Princeton LLP (Laboratory Learning Program) Internship - Should You Apply?
For high school students aiming to pursue a career in engineering or other STEM fields, internships like the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) offer a significant stepping stone. These internships provide invaluable hands-on research experience, strengthening both practical skills and college applications. Engaging in advanced projects under the guidance of distinguished faculty not only prepares you for future academic and professional success but also sets you apart in competitive fields. In this blog, we’ll delve into the details of Princeton LLP and why it could be a great opportunity for your research trajectory in college.
What is the Princeton LLP Internship Program?
The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP), hosted by Princeton University’s Science Outreach department, offers a full-time, free research experience specifically for high school students in New Jersey. Each year, a select group of talented students interested in engineering and the natural sciences are chosen to participate in this immersive program. Participants work on ongoing research projects, closely supervised by Princeton faculty and research staff. This program aims to enable outstanding students to discover the challenges, excitement, and significant rewards that a career in engineering and STEM fields can offer.
Research Opportunities and Faculty
The Princeton LLP internship program immerses students in advanced scientific research, offering the unique opportunity to collaborate with Princeton’s faculty on cutting-edge projects. This program emphasizes teaching, mentoring, and encouraging students at the early stages of their careers. With over 40 research opportunities in fields ranging from antibiotic discovery and sustainable catalysis to robotics for coral reef conservation, students are sure to find a project that aligns with their interests. These opportunities are designed to provide real-world research experience, helping students develop practical skills and gain insights into various STEM careers. You can take a look at the detailed list of research opportunities here.
How is the program structured?
The Princeton LLP is structured to deliver an intensive, mentor-guided research experience over a 5-6 week period during the summer. The program is designed to be purely educational, without any evening or weekend commitments. Each research project follows its specific schedule, with no virtual options available.
Before starting laboratory work, interns must complete mandatory safety training, which covers the risks and necessary safety measures for a laboratory setting. At the end of the internship, students are required to submit a two-page research summary by August 20 of the academic year, detailing the research question, methods, data, and conclusions of their summer project. All activities are conducted in person at Princeton University, and no academic credit or credentials are awarded upon completion.
Cohort Size: A limited number of students are admitted each year (0-3 students per research area), creating a close-knit community that encourages collaboration and individualized mentorship. Participants work either individually or in small groups, ensuring focused attention and a supportive learning environment.
Who is eligible?
Students must be at least 16 years old by June 15, with no exceptions.
Applicants must be enrolled in a New Jersey high school. Graduated students who have not yet turned 18 by June 15 may also apply.
Students must be New Jersey residents, U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or international students currently attending a New Jersey high school, with no exceptions.
Some research opportunities may have additional eligibility criteria.
The program is open to applicants of all backgrounds. The university values diversity in research, scholarship, and teaching, welcoming under-represented and socio-economically disadvantaged students. It is open to all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities, fostering an inclusive environment.
How does the application process work?
The online application period for Princeton LLP 2025 is from February 14 to March 14, 2025.
The application must be completed online. Mail-in applications are not accepted.
Each student may submit only one application, indicating up to two opportunities of interest; no supplemental materials are accepted.
All applications are reviewed at the end of the application period, not on a rolling basis.
Acceptances are communicated on a rolling basis between late March and April 30 of each year, once decisions are made for a particular research opportunity.
Projects are marked as closed on the website once accepted students are notified by email.
Students offered an opportunity must submit additional forms, including a parental consent form and a high school nomination form, via email. Approvals are communicated to the mentoring faculty member and the participating student by email.
Applications typically open in February and close in March. If you have additional questions, you can contact the Princeton LLP Internship Program at lab-learning@princeton.edu
Cost and Stipend
Participation in the Princeton LLP is free, ensuring accessibility to students from all financial backgrounds. However, it is important to note that no stipend is provided, and students are responsible for their housing, transportation, and other personal expenses during the program.
Pros and Cons of applying to the Princeton LLP program
Pros:
Princeton LLP is highly prestigious and selective, with only 0-3 students accepted per research area, providing a personalized and focused mentorship experience.
It is an in-person internship program that will help students gain hands-on research experience, engage in real-world research projects, and develop practical skills. This will also work toward boosting their college applications.
There is no cost to participate in the program making it accessible to gain experience in hands-on research.
Students will have unlimited access to resources and guidance. Whether it is theoretical learning, mentorship, or real contribution to a research project, this internship will offer all of it.
Cons:
The program is highly competitive. Its selectivity means that many applicants may not be accepted.
This is an unpaid internship where the research demands can be quite intense, requiring full-time commitment, which may limit availability for other activities.
It is available for only New Jersey residents or students enrolled in a New Jersey high school.
Our Review - Should You Apply?
The Princeton LLP offers an outstanding opportunity for high school students passionate about STEM. The chance to work on cutting-edge research with leading faculty, coupled with the program's prestige, makes it an invaluable experience. While the application process is competitive and the program demands significant time, the benefits of participating are immense. If you are eligible and committed to a future in STEM, applying to the Princeton LLP could be a pivotal step in your academic and professional journey.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
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