15 STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
If you’re a high school student interested in STEM, summer programs can provide a practical way to explore subjects beyond what’s typically covered during the school year. Many of these programs involve lab work, coding projects, engineering design challenges, or mentored research, giving you experience in applying STEM concepts in various settings. You may also develop skills in collaboration, data analysis, and scientific communication through group projects and presentations.
Why should you attend a program in New Jersey?
New Jersey offers a strong range of STEM opportunities through universities, research institutions, and STEM-focused organizations across the state. Programs vary in structure, with some emphasizing faculty-led research and others focusing on applied learning in areas like robotics, environmental science, data science, or engineering. Many are accessible to in-state students, while others also accept participants from outside the region.
We’ve narrowed down our list to 15 STEM summer programs for high school students in New Jersey.
If you’re looking for medical summer programs in New Jersey, check out our blog here.
1. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program
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) offers high school students in New Jersey a unique opportunity to engage in full-time summer research within Princeton’s laboratories. Based on faculty availability each year, students may be assigned to labs in areas such as physics or engineering. Those placed in STEM-related labs could explore topics like theoretical modeling, biology, chemistry, materials science, or applied physics. In the program, you’ll join active research teams and collaborate closely with faculty, graduate students, and research staff. The program is fully in-person, following standard lab working hours to provide an authentic research experience. Before beginning, students must complete safety training, and at the end of the program, they must submit a two-page summary of their research.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
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: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. If you're looking to get started with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and data science, the AI Scholars program is a strong starting point. This 10-session boot camp introduces you to the fundamentals of AI & data science, while guiding you through real-world projects. For students with more experience in AI, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers an advanced opportunity. Through this program, you'll get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, independent project. A bonus of this program is that the in-house publication team will help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Liberty Science Center’s Partners In Science Program
Location: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Stipend: Provided, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Not specified
Dates: June 25 – August 16
Application Deadline: Typically early March
Eligibility: Rising 11-12 graders by June | 16 years old by July 1
Partners in Science is a research-focused internship that places you directly with a mentor in a field such as biology, environmental science, engineering, or computer science. Over eight weeks, you contribute to an active project, so your experience will vary depending on your placement. Alongside lab or project work, you attend workshops on scientific writing, presentation, and professional skills. The program culminates in a formal research presentation, giving you experience communicating your work in a structured, academic setting.
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 available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
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. The Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 35-40 participants
Dates: 6 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Typically February
Eligibility: High-achieving, low-income high school students enrolled in specific partner high schools in Mercer County | Must apply during their freshman year (9th grade) to participate starting sophomore year.
The Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) is a comprehensive, multi-year academic and college access initiative for high-achieving, low-income high school students from partner schools in Mercer County, New Jersey. It offers in-depth coursework in subjects like math, science, literature, writing, and cultural studies, along with SAT preparation. Through classes, workshops, and campus experiences led by Princeton faculty, you’ll build strong academic and college readiness skills. The program also includes mentorship, collaboration with schools and community organizations, a capstone project, and continued support during the college application process.
6. Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology
Location: Rutgers School of Engineering, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective (limited statewide cohort)
Program Dates: Late June – Late July (Residential Summer Program; exact dates released annually)
Deadline: Typically Winter (December – January)
Eligibility: New Jersey residents who have completed their junior year with strong demonstrated achievement in STEM
At the Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology, you’ll engage in advanced mathematics integrated with engineering and computer science. Core courses like Robotics and Modern Physics focus on applying mathematical reasoning, algorithmic thinking, and modeling to real-world problems. You can further specialize through electives in areas like applied mathematics, computational methods, and engineering analysis. The program also includes a collaborative research project, where you’ll work in teams to investigate complex problems and produce a conference-style paper. Guest lectures and industry visits highlight real-world applications across fields such as AI, finance, and technology, helping you build both theoretical and practical expertise.
7. New Jersey Department of Health – Public Health and Environmental Laboratories (PHEL) Internship & STEM Program
Location: Public Health and Environmental Laboratories (PHEL), Trenton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; select internships may be unpaid or tied to academic credit (stipend availability varies by role and funding)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; cohort size varies based on department needs, mentor availability, and project scope
Dates: Rolling opportunities year-round; summer internships typically run 12–15 weeks (minimum 200 hours)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students for internships; separate STEM outreach programming available for Trenton-area junior high and high school students with an interest in STEM and public service
The Public Health and Environmental Laboratories (PHEL) Internship and STEM Program, offered by the New Jersey Department of Health, provides hands-on experience in areas like molecular microbiology, environmental chemistry, and public health operations. You’ll work alongside experts from organizations such as the CDC and NJDOH, gaining exposure to advanced lab techniques and data analysis. The program supports academic and research projects while helping you develop skills in collaboration, documentation, and scientific communication. Its outreach initiatives also introduce students to careers in public health and applied STEM fields.
8. Waksman Student Scholars Program (WSSP)
Location: Rutgers University – Waksman Institute (New Brunswick, NJ), with additional partner sites including Johns Hopkins University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate for selected schools (school-based participation; costs typically covered through program partnerships and grants)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited; participation is school- and teacher-based, with cohorts determined by selected educators and institutions
Dates: Year-long program; begins with a Summer Institute and continues through the academic year
Application Deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility: High school students selected through participating teachers and schools; strong interest in biology, molecular science, or bioinformatics
The Waksman Student Scholars Program (WSSP) is a nationally recognized, yearlong research program that immerses high school students in molecular biology and bioinformatics. It begins with a summer training institute and continues during the school year through classes or clubs. You’ll work with teachers and professional scientists to investigate real research questions and contribute data to national databases. The program emphasizes hands-on lab work, computational analysis, and collaboration, with some students even publishing their findings. WSSP provides a strong foundation in research skills and prepares you for future STEM studies, especially in life sciences.
9. Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students
Location: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely limited cohort of about 3 students per year
Dates: Mid-July–Mid-August
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled
Eligibility: High school students aged 17+ who are U.S. residents
The Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students places a small number of participants in a professional research environment where they work alongside scientists and technicians in biotechnology and medical research. Over four weeks, students rotate through laboratories focused on cell culture, stem cell research, molecular biology, and biobanking, gaining exposure to real-world lab workflows and techniques. Participants also attend weekly scientific seminars and professional development sessions on résumé building, interviewing, and career planning. The program concludes with a formal presentation where students share what they have learned, helping them build both scientific understanding and communication skills.
10. Rutgers Engineering Summer Academy
Location: Rutgers University–New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $2,899
Acceptance Rate: Not publicly specified
Dates: July 12 – 18 (Week I) | July 19 – 25 (Week II)
Application Deadline: May 24
Eligibility: Students completing sophomore or junior year; ages 16–18
Rutgers’ Engineering Summer Academy centers on how engineering concepts are applied in practice. Over the course of one week, you rotate through hands-on labs and team-based design challenges that introduce you to areas such as mechanical systems, electrical circuits, and materials engineering. You’ll prototype solutions, test ideas, and iterate on designs while working with peers in small groups. Faculty interactions and facility tours give you a clearer sense of how engineering research and industry projects are structured. The program ends with a collaborative project that demonstrates how you approached a real design problem, and you receive a Rutgers Pre-College Digital Badge upon completion.
11. Rutgers Astronomy & Astrophysics Summer Academy
Location: Rutgers University–New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $2,899
Acceptance Rate: Not publicly specified (moderately selective)
Dates: Week I (Introduction): July 12 – 18 | Week II (Advanced Topics): July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: May 24
Eligibility: Students completing sophomore or junior year; ages 16–18 before Summer
The Astronomy & Astrophysics Academy at Rutgers University helps high school students understand core physics concepts through the lens of space science and cosmology. You’ll explore topics like stellar evolution, black holes, planetary motion, and observational astronomy while learning how scientists study the universe. The program combines lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities led by Rutgers faculty and industry professionals. Offered in a residential format, you’ll stay in campus dorms and experience college life, with evening sessions designed to help you connect with peers who share your interest in science.
12. New Jersey Institute of Technology – Center for Pre-College Programs
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)
The Center for Pre-College Programs at NJIT offers multiple STEM pathways that introduce high school students to both fundamental and applied physics concepts. Programs like Saturday Morning STEM and Summer STEMx combine engineering design, materials exploration, and scientific experimentation. You’ll learn how real-world problem-solving works in technology and engineering fields, with some tracks offering opportunities for early college credit. Overall, these programs can help build strong analytical and quantitative skills while providing early exposure to STEM careers.
13. Stevens Institute of Technology – Pre-College Programs
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 Deadline: May 8 for online credit; June 1 for residential/commuter
Eligibility: High school students (varies by specific program; generally grades 9–12)
Stevens Institute of Technology offers a range of residential, commuter, and college-credit programs focused on applied physics through engineering, technology, and quantitative finance. You can enroll in undergraduate-level courses to earn college credit and gain exposure to advanced physics and math. The curriculum includes lab-based learning, robotics, systems modeling, and problem-solving rooted in mechanics and electromagnetism. Residential students experience campus life while learning from faculty and industry professionals. Additional opportunities, such as the Physics Olympiad and engineering initiatives.
14. 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 NJIT offers hands-on, engineering-focused day camps that emphasize innovation and problem-solving. In programs like MakerCraft, you’ll learn CAD design, MATLAB/Simulink programming, wearable tech development, and digital fabrication techniques, including 3D printing and laser cutting. The Automation & Robotics Camp focuses on skills like microcontroller programming, circuit design, and robotics systems. Running on a structured daily schedule, the academy simulates a real engineering work environment and is ideal for students interested in applied physics, electronics, and robotics.
15. 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 provides a long-term pathway into STEM for middle and high school students. The program includes initiatives such as math enrichment, engineering exploration, cybersecurity programs, and Python-based learning. You will engage in coursework and activities focused on applied mathematics, programming, and problem-solving skills. Certain programs enable high school juniors to earn college credits, while undergraduates and graduate students act as mentors. Overall, the program prioritizes accessibility, skill development, and ongoing exposure to STEM fields, supporting your exploration of future academic and career options.
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.