12 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in New Jersey (NJ)
Summer research programs are a fantastic option for high school students curious about science and innovation. Many top universities and institutions offer these programs, making them affordable ways to explore STEM careers without committing to pricey summer courses.
Doing research in high school sharpens problem-solving, boosts college applications, and introduces students to real-world science early on. For New Jersey students passionate about scientific research, these programs are a smart way to dive in.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of the top 12 summer research programs for high school students in New Jersey that combine credibility, experience, and access to great mentors.
1. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Summer Internship
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, New Jersey
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors, at least 16 years old when the internship begins
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) offers a full-time summer internship for high school seniors after graduation. Interns work on real projects with PPPL’s research or engineering staff.
Candidates are expected to have a strong interest in plasma physics or fusion energy and have taken advanced courses in physics, chemistry, math, or engineering. Prior experience in coding (Python, Java) or computer-aided design (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) is recommended.
The program provides hands-on exposure to cutting-edge science in plasma and fusion research. This is a highly selective opportunity to experience life inside a world-class research facility.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost:
- $2,290: 10-week AI Scholars program
- $5,400: 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).
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts over the year in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students located across the globe. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, provides immersive AI programs tailored for high school students. The AI Scholars Program is designed for those new to the field, featuring 10 sessions that introduce essential topics in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science, along with practical experience through real-world projects.
More experienced students can apply for the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, where they receive one-on-one mentorship from experts at top universities while working on a unique research project. A key advantage of the fellowship is guidance from Veritas AI’s in-house publication team, helping students publish their work in high school research journals. You can also browse past student projects for inspiration. Whether you're just beginning or looking to deepen your expertise, Veritas AI offers a valuable pathway into AI.
3. Toxicology, Health & Environmental Disease (THED) High School Summer Program
Location: Environmental & Occupational Health Science Institute, Rutgers University, New Jersey
Cost: $925
Application Deadline: March 14
Dates:
- Session 1: July 21 – July 25
- Session 2: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12 in the fall
The Toxicology, Health & Environmental Disease (THED) High School Summer Program is a rigorous, hands-on science program hosted by the Environmental & Occupational Health Science Institute. Selected students will explore topics like genetics, drug metabolism, pharmacogenetics, forensic toxicology, and environmental science. The program emphasizes experimental design, lab ethics, and real-world applications in health and medicine.
You'll participate in lab-based activities and interactive discussions with professionals from fields like toxicology, medicine, and pharmacy. Completing at least one biology course is recommended before applying.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,990 (financial aid is available)=
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June-August), Fall (September-December), Winter (December-February), and Spring (March-June).
Eligibility:
- Currently enrolled in high school
- No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive academic experience designed specifically for high school students interested in conducting in-depth research. This 12-week program matches students with Ph.D. mentors for personalized, one-on-one guidance as they work on an independent research project. By the end of the program, each student produces a full-length research paper.
Participants can choose from a wide range of subjects, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and many others. It’s a great opportunity for students to explore academic interests at a deeper level. You can learn more about the application process here.
5. Coriell Summer Experience for High School Students
Location: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, New Jersey
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 15
Dates: 4 weeks from mid-July to mid-August
Eligibility: Students who are at least 17 years old by July 1
The Coriell Summer Experience is a four-week, unpaid internship for high school students interested in science and biotechnology. Held from mid-July to mid-August, this program places students in Coriell’s laboratories, where you’ll learn fundamental techniques like DNA extraction, stem cell culturing, and karyotyping.
Students rotate through departments such as the Production and Molecular Biology Labs, gaining hands-on exposure to real-world biobanking practices. Weekly seminars led by research faculty offer further insight into current scientific work. HR-led workshops help you build resumes and improve interview skills. At the program’s end, you will present what you’ve learned in a formal setting, with training in public speaking included.
6. New Jersey Institute of Technology High School STEM Research Programs
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, New Jersey
Cost: $150
Application Deadline: February 27
Dates: June 23 – July 31
Eligibility: New Jersey-residing high school students completing 10th or 11th grade in June, GPA of 3.75 and higher
The NJIT High School STEM Research Program is a competitive six-week summer internship offering high school students the chance to engage in cutting-edge research. Under the mentorship of NJIT faculty and guided by undergraduate and graduate students, participants explore one of five major research areas: AI & Robotics, Bioscience, Data Science, Environment & Sustainability, or Materials Engineering. Students are placed in a lab team, contributing to real-world scientific projects.
Each student’s schedule is determined by their assigned faculty advisor. This immersive opportunity encourages scientific learning and a deeper appreciation of science through hands-on research experience.
7. The Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE)
Location: Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, NJ
Cost: $2,200
Application Deadline: Applications open after January 13 and are accepted on a rolling basis
Dates:
- June 23 – July 3
- July 28 – August 8
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12 who have completed a high school-level biology course
The Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE) is a two-week, non-residential summer program at Rutgers University’s Busch Campus in New Jersey. If you're a high school student curious about genetics and lab research, this program could be a great option. You'll spend each weekday attending seminars by Rutgers faculty and engaging in hands-on lab sessions where you'll purify DNA fragments and analyze gene sequences.
Using professional bioinformatics tools, you'll independently submit your findings to GenBank, the national DNA database. Your name will be credited for the sequence you publish. WISE offers an authentic scientific experience for students who want to explore molecular biology and contribute to real-world research.
8. Kean University Group Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Kean University, New Jersey
Cost:
- 4 Week Session: $2,500
- 2 Week Session: $1,250
Application Deadline: March 14
Dates:
- 4 Week Session: July 7 – July 31
- 2 Week Session: July 21 – July 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Kean University’s GSSRP is a competitive STEM program where students spend four weeks participating in research projects led by university faculty. You can choose from streams like Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Forensic Chemistry, or Cancer Biology.
You’ll perform lab experiments, use industry tools like LC-MS and GC-MS, and analyze data on real-world problems. Whether it's investigating how genes control organ growth or learning to detect drugs in water, the program is designed to give you early exposure to scientific discovery. Alongside your research, you'll attend career workshops and skill-building sessions.
9. The Governor's School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering, Piscataway, New Jersey
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 62-90
Application Deadline: January 10
Dates: July 5 – July 25
Eligibility: New Jersey resident and high school junior during the school year
The Governor’s School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology is a cost-free summer program for high-achieving juniors hosted at Rutgers University. Over several weeks, you’ll take four advanced courses in engineering and technology while working on a hands-on research and design project.
Your team’s research will be showcased in a final paper and presentation at a statewide symposium. Beyond academics, the program includes site visits to 2–3 major corporations, exposing you to real-world engineering careers. You’ll also engage in workshops, lectures, and social events with professors and peers from across the state.
10. Liberty Science Center’s Partners in Science
Location: Liberty Science Center, New Jersey
Stipend: Participants receive a stipend
Application Deadline: Typically early March
Dates: June 25 – August 16
Eligibility: Rising 11-12 graders by June; 16 years old by July 1
The Liberty Science Center’s Partners in Science program is an immersive eight-week summer research experience for rising high school juniors and seniors. You’ll work alongside professional mentors in university and research labs, gaining firsthand exposure to real scientific inquiry across fields like biology, health, and engineering. The program emphasizes science communication, critical thinking, and collaborative learning.
You’ll also build connections with scientists and students from diverse backgrounds while developing skills beyond the classroom. Upon successful completion of the program, you'll receive a stipend.
11. Stanford Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Cohort Size: 25
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students entering 9-12 grade in Fall; Over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford Summer Research Internship, hosted by the Center for AI in Medicine and Imaging, allows you to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of healthcare. This free two-week virtual program introduces high school students to the technical and clinical sides of AI in medicine.
You’ll attend expert-led lectures, participate in team-based research projects, and connect with mentors and guest speakers from academia and industry. The program also includes hands-on sessions and social activities.
Those who complete the program receive a certificate, and standout participants may qualify for an extended research internship.
12. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) (Virtual)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: 5 weeks in the Summer
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors living anywhere in North America (U.S. or Canada)
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a five-week virtual summer experience focused on neuroscience for high school juniors and seniors. This national program introduces students to neurological science through research-based activities, educational presentations, and hands-on virtual lab skill development.
You’ll also take part in professional development and mentorship sessions led by experienced researchers. By the end of the program, you'll have explored cutting-edge topics in brain science and earned a certificate of completion.
Image source: Princeton University logo