Research opportunities for high school students in NJ are a great way to gain practical skills, industry exposure, and valuable connections. Many prestigious organizations offer these programs, giving students access to real-world experiences in various fields. For students in New Jersey, exploring such research opportunities can deepen your knowledge in a subject of interest. These programs also allow you to connect with professionals and peers who share your passions. We've narrowed down the top 12 research opportunities for high school students in NJ, focusing on quality, relevance, and affordability. These research opportunities offer a solid way to enhance your learning and gain practical experience in your chosen field.

1. Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program

Location: Princeton University; New Jersey 

Cost: Free

Application deadline: March 15

Program dates: Depends on the completion of the research project; it’s a full-time program that spans 5-6 weeks over the summer

Eligibility:

• The students must be sixteen or older by June 15th of the year of application. 

• If enrolled in a US high school, graduates who have not turned 18 by June 15th, may apply.  

The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) at Princeton University offers high school students the chance to engage in hands-on research in the sciences or engineering. Participants work closely with Princeton’s faculty and research staff on active projects, gaining practical skills and contributing to ongoing research. Each project is tailored to the specific needs of the research team. LLP focuses on academic rigor and professional mentorship, providing an immersive experience in scientific inquiry. While there are no social activities, the program offers a valuable opportunity to develop research capabilities in a professional setting.

2. Veritas AI 

Location: Virtual

Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here. 

Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.

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 or Python.

Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with 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 get a chance to work on real-world projects. 

Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance 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. 

3. Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science Summer Research Program

Location: Rutgers Institute; New Jersey 

Cost: Free

Application deadline: February 1

Program dates: Third week of June until the second week of August (8 Weeks)

Eligibility: 

• Student must be 16 years old at start date to be considered

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school

• Students must be entering sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school

• GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or all A’s and B’s in math and science classes

The RITMS Summer Research Program is designed for high school and college students interested in science or medicine careers. It provides hands-on experience in laboratory research, offering insights into the process of pursuing advanced degrees in these fields. For high school students, the program helps clarify preferred college environments, whether small, large, or research-focused, and supports college applications by showcasing early academic research involvement. Participants join research teams, contribute to planning and analysis, conduct experiments, and present their findings. The program is structured to offer a comprehensive view of the research process, with guidance from experienced mentors.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

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

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.

Eligibility:

• You must be currently enrolled in high school

• Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)

• No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous program, offering extensive research opportunities for high school students in NJ and beyond. Through 1-on-1 mentorship, the program provides students with the chance to explore a broad range of subject areas, making it an excellent option for those seeking personalized research experiences.

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.

5. Stevens Institute of Technology Organizational Leadership 6-Week Virtual Summer Research Experience

Location: Virtual 

Cost: $1500.00

Application deadline: March 1

Program dates: July 7 – August 11

Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors entering the fall academic year

The Stevens School of Business offers a six-week virtual summer research program for high school students interested in business. Through mentorship and hands-on learning, students will explore key management topics such as leadership, corporate culture, ethics, social responsibility, and strategic communication. This program helps students build essential skills and knowledge to prepare for college and future careers.

6. New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Provost High School Summer Research Internship

Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ

Cost: $500 

Program dates: June 24 – August 1

Application Deadline: February 26

Eligibility: Typically applicants must have completed 10th or 11th grade in June, have a 3.75 GPA, and be residents of or studying in New Jersey

The Provost High School Summer Research Internship is a six-week program offering hands-on experience in STEM. You will work alongside professors and students on real research projects, guided by faculty and supported by undergraduate and graduate mentors. The program provides opportunities to design experiments, analyze data, and tackle research challenges.

7. Kean University’s Group Summer Scholars Research Program 

Location: Kean University, Union, NJ

Cost: 

• 4 Week Session: $1,950

• 2 Week Session: $950

Program dates: Usually between July and August

Application Deadline: Typically in early March 

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

The GSSRP offers research opportunities for high school students in NJ, providing hands-on experience where participants collaborate with faculty, researchers, and graduate students on advanced projects in areas like Scientific Computation, Cancer Biology, Machine Learning, Developmental Biology, and Modern Drug Discovery. Students will gain technical skills, practical research experience, and learn to work effectively within a team, contributing to new scientific knowledge.

The program includes professional development workshops, instrumentation demonstrations, and insights into college and career pathways. Throughout the program, students are mentored by faculty and graduate students, receiving guidance to maximize their growth and success.

8. Rowan University—STEAM Academy Pathfinders

Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ

Program Dates: July 6 – 18

Cost: $4,200

Application Deadline: Applications for the following year open in December Eligibility: Students entering 10th through 12th grades

Rowan University’s STEAM Academy combines arts and sciences in an innovative program for students with diverse academic interests. The Pathfinders program, for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, offers an intensive research opportunity where you can focus on areas like psychology, computer programming, education, or engineering, and earn college credit.

In Pathfinders, you’ll find research opportunities suitable for high school students in NJ. You will be guided by a Rowan faculty mentor to conduct research in a field that interests you. Mornings are spent in a Rowan University course, while afternoons focus on leadership development. The psychology course covers topics like memory, perception, intelligence, and social psychology, while the ‘Engineers of the Future’ track explores multidisciplinary engineering projects with a sustainability focus.

9. New Jersey Governor's School in the Sciences

Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ

Program Dates: July 7 – 27, 

Cost: Free (tuition covered by the state)

Application Deadline: Typically in January

Eligibility: High school juniors resident in New Jersey who are nominated by their high school

The Governor’s School of New Jersey Program in the Sciences (GSNJS) is a 3-week residential program at Drew University, where high school students conduct college-level research. Students from New Jersey are nominated by their schools and submit applications in the fall of their junior year for the following summer. This prestigious program is designed for rising seniors. The project is managed by OSHE, a partner in the initiative.

10. Stockton University—Research and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (REAP)

Location: Stockton University, Galloway, NJ

Program Dates: Typically runs from late June to early August

Cost: Paid apprenticeship ($10/hour)

Application Deadline: March 15 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from underrepresented groups in STEM within commuting distance of Stockton University. See detailed eligibility requirements here 

The Research and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (REAP) at Stockton University offers high school juniors and seniors the chance to work on real STEM research projects. Sponsored by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP), the paid program allows students to collaborate with professors in fields like chemistry, environmental science, and engineering.

Over 6-8 weeks, students will engage in hands-on research, learning advanced techniques with modern equipment. Mentored throughout the process, they will present their findings at a symposium, gaining experience in communicating scientific ideas. This program provides valuable real-world experience in STEM fields.

11. Rowan High School Biomedical Scholars Program

Location: Stockton University, Galloway, NJ

Program Dates: Phase I (molecular biology and cancer biology): July 29 – August 9

Phase II* (neuroscience): August 12 – 23

Cost: $1500

Application Deadline: April

Eligibility: Must be a high school student with a GPA of 3.20 or better. An application along with official high school transcripts must be submitted for consideration. A recommendation from a STEM teacher is helpful, but optional.

This two-week immersive program offers high school students the chance to work with faculty and graduate student mentors from the Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (Rowan-Virtua TBES) and the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan-Virtua SOM). You’ll observe and try lab techniques used in biomedical research under expert guidance. A key feature is the opportunity to participate in the Human Gross Anatomy Lab, or an alternative activity if preferred.

The program also covers careers in research and medicine, offering advice on how to pursue graduate or medical school. At the end, there will be a ceremony where you and your family can meet Rowan University staff and learn more about their biomedical programs.

12. Navy Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Location: Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, NJ

Program Dates: Eight weeks in summer (specific dates have not been released)

Stipend: $4,000 for new participants and $4,500 for returning participants

Application Deadline: November 1

Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, will be at least 16 years old by the start date, and are solely U.S. citizens. Specific labs may have additional requirements

The Navy Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is a competitive summer internship for high school students interested in STEM. It offers the chance to work on real Navy research with scientists and engineers at Department of Navy labs across the country, gaining hands-on experience in advanced aviation technologies.

The program lasts eight weeks, with the option to extend for up to two more weeks. Students are selected based on academic performance, personal statements, teacher recommendations, and research interests. Lab specialties include behavioral science, statistics, astronomy, oceanography, calculus, robotics, and more. For additional details, check out our full guide.

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