Engineering Camp and Rowan Biomedical Scholars, and virtual and research programs, such as Lumiere and Veritas AI.
2. Are there free or paid biology programs for high school students in New Jersey?
Yes, Rutgers RUYES provides a stipend, Liberty Science Center Partners in Science provides a $1,200 stipend, Governor's School of NJ is fully free, RISER at Rowan University is free, and Princeton LLP is unpaid but free to attend, while programs such as Lumiere and Veritas AI offer full financial aid for eligible students.
3. Which New Jersey biology programs are best for students interested in biomedical research?
Rutgers RUYES, Princeton LLP, RISER at Rowan University, Coriell Summer Experience, and Rowan-Virtua Biomedical Scholars all place students in active research labs with faculty mentorship, making them strong options for students interested in hands-on biomedical science.
4. Are there biology programs in New Jersey that lead to research publications or college credit?
Waksman Institute WISE submits selected DNA sequences to GenBank and credits student contributors by name, Lumiere Research Scholar Program guides students through producing an independent research paper; and Veritas AI supports students in publishing AI healthcare projects through its in-house publication team.
5. Which biology programs are open to students outside New Jersey?
Lumiere Research Scholar Program and Veritas AI are fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world; Waksman Institute WISE offers a virtual option, and programs such as TCNJ Camp Innovate and Kean University GSSRP accept applications from out-of-state students.
6. When should I apply to biology summer programs for high school students in New Jersey?
Governor's School of NJ closes January 8, Liberty Science Center Partners in Science closes January 18, Rutgers RUYES closes March 8, Princeton LLP closes March 17, and TCNJ Camp Innovate has a priority deadline of March 31, so students should begin researching options in the fall and preparing applications over winter break.