15 College Summer Programs for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
If you are a high school student in New Jersey, college summer programs are a great way to explore academic interests, gain experience, and connect with like-minded peers. These programs often focus on practical skills, industry exposure, and mentorship, giving you a taste of college life. Beyond academics, you will have the chance to build meaningful connections with faculty, professionals, and peers who share your interests.
These programs are offered by various New Jersey universities, which allows you to save costs on travel. Some of these are free of cost or provide financial support, making them accessible. For those looking to challenge themselves, explore potential career paths, or simply experience the campus environment, these programs present an excellent opportunity.
To help you navigate the choices, here is a curated list of 15 college summer programs for high school students in NJ (New Jersey).
15 College Summer Programs for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
1. Laboratory Learning Program – Princeton University
Location: Princeton University, NJ
Cost: None
Dates: 5 – 6 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 University's Laboratory Learning Program offers high school students the opportunity to spend several weeks during the summer engaging in active research in science or engineering. The full-time program is geared toward local students, with placements assigned based on faculty and research team availability. Typically lasting 5–6 weeks, each student is assigned to a specific lab project, which may involve areas such as molecular biology, biomedical engineering, or renewable energy. Past participants have studied antibiotic resistance, genetic mutations linked to disease, and advanced materials research. By the end of your placement, you are expected to complete a written summary of your findings, giving you the chance to practice communicating scientific research.
2. Medical Internship Navigating Diversity and Science (MINDS)
Location: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, NJ
Cost: None
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Varies; applications usually due in spring
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from underserved backgrounds with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Medical Internship Navigating Diversity and Science (MINDS) program is a six-week, paid summer internship hosted by the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. The program combines exposure to medical fields with training in research and academic development. You’ll attend seminars on health disparities, participate in sessions with doctors in specialties such as neurology or radiology, and gain practical experience through activities like brain dissections. Alongside clinical exposure, you’ll work on a research project and receive structured support in public speaking and SAT preparation.
3. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory’s High School Summer Internship
Location: Princeton University, NJ
Cost: Free
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school students who are at least 16 years old
At the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, high school students with a strong background in STEM have the chance to work on research related to plasma physics and fusion energy. This summer internship lasts 8 to 10 weeks, and depending on your skills, you could analyze data from plasma experiments, support engineering design, or work with software such as Python and CAD tools. Interns are paired with staff scientists or engineers who provide mentorship on active projects that contribute to the field of clean energy research. With its focus on hands-on tasks and collaboration, the program provides an opportunity to observe how large-scale scientific research is conducted in practice.
4. Rutgers New Jersey Medical School – High School Internships
Location: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, NJ
Cost: None
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 16 years old
At Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, you have the option to arrange an independent research internship by reaching out directly to faculty whose work aligns with your interests. This program does not operate as a centralized summer experience; instead, you identify a lab, contact the professor, and work out the details of your placement. Research areas often include topics such as immunology, molecular biology, or biomedical engineering, giving you the chance to participate in active medical research. Once accepted, you’ll assist with daily lab tasks, learn specific techniques, and gain exposure to the processes of scientific investigation.
5. Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) Program
Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, NJ
Cost: None
Dates: June 25 – August 27
Application deadline: March 8 (rolling)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, as well as graduated seniors who are rising freshman undergraduates
If you are drawn to the field of cancer research and want a longer-term experience, RUYES offers a two-year commitment that spans two summers. You’ll spend about 10 weeks each year working in research labs under the mentorship of cancer scientists, where your work may include experimental design, data collection, and literature review. The program also emphasizes professional development, such as preparing scientific presentations and learning about health disparities. Throughout the year, you’ll also attend monthly activities and contribute to community-based education initiatives. Finally, you’ll participate in an annual symposium where you present your work alongside peers and mentors.
6. Waksman Student Scholars Program
Location: Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, NJ
Cost: None
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 gives you the chance to take part in a year-long molecular biology research project that begins in the summer and continues during the school year. The program starts with a summer institute for teachers and a small group of their students, who then extend the research into their high schools as part of classes or clubs. You’ll learn laboratory methods such as DNA purification, PCR, restriction digests, and gel electrophoresis, while also using bioinformatics tools to analyze gene sequences. Since the studied DNA sequences are unpublished, your findings add valuable contributions to the global scientific community. They are submitted to GenBank with your name as a contributor, providing you with genuine research experience through collaboration with scientists and peers.
7. New Jersey Institute of Technology – High School STEM Research Programs
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ
Cost: $150 (financial aid is available)
Dates: June 23 – July 21
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: New Jersey students who are in grades 10 and 11 (at the time of application), who have an unweighted GPA of 3.75 or more, and who are interested in STEM subjects.
At NJIT, the High School STEM Research Internship lets you work for six weeks in a university lab with faculty and their research teams. You will select a field that interests you, like bioengineering, computer science, or materials research, and then be paired with a laboratory involved in ongoing projects. Your daily activities might range from setting up experiments and analyzing data to attending research meetings and observing team collaborations. Working alongside undergraduates and graduate students, you’ll also gain insight into how various phases of academic research are connected. The structure of your schedule depends on your assigned lab, but the focus remains on giving you a realistic view of what research looks like in practice.
8. NJIT – Forensic Science Initiative
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ
Cost: $1,525 (some scholarships are available)
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Application deadline: March (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from select Newark public high schools
NJIT’s five-week Forensic Science Summer Program offers rising seniors a chance to explore the intersection of science, law, and investigation. The program features hands-on lab work in forensic biology, chemistry, and crime scene analysis within NJIT’s dedicated labs. Students also learn about forensic law and participate in field exercises linking lab findings to real investigations. Field trips to federal courts and the 9/11 Memorial in New York City provide context on forensic science's role beyond the lab. Students will observe evidence processing, analysis, and its application in scientific and legal contexts.
9. High School Biomedical Scholars Program – Rowan University
Location: Rowan University, NJ
Cost: $1,500
Dates: August 4 – 15
Application deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.2+
The High School Biomedical Scholars Program at Rowan University is a two-week summer experience focused on laboratory research and exposure to biomedical sciences. During the program, you’ll work with faculty and graduate mentors from the Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences and the School of Osteopathic Medicine. Activities include guided lab work, research-based experiments, and opportunities to explore different biomedical disciplines. A unique element of the program is the chance to take part in a Human Gross Anatomy Lab, where you can study human anatomy under professional guidance. In addition, you’ll attend sessions on potential careers in medicine and biomedical research and receive advice on pursuing advanced education.
10. Montclair State University’s Pre-College Summer Program
Location: Montclair State University, NJ
Cost: $1,800
Dates: July 13 – 19 | July 20 – 26
Application deadline: June 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 at the time of application
Montclair State University offers a one-week residential pre-college program that allows you to delve into a specific subject area while experiencing campus life. During the day, you’ll attend classes, collaborating with Montclair faculty on subjects like animation, fashion design, pre-medical studies, or business entrepreneurship. Evenings are dedicated to recreational activities and community events guided by residential staff, providing a healthy mix of academic and social experiences. Students reside in The Heights residence halls, share meals at campus dining facilities, and frequently participate in field trips to connect with professionals in their chosen fields. Each session has its own set of offerings, so you can choose a week that aligns with your interests.
11. Rutgers University’s Pre-College Summer Scholars Program
Location: Virtual or in-person at Rutgers University, NJ
Cost: $459 – $1,096
Dates: Session I starts May 27, Session II starts July 7
Application deadline: May 18 (Session I) | June 29 (Session II)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are 16 or older and have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
Rutgers University's Pre-College Summer Scholars Program lets you take real credit courses alongside current undergraduates. Over 60 classes are available through Rutgers–New Brunswick, spanning topics from sciences to humanities. Each course is usually worth three credits, and you’ll complete the same assignments and exams as degree-seeking students. Some classes are held in person, while others are online, offering flexible participation options. As the program is conducted by Rutgers faculty, you’ll gain firsthand experience in university-level teaching and academic standards.
12. Kean University – Group Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Kean University, NJ
Cost: 4-Week Session: $2,500 | 2-Week Session: $1,250
Dates: 4-week session: July 7 – 31 | 2-week session: July 21 – 31
Application deadline: March 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Group Summer Scholars Research Program at Kean University places you directly in the middle of ongoing STEM research projects, ranging from cancer biology and developmental biology to scientific computation and machine learning. Over several weeks, you’ll work alongside faculty members, graduate students, and peers, applying scientific methods to real research problems. In addition to lab work, the program includes workshops on career development, demonstrations of scientific instrumentation, and sessions that highlight academic pathways in STEM. Collaboration plays a key role, as you’ll join a research team where communication and technical skills are both essential.
13. Rowan University – STEAM Academy Pathfinders
Location: Rowan University, NJ
Cost: $4,200
Dates: July 6 – 18
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 3.5+
Rowan University’s STEAM Academy offers several tracks, and the Pathfinders program is designed for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors ready to take on a more advanced, research-focused summer experience. Over two weeks, you’ll live on campus, take an accredited Rowan course in the mornings, and spend your afternoons on faculty-mentored research and leadership development. The program combines science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, allowing your projects to blend multiple disciplines creatively. As a residential program, it also provides you with experience in college life.
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