13 Paid Internships for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
If you're a high school student looking to gain experience beyond the classroom, a paid internship can help you explore potential career paths while developing practical skills. Through internships, you can work alongside researchers, engineers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry experts, contributing to meaningful projects while learning how different organizations operate. In addition to earning a stipend or hourly wage, you'll build skills in communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and professional responsibility that can benefit you in college and future careers.
Why should you attend a paid internship in New Jersey?
New Jersey is home to major research institutions, healthcare systems, government agencies, and technology organizations that offer opportunities for high school students. Programs at Rutgers University, Liberty Science Center, and the Newark Museum of Art give you access to research labs, scientific investigations, public service projects, healthcare experiences, and professional mentorship. Whether you're a New Jersey resident looking for local opportunities or a student seeking virtual options, these internships can help you gain experience, develop new skills, and explore careers across STEM, healthcare, policy, cybersecurity, and the arts.
We’ve narrowed down this list to 13 paid internships for high school students in NJ (New Jersey).
If you’re looking for programs in New Jersey, check out our blog here.
1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Lakehurst, NJ (and other DoN labs)
Stipend: $4,000 (new) / $4,500 (returning)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 students across 38+ labs (highly competitive)
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer; possible extension up to 10 weeks)
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students (completed Grade 9), 16+, U.S. citizens
SEAP places you inside a Department of Navy lab where you work on real-world Naval STEM research for eight weeks. You’ll be mentored directly by scientists and engineers, gaining exposure to cutting-edge technology and research practices. The program is highly competitive, with selections based on academics, recommendations, and your demonstrated interest in STEM. You’ll choose your preferred labs and research areas, making the experience aligned with your interests. Throughout the internship, you actively contribute to meaningful scientific projects rather than just observe. This is a strong pathway if you’re considering a future in science, engineering, or defense research careers.
2. U.S. Department of State – Pathways Internship Program (IEP & ITEP)
Location: Various U.S. Department of State offices (NJ placements possible; nationwide roles)
Stipend: Paid (GS pay scale; varies by role and level)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; varies by posting
Dates: Year-round (based on openings)
Application Deadline: Rolling (via USAJOBS; closes when positions fill)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, 16+, enrolled in high school/college, minimum GPA 2.0
The Pathways Program lets you work in real federal roles while getting paid, giving you direct exposure to government careers. You can apply to either the Internship Experience Program (long-term, career-track) or the Internship Temporary Program (short-term, flexible work), depending on your availability. You’ll apply through USAJOBS and compete for specific openings, making the process similar to the real federal hiring process. During the internship, you gain hands-on experience in policy, administration, or international affairs-related work. Some roles offer benefits, promotions, and even a pathway to full-time federal jobs after completion. This is a strong option if you’re serious about government, diplomacy, or public service careers.
3. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) – NJIT
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Newark, NJ
Stipend: Paid (varies by role, duration, and location)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; varies by lab/site
Dates: June 23 – August 5 (Tentative)
Application Deadline: Varies by position (rolling)
Eligibility: High school students (14+), U.S. citizens or permanent residents
AEOP places you in a university or Army research lab where you work on cutting-edge STEM projects in areas like optics, photonics, and sensors. You’ll conduct hands-on experiments, read scientific literature, and attend expert-led seminars to deepen your understanding. Throughout the program, you’re mentored by professional scientists and engineers, helping you build real research and problem-solving skills. You also gain exposure to Department of Defense research and STEM career pathways. The experience allows you to use advanced lab equipment and learn how real research environments function. On top of that, you earn a stipend while building a strong profile for college and future STEM opportunities.
4. Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)
Location: U.S. Forest Service sites (NJ placements available on public lands/parks)
Stipend: Paid (federal or state minimum wage)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by location; moderately competitive
Dates: 1–3 months (summer)
Application Deadline: Varies by site (spring–early summer typical)
Eligibility: Ages 15–18, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, valid SSN, eligible for work permit
YCC gives you a chance to get paid while working on real conservation projects on public lands. You’ll work in teams on tasks like trail building, wildlife research, and removing invasive species, gaining hands-on environmental experience. The program helps you learn about green careers and environmental stewardship while building practical outdoor skills. You’ll also connect with conservation professionals and like-minded peers, expanding your network. Throughout the summer, you develop teamwork, responsibility, and leadership skills in a real work setting. It’s a solid option if you’re interested in nature, sustainability, or environmental careers.
5. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Nationwide placements (including New Jersey; within ~45 minutes of your home)
Stipend: $3,000 stipend (paid in installments)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~80–100 students annually
Dates: 8 weeks (June–August; flexible schedule)
Application Deadline: Late January (e.g., Jan 25)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, 16+, U.S./Canada/Mexico residents
The Hutton Program places you with a local mentor where you gain hands-on experience in fisheries and aquatic science. You’ll work in real environments like rivers, labs, or boats, doing tasks such as fish surveys, water testing, and data analysis. Throughout the internship, you’re mentored by professionals in environmental science, helping you understand real career paths. The program is designed to increase access to fisheries and conservation careers, especially for underrepresented students. You’ll also build research, fieldwork, and scientific observation skills through active participation. By the end, you’ll have real-world environmental experience plus a $3,000 stipend to support your work.
6. Newark Museum of Art – Explorers Program
Location: Newark, NJ
Stipend: Paid internship (stipend provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~50 students/year (selective)
Dates: Year-round program (orientation in October; ongoing workshops + summer components)
Application Deadline: June 1 (applications open March 1)
Eligibility: Newark-based students (Grades 9–11), minimum GPA 2.7
The Explorers Program gives you a paid museum internship while building college, career, and life skills. You’ll attend workshops on leadership, public speaking, STEM, and financial literacy, all while working with museum professionals. The program is highly structured and selective, with an application, interview, and orientation process. You’ll also get access to field trips, college tours, SAT prep, and networking opportunities. Throughout the experience, you develop confidence, teamwork, and real-world skills using the museum’s resources. It’s a strong option if you want long-term mentorship plus exposure to careers in arts, STEM, and leadership.
7. Mercer County Student Internship Program
Location: Mercer County, NJ
Stipend: Paid (~$17/hour typical)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort-based (varies yearly)
Dates: July 6 – August 28 (high school program)
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: High school students (15+) who live or study in Mercer County
This program places you inside a county department where you gain hands-on experience in local government operations. You’ll work in a structured cohort model, combining real work with professional training sessions. The application lets you choose a department aligned with your interests, making the experience more relevant to your goals. Throughout the internship, you build workplace skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. You’ll also explore career paths in public service while learning directly from government professionals. It’s a strong option if you want practical experience plus structured career development in a paid setting.
8. Liberty Science Center – Partners in Science
Location: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Stipend: $750
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 13 - July 24; July 27 - August 7
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Partners in Science places you in a real research lab where you work alongside scientists and mentors in fields like health, engineering, and environmental science. You’ll go beyond school labs and engage in authentic scientific research, exploring real-world problems and discoveries. Throughout the program, you build skills in data analysis, scientific writing, and presenting your work. You also gain access to university-level facilities and professional networks. The experience helps you develop confidence, communication skills, and a deeper STEM understanding. It’s ideal if you want hands-on research experience plus a paid summer internship in NJ.
9. Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students
Location: Camden, NJ
Stipend: Paid (stipend provided; limited spots)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective (~3 students)
Dates: Mid-July to mid-August (4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling (until spots fill)
Eligibility: 17+, U.S. residents, strong interest in science, able to commute
This program places you inside a biotech institute where you work alongside professional scientists in real labs. You’ll gain exposure to biobanking, stem cell research, DNA extraction, and genetic analysis techniques through hands-on support work. Throughout the internship, you’ll learn core lab skills while observing advanced processes like karyotyping and molecular biology workflows. You’ll also attend weekly scientific seminars and career workshops on resumes, interviews, and career planning. By the end, you’ll present your work in a formal research presentation, building communication skills. It’s a top-tier option if you want direct exposure to biotech research in a highly selective, paid setting.
10. M.I.N.D.S. Program (Medical Internship Navigating and Discovering Science)
Location: Nutley, NJ (hybrid format)
Stipend: Paid (stipend provided; varies)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort
Dates: Summer (Mon–Thurs, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (entering Grade 11)
The M.I.N.D.S. Program gives you early, hands-on exposure to healthcare careers through a structured medical internship. You’ll take part in clinical shadowing, medical simulations, and research projects focused on real community health issues. The program also includes CPR/BLS certification, SAT prep, and workshops led by healthcare professionals. Throughout the experience, you’ll build mentorship connections and gain insight into different medical career paths. You’ll apply what you learn by presenting a final research project at a formal showcase. It’s a strong option if you’re aiming for a future in medicine or healthcare and want real-world, paid experience early on.
11. Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES)
Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Brunswick, NJ
Stipend: Paid (compensation + possible expense coverage)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Late June – August (10 weeks; 2-year commitment)
Application Deadline: Opens November; closes early (typically Feb–March)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors/seniors, 16+, U.S. citizens/permanent residents (Tri-state area)
RUYES places you in a research lab where you work on real cancer and biomedical research projects under expert mentors. You’ll commit to a two-year program with hands-on lab work, seminars, and professional development activities. During the internship, you’ll analyze data, explore scientific literature, and contribute to ongoing research. You’ll also create and present a research poster and formal presentation at an annual symposium. The program helps you build strong research, communication, and critical thinking skills. It’s ideal if you’re serious about careers in medicine, cancer research, or biomedical science and want a long-term, paid experience.
12. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship
Location: Remote / Hybrid (NJ students can participate)
Stipend: Paid (limited stipends based on financial need)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Summer: June – August, Fall: October – December, Spring: February – April
Application Deadline: Varies by term (not rolling; fixed cycles)
Eligibility: High school to graduate students (highly competitive; strong skills preferred)
FPRI internships give you the chance to work with scholars on real research in international relations and global policy. You’ll be mentored directly by experts, helping you build skills in research, writing, and analysis. During the program, you can attend seminars, events, and discussions with foreign policy professionals. You’ll also have the opportunity to write a research paper that may be considered for publication. The internship helps you develop critical thinking, communication, and professional workplace skills. It’s a strong fit if you’re interested in politics, global affairs, or research-based careers, though competition is intense.
13. NJCCIC High School Internship Program (Cybersecurity)
Location: Virtual (New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell – NJ-based)
Stipend: Paid (stipend provided; varies by program)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohorts
Dates: Basics: August 3 – August 7; Advanced/Elite: July 20 – October
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: NJ high school students (Grades 9–12), with an interest in cybersecurity
This internship introduces you to real-world cybersecurity concepts and threats through structured, team-based sessions. You can choose between beginner (Basics) or more advanced tracks, depending on your experience level. Throughout the program, you’ll learn cybersecurity fundamentals, research methods, and how professionals handle digital threats. The advanced tracks let you go deeper into cybersecurity research and problem-solving over several weeks. You’ll also collaborate with peers and build technical and analytical skills in a fast-growing field. It’s a strong option if you want early exposure to cybersecurity plus a flexible, paid virtual internship.
Bonus Option
Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies as per program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships span a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech to AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are, on average, high-growth companies that raise over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we have had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. Check out a past student’s experience in the program here. You can apply here!