§ NJ

Research programs in New Jersey.

186 local programs run in New Jersey, 74 of them free or paid, and 4 explicitly prioritize under-resourced or first-generation students. Plus 210 nationwide programs open to anyone in the US.

Filter the Finder by NJ →Suggest a New Jersey program →

Local to New Jersey

The College of New Jersey
2D Animation Camp
Students create an animated short while learning professional animation techniques. 2026 cost: $800 commuter/$1,200 residential.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Montclair State University
Abracadabra: The Magic of Creative Writing
Residential college-level creative-writing intensive.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Seton Hall University
Accounting for the Future: Unleashing Your Potential
Short high-school workshop exploring accounting careers, emerging technology and the influence of AI on the profession.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Montclair State University
AI and Engineering Summer Lab
Hands-on introduction to artificial intelligence and engineering applications.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
American Legion Auxiliary, Department of New Jersey
American Legion Auxiliary Jersey Girls State
A week-long residential program teaching New Jersey state government, the political process, and leadership to young women entering their senior year, through mock elections, city/county government formation, and civic workshops, sponsored by local American Legion Auxiliary units.
📅 Varies🎓 Grade 11
Selective
American Legion, Department of New Jersey
American Legion Jersey Boys State
A week-long residential citizenship and government simulation for rising high school seniors (current juniors), who form mock city, county, and 'mystical 51st state' governments, run campaigns and elections, and hear from political leaders, in NJ's premier youth leadership program since 1946.
📅 June🎓 Grade 11
Selective
Montclair State University
Animation and VFX
Pre-college intensive in animation and visual-effects production.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
The College of New Jersey
Artificial Intelligence & Wireless Communications Camp
Residential engineering camp covering neural networks, computer vision, TensorFlow/PyTorch, microcontrollers, wireless sensing and electronics. 2026 cost was $2,200.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Artificial Intelligence in Modern Society
Examines AI technologies and their role in contemporary society.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Rutgers University Pre-College Summer Programs
Astronomy & Astrophysics Summer Academy
A residential, in-person academy at Rutgers-New Brunswick where rising sophomores/juniors (ages 16-18) spend one or two weeks studying planetary science, stellar evolution, exoplanets, and cosmology through lectures, observation, and field trips.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 10–11
Moderate
Rowan University
BEAM — BioEngineering And Me
Free virtual biomedical-engineering experience featuring faculty presentations, demonstrations, workshops and collaborative activities.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Stevens Institute of Technology
Biology: Genetics & Medicine
Genetics and biomedical-science intensive.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Biomedical Engineering: Where Medicine Meets Innovation
Biomedical engineering and medical innovation.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Build Big Dreams Youth STEM Conference
More than 800 students attended the 2026 conference for hands-on STEM activities, demonstrations, panels and direct interaction with scientists and engineers. Grades 9–10 fall within its 7–10 eligibility range.
🎓 Grades 9–10
Selective
Montclair State University
Business Entrepreneurship Week
Intensive exploring entrepreneurship, business development and innovation.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Business Explorer
Explores business disciplines, decision-making and entrepreneurship.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
The College of New Jersey School of Science
Camp Innovate and Investigate
Rising sophomores through seniors conduct hands-on work across biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and mathematics, including sustainability-focused investigations. The 2026 fee was $500.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
New Jersey Department of Education
Career and Technical Education Scholar Award Program
Recognizes NJ students who demonstrate high achievement in an approved CTE program, academics, college-level/work-based learning, leadership, and service. Eighty-three students received the 2026 award. Note: this is a recognition award with no cash prize, and students cannot apply directly; districts nominate top 12th-grade CTE students.
🎓 Grade 12
Selective
New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
CBVI Scholarship Program
Scholarships for qualifying students served by the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired who are pursuing further education.
🎓 Grade 12
Selective
Rowan University
CHAMP/GEAR UP Summer Academy
College-readiness summer program for students from participating Camden-area schools with instruction in math, science, writing, computer science, financial literacy and public speaking.
🎓 Grades 9–11
Selective
Stevens Institute of Technology
Changemaking Through Data: The Science of Human Behavior
Uses data analysis to study human behavior and societal problems.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Civil Engineering Design
Introduces civil-engineering design and the built environment.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
The College of New Jersey
Comics Camp
Explores comics history and theory while students write, illustrate and develop original comics.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Kean University Galleries
CREATE at the Galleries
Pre-college art program featuring studio work, gallery experiences, sustainable materials, sculpture/drawing and portfolio/exhibition development.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Cybersecurity — Advanced
Advanced cybersecurity track requiring prior AP computer-science-level preparation.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Cybersecurity — Beginner
Introductory cybersecurity experience for students without advanced prerequisites.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
New Jersey Department of Education
Dare to Dream Student Leadership Conferences
Seven regional conferences for middle- and high-school students with disabilities featuring student-led workshops on self-advocacy, leadership, IEP participation, college and workplace rights. Attendance is free.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
New Jersey Department of Children and Families
DCF Youth Council
Youth ages 15–23 with current or past DCF involvement serve two-year terms, helping redesign programs, influence policy and present recommendations directly to state leadership. Recruitment for the 2026–27 term is active.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Decision for Dentistry
Three-phase program for 45 NJ high-school students featuring dental impressions, clinical observation, mentorship and an admissions symposium. The 2026–27 program dates are already scheduled.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Early College Summer
A summer program for rising sophomores through seniors to earn 3-12 college credits (or take non-credit enrichment courses) in subjects spanning chemistry, cybersecurity, Python programming, neuroscience, graphic design, and more, in 3- or 6-week formats on FDU's Metropolitan or Florham campuses or online.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Electronic Music Production
Technology-based electronic music creation and production.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Energizing Young Voters
Energizing Young Voters Scholarship
New Jersey seniors compete for $1,500 individual scholarships through civic-engagement and youth-voting activities; the program also offers a larger group award.
🎓 Grade 12
Selective
Stevens Institute of Technology
Engineering Bootcamp
Broad, project-based introduction to engineering.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
The College of New Jersey
Engineering in Health and Medicine Camp
Biomedical-engineering camp covering medical imaging, drug delivery, medical-device design and neural engineering.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Seton Hall University
Engineering Pathways: Robotics, Electronics & Green Technologies
Hands-on work across robotics, electronics, green technology and scientific research.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Rutgers University
Engineering Summer Academy
Residential academy for rising juniors and seniors exploring multiple engineering disciplines through hands-on design, faculty interaction and campus experiences.
🎓 Grades 11–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Engineering the Blue: Naval & Ocean Engineering and the Blue Economy
Explores naval/ocean engineering alongside economic and environmental uses of marine systems.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Raritan Headwaters Association
Environmental Leaders Academy (ELA)
A free, fully scholarship-funded week-long residential program at The Pingry School for rising 10th-12th graders, combining guest speakers, hands-on conservation fieldwork, and evening leadership activities focused on watershed stewardship.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
EPIC — Environmental Pathways to Informed Careers
Paid spring internship specifically for Trenton Central High School students, exposing interns to DEP careers while developing technical, professional, and networking skills. Applications open in the fall.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Stevens Institute of Technology
Exploring Career Options in Engineering & Science (ECOES)
Two-week exploration of multiple engineering and scientific disciplines.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Exploring the Human Brain with Virtual Reality
Introduces neuroscience using virtual-reality and technology-based exploration.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Montclair State University
Fashion Design
Studio-based introduction to fashion design and the creative design process.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Montclair State University
Fashion Merchandising
Explores the commercial, marketing and merchandising side of fashion.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Montclair State University
Film and Television Production
College-style production experience in film and television.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Montclair State University
Film and Television Production Pre-College Program
A week-long residential pre-college program where high schoolers write and produce a script, shoot video and capture audio for narrative filmmaking, perform crew and cast roles, and edit a finished short film, meeting industry professionals from the New York area.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Montclair State University
Food for Thought: Understanding Nutrition
Explores nutrition, food and human health.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
The College of New Jersey
Future Music Educators Institute
Week-long program for high-school musicians interested in becoming music educators or conductors, taught by TCNJ music faculty.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Future Problem Solving Program International — New Jersey Affiliate
Future Problem Solving New Jersey
Students compete in global-issues problem solving, community projects, scenario writing and storytelling, culminating in New Jersey affiliate finals.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Rider University
Game Design Academy
Students learn coding, art, audio and game design and conclude with a 48-hour Game Jam; completed games are published online.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
The College of New Jersey
Game Design Camp
Students learn game-design fundamentals, creative coding and iterative development while creating a playable game.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Drew University / State of New Jersey
Governor's School in the Sciences
Three-week residential program for rising NJ seniors combining advanced science/math courses, laboratories, lectures and hands-on team research. Tuition, room and board are free.
🎓 Grade 11
Selective
Rutgers University / State of New Jersey
Governor's School of Engineering & Technology
Selective residential program for outstanding NJ juniors featuring university-level engineering coursework, laboratory work, industry exposure and a team research/design project.
🎓 Grade 11
Highly Selective
Research & Development Council of New Jersey
Governor's STEM Scholars
Year-long statewide STEM cohort connecting high-achieving high-school and college students with NJ research institutions, companies, STEM leaders and research experiences. High-school sophomores through seniors are eligible.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
Governor's Urban Scholarship
Need- and merit-based award for students from designated New Jersey communities who meet GPA, class-rank and financial-need requirements.
🎓 Grade 12
Selective
The College of New Jersey
Graphic Design Camp
Students use Adobe Creative Suite while studying typography, print/digital media and professional design careers.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Kean University
Group Summer Scholars Research Program
Two- or four-week intensive research program with streams including cancer biology, developmental biology, scientific computing, machine learning, and modern drug discovery. The 2027 application is scheduled to open in January 2027.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Garden State Scholastic Press Association (GSSPA)
GSSPA Student Journalism Programs
New Jersey's scholastic journalism association, running an annual contest (yearbook, print, broadcast, online categories), a Fall Student Press Day conference, an NJ All-Star Journalism Team recognition, and the Kilgore and Stevens scholarships for student journalists.
📅 July🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
Junior Achievement of New Jersey
HackJA
A student-led, 24-hour hackathon for grades 7-12 where teams of beginner-to-advanced coders tackle computer-science challenges (IoT, cloud, social good) with mentorship from corporate and college professionals; no prior coding experience required.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Rowan University
High School Biomedical Scholars Program
Two-week biomedical program with laboratory techniques, gross anatomy and research-oriented activities. The 2026 tuition was $1,500.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
New Jersey State Bar Foundation
High School Courtroom Artist Competition
Students observe mock-trial proceedings and create courtroom sketches judged through county and state competition rounds. The 2026–27 cycle is currently active, with registration due October 28, 2026.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Rider University / Westminster
High School Solo Pianist Week
Residential intensive with private lessons, studio classes, performance coaching and college-audition preparation.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Rider University / Westminster
High School Solo Vocal Artist
Two-week classical-vocal intensive with individual faculty instruction, acting, vocal literature and voice science.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School — Research Office
High School Student Interns Program
A self-arranged, unpaid research internship letting NJ high schoolers age 16+ work directly in a Rutgers NJMS faculty member's lab on real biomedical research, after submitting sponsorship, consent, and state working-papers forms.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
NJIT Hillier College of Architecture and Design
Hillier College Architecture Career Exploration Summer Program
A two-week Introduction to Architecture program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors covering design fundamentals, schematic drawing, and model construction in week one, then advanced techniques and portfolio-quality work in week two, mirroring a college design studio with field trips and professional critiques.
📅 April🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Kean University Human Rights Institute
Human Rights in Action
High-school students study human-rights issues, advocacy and changemaking through an intensive multi-day summer program.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Montclair State University
Influencing, Marketing, and Creative Strategy
Examines marketing, digital influence and creative communication strategy.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Intermediate Computer Science
Two-week intermediate CS program requiring prior programming preparation.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Seton Hall University
Introduction to Baseball Analytics
Uses statistics and data to analyze baseball strategy and performance.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Introduction to Game Design
Two-week introduction to game design and development.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Seton Hall University
Introduction to Health Sciences and Health Careers
Two-week exploration of skills and careers across the health professions.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Introduction to Programming
Beginner introduction to software development and programming.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Seton Hall University
Investing 101: Managing a Live Financial Portfolio
Students learn investing fundamentals while managing a real-world-style financial portfolio.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
The College of New Jersey
iSTEM Automation and Robotics Camp
Students build automated circuits and prototypes and program microcontrollers to control robots. The 2026 cost was $625.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
The College of New Jersey
iSTEM MakerCraft Camp
Students design wearable products using CAD, MATLAB/Simulink, electronics, 3D printing and laser cutting. The 2026 cost was $625.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
iSTEM: From Idea to Launch
Combines engineering design with product development and entrepreneurship.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Kean University
Kean STEAM Academy
High-school students take intensive courses spanning biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, computer science and AI, with college-credit options available.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Princeton University
Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
A free, full-time 5-6 week summer research placement for local New Jersey high schoolers inside an active Princeton lab, closely supervised by faculty and research staff across biophysics, engineering, psychology, and the natural sciences.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
Montclair State University
Law & Order: Understanding America's Criminal Justice System
Explores American law, criminal justice institutions and legal careers.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America
LEDA Scholars Program
Free summer college-prep program for high-achieving low-income HS juniors.
⏱ 7 weeks📅 Winter🎓 Grade 11
Selective
Rutgers University Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology
LEEDAR Summer Research Program
High-school juniors and seniors spend roughly six to eight weeks working on an actual research project alongside researchers in a Rutgers chemistry laboratory.
🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
M.I.N.D.S. Program (Medical Internship Navigating and Discovering Science)
A paid, multi-week summer medical-pathway internship (now expanded into a multi-year mentorship) for NJ high school juniors/seniors from underrepresented or first-generation backgrounds, including SAT prep, CPR/Narcan certification, physician shadowing, and community-health projects.
📅 May🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Essay Contest
New Jersey seniors submit essays centered on Dr. King's legacy, service, justice and civic leadership. The 2026 program offered ten $5,000 scholarships.
🎓 Grade 12
Selective
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
MEDacademy
Four-week medical academy for rising juniors and seniors using lectures, demonstrations, simulations and case-based learning in anatomy, neurology, pathology and organ systems.
🎓 Grades 11–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Medicinal Chemistry: Discovering Molecules that Cure
Examines chemistry underlying pharmaceuticals and drug discovery.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Mercer County Human Resources
Mercer County Student Internship Program
A paid internship placing Mercer County high school and college students (age 15+) inside county government departments such as the County Counsel's Office and the Office of the County Executive, combining real casework with professional-development training in public speaking, financial literacy, and resume writing.
📅 May🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Mini-Medical School
A six-week hybrid program for high school juniors/seniors in the greater Newark area, led by medical students and faculty, covering cardiology, neurology, infectious disease, mental health, and health equity, with hands-on clinical-skills electives and a graduation ceremony.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 11–12
Moderate
Montclair State University
Model United Nations
Students engage with diplomacy, international affairs and simulated UN decision-making.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Monmouth University
Monmouth University Summer Music Camp
Five-day intensive for high-school instrumentalists and vocalists with lessons, ensembles, masterclasses, composition, theory and improvisation.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
Memorial Sloan Kettering
MSK HOPP Summer Student Program
Paid cancer research at MSK for students from groups underrepresented in medicine.
⏱ 8 weeks (summer)📅 Early February🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
The College of New Jersey
Music Technology Camp
Students compose, edit, make beats and produce original tracks using a Mac lab and professional recording studio.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Rider University
Musical Theatre Institute
Two-week intensive in acting, singing and musical-theatre performance with Rider performing-arts faculty.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
New Jersey Governor's Office of Volunteerism
New Jersey 9/11 Day of Service
State-supported service event connecting volunteers with large community-service projects; the 2026 event includes meal-packing for food-insecure communities.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
American Legion, Department of New Jersey
New Jersey American Legion Oratorical Contest
A Constitution-focused public speaking competition for students in grades 9-12, who deliver a prepared 8-10 minute oration on a constitutional theme plus a drawn 3-5 minute impromptu speech, advancing through post, county, district, and department rounds toward national finals.
📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
North Jersey ACS / New Jersey Institute of Technology
New Jersey Chemistry Olympics
Teams compete in chemistry research, forensic chemistry, instrumentation, microscale laboratory work, nomenclature, information search, debate and web design. The 2026 competition drew 300+ students.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
New Jersey DECA, hosted at Kean University
New Jersey DECA
The state CTSO for students enrolled in marketing, finance, hospitality, management, or entrepreneurship courses, offering competitive events and conferences in marketing and business; chapters require at least 10 members, an advisor, and school approval.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
New Jersey FBLA, hosted at Kean University
New Jersey FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
The state chapter network of FBLA for NJ middle school, high school, and collegiate students, offering business-leadership competitive events, conferences, community service, and scholarships; the first NJ chapter was chartered in 1947.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
New Jersey FCCLA
New Jersey FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America)
The state CTSO for NJ Family and Consumer Sciences students, with over 4,000 members participating in 80+ competitive events, a State Leadership Conference, community service, and leadership-skill development centered on family and career readiness.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
New Jersey FFA Association
The state chapter of the national FFA organization, serving over 3,000 NJ students through agricultural-education leadership development, career/personal-growth competitive events, and state conferences, as part of the state's Agricultural Education program.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
William Paterson University (NJ affiliate of National History Day)
New Jersey History Day
The Garden State affiliate of National History Day, inviting students in grades 6-12 to conduct original historical research and present it as a performance, exhibit, documentary, website, or paper, with regional and state contests leading to the National Contest at the University of Maryland.
📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
NJ School Boards Association / Garden State Film Festival
New Jersey Hometown Documentary Short
Students write, direct, and shoot a documentary of five minutes or less about their hometown. Entry is free; finalists screen at the Garden State Film Festival and the winning school receives $500 for film/video equipment.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
New Jersey HOSA
New Jersey HOSA — Future Health Professionals
The state affiliate of HOSA for students in health-related courses at NJ high schools, technical schools, and colleges, offering healthcare-career competitive events, leadership conferences, and chapter networking statewide.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Count Basie Center for the Arts
New Jersey Poetry Out Loud
A statewide poetry recitation competition in which high school students memorize and perform poems through school, regional, and state rounds, with the state champion advancing to the national finals in Washington, D.C. for a chance at college scholarship funds.
📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
National High School Ethics Bowl (NJ Regional, hosted by Princeton University)
New Jersey Regional High School Ethics Bowl
A regional qualifier of the National High School Ethics Bowl in which teams of high school students engage in civil, collaborative discussion of real-world ethical cases before a panel of judges, hosted at Princeton University.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
New Jersey Scholars Program / Lawrenceville School
New Jersey Scholars Program
Free, selective five-week interdisciplinary program for approximately 39 NJ juniors, combining residential seminars with online work and culminating in a major research paper and arts programming.
🎓 Grade 11
Selective
New Jersey Science League
New Jersey Science League
School-based statewide academic science league with individual and team competitions in subjects including biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, anatomy/physiology and earth science.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
New Jersey SkillsUSA
New Jersey SkillsUSA
The state association for SkillsUSA, preparing NJ high school and college students in technical, skilled-trade, and health-occupation pathways through local, state, and national competitions and leadership events; NJ was named a 2026 Gold Standard of Excellence state.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
NASA / Rutgers University
New Jersey Space Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
A NASA-funded statewide consortium headquartered at Rutgers that funds K-12 'bridge' STEM programs connecting NJ high schoolers with university researchers — historically including support for Liberty Science Center's Partners in Science and Rutgers engineering outreach for girls — plus fellowships for aerospace-related research.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
New Jersey Speech and Debate League (NJSDL)
New Jersey Speech and Debate League
A statewide league running daylong competitive tournaments in Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas debate, Congressional Debate, and numerous speech/interpretation events for middle and high school teams, culminating in a state championship each March.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
New Jersey State Museum
New Jersey State Museum Teen Volunteer Program
Volunteers age 14+ assist museum educators with programs, family activities, carts, events and other educational experiences while earning service experience.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
New Jersey Department of Education
New Jersey State Science Day Challenge
New Jersey students investigate a community problem and design solutions using science and engineering practices.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Teen Arts NJ
New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival
Statewide multi-day youth arts festival where students present visual, literary and performing work, receive professional critiques and participate in workshops and performances.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS)
Merit scholarship for eligible NJ graduates in approximately the top 15% of their class, covering qualifying tuition at New Jersey community colleges.
🎓 Grade 12
Selective
Montclair State University
Next Stop: Broadway! — Musical Theatre
Intensive musical-theatre performance training.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
New Jersey Scholastic Chess Federation (NJSCF)
NJ High School Chess Championships
A statewide 5-round Swiss-system chess tournament for grades 9-12, with Varsity and Junior Varsity team brackets (top 5/4 rated players per school) plus an all-ages Booster section, awarding trophies to top schools and individuals.
📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
NJ LEEP (Seton Hall Law partner)
NJ LEEP Summer Law Institute
A five-week, tuition-free summer institute at Seton Hall Law exposing underserved youth to careers in law through criminal law and trial-process coursework, skills workshops, courthouse field trips, and a mock trial competition at a federal courthouse in Newark.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
NJBEST Scholarship
Eligible beneficiaries of qualifying NJBEST 529 accounts may receive a one-time scholarship of up to $6,000 when attending an eligible New Jersey postsecondary institution.
🎓 Grade 12
Selective
New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC)
NJCCIC High School Internship Program
A state-run cybersecurity internship with a Basics track (one intensive week) and an Advanced track (weekly sessions July-October) for NJ high schoolers interested in cybersecurity careers, run by the state's cyber threat intelligence agency.
📅 April🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
NJPAC Summer Arts Programs
Full-day summer arts immersion programs for ages 9-18 combining acting, dance, and vocal music toward original work creation, plus a TD Jazz for Teens intensive covering jazz theory, improvisation, and musicianship with a trip to the Newport Jazz Festival; financial aid is available so no student is turned away.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
New Jersey State Bar Foundation (NJSBF)
NJSBF High School Mock Trial Competition
Student teams argue an original case as attorneys, witnesses, and jurors in county courtrooms, advancing through regional rounds and a state final held at the New Jersey Law Center. Free and open to NJ public, private, charter, and home school students; the state champion represents New Jersey at the National Mock Trial Championship.
📅 October🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Rider University / Westminster
Organ Institute
Individual organ instruction plus organ history, literature, building styles and performance excursions.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
Liberty Science Center
Partners in Science
An intensive eight-week summer mentorship, running since 1986, that pairs NJ high school juniors/seniors with scientist mentors at regional institutions (NJIT, Princeton, Rowan, Rutgers, Stevens, and more) for hands-on lab research, plus biweekly career workshops at LSC.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
New Jersey Department of Health, Public Health & Environmental Laboratories (PHEL)
PHEL STEM Student Outreach Program
A hands-on laboratory outreach program for Trenton-area junior-high and high schoolers, run with Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County and Rutgers 4-H, exposing students to vector-borne disease testing, newborn screening, heavy-metal analysis instrumentation, and pathogen genomics in a working state public health lab.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Rutgers School of Public Health
PHocus
Students investigate outbreaks, epidemiology, population health and urban/community health while interacting with public-health scientists and practitioners. The 2026 enrollment fee was $395.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Princeton Plasma Physics Lab
PPPL Plasma Physics Research
DOE national lab program — fusion and plasma research mentorship.
⏱ 1 week + mentorship📅 March🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
Montclair State University
Pre-Medical Professions
Introduces students to medicine, healthcare careers and pre-med pathways.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Montclair State University
Pre-Teacher Academy
Immersive introduction to teaching and education careers.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Highly Selective
Princeton University
Princeton AI4ALL
A free, three-week residential summer program for about 30 low-income rising 11th graders (with emphasis on underrepresented groups and girls) to study AI research methods and societal impacts through lectures, mentorship, and a Washington, D.C. trip.
📅 April🎓 Grade 11
Selective
Princeton SEAS
Princeton Day of Action / Princeton AI4ALL
Various Princeton SEAS outreach programs and summer engineering experiences for HS students.
⏱ Varies📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Princeton University
Princeton Laboratory Learning Program
Free competitive lab research program for HS students in NJ-area Princeton labs.
⏱ 5-6 weeks📅 Winter🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Princeton University
Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
A free, year-long college preparation and journalism program for high school juniors from limited-income backgrounds, aiming to diversify fields that impact democracy. Includes a multi-week summer intensive (virtual and on-campus) and personalized college advising.
🎓 Eligibility not confirmed
Highly Selective
Princeton University Art Museum
Princeton University Art Museum Summer Academy
A free two-week intensive for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Trenton Central and Ewing High Schools to explore careers in art museums and the visual arts, working with Princeton mentors and regional artists on a capstone project, with no prior art experience required.
📅 March🎓 Grades 10–12
Highly Selective
Princeton University / Princeton Center for Complex Materials
Princeton University Materials Academy (PUMA)
A three-week, free materials-science and engineering program that has brought Trenton-area and other NJ high schoolers to Princeton's campus every summer since 2002 for inquiry-based labs, faculty-led research projects, and career-path conversations with grad students.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
American Chemical Society — North Jersey Section
Project SEED
An 8-week mentored chemistry research internship in a university lab for high schoolers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (family income typically under $34,000), hosted across NJ institutions including Rutgers-New Brunswick, Rutgers-Newark, Seton Hall, Ramapo College, William Paterson, and Fairleigh Dickinson.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 10–12
Highly Selective
Partnership for Maternal & Child Health / NJ Department of Health
Protect Me With 3+ Poster & Video Contest
Students create an original poster or 30-second video communicating the importance of vaccination and public health.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Montclair State University
Psychology: The Human Mind Unlocked
College-level exploration of psychology and human cognition/behavior.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Research Methods in Biomedical Engineering
Two-week program introducing experimental and research methods used in biomedical engineering.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Rowan University
RISE — Rowan Introduction for Student Engineers
Multi-day engineering workshop with laboratory clinics, hands-on projects, campus tours and mentoring. The 2026 fee was $200; 2027 information is expected later in 2026.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Rowan University
RISER — Research Immersion in Biomedical Science and Engineering
Rising seniors work approximately 20 hours/week for six weeks in Rowan biomedical-engineering or biomedical-science laboratories. The 2026 program was an unpaid research placement.
🎓 Grade 12
Highly Selective
RoboCon New Jersey (student-run, FIRST Robotics Competition teams)
RoboCon New Jersey
A free, two-day public STEM/robotics event produced by NJ high school FIRST Robotics Competition teams, featuring 'Robot Rumble' exhibition matches, FRC/FTC/FLL team demonstrations, and a large-robot driving experience, open to student teams and the public.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Stevens Institute of Technology
Robots, Humans and AI: From Past Visions to Future Stories
Interdisciplinary study of robotics and AI through technological, human and cultural perspectives.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Rockefeller University
Rockefeller Summer Science Research
NYC-area students do paid biomedical research at Rockefeller.
⏱ 7 weeks (summer)📅 January🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Rowan University
Rowan STEAM Academy — Navigators
2027 program for incoming grades 10–12 combining STEAM coursework and a three-credit college experience; commuter and residential options are offered.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Rowan University
Rowan STEAM Academy — Pathfinders
Advanced residential STEAM experience for high-achieving students with research-focused coursework and university-level exploration.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Highly Selective
Rutgers University
Rutgers Future Scholars Research
Free college-prep + research for first-gen New Jersey students.
⏱ Year-round📅 Rolling (program-based)🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Rutgers School of Engineering
Rutgers Honors Engineering eXperience (RHEx)
One-week residential experience introducing rising juniors and seniors to engineering disciplines through laboratories, workshops and project-based activities.
🎓 Grades 11–12
Moderate
Rutgers University Extension
Rutgers Master Gardener Youth Programs
Support for community garden initiatives and school composting programs led by NJ high schoolers.
⏱ Ongoing📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Rutgers University
Rutgers Summer Scholars
High-school students age 16+ enroll in actual Rutgers undergraduate classes, choose from dozens of subjects and earn college credit. Courses may be in-person, online or hybrid.
🎓 Grades 10–11
Moderate
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES)
Two-year cancer-research pathway in which NJ high-school students spend about 10 weeks each summer conducting mentored basic, clinical, or population-science research and presenting their work. Participants are compensated.
🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Science on Saturday
Winter lecture series geared toward high-school students, featuring scientists and engineers discussing current research across physics, fusion, engineering and other technical fields.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Kean University
SkyLAB
Environmental-science program involving biodiversity, climate, renewable energy, drones, soil/water analysis and fieldwork at Kean Skylands.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
Rutgers Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
SLAAM Engineering Summer Academy
Two-week academy combining faculty-guided research projects with mechanical and aerospace engineering design challenges. The 2026 fee was $875.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
SMART Summer Program
A free four-week summer enrichment program, established in 1991, that introduces rising 10th-12th graders from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds to health science and biomedical research careers.
📅 May🎓 Grades 10–12
Selective
Montclair State University
Sports Communication
Examines sports journalism, media production and communication.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Seton Hall University
Sports Media and Business Academy
Explores financial models, media, innovation and business strategy in the sports industry.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
New Jersey Institute of Technology
STEMx — Applied Engineering Technology
One-week applied-engineering experience emphasizing hands-on technology and engineering problem solving.
🎓 Grades 10–11
Moderate
New Jersey Institute of Technology
STEMx — Artificial Intelligence
One-week commuter intensive in artificial intelligence taught with NJIT faculty as part of STEMx.
🎓 Grades 10–11
Moderate
New Jersey Institute of Technology
STEMx — Cybersecurity
One-week cybersecurity concentration within NJIT's faculty-led STEMx high-school program.
🎓 Grades 10–11
Moderate
New Jersey Institute of Technology
STEMx — Materials Engineering
Intensive one-week exploration of materials engineering for current sophomores and juniors.
🎓 Grades 10–11
Moderate
New Jersey Institute of Technology
STEMx — STEM Entrepreneurship
One-week faculty-led program combining STEM innovation with entrepreneurship and product/business thinking.
🎓 Grades 10–11
Moderate
New Jersey Institute of Technology
STEMx — Sustainable Engineering and the Environment
One-week STEMx concentration focused on engineering responses to environmental and sustainability challenges.
🎓 Grades 10–11
Moderate
New Jersey Institute of Technology
STEMx Residency
Three-week residential sequence covering applied engineering, foundations of AI, and sustainable engineering/environment, plus college and career preparation. The 2026 tuition was $3,600.
🎓 Grades 10–11
Moderate
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens Courses for College Credit
Qualified high-school students enroll in actual Stevens courses, work with university professors and earn transferable college credit.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Highly Selective
The College of New Jersey
Summer Brass Institute
Intensive brass study through chamber ensembles, large ensemble work and faculty coaching.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
The Writers Circle
Summer Creative Writing Intensives for Teens
Three one-week creative writing intensives for teens held at Drew University, with full days of genre workshops (fiction, poetry, and rotating forms) taught by published authors, free-writing time, editorial conferences, and a Friday student reading, with work eligible for publication in The Writers Circle's online journal.
📅 March🎓 Grades 8–12
Highly Selective
Stockton University, School of Business
Summer Entrepreneurship and Business Academy (SEBA)
A free, one-week residential academy for rising high school juniors/seniors covering accounting, analytics, finance, marketing, and hospitality, culminating in a business-plan pitch competition judged by faculty and community leaders, with a $500 prize for the winning team.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Seton Hall University
Summer Entrepreneurship Institute
Students develop a startup idea, prototype a product, study market strategy and pitch to professionals.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Rutgers Language Engagement Project
Summer Language Institute (Language Immersion)
A pre-college, full-immersion summer language institute for high schoolers offering intensive workshops in Chinese, French, Italian, and Spanish, with placement interviews for proficiency-based grouping and small-group activities, language circles, and games focused on speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Highly Selective
Seton Hall University
Summer Law Academy
Interactive introduction to the legal profession, critical thinking and legal communication.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
UPLIFT Academy
Summer Math Camp
A free, two-week (10-day) foundational math camp for income-qualifying students entering grades 8-11 who will take Algebra 1 the following year, run at sites in Newark, Paterson, and Rochelle Park with daily lessons and free lunch.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–11
Selective
Rutgers University, Department of Physics & Astronomy
Summer Program on Fundamental Physics
A free, two-week intensive summer program at Rutgers' Busch Campus where high schoolers study cutting-edge topics in cosmology, particle physics, quantum computing, and cosmic rays through faculty talks, lab tours, and hands-on cosmic-ray measurement.
📅 March🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
The College of New Jersey
Summer Saxophone Institute
High-school saxophonists work on technique, repertoire and ensemble performance with TCNJ faculty.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
The College of New Jersey / NJ DVRS
TCNJ Pre-College Summer Program for Students with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
State-funded 10-day residential transition-to-college experience covering academics, career exploration, social-emotional development, self-determination and independent campus life. Tuition is covered through DVRS for eligible NJ residents.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Montclair State University
The Mathematics of Musical Instruments
Investigates how mathematical and physical principles shape musical instruments and sound.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Montclair State University
Theatremaker: Writing and Directing Intensive
Students develop theatrical material through writing and directing.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Rowan University
Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy
Free academy for rising juniors and seniors centered on entrepreneurship, innovation, prototyping and business development while earning three college credits. A 2027 session is expected.
🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Seton Hall University
Topics in Women's Healthcare
Workshops and mentoring expose students to women's health, medicine and healthcare professions.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Rutgers EOHSI
Toxicology, Health & Environmental Disease High School Program (THED)
One-week program covering toxicology, genetics, pharmacogenetics, environmental health and clinical applications through hands-on activities and Rutgers faculty instruction.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of New Jersey
VFW Voice of Democracy (New Jersey)
An audio-essay scholarship competition for students in grades 9-12 who write and record a 3-5 minute original essay on an annual patriotic theme, with the national first-place winner receiving a $35,000 scholarship.
📅 October🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
The College of New Jersey
Video Production Camp
Students learn professional camera, lighting, audio, scriptwriting, editing and directing while producing original media.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Rutgers University
Waksman Student Scholars Program
Authentic molecular-biology and bioinformatics research beginning with a summer institute and continuing during the school year through participating high schools. The 2026–27 research cycle is active.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Montclair State University
Wall Street and the Investment Experience
Immersive introduction to investing, financial markets and Wall Street.
🎓 Grades 10–12
Highly Selective
Raritan Headwaters Association
WatershedU
Day-long summer environmental-science workshops for high schoolers (grades 9-12) covering stream monitoring, stewardship projects, foraging, kayaking, and nature-based art, led by environmental educators, with financial aid available.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
New Jersey Center for Civic Education (Rutgers)
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution (New Jersey)
A constitutional-law competition in which high school classes prepare testimony on the political philosophy of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, then compete in simulated congressional hearings before a panel of judges, with the state winner advancing to nationals.
📅 Varies🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Westminster Conservatory of Music, Rider University
Westminster Conservatory Pre-College Summer Arts Programs
A set of residential and day summer music programs for high schoolers at the historic Westminster Choir College campus, including the Vocal Institute, High School Solo Vocal Artist, High School Solo Pianist Week, and Piano Academy, offering daily private lessons, studio classes, and performance opportunities with Westminster artist faculty.
📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey
Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs
NJ high-school students write and perform original music and lyrics about preventing substance misuse and impaired driving; the statewide winner receives a performance contract/prize.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Arts Ed NJ / Teen Arts New Jersey partners
Youth Arts Initiative Workshops
Teen Arts New Jersey's Youth Arts Initiative: the free TANJ Youth Arts Festival on Oct 18, 2026 (10am-4pm, Asbury Park), plus Arts High courses for grades 9-12 and the annual Creative Change Makers open call.
🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective

Nationwide programs open to New Jersey students

University of Pennsylvania
Academic English & University Readiness Academy
Two-week residential academy at Penn for non-native English speakers. Students do university-style work: reading, lectures, discussions, research and group projects, ending in a final presentation. Current 9th-11th graders; non-credit.
⏱ 2 weeks (July 26 - August 8, 2026)🎓 Grades 9–11
Highly Selective
Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
AEOP High School Apprenticeship Program
Students work alongside Army scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research projects in world-class laboratories.
⏱ 8 weeks📅 Early March🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)
AFSA National High School Essay Contest
An essay contest designed to engage students in thinking about peace and conflict resolution.
📅 February 15🎓 Grades 11–12
Selective
Carnegie Mellon University
AI Scholars at CMU
Free AI-focused summer program for rising seniors underrepresented in computing.
⏱ 4 weeks (summer)📅 February🎓 Grade 11
Selective
AI4ALL
AI4ALL Open Learning
Girls in grades 6-12 learn AI and Python through interactive virtual classes.
⏱ 2 weeks📅 March 1🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Mathematical Association of America
AIME
Invitational round for top AMC scorers. 15-question, 3-hour exam that gates the USAMO. No fee for invited students.
⏱ 3 hours📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Freedom Forum
Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference
An all-expenses-paid journalism conference for one student from every US state and DC.
⏱ 1 week📅 February 15🎓 Grade 11
Selective
Amazon
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Scholarship for high school seniors planning to study computer science in college.
⏱ 4 years scholarship📅 December 1🎓 Grade 12
Selective
Mathematical Association of America
AMC 10/12
The entry-level American Mathematics Competition. Top scorers qualify for AIME and the path to the USAMO. Open to all US high schoolers; school registration required.
⏱ 75 minutes📅 November🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
ACSL
American Computer Science League (ACSL)
A multi-division computer science competition covering both theory and programming.
⏱ School year📅 November 30🎓 Grades 9–12
Moderate
University of Pennsylvania
American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Online Seminar
Two-week online seminar (daily Zoom sessions) teaching basic ASL conversation and narrative skills in an immersion setting, plus Deaf community perspectives through vlogs, lectures and a panel of Deaf professionals. Current 9th-11th graders; non-credit.
⏱ 2 weeks (July 13 - 24, 2026)🎓 Grades 9–11
Highly Selective
Amgen Foundation
Amgen Scholars Future Track
Free online biotech simulations and pipeline programs preparing high schoolers for biomedical research.
⏱ Self-paced📅 Rolling🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Apple Inc.
Apple Swift Student Challenge
Swift coding competition hosted by Apple to showcase creativity and app development skills.
⏱ 1 month📅 February🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Berklee College of Music
Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive
The world's premier summer performance program for contemporary music, including jazz, rock, and pop.
⏱ 5 weeks📅 March 1🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
University of Pennsylvania
Astronomical Techniques Research Academy
Two-week residential academy at Penn. Students learn observational astronomy and data analysis, build simple cameras and spectrometers, observe the Sun and stars, and analyze data with Python. Current 9th-11th graders; non-credit.
⏱ 2 weeks (July 11 - 25, 2026)🎓 Grades 9–11
Moderate
NCWIT
Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC)
Award for girls and non-binary students in computing, providing recognition and a cash prize.
⏱ One-time📅 April 15🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Bard College at Simon's Rock
Bard College at Simon's Rock Young Writers Workshop
A 3-week residential program where students engage in creative and analytical thinking through literature and history.
⏱ 3 weeks📅 April 1🎓 Grades 10–12
Moderate
MIT Lincoln Lab
Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)
Free MIT-led project-based courses in AI, robotics, cybersecurity.
⏱ 4 weeks (summer)📅 Early February🎓 Grade 11
Selective
ELASH / Bebras US
Bebras Computing Challenge (US)
An international computational thinking and informatics competition. Students can take the test remotely or through a local school coordinator.
⏱ 45 minutes📅 Early February🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective
Bennington College
Bennington Young Writers Awards
A prestigious creative writing competition for students to win cash prizes and publication.
📅 January 12🎓 Grades 9–12
Selective

Showing 20 of 210. See all in the Finder →

Browse other states

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY INTL