If you’re a high school student in New Jersey looking to explore college-level academics and strengthen your skills, a summer program is a great way to do that without interfering with your regular school schedule. Choosing a local option can help you save money on housing, commuting, and sometimes tuition fees since universities may prefer local students.
Schools like Rutgers, NJIT, and Princeton offer opportunities to work on group projects, take college-level classes, and sometimes even earn college credit. Summer academic programs for high school students in New Jersey are also a great way to strengthen your academic portfolio, which can help with college applications and future career plans.Whether you want to dig deeper into a subject you already enjoy or try something new, summer academic programs for high school students in New Jersey give you a chance to learn, experience campus life, and explore possible career paths.
Here are 15 summer academic programs for high school students in New Jersey, covering topics such as computer science, business, journalism, mathematics, history, engineering, psychology, and more.
15 Summer Academic Programs for High School Students in New Jersey, NJ
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available | None
Acceptance Rate: Around 10–25%
Dates: The summer cohorts (I and II) typically runs for 12 weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; Summer deadline typically in June
Eligibility: 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)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the opportunity to work on an independent research project with a PhD mentor’s help. The program includes research method workshops and help with writing a full-length academic research paper. You’ll also get guidance from a writing coach to help shape your research topic. Some possible subjects include biology, chemistry, philosophy, physics, math, linguistics, computer science, history, data science, psychology, and engineering. If your area of interest isn’t listed, you can work with your mentor to create a custom topic. Even though the program isn’t run by a university, completing it may make you eligible to receive UCSD credit. You can apply here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 42.5% | AI Scholars: 5:1 student/mentor ratio, AI Fellowship: 1:1 student/mentor ratio
Dates: Multiple cohorts are offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; final summer deadline is July 20; you can apply here
Eligibility: AI Scholars is open to all high school students | The AI Fellowship is for students who either have prior experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program.
Founded by Harvard researchers, Veritas AI offers programs for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence and its implementation in diverse fields. The AI Scholars program is a foundational, ten-session course that covers AI, machine learning, and data science through real-world applications in hands-on projects. If you already have some coding and programming experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a more advanced option where you’ll work one-on-one with a university mentor to create a research project and get help preparing it for publication. The programs are taught by instructors from institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton. You can see past student projects here.
3. The Governor’s School of New Jersey Program in the Sciences (GSNJS)
Location: Drew University, Madison, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Cohort Size: 85–100 students
Dates: July 6 – 26
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors living in New Jersey | Must be one of the top school students with ‘A’ grades in math and science | Must’ve demonstrated strong scientific abilities outside the classroom to not consider grades and test scores
In this residential summer program, you will get to explore college-level science by learning from local college professors, Drew faculty, high school teachers, and professionals from government and industry labs. You’ll take three core courses, offered four times a week, in subjects such as biology, math, anthropology, psychology, chemistry, and physics. You’ll also pick one lab course like Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Computer Science, or Forensic Anthropology. Three afternoons a week are dedicated to team research projects, where you’ll work in small groups with faculty mentors and present your findings at the David Miyamoto Scholars Conference. The program also includes a Career Day, guest speakers, and a Talent Show.
4. Rutgers University’s Pre-College Engineering Summer Academy
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick campus, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $2,699 (Residential) | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Dates: Session I: July 13 – 19 | Session II: July 20 – 26
Application Deadline: Domestic student: May 23 | International student: April 14
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 to 18 years old | Minimum 3.0 GPA | English language proficiency | Additional criteria for international student eligibility can be found here
Rutgers University’s Pre-College Engineering Summer Academy is a residential program that allows high school students to explore a wide range of engineering fields. They include aerospace, chemical, biomedical, civil, electrical, computer, environmental, industrial, mechanical, materials science, forensic, and systems engineering, as well as the careers associated with them. You’ll strengthen your math and science skills by building quantitative models, working with data, and tackling hands-on projects with real-world applications. The program will also show you how to utilize campus resources to grow academically and personally, help you adjust to college life, and teach you how to present your work clearly and accurately to both peers and the public.
5. Rowan University’s STEAM Academy — Pathfinders
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $4,200 | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 90–120 students
Dates: July 6 – 18
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders | GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
In this program, you are grouped with other students as Voyagers, Navigators, or Pathfinders based on your grade and skill level. Pathfinders is a two-week program with weekend stays on campus. In the mornings, you’ll take a Rowan University course, and in the afternoons, you’ll focus on scholar-leader development with support from faculty. One course, “Leading Among Diverse Perspectives,” examines how effective leadership involves valuing different viewpoints in the workplace. In the “Java Development“ course, you’ll practice writing structured code and algorithms and learn syntax through hands-on problem solving. The “Engineers of the Future” course introduces engineering through real-world projects, using sustainability to highlight its broader impact.
6. NJIT’s STEMx High School Program
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $725 per week + $70 non-refundable application fee | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Dates: July 7 – 31 (Week 1: July 7 – 11 | Week 2: July 14 – 18 | Week 3: July 21 – 25 | Week 4: July 28 – 31)
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders | A ‘B’ average or higher
In this program, there are multiple-week sessions taught by NJIT faculty experts in their respective fields that cover math, data literacy, language arts, and computer science. Each week helps you build a strong understanding of the subject and provides an opportunity to explore college and career options related to that area. In Week 1, the topics are Materials Engineering and STEM Entrepreneurship. Week 2 offers Cybersecurity or Sustainable Engineering and the Environment. Week 3 includes Assistive Robotics & Neuroscience or Applied Engineering Technology. Week 4 focuses on Preparing for College and Career Pathways in STEM. It’s free and optional for anyone who joins at least one of the earlier sessions. More details can be found here.
7. The Governor’s School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology
Location: Rutgers University School of Engineering, Piscataway, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Cohort Size: The program accepts under 100 students, typically between 62 and 90 each year
Dates: July 5 – 25
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors living in New Jersey | Must be one of the top school students with ‘A’ grades in math and science | Must’ve demonstrated strong scientific abilities outside the classroom to not consider grades and test scores
In this program, you’ll take four academic courses, including core classes like Robotics and Physics, plus two electives. Past electives included topics like Earthquake-Resistant Structures, Materials Science, Micro- and Nanofabrication, Medical Advancements, RC Flight, Robotics Electronics, Game Design, and Virtual Research. In small teams of 3–4 students, you’ll work on a hands-on research and design project. You’ll tackle a complex, original problem, write a formal research paper, and present your findings at a symposium attended by professionals, professors, and guests. The program also includes company visits, workshops, and activities with professors and peers from across New Jersey. You’ll build skills, explore different engineering fields, and connect with mentors.
8. Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Location: Hybrid and in-person at Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 40 students
Dates: Hybrid program; online workshops: July 1 | Residential program: July 24 – August 3
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Current high school juniors | Living in the U.S. who plan to attend college there | Minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA | Meet one or more socioeconomic criteria listed here
In this program, you’ll take part in virtual workshops and lectures led by journalists from across the country, keep up with current events through weekly readings, start drafting your articles, and work with a college counselor on parts of your college application throughout July. During the in-person portion, you’ll attend more sessions with experienced journalists and educators. You’ll visit top media outlets like Huffington Post, The New York Times, and Bloomberg, attend cultural outings like films or plays, cover real news and sports events, and help create digital content. You’ll also conduct an investigation, contribute to a group blog, and write, edit, and publish your work in The Princeton Summer Journal.
9. NJIT’s Academy College Credit Courses for High School Students
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $622 per credit + $60 non-refundable application fee | None
Cohort Size: Small class sizes
Dates: July 8 – August 11
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Students in grades 11 and 12
In this program, you’ll take small, customized classes taught by faculty from NJIT for five weeks in the summer, from July to August, Monday through Thursday. Course options include Business, Computer Science, Math, and English. You might explore business fundamentals in Industrial Organization and Management, learn the basics of computer systems and programming in Computer Programming and Graphics Problems, study topics like trigonometric functions and polar coordinates in University Mathematics, or build your academic writing skills in English Composition. Your final grades will be recorded on an NJIT transcript, which you can submit to NJIT or other universities for credit.
10. Rowan University’s Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Cohort Size: Around 90 students participated last year
Dates: June 23 – 26
Application Deadline: May 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The program focuses on building an entrepreneurial mindset by tackling real-world challenges faced by startup founders. At the start, you’ll join a team and work on solving one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Each day covers a different topic, like problem-solving, financials, design thinking, the Business Model Canvas, customer discovery, prototyping, storytelling, and pitching. You’ll work with faculty and student mentors to turn your idea into a workable business. The experience concludes with a pitch event, where teams present their solutions to a panel of industry professionals. Students who complete the program earn 3 college credits, equivalent to one course, that can be used at Rowan or transferred to another university.
11. Rutgers University’s Pre-College Summer Scholars Program
Location: Virtual or in person at Rutgers University, New Brunswick campus, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $459–$1,096 + $162 student fee | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Session I starts on May 27, and Session II begins on July 7
Application Deadline: Session I: May 18 | Session II: June 29
Eligibility: U.S. high school students | Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA | 16 or older before the course begins
In this program, you can choose between online and in-person formats and take two approved courses for credit. These are Rutgers–New Brunswick classes taught by university instructors, and you’ll study alongside undergrads. With over 60 courses offered, you’ll get to explore different subjects, try out potential majors, and experience the pace and workload of college classes. Subjects include Western Art History, Micro and Macroeconomics, Kinesiology and Health, Environmental Studies, Human Geography, Earth Systems, US History, Math, Philosophy, Logic, Ethics, Politics, International Relations, Psychology, American Sign Language, Public Speaking, and more. Course schedules may overlap with your regular school year, so make sure to check the meeting dates before applying.
12. Princeton University’s AI4ALL
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Cohort Size: 30 students
Dates: July 9 – 30
Application Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors who live in the U.S. or Puerto Rico and meet low-income criteria
Princeton AI4ALL offers an opportunity to learn about artificial intelligence and aims to make the field more inclusive. You’ll dive into the basics of AI algorithms, work on hands-on labs and group projects, attend seminars, and build technical and analytical skills. With guidance from mentors, you’ll explore real-world AI applications and collaborate with other students. The program also features lectures on AI research at Princeton, visits to different organizations, and a trip to Washington, DC to learn how AI connects with public policy. You’ll also take part in career talks, faculty mentoring, and social events with grad students. In a small team, you’ll work on a research project about AI’s impact on society.
13. Seton Hall University’s Pre-College Summer Courses
Location: Virtual | In-person at Seton Hall University, South Orange campus, NJ or Seton Hall University, Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus, Nutley, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $250–$2,000; need-based scholarships are available | None
Cohort Size: Average class size of 20 students
Dates: Courses of varying lengths run between July 7 and 25
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school students
Seton Hall University offers an opportunity to take college-prep courses, with options for both credit and non-credit. You can pick from a variety of subjects, including Accounting, Cybersecurity, Psychology, Robotics, Mechanics, Health Sciences, Weather and Climate Sustainability, Sports Media & Business Academy, Women’s Healthcare, Investing, SAT/ACT, College Prep, Video Game Programming, and more. Courses are available either virtually or in person and are held as half-day or full-day sessions at Seton Hall’s two campuses. You will learn the basics of entrepreneurship, start a small business and develop a product, prepare for the SAT, work on your college application essays, explore different STEM career options, or even study how baseball analytics work, among other topics.
14. Rutgers University’s Pre-College Pre-Law and Mock Trial Summer Academy
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick campus, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $2,699 (Residential) | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 13 – 19
Application Deadline: Domestic students: May 23 | International students: April 14
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 to 18 years old and finishing their sophomore or junior year | For international students, please see additional eligibility criteria here
Rutgers University’s Pre-College Pre-Law and Mock Trial Summer Academy is designed for students interested in government, law, or public speaking, as well as those involved in mock trials. Taught by a Rutgers Law faculty member, the program gives you a hands-on look at legal concepts through mock trials and trial advocacy. Throughout the week, you’ll explore legal systems, civil and criminal law, and how laws are created. Activities include interactive lessons, courtroom visits, guest speakers, mock trials, and film clips. You’ll also learn about the wide range of careers in law. Each day includes lectures, campus tours, workshops, and activities led by Rutgers faculty, along with support from program and resident assistants.
15. Montclair State University’s Pre-College Summer Offerings
Location: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Cost/Stipend: $1,800 per program | None
Cohort Size: Around 250 students participated last year
Dates: Session I: July 13 – 19 | Session II: July 20 – 26
Application Deadline: Not specified, but the final payment deadline is June 13
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students
In this program, you can participate in two academic sessions and choose from subjects like Business, Law, Psychology, Fashion Design, Film and TV Production, Animation, AI, Sports Communication, Pre-Med, and more. All programs include at least one field trip to meet professionals in your chosen area. In the evenings, residential staff organize fun activities, from games and sports to movie nights and casual hangouts in shared spaces. You’ll also work on group projects with your classmates. It’s a great way to get a feel for college, learn more about a subject you’re interested in, and connect with students and faculty at Montclair State University.
Image source – Montclair State University