15 Medical Programs for High School Students in New Jersey

If you’re a high school student interested in medicine, joining a structured program can help you understand what the field actually involves before committing to a pre-med path. These programs provide exposure to clinical settings, biomedical research, public health systems, and patient-centered care beyond classroom biology. You also have the opportunity to connect with physicians, researchers, and other students who share your interest in healthcare, helping you begin building a professional network early.

Why should you attend a program in New Jersey?

New Jersey has a dense concentration of teaching hospitals, medical schools, research universities, and healthcare institutions that host programs specifically for high school students. Depending on the program, you might participate in lab work, clinical simulations, research projects, or guided mentorship that introduces you to how healthcare professionals think and operate. Whether you live in the state or are commuting from nearby areas, these programs provide structured exposure to medical learning environments and career pathways.

In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 15 medical programs for high school students in New Jersey.

If you are looking for free programs in New Jersey, check out our blog here.

1. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Cost: Free

Dates: 5-6 weeks in Summer (exact dates vary by project; acceptances communicated by April 30)

Eligibility: NJ high school students, 16 years or older by June; must provide own transportation; US citizens attending local NJ schools

Deadline: March 15

The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) at Princeton University offers local New Jersey high school students a 5-6 week immersive research experience in science and engineering. Selected students collaborate directly with faculty and research staff on active projects, gaining practical experience in laboratory techniques and professional research methods. The program focuses on genuine in-person research rather than social or residential activities, equipping students for future STEM careers. At the end, students submit a two-page research summary report.

2. Veritas AI - Deep Dive: AI + Medicine

Location: Online

Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available

Dates: Multiple summer sessions (dates vary by cohort)

Eligibility: Students from grades 8-12. You can apply to the program here.

Deadline: Rolling admissions, subject to cohort availability

The Veritas Deep Dive: AI + Medicine program introduces high school students to how artificial intelligence is transforming modern healthcare and biomedical research. Designed as an intensive academic experience, the program explores real-world applications of machine learning across medical imaging, diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine. Students learn how AI models are built and evaluated while also examining ethical considerations related to data, bias, and patient care. Through guided projects and case-based learning, participants gain exposure to both the technical foundations of AI and its growing role in medicine.

3. Partners in Science - Liberty Science Centre

Location: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ

Cost: Free; $1,200 stipend after completing the internship

Dates: Pathways: July 13 – 24 & July 27 – August 6 | Partners in Science: 8-week program; exact dates decided between you and mentor

Eligibility: Pathways: Rising 10th graders available for a full two-week session, interest in STEM, mature enough for lab work | Partners in Science: Rising high school juniors and seniors with strong or emerging STEM potential

Deadline: Pathways: February 8 | Partners in Science: Not specified

Liberty Science Center’s Partners in Science program provides high school students with an intensive and mentor-guided research experience in STEM fields. Rising juniors and seniors collaborate with scientists and researchers to participate in genuine laboratory work, investigate real-world scientific questions, and enhance their skills in data collection, analysis, and communication. Students gain exposure to professional scientific environments, build networks with mentors and peers, and receive a stipend upon successful completion. The Pathways to Partners in Science program provides a two-week summer experience for early high school students, especially rising 10th graders. It introduces them to practical research, scientific inquiry, and STEM careers, serving as a stepping stone toward the full Partners in Science program. 

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is availableDates: Multiple cohorts offered throughout the year

Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)

Deadline: Varies by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)

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. 

5. Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES)

Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Brunswick, NJ

Cost: Free; students may receive compensation for participation and other possible expenses

Dates: 4th week of June – August 25 (students)

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors/seniors or rising undergraduate freshmen/sophomores; must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, able to commute to Rutgers, and be 16 years old. 

Deadline: Early Decision February 23 | Final Deadline March 8 (applications accepted until positions filled)

The Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) program offers high school and undergraduate students practical experience in cancer research, along with mentorship and professional growth opportunities. Students work in mentor-supervised laboratories, conduct research projects, and engage in seminars exploring key concepts in cancer biology. The program emphasizes experiential learning, communication skills, and community engagement, with students presenting their research through posters and talks at the Annual Research Day. RUYES also provides ongoing professional development, encouraging participants to explore pathways in biomedical and cancer science over a two-year commitment.

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

Location: New Brunswick / Newark, NJ (Rutgers University labs)

Cost: Free

Dates: Late June – mid-August (8 weeks for high school students)

Eligibility: High school students entering sophomore, junior, or senior year; must be 16+ with a minimum GPA of 3.0

Deadline: February 1

The RITMS Summer Research Program offers a rigorous research experience for high school students interested in pursuing careers in science, medicine, or biomedical research. Hosted by Rutgers University, the program immerses students in active research labs, allowing them to work as part of a team and gain practical experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific investigation. Students learn how translational biomedical research bridges laboratory science with real-world medical applications while building essential research skills vital for future studies in STEM and health-related disciplines. By the end of the program, students present their findings in written and oral formats, gaining insight into how professional scientific research is conducted and communicated. 

7. Coriell Summer Experience

Location: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ

Cost: Free

Dates: Mid-July - Mid-August (4 weeks; exact dates not specified)

Eligibility: Students must be at least 17 years old by July 1, have a strong interest in science (advanced coursework preferred), be U.S. residents, and available to participate full-time for all four weeks.

Deadline: May 15

The Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students offers a four-week immersive opportunity for students to work alongside professional scientists and technicians in biotechnology and biomedical research. Students gain hands-on exposure to production lab operations, biobanking procedures, stem cell research, molecular biology techniques, and karyotyping, while also attending scientific seminars led by Coriell faculty and guest experts. The program emphasizes both technical skills and professional development, including resume building, interview guidance, and public speaking, culminating in a formal student presentation of their learning.

8. Mini-Med School - Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Location: Newark, NJ (Hybrid: virtual + in-person)

Cost: $75

Dates: October 6 – November 17

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (Greater Newark area)

Deadline: September 19

The Mini-Medical School program at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School is a six-week enrichment experience designed to introduce high school juniors and seniors to careers in medicine and the health sciences. Through a mix of weekly didactic sessions led by medical students and lectures by NJMS faculty, participants explore key medical fields, including cardiology, neurology, infectious diseases, mental health, health equity, and social justice. The program also includes hands-on electives that allow students to practice basic clinical skills and engage more actively with medical concepts. By combining academic exposure with mentorship and structured insight into the medical school journey, Mini-Med is well-suited for students who want an accessible, early-stage introduction rather than a full research commitment.

9. Rutgers New Jersey Medical School - SMART Program

Location: Newark, NJ

Cost: Winter: $75 | Summer: $350

Dates: Winter SMART: January 24 - March 14 | Summer SMART: Dates to be announced

Eligibility: Winter: New Jersey residents in Grades 6-11 | Summer: Rising Grades 7-12

Deadline: Rolling until full

The Science, Medicine and Related Topics (SMART) program at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School is a pre-college enrichment initiative that introduces students to medicine, biomedical research, and health-related careers through structured academic exposure. The program is designed to cultivate early interest in science and healthcare while supporting youth development and academic confidence. SMART places a strong emphasis on expanding access for economically and educationally disadvantaged students, offering them insight into pathways such as medicine, dentistry, and biomedical research. Programming is offered in both winter and summer formats, allowing students to engage with health sciences in an academic medical environment through a mix of instruction and guided exploration.

10. MEDacademy - Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

Location: Camden, NJ

Cost: $3,000 (four-week program); $500 nonrefundable deposit required

Dates: June 29 – July 24

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.3

Deadline: Preferred application deadline: March 9 (rolling admissions thereafter)

MEDacademy is a four-week, in-person summer program for high-achieving high school students interested in exploring a future in medicine. Hosted by Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, the program introduces students to the structure and expectations of medical school through exposure to multiple medical specialties, including pathology, cardiopulmonary medicine, gastroenterology, and neurology. Students engage in faculty-led lectures, hands-on demonstrations, clinical simulations, and case-based learning alongside medical students and healthcare professionals. The program concludes with a collaborative research presentation that provides students with a structured, academically rigorous introduction to medical education.

11. Waksman Student Scholars Program

Location: Piscataway, NJ (in-person) / Online (vWISE)

Cost: $2,200 (in-person) | $600 (vWISE)

Dates: June 22 – July 2 (in-person, June session) | July 27 – August 7 (in-person, August session) | August 10 – 21 (vWISE online)

Eligibility: High school students who have completed a high school biology course

Deadline: February 2 (in-person) | March 2 (vWISE online)

The Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE) programs at Rutgers University give high school students an immersive introduction to molecular biology and bioinformatics through authentic research. Students work on projects such as analyzing DNA sequences from the aquatic plant duckweed and comparing them to sequences from other species, gaining exposure to the tools and methods used by professional scientists. In-person participants attend daily seminars and laboratory sessions led by Rutgers faculty, conduct experiments, and submit vetted DNA sequences for publication on GenBank, an international DNA sequence repository. The virtual WISE (vWISE) option mirrors this experience online, engaging students in intensive seminars, bioinformatics assignments, and independent research projects without laboratory experiments. Both programs provide valuable insight into the research process, critical scientific thinking, and potential careers in molecular biology, genetics, and biomedical science.

12. NJIT Provost High School Summer Research Internship

Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ

Cost: $500 (scholarships available for those with financial need)

Dates: June 24 – August 1

Eligibility: High school students completing 10th or 11th grade in June 2026, NJ residents, unweighted GPA of 3.75+, committed to attending all program days and events

Deadline: February 26 

The New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Provost High School Summer Research Internship gives rising 11th and 12th-graders a hands-on introduction to scientific research, engineering, and lab-based experimentation. Over six weeks, students work closely with faculty mentors and undergraduate and graduate student guides on active research projects. The program emphasizes professional development, exposure to STEM career pathways, and participation in symposia and poster presentations to showcase students’ work.

13. NJIT Forensic Science Initiative (FSI)

Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ

Cost: $1,550 tuition + $50 registration fee (scholarships available)

Dates: July 6 – August 6

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors enrolled in a high school forensics course or taking NJIT FRSC 201 for dual credit

Deadline: Check with program contact (Dr. Barbara E. Weller, weller@njit.edu)

The NJIT Forensic Science Initiative (FSI) introduces rising high school seniors to forensic science through hands-on laboratory work, field investigations, and real-world case analysis. Students participate in activities covering Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Crime Scene Investigation, and Forensic Law, all carried out in NJIT’s specialized labs and at different field sites across the Greater Metro Area. The program also allows students to earn dual credit through NJIT’s FRSC 201 Introduction to Forensic Science course. FSI is designed to prepare students for STEM-focused college programs and careers while providing exposure to scientific research and investigative techniques.

14. FSI JumpStart

Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ

Cost: $1,525 tuition + $50 registration fee (lunch included; some scholarships available)

Dates: July 6 – August 6

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors taking a senior-year forensic science course (preference for NJIT FRSC 201 dual credit); minimum B in biology, chemistry, and trigonometry

Deadline: Application available late January 

FSI JumpStart at NJIT is a summer program designed for rising high school seniors to strengthen their science skills and prepare for a senior-year forensic science course. In this immersive program, students engage in hands-on lab work, crime scene investigations, and field research at locations like the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the U.S. District Court. The program also includes a mock-trial experience and college-prep support, including guidance on personal statements, the Common App, FAFSA, scholarships, and professional networking. FSI JumpStart is designed to build both forensic science knowledge and broader STEM and college-readiness skills for students planning to pursue advanced studies.

15. Rowan-Virtua - High School Biomedical Scholars Program

Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ

Cost: $1,500

Dates: August 3 – 14

Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.2 or better

Deadline: April 1

The High School Biomedical Scholars Program at Rowan-Virtua provides a two-week immersive experience designed for students interested in biomedical research and medicine. In this program, students work alongside faculty and graduate-student mentors from Rowan-Virtua TBES and Rowan-Virtua SOM, observing and performing laboratory techniques and experiments, and, optionally, attending Human Gross Anatomy Lab sessions. The program also offers guidance on biomedical and medical career pathways, graduate and medical school preparation, and professional development. Students conclude the program with a family ceremony, providing the chance to connect with faculty and administrators from Rowan University.

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