15 Engineering Programs for High School Students in New Jersey (NJ)
If you are a high school student in New Jersey interested in engineering, a program in the field can be a great next step. Engineering programs designed for high school students typically offer opportunities to develop practical skills, gain industry insight, and build professional connections. Many of these programs are offered by universities and engineering organizations, giving you a head start in your future academics and career.
As a participant, you will have the opportunity to explore various engineering subfields, advanced topics, ongoing research, and professional paths within the field. The experience can also look good on your college applications, as it will highlight your willingness to learn beyond the classroom.
To help you with your search, we have listed 15 engineering programs for high school students in New Jersey.
1. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Application deadline: March 15; applications open on February 15
Dates: Five to six weeks in the Summer
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years and older by June 15 and reside and attend schools in NJ
Princeton LLP provides local high school students with a free, full-time summer research experience in the natural sciences and engineering. You will join an ongoing research program and work closely under the supervision of Princeton faculty and research staff. The program runs during regular weekday hours over five to six weeks, with schedules customized based on the project and mentor availability. You will contribute to active research projects in a university lab setting. At the end of the program, you will submit a two-page report summarizing the research.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Application deadline: Rolling basis; Spring: January | Summer: May | Fall: September | Winter: November
Dates: Multiple 12- to 15-week cohorts (spring, summer, fall, and winter) each year
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or demonstrate some experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI provides multiple learning opportunities centered on exploring artificial intelligence. If applying to the beginner-friendly AI Scholars program, you will learn about the applications of AI, Python basics, and key machine learning, AI, and data science concepts. You can also opt for the AI Fellowship program, which offers you access to mentorship and an opportunity to develop your own project. In the past, Veritas AI program participants have worked on interdisciplinary STEM projects that utilize concepts from engineering, AI, and environmental science. You can check out past projects here.
3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Multiple labs across the country, including Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in NJ
Stipend: New participants: $4,000 | Returning participants: $4,500
Cohort size: Around 300
Application deadline: November 1; applications open on August 1
Dates: Eight weeks in the Summer
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grade 9 and are 16 or older by the internship start date
SEAP places high school students in Navy labs to experience hands-on STEM research. During the eight-week summer program, you will explore naval science and engineering under expert mentorship in an advanced lab setting. You will contribute to ongoing research projects and gain insights into potential careers in naval research and technology. The program also offers professional development opportunities, allowing you to shadow professionals, network with researchers and other professionals, and attend leadership sessions. At the NJ site, you will assist the lab staff with Naval projects, cybersecurity assessments, experiments, tests, engineering evaluations, and tool development.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; the upcoming cohort’s deadline is August 24
Dates: Summer: June – August | Fall: September – December | Spring: March – June | Winter: December – February; options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement; accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with the opportunity to engage in independent research under the guidance of Ph.D.-level mentors. Over the course of 12 weeks or more, you will work one-on-one with your mentor to design, execute, and complete a research project, with your experience culminating in a full research paper upon program completion. The program is flexible, allowing you to choose from a variety of fields, including multiple engineering disciplines. You will also work with a writing coach to understand the scientific writing rules and complete your research paper.
5. Rutgers Honors Engineering eXperience (RHEx)
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: $2,500
Acceptance rate: Selective
Application deadline: Early application: February 23; Regular application: April 26
Dates: June 22 – 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Rutgers Honors Engineering eXperience (RHEx) is a one-week summer pre-college program for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in engineering. Here, you will explore a range of engineering disciplines through workshops, lab sessions, and team projects. The program primarily focuses on material, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering through hands-on learning. Each day is centered on a unique theme, from building solar cells and coding molecular models to analyzing sports performance with AI and designing automata. You will also engage in discussions on career paths and current innovations in engineering. The week concludes with a symposium where you will present your engineering project to family and friends.
6. Engineering in Health and Medicine Camp @ The College of New Jersey
Location: The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Ewing, NJ
Cost: $1,900 program fee + $39 application fee
Acceptance rate: Selective
Application deadline: Rolling basis till the camp is full; applications open on February 3
Dates: July 20 – 25
Eligibility: High school students who rank in the top 30% of their class and have completed one year of high school math and science
The College of New Jersey’s Engineering in Health and Medicine Camp is a one-week residential program for high school students interested in biomedical engineering. Here, you will engage in hands-on projects and lab activities in areas like neural engineering, drug delivery, and medical imaging. You will work in TCNJ’s advanced design facilities and labs to test materials, learn how to use CAD systems, and apply diffusion principles. Your project may focus on medical imaging, biomaterials, medical device design, neural engineering, or other related topics. You will participate in evening activities to network with peers and professionals in the field of biomedical engineering. You will also present your project outcomes to peers and faculty during the program.
7. TCNJ’s iSTEM Summer Academy
Location: The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
Cost: $575/week
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Application deadline: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – 11; July 14 – 18
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
At the iSTEM Summer Academy, you will spend a week exploring engineering and design through various activities. The first week’s Creative Design track focuses on design and fabrication, where you will use TCNJ’s manufacturing tools like 3D printers and laser cutters to prototype your own inventions and take them home. Here, you will also engage in design challenges throughout the week and get some experience in modeling, 3D printing, and graphic design. The second week focuses on robotics, enabling you to build and program a robot, compete in team challenges, and apply engineering, computer science, and coding principles. The experience can help you build problem-solving and teamwork skills while exploring engineering applications.
8. Rutgers University’s TARGET
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering (Busch campus), Piscataway, NJ
Cost: $500; scholarships available
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Application deadline: Not specified
Dates: One-week sessions in June/July; dates vary by grade
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
TARGET is a summer program at Rutgers that introduces middle and high school students to careers in engineering and STEM. Over the course of a one-week session, you will participate in workshops, labs, and projects to explore various engineering fields. Mentors and faculty will guide you through engineering disciplines like civil, electrical, aerospace, and more. The program may also cover the role of engineering in everyday life, from infrastructure to healthcare and technology. You will also find opportunities to develop teamwork and problem-solving skills while learning about diverse career paths in the field.
9. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: Virtual or in-person at NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Most interns receive stipends; the amount varies
Acceptance rate: Selective
Application deadline: Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22 | Spring: September 12
Dates: Summer Session: Late May/early June – August | Fall: Late August/early September – mid-December | Spring: Mid-January – early May
Eligibility: Full-time students, high school through graduate level, aged 16 at the time of application with a 3.0/ GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale; applicants must be U.S. citizens
The NASA OSTEM Internship Program offers students the opportunity to work at NASA centers nationwide during spring, summer, or fall terms. If selected, you will join teams and projects in engineering, science, technology, or business operations. You will work alongside NASA’s experienced scientists, engineers, and mentors, contributing to the development, research, analysis, or testing of space exploration and innovative technologies. The program blends hands-on problem-solving with professional growth, helping you build essential skills and connect with experts in the field. You will also get insights into careers at NASA and space science and engineering.
10. Rutgers’ The Governor’s School of New Jersey Program in Engineering & Technology
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: Free
Cohort size: 62–90
Application deadline: January 10
Dates: July 5 – 25
Eligibility: High school juniors who are New Jersey residents
The Governor’s School of New Jersey Program in Engineering & Technology is a residential summer program introducing high school juniors to engineering and its applications. You will participate in four ungraded, non-credit academic courses and collaborate on a small research and design project. In the process, you will learn about robotics, physics, and the role of engineering in different areas. The program ends with a symposium where you present your conference-style research paper and findings. You will also attend workshops and activities and interact with faculty, professionals, and fellow students from across the state during the program. Site visits to local corporations will offer insights into engineering and technology careers.
11. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote internships available for New Jersey students
Cost: $25 application fee with waivers available
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Application deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Students who are 15 or older by June 18
ASSIP at George Mason University provides high school students with the opportunity to engage in STEM research under the guidance of faculty mentors. You can choose engineering research mentors offering remote internships. Throughout the program, you will work with advanced technologies and contribute to engineering research. In the process, you will build skills in scientific writing, communication, and innovative problem-solving while connecting with STEM professionals. You may also get to showcase your work at conferences and find your name published in scientific journals. The experience ends with a research symposium, where you get to learn about ASSIP research conducted by your peers.
12. Rowan's Introduction for Students to Engineering (RISE)
Location: Rowan University’s Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: $200
Cohort size: 30
Application deadline: June 10
Dates: July 8 – 10
Eligibility: High school students
RISE is a three-day workshop for high school students interested in getting practical exposure to engineering. You will attend laboratory sessions, work on engineering projects, and access the mentorship of Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering professors and students. The workshops cover topics like concrete, polymers, arduinos, bottle rockets, and 3D printing, helping you design and test your ideas. You will also tour the campus and visit engineering organizations during the program. The program can offer you some experience in engineering design and tech as well as opportunities to network with like-minded peers.
13. BlueStamp Engineering Remote Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,200
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Limited capacity; exact number not specified
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – July 3 | Session 2: July 7 – 25 | Session 3: July 28 – August 15
Eligibility: Rising 8th–12th graders
The BlueStamp Engineering Remote Internship Program is a live, virtual experience designed for students around the world. You will begin by selecting a project under the guidance of an instructor. Before the program starts, you will receive all necessary parts and tools by mail. During the program, you will work on a starter project to build foundational engineering skills like soldering and troubleshooting, and then construct the main project. The program sticks to a student-to-staff ratio of 4:1 to help you get personalized support. Throughout the program, you will document your progress and make creative modifications. The program concludes with Demo Night, where you will present your completed work.
14. Drexel University Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) Summer Institute
Location: Remote option available for NJ students
Cost: $450
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Application deadline: June 1 or till all slots are filled up
Dates: July 21 – 24
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Drexel University’s Materials Science and Engineering Summer Institute introduces high school students to the fundamentals of materials research. Over the course of a week, you will investigate how atoms arrange to form materials with diverse properties. Sessions focus on how processing techniques shape materials for specific applications. You will engage in science and engineering activities that demonstrate how materials impact various fields, including aerospace, energy, biotechnology, and electronics. The theme of sustainability and nanotechnology is a part of all modules.
15. Drexel University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Summer Institute
Location: Remote
Cost: $300
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Application deadline: June 15
Dates: July 21 – 24
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors as of Fall
The ECE Summer Institute is a virtual, four-day camp that introduces high school students to the basics of electrical and computer engineering. Using the ESP32 microcontroller, you will gain hands-on experience in programming embedded systems. Lessons will cover topics such as signal processing, circuits, algorithms, and hardware systems. You will learn how these concepts apply to technologies like cell phones and self-driving cars. The experience can offer introductory insights into the disciplines you will explore if you plan to pursue electrical engineering or computer science.
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