Medical summer research programs for high school students in New Jersey give you a chance to explore the world of medicine through hands-on lab work, faculty-led seminars, and structured research projects. Unlike general summer camps, many research programs for high school students are hosted by hospitals, universities, and research institutes, offering access to real clinical tools and faculty mentorship. Whether you’re running diagnostic assays, analyzing clinical datasets, or designing lab experiments, these programs can help clarify your fit for a medical career.
New Jersey is home to many medical schools, biotech centers, and hospitals, making it an ideal location for meaningful summer research. Staying local eases logistics, reduces costs, and offers the potential to continue your work year-round.
Below are 15 medical summer research programs for high school students in New Jersey that you can explore!
15 Medical Summer Research Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type; Need-based financial aid available
Dates: Multiple 10-16-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadlines: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9-12); strong academic performance (unweighted GPA of ~3.67 recommended)
The Horizon Academic Research Program is a highly selective online research opportunity designed for talented high school students interested in engaging in undergraduate-level research. You’ll work closely with professors and PhD scholars from top universities like Harvard, MIT, Yale, and Dartmouth to write a 20-page original research paper in subjects ranging from biology and economics to political theory and computer science. You can choose between two formats: the Seminar track, offered in the summer with small-group classes of 3-6 students, or the Lab track, which provides fully individualized mentorship year-round. Both tracks include access to writing clinics, office hours, and personalized guidance through every stage of the research process—from topic selection and literature review to drafting and editing.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; Financial aid offered
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year, including summer
Application Deadlines: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 out of 4
You’ll be paired one-on-one with a research mentor—typically a PhD scholar—to explore advanced topics in science, medicine, or engineering. Depending on your chosen focus area, you may develop a literature review, design a research proposal, or carry out data-driven analysis using platforms like Python, R, or SPSS. You’ll refine your academic writing, present your findings in a final research report or presentation, and may even work toward publication in youth journals or conferences. Weekly check-ins ensure consistent feedback, and your final output will reflect university-level academic rigor.
3. Rutgers RITMS High School Summer Research Program
Location: Child Health Institute of New Jersey Building
Cost: Free
Dates: 8 weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors; 16+ by program start; GPA of 3.0+ or all A’s and B’s in math and science
The RITMS Summer Research Program is a hands-on research opportunity designed for high school and college students considering careers in science or medicine and aiming for advanced degrees in graduate or medical school. As a participant, you will engage in authentic scientific research, collaborating with experienced researchers. You’ll also take part in laboratory experiments, contribute to data analysis and plan activities, and present your findings as part of a research team. This program provides insight into how science is practically conducted, helping you make informed decisions about the college environment that best aligns with your interests and giving your applications a notable advantage.
4. Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES)
Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Fully funded
Dates: June 25 – August 27
Application Deadline: November 4 – March 8
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who turn 16 or older by June 15; Prior biology coursework preferred; Priority given to underrepresented students residing in New Jersey
In the RUYES program, you’ll be immersed in a mentored research experience at the Rutgers Cancer Institute, where you’ll work alongside biomedical scientists on cancer-related investigations that span basic, clinical, and population research. You’ll contribute to real-world research aimed at improving cancer diagnosis and treatment, while gaining experience with protocols involving biosafety, human subject protections, and ethical research practices. Weekly seminars will help you build science communication skills, explore cancer biology, and connect with researchers across disciplines. By the end of the summer, you’ll present your findings at a campus-wide research symposium.
5. Coriell Institute Summer Experience
Location: Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ
Cost: The Coriell Summer Experience is free to attend, but students must cover their own housing and transportation
Dates: Mid-July – Mid-August (4-week program)
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students age ≥17 by July 1 with a strong interest in science; U.S. residents only; Must be available for the full 4 weeks; Priority given to students with advanced science coursework
During the Coriell Institute’s Summer Experience for High School Students, you’ll work alongside molecular biologists in labs that manage one of the world’s largest cell repositories. Projects may involve culturing human iPSCs, analyzing chromosomal abnormalities using karyotyping software, or preparing DNA/RNA samples for sequencing. You’ll gain hands-on training in aseptic technique, cell passaging, and sample validation protocols. Weekly seminars cover topics such as ethical tissue sourcing, genetic privacy laws, and the impact of biobanking on precision medicine and regenerative therapies.
6. NJIT High School STEM Research Programs
Location: NJIT, Newark, NJ
Cost: $150 program fee; Need-based waivers offered
Dates: June 23 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: NJ residents completing 10th or 11th grade in June with an unweighted GPA ≥ 3.75 and a strong interest in science
In this selective six-week program, you’ll collaborate with faculty researchers on projects that blend medicine, biology, and technology. At URI, you get the chance to dive into real-world research, design, and innovation. These programs are built to help you grow into a future-ready leader—someone who can think critically, solve complex problems, and make a meaningful impact on society. You’ll explore global challenges, learn how to turn your ideas into actionable solutions, and understand what it takes to bring a product, design, or service to life. With a strong emphasis on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), you’ll discover how creativity and technical skills go hand in hand. This program is highly competitive, with only around 20 students accepted each year.
7. Rowan-Virtua: High School Biomedical Scholars Program
Location: Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Stratford, NJ
Cost: $1,500
Dates: August 4 – August 15
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA ≥ 3.20; NJ residents preferred; Must be able to commute daily
This intensive program introduces you to the fundamentals of translational biomedical science through direct lab work and mentorship from Rowan Medical faculty. You’ll gain hands-on experience in techniques like fluorescent microscopy, hemocytometry, and protein quantification assays. Guided lab modules focus on cellular signaling pathways in disease contexts, such as inflammation and cancer. Through case-based learning, you’ll explore how bench discoveries translate into diagnostic innovations and therapeutic interventions. You’ll also attend seminars on career paths in medicine and biomedical research, and take part in collaborative workshops that build your scientific communication and critical thinking skills.
8. WISE (Waksman Institute Summer Experience)
Location: Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ + Virtual
Cost: $2,200 for in-person; $600 for virtual
Dates: In-person: June 23 – July 3 or July 28 – August 8; Virtual: August 11 – 22
Application Deadline: First come, first served basis; Opens on January 13 (Tentative)
Eligibility: High school students with at least one completed biology course
The Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE) is a two-week molecular biology and bioinformatics research program where you’ll collaborate with Rutgers scientists to investigate genes from the aquatic plant duckweed (Landoltia punctata). You’ll gain hands-on experience in PCR, restriction digestion, gel electrophoresis, and data analysis using bioinformatics tools like BLAST. Whether in-person or virtual, WISE immerses you in real-world research practices, including purifying DNA, comparing genetic sequences, and understanding gene function across species. You’ll also get the rare opportunity to publish your verified DNA sequences in the GenBank database with authorship credit. Each session includes lectures from Rutgers faculty, problem-solving activities, and project-based learning.
9. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Dates: 5-6 weeks; Exact dates vary by lab placement
Application Deadline: February 15 – March 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Age ≥16 by June 15; High school graduates who are not 18 by June 15 may apply; More details here
In the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program, you’ll be embedded in a Princeton research lab where you’ll support faculty-led projects in disciplines like neurodegeneration, autoimmune disease, or developmental biology. You can expect to use image analysis tools like ImageJ, perform enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and gain proficiency in data logging and lab documentation. You’ll also receive mentorship in reproducibility standards, scientific recordkeeping, and how to communicate results during lab group meetings. The experience mirrors the pace and rigor of undergraduate lab research, with real contributions to ongoing studies. In addition to lab work, you will attend seminars on research ethics, academic pathways, and data reproducibility, building both technical competence and a foundation in scientific integrity.
10. Governor’s School in the Sciences (GSNJS)
Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ
Cost: Free
Dates: July 6 – July 26
Application Deadline: January 10 (Nominations submitted by high schools)
Eligibility: New Jersey residents; High school juniors with a strong academic record (typically top 5% or ≥90th percentile standardized test scores); Must be nominated by their school; Passionate about science and available full-time for the entire program
The Governor’s School in the Sciences (NJGSS) is a prestigious and immersive three-week residential program that brings together some of New Jersey’s most talented high school juniors for an intensive experience in STEM learning and exploration. Hosted at Drew University, the program offers participants the opportunity to engage with college-level coursework, conduct team-based research, and explore scientific disciplines in a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. As a participant, you will take three core science or math courses and a hands-on laboratory course taught by Drew faculty. You will participate in a mini-research project in small groups, applying scientific methods to real-world problems. These projects culminate in a formal presentation at the David Miyamoto Scholars Conference, which is modeled after professional academic symposiums. Admission to NJGSS is highly competitive and limited to approximately 60 students statewide each year.
11. MEDacademy (Cooper Medical School of Rowan University)
Location: CMSRU Medical Education Building, Camden, NJ
Cost: $3,000 tuition (non-refundable $500 deposit required); Limited scholarships available
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: Preferred deadline March 3; Rolling admissions until filled
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors (GPA ≥3.3) who have completed math and science coursework
MEDacademy is a four-week, daytime summer program designed to immerse high school students in the medical school environment. You’ll explore key specialties like pathology, cardiopulmonary medicine, gastroenterology, and neurology through lectures, hands-on demonstrations, case-based learning, and interactive clinical simulations led by CMSRU faculty, medical students, and guest speakers. The curriculum includes guided tours of Cooper University Hospital (as permitted) and features a collaborative health research project that students present at the program’s conclusion. Successful completion earns you 3 undergraduate credits at Rowan University, and students who continue into MEDacademy Masters can earn an additional 2 credits.
12. Kean University Group Summer Scholars Research Program (GSSRP)
Location: Kean University, Union, NJ
Cost: $2,500 (4-week session); $1,250 (2-week session)
Dates: July 7 – July 31(4-week); July 21 – July 31(2-week)
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 10-12; No NJ residency required
During this program, you’ll get to join a hands-on research experience within Kean University’s School of Integrative Science and Technology. Working in small teams, you’ll collaborate with faculty and graduate mentors on authentic research projects exploring areas like cancer biology, machine learning, environmental science, forensic chemistry, and AI for health applications. You’ll gain practical skills in performing assays, analyzing data, and visualizing information using tools like ImageJ or LC‑MS/GC‑MS, and will have to present your findings in a professional showcase. Additionally, GSSRP offers professional skills workshops, equipment demonstrations, and guidance on college and career pathways in STEM.
13. Summer Research at BCA: Cell Culture Boot Camp
Location: Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, NJ
Cost: $525 (Plus processing fee)
Dates: June 30 – July 10; July 14 – July 24
Application Deadline: Rolling until seats are filled (Maximum 10 students per session)
Eligibility: Current BCA students (grades 11-12) who have completed at least one trimester of midday independent Cell Biology Research
This hands-on, lab-intensive boot camp offers you an immersive introduction to mammalian cell culture techniques. You’ll learn to formulate and sterilize growth media, maintain aseptic conditions, passage adherent cells, and monitor confluency. Under expert supervision, you’ll also perform cell viability assays, observe cell morphology changes under compound exposure, and document growth curves using hemocytometers and phase-contrast microscopy. In addition to wet-lab work, you’ll receive targeted instruction in lab notebook documentation, safety protocols, and how to troubleshoot common technical issues.
14. MINDS (Medical Internship: Navigating Diversity & Science)
Location: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free; Participants receive a stipend
Dates: 6 weeks from July to August
Application Deadline: May (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from underprivileged or underrepresented backgrounds (e.g., first-generation, African American, Latino/Hispanic, Native American) with at least a 3.0 GPA
The MINDS program is a six-week paid internship that immerses you in healthcare, clinical skills, and medical research under the mentorship of physicians and allied health staff. You’ll take part in activities like brain dissections, CPR/BLS training, and motivational interviewing, and shadow healthcare providers in emergency departments and community health settings addressing homelessness, domestic violence, and substance abuse. You’ll also work on a health-related research project, explore the social determinants of health, and participate in SAT preparation workshops. The experience is designed to build your confidence, communication skills, and awareness of health disparities, while giving you hands-on exposure to real-world medicine.
15. Liberty Science Center: Partners in Science
Location: Liberty Science Center + partner labs, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: Free
Dates: June 25 – August 16 (8-week summer program)
Application Deadline: Early spring (usually March)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from New Jersey and NYC
For over 30 years, Partners in Science has offered an immersive summer experience that pairs you with a mentor in science, health, or technical fields. You’ll work side-by-side with researchers in labs or field settings, contributing to authentic projects in areas like biomedical diagnostics, environmental science, or STEM education. Under the guidance of your mentor, you will design experiments, gather and analyze data, and develop research skills each week. Cohort-wide workshops deepen your understanding of ethics, scientific methodologies, and professional communication. The experience culminates in a closing symposium where you present your work to mentors, peers, and family.
Image source – Rutgers University