15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in New Jersey

If you are a high school student in New Jersey, a free summer program can give you a chance to explore your fields of interest and gain experience without the hefty price tag of many camps. Without paying tuition, you can learn directly from experts, develop new skills, and build a network. 

Such free local summer programs are offered by reputable universities and organisations in New Jersey, allowing you to avoid the costs of long-distance travel. These may also offer stipends or housing at no cost, adding to the financial benefits.  With options across science, medicine, business, and the arts, you can pick a program that matches your interests, meet experts in the field, and learn from them. 

To get you started, we’ve curated 15 free summer programs for high school students in New Jersey. 

15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in New Jersey

1. Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology (GSET)

Location: Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None; this residential program is tuition‑free and does not provide a stipend

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Admits fewer than 100 students each summer

Dates: July 1 – 25

Application Deadline: January 12

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors living in New Jersey

This tuition‑free residential program immerses you in engineering and technology through workshops, faculty lectures, and projects. Participants visit local companies to see how engineers work, design a research project in a STEM discipline, and present their findings at the end of the program. Because the cohort is small, you’ll get plenty of mentorship from Rutgers professors and graduate students. The program doesn’t award grades or credits, but the experience itself is a helpful preparation for college‑level engineering. With fewer than 100 spots available and nominations required from your high school, be sure to start the application process well before the January deadline.

2. Veritas AI Scholars Program

Location: Virtual 

Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts for personalised mentorship

Dates: Multiple 10‑week sessions offered throughout the summer

Application Deadline: Rolling; early applications recommended

Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in artificial intelligence and data science

Veritas AI’s Scholars Program pairs you with industry mentors to learn machine learning fundamentals and build your own AI project. Over ten weeks, you’ll attend live online classes, join office hours with teaching assistants, and meet one‑on‑one with a mentor to refine your project idea. Students typically work on challenges—such as training neural networks or analysing data sets—and present their findings at a final symposium. Need‑based scholarships are available, so cost shouldn’t deter you from applying. If you’re a self‑motivated learner who wants to dive deeply into AI and data science, this virtual program provides structured support and a portfolio‑worthy project.

3. Liberty Science Centre Partners in Science

Location: Liberty Science Centre, Jersey City, NJ

Cost/Stipend: Paid; students receive a stipend upon successful completion

Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 30 students are admitted each summer

Dates: June 25 – August 16

Application Deadline: March 31 (varies by year)

Eligibility: Rising 11th or 12th graders at least 16 years old by July 1; full‑time availability required

This eight‑week program pairs each participant with a mentor working in science, technology, or health fields. You’ll spend roughly 25–30 hours per week engaged in research projects, ranging from analysing marine ecology to designing museum exhibits. Students also attend workshops on scientific communication, tour corporate labs, and present their findings at a poster symposium. You will receive a stipend upon successful completion, making this a paid and enriching summer experience. 

4.  Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Virtual (remote)

Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10–15 %

Dates: Flexible sessions lasting 12–16 weeks

Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines; cohorts start year‑round

Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.3+ or equivalent

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program matches you with a PhD mentor to conduct an independent research project in data science or another field of your choice. You’ll spend 12 to 16 weeks meeting regularly with your mentor, learning research methods, and writing a final paper that can be submitted to youth conferences or competitions. The program is entirely online, so you can collaborate from anywhere and schedule meetings around your summer obligations. Although there is a program fee, Lumiere offers need‑based financial aid and payment plans. If you’re interested in producing a publishable research paper and building a relationship with a professional researcher, this program provides personalised guidance that’s rare at the high school level.

5. Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science (RITMS) Summer Research Program

Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None; tuition is waived, and a travel stipend is provided to offset commuting costs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohorts comprise a small number of high school students

Dates: Eight‑week program running mid‑June to mid‑August

Application Deadline: February 1

Eligibility: Must be at least 16 and entering sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school; minimum GPA of 3.0 and strong interest in science/medicine

RITMS immerses high school students in biomedical research projects under the guidance of Rutgers scientists. You will learn laboratory techniques, assist with experiments, and attend weekly seminars on topics ranging from molecular biology to clinical research. The program culminates with a presentation where you will share your findings with peers and faculty. Participants do not pay tuition and receive a travel stipend, but they must arrange their own housing or commute daily. Because this free program is competitive, plan to submit your application by February and highlight any prior science coursework.

6. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Summer Internship

Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None; the internship is unpaid, but there is no tuition fee

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small cohort of rising seniors

Dates: June 30 – August 1

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors at least 16 years old with a strong background in physics, mathematics, and coding

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy, this full‑time internship immerses students in plasma physics research. You will work Monday through Friday on projects such as running simulations, analysing experimental data, or helping design components for fusion reactors. You’ll collaborate with scientists and engineers and attend seminars on topics like fusion energy and superconducting magnets. The program is unpaid but does not charge tuition; students must arrange their own transportation and housing. Because of the advanced science curriculum and limited space, strong math, physics, and coding skills are essential for acceptance.

7. Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) Program

Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None; participants receive a stipend for their research work and pay no tuition
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts of students and teachers

Dates: June 25 – August 27 (students commit to two summers)

Application Deadline: Early decision deadline February 23; final deadline March 8

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds; must be at least 16, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and commit to two summer sessions

RUYES is a paid, two‑year cancer research training program funded by the National Cancer Institute. During the summer, you’ll conduct research in a Rutgers lab, attend seminars on cancer biology and health disparities, and participate in community outreach activities. Students work alongside faculty mentors and graduate students, gaining practical experience with lab techniques and data analysis. The program includes a stipend and requires participants to return for a second summer to continue their projects. Because RUYES targets students from groups underrepresented in biomedical research, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and apply before the March deadline.

8. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None; students pay no tuition but do not receive a stipend and must cover their own housing and transportation

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive

Dates: Flexible five‑week sessions during the summer

Application Deadline: February 15 – March 15 window

Eligibility: Must be 16 by June 15 and attend a local high school; housing is not provided

LLP offers free research placements with Princeton University faculty in fields ranging from physics to computer science. You will work on ongoing research projects and learn how to formulate questions, collect data, and analyse results under the supervision of graduate students. Because each lab sets its own schedule, some students may start earlier or later, but most commit to at least five weeks. Applicants must provide their own housing and transportation, so the program is best suited for students who live near Princeton. Acceptance is highly competitive, with only a fraction of applicants selected each year.

9. New Jersey Scholars Program (NJSP)

Location: The Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None; tuition, housin,g and meals are fully covered, but no stipend is provided

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Only 39 students are selected statewide

Dates: June 29 – August 1

Application Deadline: Nominations due in January; final applications due in early February

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending a New Jersey secondary school

This five‑week residential program immerses top New Jersey students in an interdisciplinary seminar that changes each year. You will live on campus and spend mornings in lectures and discussions, afternoons on independent research, and evenings participating in cultural or recreational activities. Past topics have explored themes like global justice, climate change, and the future of democracy. There is no tuition or fees; room and board are covered, making NJSP one of the most generous academic summer programs in the state. Nominations must come from your school, so talk with a counsellor early if you’re interested.

10. NJIT High School Summer Research Internship

Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None; the program charges no tuition and does not offer a stipend

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; limited number of research placements

Dates: June 24 – August 1

Application Deadline: February 26

Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors with an unweighted GPA of 3.75 or higher

NJIT’s summer research internship places talented high school students on faculty‑led STEM projects. You’ll join a research group, collaborate with undergraduates and graduate students, and experience all stages of the scientific process—from designing experiments to analysing data and presenting results. At the end of the six‑week program, you will present electronic posters at NJIT’s Summer Research Symposium. Because there is no tuition cost, but the GPA requirement is high, you should ensure your academic record demonstrates readiness for advanced research. The program does not provide housing, so participants must commute to campus.

11. M.I.N.D.S. (Medical Internship Navigating Diversity and Science)

Location: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None; the internship is offered free of charge and does not provide a stipend

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort of students from underrepresented backgrounds

Dates: 6‑week program in July–August

Application Deadline: May 1

Eligibility: Financially disadvantaged high school juniors and seniors

M.I.N.D.S. introduces underrepresented or economically disadvantaged students to careers in medicine. You will participate in medical simulations, earn CPR/BLS certification, and explore how social determinants of health affect patient outcomes. The program includes educational excursions and research projects focused on health disparities in New Jersey. By the end of the six‑week session, participants have developed and implemented a research initiative and gained insights into different medical specialties. The internship is free and designed specifically to support students who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities.

12. Summer Entrepreneurship and Business Academy (SEBA)

Location: Stockton University, Galloway, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None; this week‑long program is free to attend and includes meals and housing

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort of local students

Dates: July 13 – 19

Application Deadline: June 17

Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors

SEBA exposes aspiring entrepreneurs to topics like accounting, finance, marketing, and business analytics through interactive workshops and lectures. You will network with faculty and industry leaders, go on field trips, and compete in a team business plan competition. At the end of the week, teams pitch their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win cash prizes. The program is free and includes meals and housing, making it accessible for students interested in business without added costs. Since spots are limited, apply early and be prepared to demonstrate your interest in entrepreneurship.

13. Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy

Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None; there is no tuition or fee, and the program awards transferable college credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts chosen to encourage collaboration

Dates: June 24 – 27

Application Deadline: June 2

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors

Rowan’s four‑day academy helps students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and earn three college credits at the same time. Working in teams, you’ll tackle a challenge aligned with one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and learn about business models, customer engagement, financial analysis and pitching. Faculty and guest speakers provide guidance, and the program culminates in a pitch competition judged by industry professionals. There is no cost to attend, and the credits you earn may be transferable to other universities, making this a valuable head start for future business majors.

14. Mercer County Summer Internship Program

Location: Various departments, Mercer County, NJ

Cost/Stipend: Paid; interns earn hourly wages for their work

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; positions available across multiple county offices

Dates: Internships begin after the school year ends (late June) and end on the Friday before Labour Day

Application Deadline: April 30

Eligibility: Students aged 15 and older who live or attend school in Mercer County

Mercer County’s paid internship program allows high schoolers to gain experience in public administration, law, finance, parks and other government departments. You will work on projects that develop professional skills and participate in career‑oriented workshops organised by the Office of Personnel. The program is open to students as young as 15, giving younger teens a chance to explore potential careers. Because the internships are paid and free to participate in, they’re a great way to build your résumé while earning money. Apply by April 30 and specify your areas of interest to increase your chances of placement.

15. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)

Location: Online & Princeton University campus, Princeton, NJ

Cost/Stipend: None; the program is free and covers housing, meals and travel

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 40 students selected nationwide

Dates: Online workshops throughout July and a 10‑day residential session in early August

Application Deadline: February 15

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors who meet certain low‑income criteria

PSJP is a free college‑prep and journalism intensive for high‑achieving students from limited‑income backgrounds. You will spend July attending virtual seminars led by journalists and professors, then come to Princeton for a 10‑day residential session. The program includes field trips to major news outlets such as The New York Times and Bloomberg, workshops on reporting and multimedia, and opportunities to cover local events. You will produce a newspaper called The Princeton Summer Journal and receive guidance on college essays and financial aid. Housing, meals and transportation are provided at no cost, making PSJP a fully funded opportunity for aspiring writers.