14 Computer Science Summer Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
Computer science summer programs can be a useful way for you to build technical skills and explore different areas of computing while you are still in high school. They allow you to study topics like programming, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science through structured projects and guided activities. You can also gain exposure to research, collaboration, and mentorship while learning how computer science is applied across different fields.
Why should you attend a program in New Jersey?
New Jersey is home to universities and organizations that offer a wide range of computer science programs across different areas of technology. Depending on the program, you might work on coding projects, explore machine learning concepts, or study cybersecurity through research and technical activities. These opportunities can be worth considering, whether you are a local student looking for options nearby or an out-of-state student interested in exploring programs in a new academic environment.
To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of 14 computer science summer programs for high school students in New Jersey.
If you’re looking for programs in New Jersey, check out our blog here.
1. Liberty Science Center – Partners in Science
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically ~30 students; varies by year
Location: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ, or other university labs in NJ
Stipend: $1,200
Dates: June 24 – August 22
Application deadline: January 18
Eligibility: Rising 11th- and 12th-grade students who will be 16 years of age before July 1
This research-focused internship connects you with mentors across university labs and technical institutions, giving you exposure to real scientific and computational work. As an intern, you may engage in projects involving data analysis, modeling, or software tools used in ongoing research. Your role could include assisting with data collection, processing datasets, or interpreting results alongside your mentor. The program also includes workshops that build your skills in technical writing, presentation, and research communication. The experience culminates in a symposium where you present your findings in a structured, professional format.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; full need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly 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
Founded and led by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI runs programs designed for high school students eager to explore artificial intelligence. If you’re just getting started with AI, machine learning, or data science, the AI Scholars program introduces you to core concepts through a structured 10-session boot camp. Along the way, you’ll apply what you learn by working on real-world datasets and projects, helping you build both technical understanding and practical experience. For those with more experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers a deeper, research-focused track. You’ll work one-on-one with mentors from top universities to develop an independent project, refining your ideas through regular feedback. The program also provides access to an in-house publication team, which can support you in preparing your work for submission to high school research journals.
3. Princeton University – Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
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)
This highly selective program places you in active research environments where you assist faculty and research teams. Depending on your placement, you may contribute to projects involving computational modeling, robotics, or machine learning systems. Your work could include coding, analyzing datasets, running simulations, or supporting experimental workflows. This computer science summer program for high school students in New Jersey connects theoretical concepts with real research applications in a university setting. You also gain exposure to lab tools, research documentation, and collaborative workflows. Projects often use simulations and algorithms to study complex real-world systems.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial assistance offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly 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
Lumiere’s mentored research experience walks you through completing an independent project over several weeks. You are paired with a PhD mentor who helps refine your research question, narrow your focus, and guide your approach at every stage. In computer science tracks, you might explore areas like machine learning, data science, or software systems, depending on your interests. The process involves conducting a detailed literature review, designing a clear methodology, and conducting analyses with consistent feedback. Regular one-on-one sessions ensure your ideas are challenged and refined thoughtfully. By the end, you produce a polished research paper that reflects your technical and research understanding. You can find more details about the program application and available formats here.
5. Princeton University’s AI4ALL
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 9 – 30
Application deadline: April 9
Eligibility: 10th graders (rising 11th graders) who live in the U.S. and qualify as low-income
Princeton’s AI4ALL program combines technical instruction with an exploration of the societal impact of artificial intelligence. You attend lectures covering machine learning concepts alongside discussions on ethics, bias, and policy implications. A central component is a small-group research project focused on public-interest applications of AI. Graduate student mentors guide your work and help refine your approach. The program also includes career exposure through guest speakers and a field experience in Washington, D.C. You conclude by presenting your findings, building both technical knowledge and communication skills.
6. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various labs across the country, including the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in NJ
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants | $4,500 for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9 and are 16 or older; labs may have additional requirements
SEAP places you in professional research labs where you contribute to real-world STEM projects under the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers. Your work may involve programming simulations, analyzing large datasets, or supporting software systems used in engineering and defense-related contexts. Based on where you’re placed, you could also explore areas like cybersecurity, systems modeling, or technical documentation. Mentors introduce you to research workflows, lab protocols, and collaborative problem-solving approaches used in professional environments. You’ll gain exposure to how interdisciplinary teams operate and communicate technical ideas effectively.
7. Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology (GSET) @ Rutgers University
Location: Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Fewer than 100 students
Dates: July 6 – 31
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: High school juniors residing in New Jersey
The Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology at Rutgers combines academic coursework with hands-on research projects in engineering and computing. You work in small teams to investigate technical challenges, often involving programming, data analysis, or system design. Faculty mentors guide your research process, helping connect theoretical knowledge to practical applications. The program also includes guest lectures and site visits that expose you to real-world technology environments. You present your findings at a final symposium, gaining experience in formal technical communication.
8. Governor’s School in the Sciences @ Drew University
Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 26
Application deadline: Mid-January
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors living in New Jersey with a strong interest in the sciences and ranking in the top 5% of their class
This residential computer science summer program for high school students in New Jersey blends advanced STEM coursework with collaborative research experiences. Participants attend lectures on subjects such as physics, biology, and computer science while exploring their practical applications. In computing-focused components, you engage with foundational concepts and apply them to research problems. Group projects encourage teamwork and analytical thinking under faculty mentorship. The program also includes seminars and discussions on current scientific developments. It concludes with a formal presentation of your research.
9. NJCCIC High School Cybersecurity Internship Program
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Basics Program: August 3 – 7 | Advanced Program: July 20 – October | Elite Advanced Program: July 20 – October
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: New Jersey high school students (grades 9–12) interested in cybersecurity
This computer science summer program for high school students in New Jersey introduces you to the fundamentals of cybersecurity while gradually building toward more advanced technical applications. You begin by learning core concepts such as encryption methods, network security protocols, and threat detection strategies. As you move into advanced tracks, you may work through simulated cybersecurity scenarios involving vulnerability assessments, digital forensics, and incident response. Tasks often include identifying system weaknesses, analyzing threat data, and proposing mitigation strategies. Structured modules and mentorship ensure you understand both theory and application.
10. Rowan University – STEAM Academy Pathfinders
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: $4,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 5 – 17
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grades in the fall with a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Rowan University’s STEAM Academy Pathfinders combines academic coursework with hands-on research in a residential college setting, giving you a preview of university life. In computer science-focused tracks, you may work on programming assignments, algorithm design, or solving computational problems through code. Faculty mentors support both your coursework and research development, helping you connect concepts to practical applications. Living on campus adds an extra layer of independence, requiring you to manage your time and responsibilities effectively. The computer science summer program for high school students in New Jersey also incorporates sessions on leadership, collaboration, and personal development.
11. Kean University – Group Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Kean University, Union, NJ
Cost: 4 Week Session: $3,000 (Early Commitment Discount Deadline) / $5,000 | 2 Week Session: $1,500 (Early Commitment Discount Deadline) / $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 4-week session: July 6 – 30 | 2-week session: July 20 – 30
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
This computer science program for high school students in New Jersey offers short-term research experiences that integrate computational methods into real-world problem-solving. You may work on projects involving coding models, analyzing datasets, or applying AI techniques in scientific research. Faculty mentors guide you through each phase, from defining a research question to interpreting and presenting results. The program is centered on how computer science tools can be applied across disciplines such as healthcare, biology, or engineering. Alongside research, you attend seminars and workshops designed to strengthen both technical and professional skills.
12. The College of New Jersey Game Design Camp
Location: The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
Cost: Residential Camp: $1,200 | Commuter Camp: $800
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students
Dates: July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: TBA; check here for more information.
Eligibility: High school students
The Game Design Camp at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) immerses you in game design through a hands-on, creative coding approach that blends technical and artistic thinking. You learn how to design, program, and refine a video game using beginner-friendly development tools. The curriculum covers core topics such as gameplay mechanics, user interaction, and fundamental programming logic. You’ll experiment with different design choices and iterate on your work to improve both functionality and user experience. The program is designed to support all skill levels, allowing you to build confidence at your own pace.
13. Stevens Institute of Technology Pre-College Residential Programs
Location: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
Cost: $3,350 (one-week programs) | $4,950 (two-week programs)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Vary based on the selected course; You can find more information here
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
Stevens’ pre-college computer science summer program for high school students in New Jersey gives you the chance to explore the dynamic subject through a range of short, focused residential courses. You can select from beginner-friendly subjects like introductory programming and cybersecurity or move into more specialized areas such as game design or intermediate-level CS. Much of your learning happens through hands-on projects, where you translate core concepts into working code and practical outputs. You’ll also work with tools commonly used in the field, including platforms like Unity. The coursework is structured to reflect a college classroom, helping you understand academic expectations at that level.
14. Rutgers Summer Edge High School Student Summer Program
Location: Rutgers University, Newark, NJ
Cost: $459/credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective
Dates: May 27 – July 3 (Session I and 12-week session) | July 7 – August 13 (Session II)
Application Deadline: May 19 (Session I and 12-week session) | June 10 (Session II)
Eligibility: 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Rutgers Summer Edge lets you step into college academics early by enrolling in credit-bearing courses while still in high school. Within computer science, you can choose classes that cover programming fundamentals, system-level concepts, or newer areas like cloud computing. The pace and rigor mirror university coursework, requiring you to manage assignments, deadlines, and independent study. Successfully completing the program earns you a Rutgers transcript, which can strengthen your applications and signal readiness for college-level work. You’ll also have access to support from program staff throughout your session. Altogether, it’s a practical way to gain academic experience while progressing toward your future degree.