If you’re a high school student in New Jersey, pre-college programs in the state offer an excellent (and accessible) way to deepen your academic interests and experience college-level learning before graduation. These programs are typically super structured, university-hosted experiences that combine rigorous coursework with hands-on projects in fields like engineering, medicine, business, and design.
You’ll have the chance to work with industry tools, explore subject-specific labs, and collaborate with like-minded peers. Most programs run during the summer and mirror the pace of actual college classes, offering lectures, labs, and group work that prepare you for future academic challenges.
To help you find a strong fit, we’ve curated 16 pre-college programs for high school students in New Jersey that prioritize academic rigor, institutional quality, and immersive learning.
1. Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Cost: Free (including transportation, housing, and meals)
Location: Princeton University, NJ
Dates: July 24 – August 3; Online workshops from early July
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Current U.S.-based high school juniors from limited-income backgrounds
This program provides a comprehensive introduction to journalism through virtual workshops and a 10-day residential session held on Princeton’s campus. You’ll learn how to report and write news features, conduct investigative reporting, and produce digital content while receiving feedback from professional journalists and Princeton professors. The curriculum includes discussions on media ethics, political reporting, food journalism, and coverage of social issues. You’ll also tour major media outlets, such as The New York Times and The Huffington Post. In parallel, the program supports college preparation with 1:1 admissions advising and application support.
2. Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy (TLAE) – Rowan University
Cost: Free
Location: Rowan University, NJ (non-residential)
Dates: June 23 – 26
Application Deadline: May 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
This one-week academy introduces you to core entrepreneurial concepts while working in teams to tackle real-world challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. You’ll acquire practical experience using tools such as the Business Model Canvas, design thinking frameworks, prototyping, and financial modeling. Participants earn 3 transferable college credits, making this a strong academic credential for future applications. The program emphasizes problem-solving and customer engagement, culminating in a pitch presentation evaluated by industry leaders.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: You must be 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) | No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) – Princeton University
Cost: Free (no housing or transportation provided)
Location: Princeton University, NJ
Dates: 5–6 weeks over the summer (customized by lab/project)
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 16+ who live locally and can commute daily
The Laboratory Learning Program offers a full-time, in-person research opportunity where you’ll join an active science or engineering lab at Princeton. You’ll work on real projects under the supervision of faculty and researchers, learning technical skills like data analysis, lab safety protocols, instrumentation use, and experimental design. Fields span physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. A two-page research report is required upon completion, providing a solid foundation for future college applications and scientific work.
6. American Legion Jersey Boys State (ALJBS)
Cost: Free (sponsored by local American Legion posts)
Location: Rider University, NJ
Dates: June 15 – 21
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Male-identifying students entering 12th grade and residing in New Jersey
ALJBS is a week-long residential program centered on civic leadership, constitutional law, and public service. You will take part in a simulated government where you will run for office, draft and debate legislation, and manage mock municipal, county, and state systems. You will also participate in workshops focused on lawmaking, elections, public policy, and media. The program is staffed by volunteers, many of whom are veterans or community leaders, and features lectures from government officials and alumni. You can also earn transferable college credit through an associated Rider University course.
7. Trooper Youth Week – New Jersey State Police
Cost: Free
Location: Sea Girt Training Facility, NJ
Dates:
- 117th Class: July 14 – 18
- 118th Class: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: NJ students entering 12th grade (or 17-year-old sophomores); must be under 18 at graduation from the program
Trooper Youth Week is a 5-day, residential program that introduces high school students to life in law enforcement through a simulation of New Jersey State Police recruit training. You will attend classes in criminal justice, motor vehicle law, and crime scene investigation, while also engaging in physical drills and teamwork-based exercises in a quasi-military setting. The curriculum emphasizes self-discipline, leadership, and civic responsibility, and includes modules on cultural diversity, anger management, and conflict resolution. Structured like an intensive boot camp, the program is ideal for students considering careers in public safety, law, or criminal justice. All expenses are covered by the NJSP.
8. Financial Planning Academy – William Paterson University
Cost: $150 (scholarship subsidized; includes meals, supplies, and giveaways)
Location: William Paterson University, NJ
Dates: August 18 – 22
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
In partnership with Texas Tech University and supported by the Charles Schwab Foundation, this commuter program emphasizes practical financial literacy, entrepreneurial problem-solving, and provides an introduction to the Registered Investment Advisory (RIA). You will form teams to build financial plans around real case studies and compete for prizes, including a $500 cash prize for each member of the winning team. Classes are held in WPUNJ’s Financial Learning Center, an advanced trading floor simulation, providing immersive exposure to financial software and decision-making environments
9. Investing 101: Managing a Live Financial Portfolio – Seton Hall University
Cost: $500 (25% discount available)
Location: Seton Hall University, NJ
Dates: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: June 23
Eligibility: High school students
This non-credit, week-long course introduces high school students to the foundational principles of personal investing and portfolio management. You’ll work with real-time market data, simulate portfolio allocation, and explore key concepts like risk tolerance, equity vs. debt instruments, and the mechanics of the stock market. Instruction emphasizes practical tools for evaluating financial performance, including the use of spreadsheets to model asset diversification and compound growth.
10. Rowan University STEAM Academy – Navigators & Pathfinders Tracks
Cost:
- Navigators: $2,500 (half-day), $2,800 (full-day), $3,600 (residential weekdays), $3,900 (residential with weekends)
- Pathfinders: $4,200 (residential with weekends)
Location: Rowan University, NJ
Dates: July 6 – 18
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Students entering 10th–12th grade with a GPA of 3.0+ (Navigators) or 3.5+ (Pathfinders)
STEAM Academy offers college-level coursework in areas such as Java development, engineering, and inclusive leadership, taught by faculty from Rowan University. You’ll earn 3 transferable college credits and get structured exposure to college-style academics, i.e., lectures in the morning, followed by skill-building workshops or research in the afternoon. As a Navigator, you’ll take a morning Rowan University course like Java Development, Engineers of the Future, or Leading Among Diverse Perspectives, alongside leadership and college readiness workshops. Pathfinders go deeper, pairing a credit course with guided research in a chosen STEAM field under Rowan faculty. Residential options include evening activities, weekend field trips to museums and local institutions, and access to Rowan’s campus facilities.
11. Stevens Institute of Technology – Pre-College Summer Residential Programs
Cost:
- One-week programs: $3,150
- Two-week programs: $4,700
Location: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
Dates:
- One-week: July 6 – 12 or July 13 – 19
- Two-week: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until programs are full
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12); some advanced courses require AP Computer Science
Stevens offers a range of one- and two-week residential pre-college programs focused on applied STEM, medicine, business, and digital arts. You can dive into tracks like Artificial Intelligence, Neuroscience with VR, Cybersecurity (beginner to advanced), Electronic Music Production, Pre-Med Biomedical Engineering, or Game Design. While these programs are non-credit, they simulate a real college workload, incorporating lectures, project work, and group presentations. Advanced tracks such as Intermediate Computer Science and Advanced Cybersecurity require prior coding experience. All tracks are fully residential, with housing, dining, and supervised campus activities included, giving you a real preview of college life at a tech-focused university.
12. NJIT Early College Preparatory Programs (ECPP & STEMx)
Cost: Varies by track; partial financial aid may be available. Check the specific course page for detailed information.
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ
Dates: Typically late June – early August (varies by program)
Application Deadline: Varies; applications usually open by March
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders residing in New Jersey
NJIT’s summer programs offer high school students hands-on exposure to STEM disciplines through courses in engineering, architecture, computer science, biomedical sciences, and more. Tracks like ECPP and STEMx include lab activities, group projects, and sessions with NJIT faculty designed to simulate a college academic environment. Some programs offer college credit; others focus on enrichment and skill-building in areas such as programming, design thinking, or engineering problem-solving. The campus-based experience also includes exposure to college life, with guided pathways toward STEM careers.
13. Artificial Intelligence & Wireless Communications Summer Camp – TCNJ
Cost: $2,100 + $40 application fee (includes tuition, housing, meals, and hardware kit)
Location: The College of New Jersey, NJ
Dates: July 6 – 11
Application Deadline: Rolling admission; tuition due by May 30
Eligibility: High school students interested in AI, math, science, or engineering; no GPA cutoff
Offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at TCNJ, this 6-day residential camp focuses on the integration of AI and wireless technology. You’ll learn foundational concepts in both areas through college-level lectures, group projects, and hands-on labs using a custom hardware experimentation kit. The camp includes structured academic sessions, supervised residential life, and access to STEM labs in Armstrong Hall. Topics covered include machine learning, signal processing, and the societal impact of AI. Each student leaves with their own lab kit for continued education.
14. Rutgers Summer Scholars Program
Cost:
- In-State: $459–$525 per credit + $162 student fee
- Out-of-State: $1,083–$1,262 per credit + $162 student fee
(Most courses are 3 credits; total cost ranges from ~$1,539 to $4,008)
Location: Rutgers University–New Brunswick, NJ (in-person and online options)
Dates:
- Session I: May 27 – varies by course
- Session II: July 7 – varies by course
Application Deadline:
- Session I: May 18
- Session II: June 28
Eligibility:
- Must be 16+ before the course starts
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder
- Min GPA: 3.0 (unweighted)
- Requires transcript, teacher recommendation, and parental consent
Rutgers Summer Scholars lets you earn real college credit in fields like political science, gender studies, philosophy, public speaking, marketing, and micro/macro-economics. You’ll sit in on actual undergraduate classes, either online or in person, alongside Rutgers students, working through the same material and assessments. With more than 60 course offerings and complete access to Rutgers faculty, this program is designed for academically motivated students seeking to enhance their understanding of subjects in a structured, credit-earning environment.
15. Animation & VFX Pre-College Program – Montclair State University
Cost: $1,800 (includes tuition, housing, meals, co-curriculars, and field trips)
Location: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Dates: July 13 – 19
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade high school students
This week-long residential program immerses students in professional animation and visual effects (VFX) workflows through a structured curriculum taught by Montclair’s BFA faculty. You’ll gain hands-on experience in 3D modeling using ZBrush, character animation via Autodesk Maya, and game development fundamentals with Unreal Engine. The program also explores experimental animation techniques, including stop-motion and frame-by-frame methods. A major highlight is an exclusive field trip to a New York City visual effects studio, providing an inside look at professional pipelines and studio environments. Outside the lab, you will live in supervised campus housing, experience communal dining, and participate in structured recreational activities designed to simulate college life.
16. Business Entrepreneurship Week – Montclair State University
Cost: $1,800 (includes tuition, housing, meals, co-curriculars, and field trips)
Location: Montclair State University, NJ
Dates: July 13 – 19
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade high school students
This immersive, week-long pre-college program explores the foundations of entrepreneurship from both for-profit and non-profit perspectives. You’ll work through business ideation, pitch training, stakeholder analysis, and socially responsible capitalism, while also engaging with AI trends and 3D printing applications in business. You will develop practical skills in business plan creation and company formation, guided by faculty from the Feliciano School of Business. Sessions are held in cutting-edge campus spaces like MSU’s Bloomberg trading room. The program also includes two field trips: one to a top New Jersey public company and another to Wall Street in New York City, providing firsthand exposure to real-world business environments.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Montclair State University