11 Computer Science Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
If you're a high school student in New Jersey with an interest in coding, AI, or tech innovation, consider participating in a local computer science program. Whether you’ve experimented with Python, built games in Scratch, or wondered how apps like Spotify or ChatGPT work, there are programs designed to help you explore these interests.
New Jersey offers a range of computer science opportunities, from college-level courses and AI mentorships to cybersecurity bootcamps and coding labs. These programs let you learn by doing, often under the guidance of university faculty or industry professionals.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve curated 11 computer science programs for high school students in New Jersey that provide skill-building experiences.
1. Rutgers University – TARGET Summer Engineering Program
Rutgers’ TARGET program offers one-week day camps at the School of Engineering, designed to introduce high school students to hands-on STEM learning. For older students, the camps emphasize computer science and electrical engineering, leading you through foundational programming, circuit design, and initial robotics projects. Through lab-based challenges and coding activities, you develop foundational CS skills while exploring real-world tech applications. You'll also meet engineering faculty and student mentors, tour state-of-the-art labs, and connect with peers from across New Jersey.
Location: Rutgers University Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ
Dates: Various 1-week sessions between June 23 – July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling (until filled)
Eligibility: NJ students entering grades 9–11
Cost/Stipend: $400-$500 (scholarships available)
2. HTHS Machine Learning with Python Camp
The Machine Learning with Python Camp at High Technology High School is a one-week program that introduces Python programming and key machine learning concepts, such as decision trees, support vector machines (SVMs), and neural networks. Throughout the program, you'll engage in practical projects utilizing Python libraries to address tasks such as image recognition or data classification. By the end of the week, each student delivers a final project, showcasing what they’ve learned.
Location: High Technology High School, Lincroft, NJ
Dates: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling (until full)
Eligibility: NJ students entering grades 9–11 (algebra recommended)
Cost/Stipend: ~$440; no stipend
3. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Cost/Stipend: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
4. Rutgers University – NJ Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology (GSET)
GSET offers a residential summer program focused on engineering and technology, covering computer science, robotics, and extensive research activities. You will take foundational courses in physics and robotics, select electives, and engage in team research that leads to a symposium presentation. You’ll also benefit from expert mentorship, campus field trips, and guest lectures. This program is tuition-free and highly selective. You’ll tackle real-world challenges, such as designing water purification systems or programming a “Robot Soccer” game.
Location: Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
Dates: July 5 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors
Cost/Stipend: Free (tuition, housing, meals covered)
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
6. Stevens Institute Intermediate Computer Science Program
This two-week residential program at Stevens Institute of Technology is designed for individuals who already possess a solid foundation in computer science and wish to delve deeper into college-level topics. You can explore advanced programming, algorithm analysis, scientific computing, and the theory behind modern CS languages. The program features daily lectures, rigorous problem sets, and programming assignments. You will also participate in group projects and code reviews to help improve collaboration and debugging skills
Location: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
Dates: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th graders with CS experience
Cost/Stipend: $4,700 (includes housing); no stipend
7. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program (SPARK SMP)
SPARK SMP is an advanced, virtual mentorship program for students interested in artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning. Over a period of 8 to 12 weeks, you will collaborate with mentors and engage in real-world projects such as quantum computing, predictive analytics, or algorithm development. Past students have developed disease detection models, conducted statistical analyses, and built original ML tools. The program concludes with a formal presentation and written report. With an acceptance rate between 3–5%, it’s one of the most selective programs available, but it’s also free and includes some stipend-supported projects.
Location: Virtual
Dates: May – August (varies by project)
Application Deadline: April 22
Eligibility: High school students (U.S. citizens/permanent residents)
Cost/Stipend: Free; some projects offer stipends
8. Stevens Institute of Technology – Introduction to Game Design (Pre-College)
If you’re more creatively inclined and love gaming, this beginner-friendly game design course at Stevens might be perfect for you. The two-week residential program combines the fundamentals of design with programming instruction. Students start by designing physical games to understand mechanics, then move into coding digital games using Unity and C#. You’ll also learn to use visual tools like Aseprite and develop a playable 2D game by the end. The environment is collaborative, fast-paced, and ideal for students exploring whether game development might be their thing. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and commitment. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Location: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
Dates: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school students (grades 10–12)
Cost/Stipend: $4,700 (residential; includes housing and meals)
9. Montclair State University – AI-Driven Internet of Things (IoT)
This one-week residential program at Montclair State introduces Python programming, involves working with real-world hardware like Raspberry Pi boards and sensors, and uses AI tools to develop a capstone project. The program blends lectures, coding exercises, and teamwork to mimic real-world tech problem-solving scenarios. No prior experience is necessary; students stay on campus and are guided by faculty from the School of Computing.
Location: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Dates: July 20 – 26
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
Cost/Stipend: $1,800 (includes tuition, housing, meals)
10. The Coding School – National High School Research Program (Data Science)
In collaboration with Columbia University’s Data Science Institute, this five-week virtual research program offers students a structured, mentored experience to explore data science. Students work independently on a research project with Python, statistics, and machine learning through online lessons and personalized guidance. The final deliverable is an academic-style research paper, which can also be submitted to journals or competitions. The program is rigorous but doesn’t require prior STEM experience, making it accessible to any motivated high schooler.
Location: Virtual
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Incoming 9th–12th graders + rising college freshmen
Cost/Stipend: $3,995; limited financial aid available
11. Rowan University – Drone/Data Science Boot Camp: “Become an AI Detective!”
Ever wondered how AI, Python, and drones can come together in the real world? This fast-paced, three-day day camp at Rowan University is like a tech adventure where you’ll build hands-on data science skills with a futuristic twist. You’ll learn to code in Python, work with live drone footage, and use machine learning to solve a simulated investigation. It’s not just learning. It’s applying your skills to analyze, interpret, and present real data in teams. No experience is necessary, and the camp is structured to be fun, collaborative, and beginner-friendly. Whether you’re totally new to AI or looking to explore it in a more applied, creative setting, this is a great crash course. Register by June 15 for the early bird rate.
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Dates: July 28 – 30
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
Cost/Stipend: $350 ($300 with early-bird discount); includes materials
Image source - Lumiere Education