12 Physics Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
Physics programs can be a useful way for you to explore scientific concepts beyond what you cover in school. They allow you to study topics in greater depth while building skills in analysis, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning through structured activities and projects. You can also gain exposure to research environments and connect with peers and mentors who share your interests.
Why should you attend a program in New Jersey?
New Jersey is home to universities and organizations such as Princeton University, Rutgers University, and NJIT that offer programs in physics and related fields. Depending on the program, you might explore topics like astrophysics, electromagnetism, or computational physics while working through experiments, data analysis, or technical projects. These opportunities can be worth considering, whether you are a local student looking for programs nearby or an out-of-state student interested in exploring a new academic environment.
To help with your search, we’ve narrowed down our list to 12 physics programs for high school students in New Jersey.
If you’re looking for programs in New Jersey, check out our blog here.
1. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (Physics Track)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Extremely selective (3,000+ applicants; limited placements)
Dates: 5–6 weeks during Summer (department-specific schedules)
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: 16+ by June 15; U.S. citizens attending local NJ high schools (non-residential; transportation required)
The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) gives high school students in New Jersey the opportunity to spend the summer working full-time in Princeton research labs. Depending on faculty participation in a given year, you might be placed in labs connected to physics and engineering. In a physics-focused lab, your work might involve theoretical modeling, experimental lab work, astrophysics research, materials science studies, or applied physics projects. Instead of attending traditional classes, you'll join an active research group and work alongside faculty members, graduate students, and research staff. All internships are fully in-person and run during standard lab hours, so you'll follow the daily rhythm of a working research environment. You must complete safety training before starting and submit a two-page research summary upon program completion.
2. Veritas AI – AI + Physics Research Program (Virtual)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts 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. Governor’s School in the Sciences (Drew University)
Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ
Cost: Free (fully funded residential program)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive with a small cohort selected from across New Jersey
Dates: July 12 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 8 (school-nominated application process)
Eligibility: High-achieving New Jersey high school juniors nominated by their schools
The Governor’s School in the Sciences at Drew University is a three-week residential program where students explore advanced scientific topics, including physics, through intensive coursework and research. Students interested in physics engage with areas such as modern physics, astrophysics, and theoretical concepts through lectures and guided problem-solving sessions. The program also includes laboratory work and collaborative research projects, allowing students to apply theoretical principles in experimental and computational contexts. Through presentations and discussions, participants develop a deeper understanding of physics while gaining experience communicating complex scientific ideas in an academic setting.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Rutgers Engineering Summer Academy (Physics-Intensive Engineering)
Location: Rutgers University–New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Paid residential program
Acceptance Rate: Not publicly specified
Dates: July 12–18 (Week I); July 19–25 (Week II)
Application Deadline: Typically spring
Eligibility: Students completing sophomore or junior year; ages 16–18
While centered on engineering, this academy incorporates applied physics concepts, including mechanics, electricity, materials science, and fluid dynamics. During the program, you'll participate in lab experiments, collaborative design challenges, and hands-on prototyping projects that bring theoretical concepts to life. You'll also have the opportunity to interact with Rutgers engineering faculty and visit advanced research facilities. The week culminates in team-based engineering projects that demonstrate physics in action. You'll earn a Rutgers Pre-College Digital Badge upon completing the academy.
6. New Jersey Institute of Technology – Center for Pre-College Programs (Physics Pathways)
Location: NJIT, Newark, NJ
Cost: Varies by program (some grant-funded options available)
Acceptance Rate: Not publicly specified
Dates: Summer and academic-year programs (varies by track)
Application Deadline: Varies by specific program
Eligibility: Grades 4–12 (physics-aligned programs primarily for high school students)
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)’s Center for Pre-College Programs offers several STEM pathways that introduce high school students to both foundational and applied physics. Programs such as Saturday Morning STEM and Summer STEMx combine engineering design, materials exploration, and scientific experimentation grounded in physics principles. You'll investigate the problem-solving methods used in technology and engineering careers. Some tracks also provide opportunities for early college credit or dual enrollment. Overall, these programs provide early exposure to technical careers and strengthen your quantitative reasoning skills, which are essential for future STEM study.
7. Stevens Institute of Technology – Pre-College Programs (Physics & Engineering Pathways)
Location: Hoboken, NJ
Cost: Tuition-based (varies by program format; no application fee)
Acceptance Rate: Not publicly specified (moderately selective for credit-bearing options)
Dates: Summer (application deadlines: May 8 for online credit; June 1 for residential/commuter)
Application Deadline: Priority Financial Aid Deadline – March 16
Eligibility: High school students (varies by specific program; generally grades 9–12)
Stevens Institute of Technology offers residential, commuter, and college-credit programs that focus on applied physics through coursework in engineering, quantitative finance, and technology. You can enroll in Stevens undergraduate classes to earn college credit and gain exposure to university-level physics and mathematics. The programs incorporate lab-based learning, robotics, systems modeling, and problem-solving rooted in mechanics and electromagnetism. Residential students experience dorm life while taking part in sessions led by Stevens faculty and industry professionals. Additional enrichment opportunities include the Physics Olympiad and engineering-focused initiatives that develop students' advanced conceptual understanding. The proximity to New York City and its technology, finance, and research hubs enhances opportunities for industry and research exposure.
8. Seton Hall University – Pre-College Summer Courses (Physics-Adjacent Engineering Track)
Location: South Orange, NJ
Cost: Tuition-based (need-based scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate: Not publicly specified
Dates: July (varies by course; many 1-week or 2-week formats)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students
Seton Hall’s pre-college offerings span multiple disciplines, but its Engineering Pathways: Robotics, Electronics & Green Technologies program introduces high school students to foundational physics concepts, including circuitry, mechanics, and energy systems. In this program, you'll participate in hands-on experiments exploring robotics design and sustainable technologies. The curriculum emphasizes applied scientific principles that support modern engineering innovations. The teaching combines foundational theory with practical implementation. Programs are short-term but offer a focused exploration of technical fields. In addition, scholarships make the program accessible to a wider range of students.
9. The College of New Jersey – iSTEM Summer Academy
Location: Ewing, NJ
Cost: $625/week (lunch included)
Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment (capacity-based)
Dates: Week 1: July 6 – 10 (MakerCraft Camp) | Week 2: July 13 – 17 (Automation & Robotics Camp)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising 8th–12th grade students
The Integrative STEM (iSTEM) Summer Academy at New Jersey Institute of Technology organizes hands-on, engineering-driven day camps that emphasize creative problem-solving and technical innovation. In the MakerCraft Camp, you learn CAD design, MATLAB/Simulink programming, wearable technology prototyping, and digital fabrication techniques such as 3D printing and laser cutting. The Automation & Robotics Camp focuses on building skills in microcontroller programming, circuit design, rapid prototyping, and robotics control systems. You'll gain experience in applied electronics, coding, and product development within structured lab environments. The camp runs daily from 9 a.m.– 4 p.m., simulating the workflow of a structured engineering setting. The program is designed as an enrichment experience and is particularly well-suited for students interested in exploring applied physics and robotics pathways.
10. Rutgers Pre-College Summer Academies (Astronomy & Astrophysics Track)
Location: Rutgers University–New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Paid program (tuition required; see official site for rates)
Acceptance Rate: Not publicly specified (moderately selective)
Dates: One-week residential sessions, Summer
Application Deadline: Varies (typically spring)
Eligibility: Students completing sophomore or junior year; ages 16–18 before Summer
The Astronomy & Astrophysics Academy at Rutgers University introduces high school students to core physics concepts through space science and cosmology. In this program, you explore fascinating topics such as stellar evolution, black holes, planetary motion, and observational astronomy, while learning how physicists study the universe. Courses are taught by Rutgers faculty and field professionals through lectures, workshops, and lab-style activities. The program is offered in a residential format, allowing you to experience life on the campus while staying in student dormitories. Evening programming builds connections with academically motivated peers who share an interest in science and discovery. You'll earn a Rutgers Pre-College Digital Badge upon completion of the program.
11. Fairleigh Dickinson University – Precollegiate STEM Discovery Program
Location: North Jersey communities (various partner schools)
Cost: Not specified (supported by foundations and sponsors; typically low-cost or free for participants)
Acceptance Rate: Not publicly specified
Dates: Academic-year programming (varies by initiative)
Application Deadline: Varies by program component
Eligibility: Middle and high school students, particularly from underserved communities
The Precollegiate STEM Discovery Program at Fairleigh Dickinson University creates a long-term pathway into STEM fields for middle and high school students. The program includes initiatives such as Mathematics Enrichment Through Applications, Girls Exploring Engineering, Computing and Security Enrichment Outreach, and the Python STEM Scholars Program. These programs allow you to engage in STEM coursework and activities that introduce applied mathematics, programming, and real-world problem-solving. Some initiatives allow high school juniors to earn college credit through online Python courses. Undergraduate and graduate students from FDU’s School of Computer Sciences and Engineering serve as mentors and program assistants. Overall, the program emphasizes access, representation, and continuous exposure to STEM pathways, helping you to gradually build the necessary skills and explore potential careers in science and technology.
12. Stanford University – SPINWIP (Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics)
Location: Virtual (Hosted by Stanford Physics Department & KIPAC)
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Not publicly specified (selective; limited cohort)
Dates: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: Typically Spring; results late May–early June
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 at the time of application; international students are eligible; students of any gender may apply (focused on supporting women and underrepresented groups in physics)
SPINWIP at Stanford University is a 3-week virtual physics enrichment program designed to introduce high school students to emerging areas of modern physics. You'll explore cutting-edge research areas, including quantum physics, quantum computing, astrophysics, cosmology, and particle physics, while gaining insights into how researchers investigate these fields. You'll learn Python coding and apply it directly to physics-based computational projects. The program combines faculty lectures, small-group mentorship led by Stanford undergraduates, and workshops on college preparation and research careers. No prior physics or coding experience is required, making the program widely accessible and yet intellectually challenging. Overall, SPINWIP gives high school students exposure to theoretical and computational physics in a research-driven academic environment.
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI.