13 Summer Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
If you’re a high school student based in New Jersey, you have should consider joining one of the many summer programs in the ares. These programs, hosted by universities and educational organizations, offer a wide range of subjects from academic enrichment in STEM fields, arts, and humanities to skill-building in areas such as leadership and technology.
Summer programs can give you a chance to explore your interests, dive into a subject you’re considering as a potential college major, hone your skills and meet like-minded peers. Some programs even offer a chance to earn college credits! Not to mention, these programs look great on your college applications.
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 13 summer programs for high school students in New Jersey!
1. Summer Internships for High School Students (Laboratory Learning Program) at Princeton
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
Program Dates: 5-6 weeks in June-July
Eligibility: Students who are 16 or older by June 15, 2024 and are enrolled in high school, can apply.
Location: Princeton University, NJ
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program is a highly selective program. It’s a great opportunity for students keen to explore the fields of scientific research and engineering. Unlike typical summer programs, this initiative offers a full-time and immersive research experience, a chance for you to actively contribute to ongoing projects at the Princeton labs. Facilitated by Princeton faculty and research staff, students can make genuine contributions to current projects, while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
While research opportunities change every year, there’s always a wide range of options for students to choose from. Some projects in the past that students have worked on include: Machine Learning Methods for Power Magnetics Modeling, and Chicken Embryos Lung Development. By participating in such projects, you not only gain exposure to advanced research methodologies but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their chosen fields.
One notable aspect of the program is its flexibility, allowing students to customize when they participate in the program based on the research personnel’s schedules and specific project requirements. The internships typically span 5-6 weeks during regular office hours over the summer, ensuring a focused and dedicated learning environment.
2. Medical Internship Navigating Diversity and Science (MINDS)
Cost: Free. Participants will be paid a stipend.
Application Deadline: May (tentatively)
Program Dates: 6 weeks, July-August
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from underprivileged backgrounds, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, can apply.
Location: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, NJ
M.I.N.D.S. (Medical Internship Navigating Diversity and Science) is a 6-week paid internship program designed specifically for underrepresented or financially disadvantaged high school juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing medicine. This program provides a comprehensive experience, offering valuable insight into various medical professions. It's an ideal opportunity for you to explore the vast and varied landscape of healthcare careers and get a realistic understanding of the field.
During the internship, you will explore the study of social determinants of health, learning how factors like environment, social status, and education impact health outcomes. One of the key components of this program is the development and execution of a research project focused on health disparities in New Jersey.
Another exciting aspect is the practical exposure interns receive through medical simulations and field trips. Participants receive CPR/BLS Certification, an essential qualification for any medical professional.
Cost: $1,790 (AI Scholars) & $4900 (AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase)
Application deadline: Upcoming deadline for the spring - 25 February & for summer - May 12, 2024 (the deadline for early admissions may vary)
Program Dates: Spring cohort - March 10 to May 5, 2024
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12; middle school students with a coding background can also be considered for the program
Location: Online
Veritas AI founded and run by Harvard graduate students introduces high school students to foundational concepts in AI, machine learning, and data science. The AI Scholars program is a virtual, 25-hour boot camp that introduces high school students to AI and teaches them how to code and execute a data science project. Students will learn to code Python and the course material will deep dive into neural networks, deep learning, image classification, AI ethics, and more.
The AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program is a 1-1 mentorship program where students create unique AI projects under the guidance of PhD mentors. Over 12-15 weeks, you can pick a field of interest at the intersection of AI, ML, or data science to produce an individualized research paper, software/model, app, or presentation. Veritas has a publication team available to help students publish their papers in journals. Here are some past projects you can look at!
4. Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
Program Dates: A multi-week, hybrid summer intensive beginning with online workshops in July and culminating in a 10-day residential experience on Princeton's campus in early August
Eligibility: Students who
- are high school juniors at the time of application
- live in the US and intend to attend college in the US,
- have a minimum unweighted GPA equivalent to a 3.5 out of 4.0,
- have an interest in journalism,
- meet at least one of the socioeconomic conditions listed here can apply.
Location: Princeton University, NJ
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is the only summer program of its kind, offering a free journalism program for high school juniors from limited-income backgrounds. Throughout the month of July, you will engage in online sessions with distinguished journalists from across the country, learning about the intricacies of the field. These workshops will cover essential skills required in the field, and include discussions on current events.
Next, you’ll come to Princeton for the residential portion of the program. This immersive experience involves staying in the university dorms, getting a glimpse of real college life, while you attend workshops and lectures conducted by experienced educators and journalists. The curriculum takes a liberal arts approach, encompassing discussions on humanities, arts, culture, social events, and history, enriching students' contextual understanding of journalism. You also get to collaborate with college counselors to work on your college applications.
The program includes visits to major news organizations like The New York Times, Huffington Post, and Bloomberg. You will cover professional sports events, report on news in the Princeton area, produce digital content, attend cultural productions, and even undertake investigative reporting. The culmination of your efforts is the creation of The Princeton Summer Journal, a student-authored newspaper that reflects the cohort’s collective dedication to reporting, writing, editing, and design.
5. Lumiere Research Scholars Program
Cost: $2,800
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: 12 weeks between June and August
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible
Location: Virtual
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program helps students work 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor to learn about cutting-edge research in their field of interest and produce an independent research project. This 12-week program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, is fairly selective and ideal for talented high school students who are passionate about exploring a specific field in depth. Students can pick from a range of research fields from computer science and engineering to history and psychology.
Your mentorship is a core part of the program, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and insight needed to conduct research at an advanced level. Over the course of 12 weeks, students will participate in nine individual sessions with their research mentor. The culmination of the program is a 15-page research paper that the students produce. This program is a great fit for students interested in interdisciplinary research!
6. Rutgers University’s Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE)
Cost: $2,000
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: August 12 to August 23
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Location: Rutgers University, NJ
Rutgers University offers this 2-week program for high school students looking to conduct research in molecular biology and bioinformatics. This program is particularly focused on the DNA sequence analyses of genes from the duckweed Landoltia Punctata, a freshwater aquatic plant of significant interest in the scientific community. During the program, students are immersed in a real-world research environment.
They participate in daily seminars led by Rutgers faculty, which are designed to introduce and deepen their understanding of molecular biology concepts and techniques. Following these seminars, students actively engage in laboratory sessions where they learn to purify and analyze DNA fragments. This hands-on experience in molecular biology is a key aspect of the program, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
One of the most exciting aspects of WISE is the opportunity for students to conduct DNA sequence analysis using the same bioinformatic tools used by scientists worldwide.A significant outcome of the program is that the students' vetted DNA sequence analyses are submitted for publication on GenBank, the international repository of DNA sequences maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Education (NCBI). Each sequence published acknowledges the student by name, providing a tangible and prestigious outcome of their hard work.
7. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Summer Internship
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Program Dates: 8-10 weeks in the summer (Monday-Friday) after graduation. The exact dates of the internship depend on the intern’s school schedule. Some internship options that run during school semesters are also offered.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, and are graduating seniors in high school when the internship begins, may apply. Students must obtain their own transportation to and from the Laboratory. Housing is not provided. Those applying must be US citizens or have permanent resident status. Note, the internship begins the summer after you graduate, not the summer after your junior year.
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, NJ
If you’d like to work in a plasma physics lab under the guidance of professionals, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory offers internships during semester and summer periods for high school seniors – the summer after you graduate and before college begins. Internships in the fall or spring can count for academic credit. This internship is tailored for high school students who have demonstrated both a passion for the field and a solid academic foundation in relevant subjects.
These internships are a chance for you to work on a project with a member of the laboratory’s research or engineering staff, at one of the most prestigious and renowned institutions in the country. You will engage in a range of activities, from experimental work to computational simulations, gaining practical skills and insights into scientific research. Through this program, you will have the chance to delve into various aspects of plasma physics, fusion energy, and related fields, broadening your understanding of these complex subjects.
Note: It is strongly recommended that applicants have a background in physics, chemistry, advanced math, engineering, computer languages, and coding!
8. New Jersey Institute of Technology’s High School Summer Research Internship
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 26, 2024
Program Dates: June 24, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Eligibility: Students who will be completing grades 10 or 11 in June 2024, with an unweighted GPA of 3.75 or higher, can apply. Students applying must be New Jersey high school students and residents of New Jersey.
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ
The High School Summer Research Internship at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) offers you a comprehensive experience in STEM research, along with a chance to develop your professional and career skills.
Through the Provost Summer Research, faculty-centered grants and research centers, students gain hands-on experience and explore different STEM fields. The program's structure allows students to deep dive into a specific research project, under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students learn to navigate the complexities of research, from the initial stages of design and hypothesis to data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Students will also work in collaboration with a research team, which includes undergrads, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. One of the key outcomes of the internship is the development of an electronic poster. At the end of their internship, students share this poster and their research outcomes at the annual Summer Research Symposium with faculty and peers.
9. Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics
Cost: $4,400
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: July 8 - August 2
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible
Location: Rutgers University, NJ
The Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics is designed for mathematically talented high school students. This 4-week residential program offers an enriching and challenging introduction to discrete mathematics. During the program, you will engage in an intensive curriculum that is both broad and deep, covering various aspects of discrete mathematics. The program is structured into weekly themes, each focusing on different mathematical concepts and their applications. You will develop and enhance your problem-solving abilities by applying mathematical concepts to a wide range of problems. You will also meet distinguished professionals in the field of discrete mathematics.
In week one, students start with a general mathematics background, laying the foundation for more advanced topics. Topics covered include Combinatorics and Probability I. Week two shifts focus to an Introduction to Graphs and Number Theory. In the third week, students are introduced to Problem-Based Topics and Cryptography. The final week explores Game Theory and Combinatorics and Probability II, expanding on concepts learned in the first week.
10. The Governor’s School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 12, 2024
Program Dates: July 1 - 25, 2024
Eligibility: You must be a New Jersey resident and a high school junior
Location: Rutgers University, NJ
The Governor's School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology is a highly selective summer program that offers talented and motivated high school students the chance to study at the Rutgers University School of Engineering. During this program students will participate in a number of team-based activities and research projects. The program includes workshops, site visits to local corporations, and activities with professors, professionals, and peers from across the state. The final outcome of GSET often includes a presentation or demonstration of the research projects and team endeavors. This presentation serves as a culmination of the month's intensive study, research and collaboration.
You get to take four academic courses and complete a small research and design project, with the bonus of visiting 2-3 local corporations to learn about future career opportunities. Examples of these projects include designing water purification systems for developing countries and utilizing "Wiimotes" for medical rehabilitation. You will get hands-on experience in research, working on open-ended problems, fostering a creative and exploratory learning environment. Additionally, the program is free of grades and official credit, placing a higher emphasis on current research trends, teamwork, and the joy of learning.
11. Pre-College Programs at Stevens Institute of Technology
Cost: $2,905
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Program Dates: Dates vary based on the program you choose. All are typically 1- or 2-week long, held across June and July. See all available programs here!
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
Location: Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ
Stevens Institute of Technology offers pre-college programs for high school students to explore a range of different subjects, from biology to engineering, from AI to business. Participants will not only build knowledge and skill in their chosen subject, but also get a chance to interact with current students, engage in social activities, and gain valuable insights into the college admissions process.
Some of the programs offered include Artificial Intelligence in Modern Society, Biology: Genetics & Medicine, Business Explorer, and Civil Engineering Design. The program extends beyond classroom learning, featuring a variety of interactive and experiential learning opportunities. To complement academic learning, the program includes college admission prep and student life workshops, offering essential information and tips to navigate the college admissions journey. Students will also benefit from corporate site visits, which gives them a glimpse of the professional arena in their fields of interest. During the program, students will also work on a research project, allowing students to apply their learning in a practical context.
12. Mercer County Student Internship Program
Cost: Free, Students will be paid a stipend of $15 an hour
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April (tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: High school students can begin their internship at the end of their school year, which typically occurs at the end of June. The last day for all students in the summer internship program is the Friday before Labor Day weekend.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old and either live or study in Mercer County can apply.
Location: Mercer County, NJ
The Mercer County department offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience via their summer internship program. This program provides high school and college students with paid opportunities to work and gain practical training and real-world experience that will help them meet their educational goals and prepare them for a professional career. The program boasts a wide array of internship positions across multiple departments, catering to diverse interests – Administration, Boards & Authorities, Constitutional Offices, Correction Center positions, Department of Transportation & Infrastructure, Economic Development, Human Resources and more.
During the program, you will participate in career-oriented activities organized by the Office of Personnel. These activities are tailored to teach new techniques and skills, enhance existing knowledge, and assist students in exploring potential career paths in public administration.
13. Kean University Changemakers Entrepreneurship Pre-College Program
Cost: $1,200 (includes breakfast and lunch)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: 2-3 weeks in July (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply.
Location: Hynes Hall, Keans University, NJ
The Kean University Changemakers Entrepreneurship pre-college program is perfect for students who envision themselves as future CEOs, innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs. This program is tailored for those who not only aspire to build a profitable business but also aim to make a meaningful difference in society. Participants will dive into social entrepreneurship, focusing on creating goods and services that are commercially viable and contribute positively to social change. The program encourages students to think creatively and ethically about the impact of their business ideas, fostering a new generation of socially-conscious business leaders.
Throughout the program, participants will engage in a learning experience that simulates the real-world process of starting and developing a business. They will work in teams, mirroring the collaborative nature of the business world, and will experience all stages of business development, from ideation to launch. This hands-on approach is designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge essential for entrepreneurial success. They will learn not only the fundamentals of starting an enterprise but also the nuances of creating a business that aligns profit-making with social impact.
Check out Kean’s other pre-college programs too!
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