STEM programs give you a real chance to stop guessing and start doing. Instead of reading about algorithms or lab techniques, you get hands-on time building projects, testing ideas, and solving problems that actually matter. These programs help you level up technical skills, pick up practical ways of thinking, and meet mentors who can open doors. They also let you find out which part of STEM actually lights you up before you commit to a college major.
Why choose a STEM program in New Jersey?
If you live in New Jersey, you are sitting on a goldmine of opportunities. The state has strong universities, innovative research centers, and companies that run programs designed for high school students like you. Picking a local program means less travel, lower costs, and easier logistics so you can focus on learning. You will also get to work alongside people doing real research and engineering, and you will come away with projects and skills you can show on college applications and internships.
For more information on STEM programs for high school students, you can also refer to other great posts on Horizon’s blog.
13 STEM Programs for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
1. Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Program runs 5–6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadlines: Application opens from February 15 to March 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 16+ by June 15, enrolled in local high schools near Princeton; non-residential program
The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) offers local high school students a full-time, in-person research experience in science and engineering at Princeton University. Designed for motivated young researchers, the program places students into active research labs under the supervision of Princeton faculty and staff. Participants engage in hands-on experiments, learn scientific methods, and gain exposure to professional research environments. Each project aligns with real-world scientific challenges, offering opportunities to contribute meaningfully while developing technical and analytical skills. The program culminates in a two-page research summary submission, emphasizing academic rigor and scientific communication.
2. Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) Program
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Free; students receive compensation
Program Dates: Late June – August (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Early Decision February 23; Final Deadline March 8
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors studying in New Jersey; must be at least 16 years old; U.S. citizens or permanent residents only
The Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) program immerses high school students in real-world cancer research and biomedical science. Across two summers, you’ll conduct hands-on research in mentor-supervised labs, attend professional development seminars, and present your findings at the Annual Research Day. The program also includes community engagement and monthly learning activities to help you understand cancer health disparities. RUYES offers an exceptional opportunity to gain early research experience while contributing meaningfully to scientific progress.
3. Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE)
Location: Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
Cost: $2,200 (in-person); $600 (virtual vWISE)
Program Dates: June WISE: June 22 – July 2; August WISE: July 27 – August 7; vWISE: August 10 – 21
Application Deadlines: Applications open in January (first-come, first-served)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed a biology course
The Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE) at Rutgers University immerses high school students in authentic molecular biology and bioinformatics research. Through daily seminars and lab work, you’ll explore DNA sequencing of duckweed (Landoltia punctata) and compare it with other species using professional bioinformatics tools. Each student can contribute to original research and publish vetted DNA sequence data on GenBank, earning author credit. The program blends guided mentorship with independent investigation, offering an ideal opportunity to understand how modern genetics research is conducted. A virtual WISE (vWISE) option provides a similar experience online through intensive interactive sessions and bioinformatics analyses.
4. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) High School Summer Internship
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey
Cost: Free (housing not provided; students are responsible for transportation and personal expenses)
Program Dates: June 30 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors, at least 16 years old, authorized to work in the U.S.; Some experience in science, math, or coding is recommended
The PPPL High School Summer Internship offers an immersive, full-time research experience for highly motivated graduating seniors interested in plasma physics and fusion energy. You’ll work directly with research or engineering staff on experimental or computational projects, gaining hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technology and methods. The internship runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for a total of 40 hours per week. While housing is not provided, students benefit from a professional lab environment and the chance to deepen technical skills, explore coding or CAD applications, and engage with real-world scientific research. Applicants must communicate directly with program administrators regarding application status.
5. Governor’s STEM Scholars
Location: New Jersey (statewide program)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Year-long program (four major conferences)
Application Deadline: Opens in March
Eligibility: Open to high school, college, and graduate students in New Jersey with a demonstrated interest in STEM and leadership
The Governor’s STEM Scholars program connects top New Jersey students with the state’s thriving innovation ecosystem. You’ll explore how research, policy, and industry intersect through conferences focused on government, academia, and industry. As a Scholar, you’ll participate in hands-on research or engineering projects rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and present your work to STEM professionals at the final conference. Beyond the academics, you’ll network with industry leaders, visit major research labs, and gain exclusive access to internships, all while helping strengthen New Jersey’s STEM talent pipeline for the future.
6. Group Summer Scholars Research Program (GSSRP)
Location: Kean University, Union, NJ
Cost: 4-Week Session: $2,500 | 2-Week Session: $1,250 (housing and transportation not provided)
Program Dates: 4-Week Session: July 7 – 31; 2-Week Session: July 21 – 31
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; Students must commit to the full program
GSSRP provides a hands-on, immersive research experience for students interested in STEM. You’ll work directly with faculty and graduate student mentors on projects in areas such as scientific computation, cancer biology, machine learning, developmental biology, and modern drug discovery. The program emphasizes technical skill development, teamwork, and exposure to professional scientific practices, including workshops, instrumentation demos, and guidance on college and career paths. By participating, you gain firsthand research experience, build confidence in scientific problem-solving, and contribute to authentic scientific discovery.
7. Rowan University STEAM Academy
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Cost: Voyagers: $2,100; Navigators: $2,500 – $3,900 (depending on session and housing); Pathfinders: $4,200 (residential, weekends included)
Program Dates: July 5 – 17 (Voyagers split sessions: July 6 – 9 & July 13 – 16)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Voyagers: Students entering grades 7–9 with a GPA ≥2.5; Navigators: Students entering grades 10–12 with a GPA ≥3.0; Pathfinders: Students entering grades 10–12 with a GPA ≥3.5
Rowan University’s STEAM Academy is a two-week summer program designed to introduce students to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on learning and college-level instruction. You can choose from three tracks based on grade and ability: Voyagers (grades 7–9) explore STEAM subjects with interactive, daily lessons; Navigators (grades 10–12) engage in accredited college courses, workshops, and optional weekend field trips; and Pathfinders (grades 10–12) pursue intensive research projects with individualized mentorship from Rowan faculty. Navigators and Pathfinders also have the opportunity to earn college credit in courses such as Java Development, Engineers of the Future, and Leading Among Diverse Perspectives. The program emphasizes academic growth, leadership development, and preparation for college and STEM careers.
8. NJIT STEMx High School Program
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Newark, NJ
Cost: $725 per week (includes lunch and academic materials) + Application Fee $70 (non-refundable)
Program Dates: Week 1: Monday–Friday – Materials Engineering OR STEM Entrepreneurship; Week 2: Monday–Friday – Cybersecurity OR Sustainable Engineering and the Environment;
Week 3: Monday–Friday – Assistive Robotics and Neuroscience OR Applied Engineering Technology;
Week 4: Monday–Thursday – Preparing for College and Career Pathways in STEM (optional for students who participated in at least one prior week)
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th graders; Maintain a B or better grade average; Provide a personal statement of interest
The NJIT STEMx High School Program immerses rising 10th- and 11th-graders in specialized STEM disciplines for one week at a time. Students gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields such as Cybersecurity, Robotics, Materials Engineering, and Sustainable Engineering, under the guidance of NJIT faculty experts. Each week combines mathematics, computer science, and language arts with project-based learning. Students can choose one or more weeks, tailoring the experience to their interests while developing practical skills and exposure to real-world STEM applications.
9. Giant LEAP Summer Science Workshop
Location: Laboratory of Electrophysics and Atmospheric Plasmas (LEAP), Department of Physics, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ
Cost: Contact program for details; limited financial aid available
Program Dates: July 7 – 11, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Current high school students
Giant LEAP Summer Science Workshop gives high school students hands-on experience in STEM fields through small-group, faculty-guided research projects tailored to individual interests. Students explore Robotics, Electronics, Green Technologies, Weather, Climate & Sustainability, Mechanics, and more, building foundational and advanced skills in scientific research. Activities include building Raspberry Pi-controlled robotic projects, 3D printing, forensic DNA investigations, and studying atmospheric and climate patterns using professional tools. Participants also engage with expert faculty and graduate students, gaining insight into college-level research and interdisciplinary STEM applications.
10. Rutgers 4-H STEM Youth Development Programs
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $45 one-time fee
Program Dates: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: Form-basis
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9–12; acceptance required
Rutgers University’s Department of Youth Development offers high school students an engaging platform to explore cutting-edge topics in science and technology. Through the Teen Science Café series, you’ll discuss major scientific and engineering advances with Rutgers faculty in a relaxed, conversational setting. Each session combines interactive activities, demonstrations, and real-world problem solving to help you connect STEM to daily life. Lunch is provided free, and programs are designed to build both curiosity and confidence in science careers through mentorship and peer collaboration.
11. BOLD (BioCONECT Oncology Leadership Development) Initiative
Location: Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $500 non-refundable enrollment fee for accepted students
Program Dates: July 20 – 24, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 10–12
The BOLD Initiative offers high school students a rare chance to explore the biology and genetics of cancer through the lens of real-world oncology research. Hosted at Rutgers Cancer Institute, this week-long program combines lab activities, discussions, and hands-on learning focused on breast cancer. You’ll study risk factors, diagnostic tools, and treatment innovations while engaging with scientists and health professionals. Beyond the lab, the program emphasizes leadership, health awareness, and exposure to diverse biomedical careers.
12. Toxicology, Health & Environmental Disease (THED) High School Summer Program
Location: Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: $925 (includes tuition, materials, lab supplies, and lunch; financial aid available)
Program Dates: Session 1: July 21 – 25 | Session 2: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Open to motivated high school students entering grades 10–12; completion of one biology course is recommended
The THED program offers an in-depth look into biomedical and environmental sciences through research-driven, hands-on learning. You’ll explore key topics such as genetics, pharmacology, forensic toxicology, and environmental health, while understanding how chemicals and pollutants impact human health. The program blends lab ethics, experimental design, and scientific investigation, preparing you for advanced STEM pathways. Guided by experienced Rutgers faculty, you’ll gain practical lab experience and exposure to real-world research, building a strong foundation for careers in medicine, pharmacy, and environmental science.
13. Hands-On Workshop Series for High School Students
Location: Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, NJ
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Session 1: Wednesday, October 22; Session 2: Wednesday, December 10;
Session 3: First half of January (exact date TBD)
Application Deadline: September 19
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11; preference for students from underserved communities or with limited access to STEM enrichment
The Hands-On Workshop Series, hosted by the Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) and Hackensack Meridian Health Research Institute, introduces high school students to medical and healthcare sciences through interactive, one-day sessions. You’ll participate in live demonstrations, hands-on experiments in real labs, and career readiness workshops covering resume writing, interviews, and college prep. Each session offers mentorship and networking opportunities with scientists and healthcare professionals, fostering connections that can shape your future career. Transportation support is available for eligible students. Participation is by school nomination to ensure a personalized and engaging experience.
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 – Rutgers University