15 STEM Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
If you are a high school student, participating in a structured STEM program outside of the classroom can be a solid addition to your profile. These programs provide exposure to various fields and concepts, such as advanced coding, laboratory techniques, and engineering design, which often go beyond standard school curricula. Beyond technical growth, you will also gain direct industry experience and the chance to establish valuable connections with faculty, graduate students, and professionals.
Why should you attend a program in New Jersey?
New Jersey is home to several universities, research centers, and science institutions that offer STEM opportunities for high school students. Through these programs, you may study topics such as engineering, computer science, biomedical science, environmental science, or data analysis while learning from instructors and researchers working in these fields. Whether you are a local or out-of-state student, these programs offer opportunities to explore STEM subjects in an academic setting and connect with peers who share your interests.
To help you get started, we have narrowed down 15 STEM programs for high school students in New Jersey.
If you’re looking for online STEM research programs, check out our blog here.
1. The Governor’s School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology @ Rutgers
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 62 – 90 students/year
Dates: Approximately 4 weeks starting early July
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are New Jersey residents with primarily "A" grades in honors math and science and 90th+ percentile standardized test scores who are typically in the top 5% of their class
This free residential summer program focused on engineering is designed for New Jersey’s talented, motivated high school students. During the four-week program, you will take four academic courses and participate in team-based projects in areas such as "Robot Soccer," while working on research focused on STEM topics ranging from designing water purification systems for developing countries to using "Wiimotes" for medical rehabilitation. You will collaborate with peers on a novel research project that culminates in a conference-style final paper and presentation at a research symposium. The program also offers workshops, site visits to local corporations, and activities with professors, professionals, and peers from across New Jersey.
2. Veritas AI: AI Scholars & AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts each year; AI Scholars runs for 10 weeks, and AI Fellowship runs for 12 – 15 weeks
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship typically accepts previous AI Scholar participants or those with some experience working with AI or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in 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 have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity 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 and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Five to six weeks during the summer
Application deadline: March 15
Eligibility: NJ high school students attending local NJ school districts who are 16 or older by the program start date
The Laboratory Learning Program is a full-time research experience in the natural sciences and engineering designed as an outreach program for local New Jersey high school students. Choosing a small cohort from over 3,000 applications annually, this competitive program places you in ongoing research programs where you will be closely supervised by Princeton faculty and research staff. You will participate in real research, following a customized schedule set by research personnel in accordance with project requirements. At the end, you will submit a two-page summary of your research, where you will discuss the research question, data, methods, and conclusion of the study.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: STEM Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial assistance offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions scheduled every year in summer, spring, fall, and winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers you a deep dive into the STEM track. You will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor from a leading institution, such as Harvard, Stanford, or Oxford, to produce a college-level research paper. The STEM track covers a wide range of disciplines, from traditional fields like physics, chemistry, and biology to specialized areas such as astrophysics, neuroscience, and data science. Throughout the experience, you will move through a structured academic cycle: selecting a specialized topic, conducting an intensive literature review, and formulating a unique research question. Under your mentor’s guidance, you will collect data or build models and translate your findings into a professional research manuscript. The program concludes with a virtual symposium where you will present your work to your peers and mentors.
5. Pathways to Partners in Science @ Liberty Science Center
Location: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free; $750 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Cohort 1: July 13 – 24 | Cohort 2: July 27 – August 7
Application deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Rising 10th-grade students who can attend the program in person at the Liberty Science Center
Pathways to Partners in Science is a two-week summer experience at Liberty Science Center designed to provide you with a foundational introduction to scientific research through hands-on workshops and guided mini-projects. During the program, you will find opportunities to develop skills in scientific inquiry, data collection and analysis, science writing and presentation, collaboration, communication, and STEM career exploration. You will work on small research projects in areas like biology, environmental science, and materials science. The primary focus of the program is preparing you for full-fledged research and teaching basic research skills, including general lab techniques, writing abilities, data collection methods, and teamwork.
6. Rutgers New Jersey Medical School High School Student Interns
Location: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Vary from one mentor to another; internships are 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
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School offers you the opportunity to intern with individual faculty members in their research laboratories and gain hands-on experience in medical and biomedical research. The program relies on flexible, individual arrangements, allowing you to secure mentorship from faculty and work on projects that genuinely interest you. This is an opportunity to learn from medical researchers and experience real laboratory work at a major medical school. The independent nature of the internships allows you to exercise professional networking skills by initiating and maintaining contact with faculty.
7. Governor's School in the Sciences at Drew University
Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 12 – August 1
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are New Jersey residents with primarily "A" grades in honors math and science and 90th+ percentile standardized test scores
The Governor's School in the Sciences at Drew University is a fully funded residential summer program for high-achieving New Jersey high school juniors interested in STEM. As a participant, you will engage in hands-on learning through a series of courses, projects, lectures, and other activities focused on math and science. You will also take a lab course and work on a mini research project with a team of peers. You will work with professors in Drew University’s undergraduate science programs and learn about possible career paths while connecting with faculty and New Jersey's leading industrial, governmental, and academic representatives.
8. New Jersey City University STEAM Academy
Location: New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $600 for new students | $400 for returning students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots for new students
Dates: June 29 – July 30
Application deadline: April 3
Eligibility: High-achieving 7th – 11th graders; high school students are eligible for college credit.
The NJCU STEAM Academy is a five-week on-campus program that allows middle and high schoolers to explore STEAM fields beyond the standard school curriculum. Through hands-on labs, projects, and pre-college-level coursework, you will dive into biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, calculus, computer science, and the humanities. NJCU students and alumni work closely with you as teachers and teaching assistants, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the program. You will also have the option to earn college credit for general education courses in the NJCU Undergraduate Academic Catalogue. The program culminates in a Capstone presentation where you will showcase your projects.
9. iSTEM Summer Academy @ TCNJ
Location: The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
Cost: $625/week (lunch included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application deadline: Not specified
Dates: Week 1: July 6 – 10 | Week 2: July 13 – 17
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 – 12
The iSTEM Summer Academy allows you to spend a week or two exploring the fields of engineering, robotics, and product design through hands-on activities. At the MakerCraft Summer Camp, you will learn how to use CAD software to design a wearable product and work with tools such as MATLAB and Simulink to program the device. This track offers exposure to 3D printing, coding, electronics, and laser cutting. At the Automation and Robotics Camp, you will program microcontroller devices to allow a robot carry out a range of tasks. You will learn how to design automated circuits, develop real-world prototypes using rapid prototyping technology, and work with MathWorks Simulink to control your robot.
10. FSI—Forensic Science Initiative @ NJIT
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Newark, NJ
Cost: $1,550 tuition + $50 registration fee; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – August 6
Application deadline: Not specified; registration opens in February.
Eligibility: Rising seniors who will take either NJIT FRSC 201 Introduction to Forensic Science for dual credit or a high school forensics course during their senior year
The Forensic Science Initiative (FSI) at NJIT introduces you to forensic science to prepare you for STEM college work and careers through a five-week summer program. Designed for students planning to take forensic science coursework during their senior year, this program offers hands-on experience within professional forensic laboratories. As a participant, you will explore multiple forensic disciplines. In Forensic Biology, you will learn DNA analysis and biological evidence processing, and in Forensic Chemistry, you will learn about drug analysis, toxicology, and chemical evidence examination. You will also work in custom-built Crime Scene Investigation labs, learning proper evidence collection, documentation, and preservation techniques. The Forensic Law component teaches you about the legal system, courtroom procedures, and how scientific evidence is presented in trials. Beyond campus labs, you will conduct field research at various sites in the Greater Metropolitan Area, gaining exposure to real-world forensic investigation settings.
11. Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students
Location: Coriell Institute, Camden, NJ
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Mid-July to mid-August
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students who are U.S. residents and at least 17 years old by July 1
The Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students is an opportunity to work alongside professional scientists and technicians and learn about the science and biotechnology industry. Placements are available in various tracks. In Coriell's Production Laboratories, you will explore fundamental techniques of generating, freezing, and distributing samples that support the Coriell Biobank. Within the Stem Cell Lab, you will learn about induced pluripotent stem cells and observe karyotyping. The Coriell's Molecular Biology Lab focuses on DNA extraction from various sample types. You will also attend weekly seminars and presentations led by faculty and external speakers. Sessions on resume building, interviewing skills, and decision-making for career paths are also part of the experience. At the end, you will deliver a formal PowerPoint presentation sharing what you have learned.
12. Astronomy & Astrophysics Academy @ Rutgers University
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $2,899
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 – 30 students/academy
Dates: Week I (Introduction): July 12 – 18 | Week II (Advanced Topics): July 19 – 25
Application deadline: May 24
Eligibility: High school students completing their sophomore and junior years, ages 16 to 18
This two-week Rutgers program is designed to offer high school students hands-on exposure to astronomy through observations, data analysis, and research projects. The schedule combines lectures and sessions at Rutgers’ observatory facilities. You will connect with astronomers and learn how to work with telescopes, observe celestial objects, and collect and interpret astronomical data. The program will also introduce you to areas like planetary science, stellar evolution, cosmology, and the search for exoplanets. In the second week, you will work on a research project, for which you will analyze real astronomical data and present the outcomes to peers and faculty.
13. Engineering Summer Academy @ Rutgers
Location: Rutgers–New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $2,899
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 – 30 students/academy
Dates: Week I: July 12 – 18 | Week II: July 19 – 25
Application deadline: May 24
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
The Engineering Summer Academy is a week-long residential experience designed to help you dive into the field of engineering through real-world problem-solving. During the program, you will explore fields such as aerospace, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, chemistry, and computer science through sessions, activities, and collaborative projects. You will participate in lab experiments and technology demonstrations in Rutgers facilities, learning directly from Rutgers faculty, researchers, and student mentors who will provide insights into real-world engineering applications and career paths. The schedule includes a cardboard canoe race at the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center pool, where you will apply the engineering innovation process to design and build a vessel using only cardboard, duct tape, and garbage bags, demonstrating principles of buoyancy, structural integrity, and creative problem-solving. Upon completion, you will earn a Rutgers Pre-College Digital Badge.
14. The College of New Jersey’s Engineering in Health and Medicine Camp: Biomedical Engineering
Location: The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Ewing, NJ
Cost: $2,000 + a non-refundable $39 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots
Dates: July 19 – 24
Application deadline: Rolling basis; application opens on February 9
Eligibility: High school students in the top 30% of their class who have completed one year of high school math and science.
This week-long residential camp at TCNJ is designed to introduce you to how engineering principles apply to healthcare. You will work alongside professional biomedical engineers and college students in state-of-the-art laboratories and design facilities, engaging in projects focusedon medical imaging, biomaterials, medical device design, and neural engineering, among other related topics. Beyond lab work, you will also engage in hands-on design activities and network with industry professionals to learn about career paths in the medical device sector. The program schedule also includes the presentation of project outcomes, allowing you to learn how to communicate scientific work.
15. TCNJ’s Artificial Intelligence & Wireless Communications Camp
Location: TCNJ, Ewing, NJ
Cost: $2,200 + a non-refundable $40 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited space
Dates: July 5 – 10
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: High school students who rank in the top 30% of their class and have successfully completed at least one year of math and science coursework
This camp allows you to explore electrical and computer engineering, with an emphasis on AI and wireless communications over the course of a week. The curriculum balances theory and practice, allowing you to develop handwriting recognition algorithms from scratch while learning to use industry tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Google Vision. The sessions on wireless sensing offer insights to help you build your own temperature and humidity sensors or home automation systems using Arduino and wireless transceivers. You will explore engineering labs at TCNJ, connect with electrical and computer engineering professionals, and present your work during the program. You will also receive an engineering experimentation kit to continue your learning at home.
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