High School Internships in New Jersey: A Comprehensive Guide

Internships offer high school students a valuable opportunity to gain work experience, contribute to their communities, and explore potential career paths. They are an excellent addition to your college profile since they can serve as work experience, community service, and extracurricular engagement all in one! New Jersey boasts a diverse range of internship programs, catering to various interests and skill sets. This article provides a comprehensive overview of internship opportunities available to high school students in New Jersey.

Exploring Internship Opportunities in New Jersey

New Jersey offers a wide array of internship opportunities for high school students across various disciplines. Whether you’re interested in science, engineering, medicine, law, marketing, or administration, these internships will help you refine your skills and boost your college applications!

Ladder Internships

Subject Areas: Multidisciplinary
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Summer cohort: April 14 (Regular Admission 1) | May 12 (Regular Admission 2)
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Starting at $2,490. Financial aid is available

Founded by Harvard alumni, Ladder Internships is a selective program that pairs high school students with startups and non-profit organizations for virtual internships. You can choose from a wide range of industries, including technology, engineering, machine learning, AI, computer science, health tech, medicine, media, journalism, sustainability and more. For this program, you will be paired with a manager at the startup and a Ladder coach, who will serve as your second mentor. With their guidance, you will work on a real-world project that’s relevant to the startup’s larger goals, and present your work at the end of the internship. The program also provides one-on-one training in communication, time management, and more, along with group sessions with fellow interns. The opportunities in this internship program span across the globe with a concentration in the US, UK, Asia, and Europe. You can apply here.

Princeton University's Laboratory Learning Program

Subject areas: Engineering, Natural Sciences
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students (including graduating high schools) who are at least 16 by June 15
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in March.
Dates: June-August (5-6 weeks)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to attend, and this is an unpaid internship.

Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program offers high school students the opportunity to work with faculty and researchers in Princeton laboratories and assist them with ongoing research, usually in engineering and the natural sciences. Around 40 interns are selected from nearly 700 applications, making this a fairly competitive program.

Selected interns will work under the mentorship of Princeton faculty and researchers on projects in:

Engineering: Project offerings include the development of a bio-inspired soft robot, large language model applications in environmental sustainability, molecular modeling and machine learning of smart polymeric materials, exploring lung development in birds and lizards, safe robotics for coral reef conservation, and more.
Natural Sciences: Projects include sustainable catalysis, antibiotic discovery, biophysics, fossil size database, and more.

Princeton faculty lead research teams, which include postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students, and other staff researchers. At the end of the program, you will present a two-page research summary report. Research opportunities vary year on year, depending on the laboratories and researchers’ focus areas.

NASA Internship Program

Subject areas: Space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, outreach and communications
Eligibility: Must be U.S. citizens. Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the time of application with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Application Deadline: January (Fall Session) | August (Spring Session) | October (Summer Session)
Dates: There are three internship sessions. Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August).
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students in New Jersey may select roles in their area. Virtual options are also offered!
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Interns may receive a stipend based on course duration and academic level

Every year, NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) internship selects over 2,000 high school students who contribute to current projects at the agency under the mentorship of researchers, scientists and engineers at NASA. The program includes training, mentoring, and career development opportunities, while students work with the top science, engineering, financial, information technology and business minds in the world.

The internships are offered in a range of subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and even outreach and communications. As an intern at NASA, some of the activities you might engage in include designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or developing new technologies - engaging in real-world experiences, getting valuable experience and a solid insight into NASA's work. You can check out all the open positions here - you may have to use the “Filter” option to see opportunities only open to high school students.

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Summer Internship

Subject areas: Plasma physics, fusion energy
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, and are graduating seniors in high school when the internship begins, may apply. Students must obtain their own transportation to and from the Laboratory. Housing is not provided. Those applying must be US citizens or have permanent resident status. Note, the internship begins the summer after you graduate, not the summer after your junior year.
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: 8-10 weeks in the summer (Monday-Friday) after graduation. The exact dates of the internship depend on the intern’s school schedule. Some internship options that run during school semesters are also offered.
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, New Jersey
Cost: Free

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory offers internships during semester and summer periods for high school seniors - the summer after you graduate and before college begins. Internships in the fall or spring can count for academic credit.

These internships allow you to work in a plasma physics lab under the guidance of professionals, and are tailored for high school students who have demonstrated both a passion for the field and a solid academic foundation in relevant subjects. As an intern, you will work on a project with a member of the laboratory’s research or engineering staff, at one of the most prestigious and renowned institutions in the country. You will engage in a range of activities, from experimental work to computational simulations, gaining practical skills and insights into scientific research. Through this program, you will have the chance to delve into various aspects of plasma physics, fusion energy, and related fields, broadening your understanding of these complex subjects.

Read also: Unlock summer legal internships

Note: It is strongly recommended that applicants have a background in physics, chemistry, advanced math, engineering, computer languages, and coding!

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) STEM Research Programs

Subject Areas: STEM
Eligibility: New Jersey high school students who are completing 10th or 11th grade in June of the year of enrollment. Applicants should have demonstrated an interest in science with a minimum 3.75 unweighted GPA
Application Deadline: February 26
Dates: June 24 - August 1
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, New Jersey
Cost: $500

These programs at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) offer a comprehensive STEM research internship experience, along with a chance to develop your professional and career skills. In this program, students gain hands-on experience and explore different STEM fields. The program's structure allows students to deep dive into a specific research project, under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students learn to navigate the complexities of research, from the initial stages of design and hypothesis to data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Students will also work in collaboration with a research team, which includes undergrads, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. One of the key outcomes of the internship is the development of an electronic poster. At the end of their internship, students share this poster and their research outcomes at the annual Summer Research Symposium with faculty and peers.

Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Subject areas: Community leadership, financial analysis, nonprofit management.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply, who are legally authorized to work in the US, and permanent residence in one of the eligible locations
Application Deadline: Applications will open in the fall.
Dates: June-July (8 weeks). The summit will be held on July 22-27
Location: Multiple locations in the country. Students based in New Jersey can select one of the several location options in the state. The program also includes a one-week residential Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., for which all costs will be covered.
Stipend: Hourly rate + fully funded trip to the Student Leaders Summit

This is a national leadership training and work experience internship program that connects students to employment, service, and skill development opportunities. It is aimed at helping students develop their leadership and community skills. You will be paired with a local nonprofit organization to work with, where you will learn about the various aspects of running such an organization, engage in community service projects and develop a deeper understanding of social issues. You will engage in real-world projects and assignments related to financial analysis and community leadership. This hands-on experience allows you to apply their classroom knowledge to practical situations. The internship includes a week-long Student Leadership Summit held in Washington, DC. The travel, food and stay for the same will be covered by the bank. Students have interned with nonprofits such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity, exploring the intersection between non-profits, governments, and businesses. This is a highly selective program, with only 300 students making it to the final cohort every year (acceptance rate of 5-8%).

Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)

Subject Areas: Journalism, media studies
Eligibility: Applicants must be a junior in high school at the time of application with a minimum 3.5 unweighted grade point average. With an interest in journalism, they should also meet socioeconomic conditions. Check details here.
Application Deadline: February end
Dates: Multi-week hybrid that culminates into a 10-day residential summer program
Location: Princeton University, New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: Free. All housing, food, transportation, and equipment costs will be covered for the on-site portion of the program.

This program is ideal for students interested in the field of political journalism. A highly selective and prestigious program, PSJP admits only up to 40 students in its annual cohort. It’s conducted in a hybrid format, with online workshops and lectures, and a 10-day residential program at the end. PSJP offers high achievers from low-income families a free residential journalism and college prep program where they will study politics and current affairs, learn from Princeton professors and journalists, and collaborate with a college advisor. Students will take part in a summer intensive that includes virtual and on-campus workshops and lectures led by program graduates and journalists from publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, New York Magazine, The Daily Beast, Politico, and CNN, among others. You will be required to complete weekly reading assignments while writing news articles. During the residential stay, participants will stay in university dorms and experience college life while attending discussion-based workshops and lectures. At the end of the residential program students will publish the Princeton Summer Journal.

Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)

Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, are at least 16 years old when the internship begins, can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. There is room for some exceptions. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements.
Application deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1st every year.
Program dates: Eight weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary depending on the lab you choose.
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country. Students based in NJ can select the one in Lakehurst, New Jersey.
Cost: There are no registration costs, however, housing, meals, transportation, and medical expenses are not covered. You can expect to have to travel to and from your lab, depending on your placement.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)

This is a prestigious research-focused program that places high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories across the country. It’s an opportunity to work alongside leading researchers and engineers at Navy laboratories and facilities across the country, on real Naval research. You will be mentored by expert scientists and engineers at Navy labs. While working on projects hands-on, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills in various STEM disciplines, such as computer science and aeronautics. Your lab choice is based on your subject of interest. Engineering is a popular area of research, so you will have the flexibility to choose labs all over the country. Some research topics that have been covered are development of Ansys fluent workflow for axial fan simulation and flow around object, and analysis of CSS Georgia bones and various consolidants. With approximately 300 placements across over 38 laboratories nationwide, SEAP is highly competitive, and because of its association with the US government, it’s regarded as highly prestigious too.

Summer Experience at the Coriell Institute For Medical Research

Subject areas: Medicine, stem cell research, genetics
Eligibility: Before the start of the program, students must be 17 years old and should have a US citizenship.
Application Deadline: May 15
Dates: July 17 - August 17
Location: The Coriell Facility, Camden, New Jersey.
Stipend: $1,000

The Coriell Institute, a leader in stem cell research and genetic discoveries, offers this highly selective program where students get to work with world-renowned scientists and researchers. As an intern, you will also attend staff lectures, conduct independent research projects, and participate in laboratory work.

Additional Internship Programs in New Jersey

Beyond the highlighted programs, several other internship opportunities are available for high school students in New Jersey:

Coriell Institute for Medical Research: Located in Camden, this program allows students to work alongside professional scientists and technicians in various laboratories, including the Stem Cell Lab, Cytogenomics Lab, and Molecular Biology Lab. In addition to laboratory work, the program includes resume-building workshops, public speaking training, and weekly scientific seminars hosted by Coriell’s research faculty.
SMART (Science, Math, and Related Technologies) Program: Aimed at minority students in grades seven through 12 interested in health or medical fields. The program provides access to healthcare professionals and includes hands-on activities via applied science, math, and technology, oral and written presentations, and career exploration.
Bergen County Sheriff's Office Internship: Open to students who live in Bergen County or go to school there. To earn high school credit, students must contact the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office as well as their school counselor.
New Bridge Services Summer Youth Employment Program: Offers a free summer youth employment program for Morris County high school students between ages 14 and 18. Interns will learn interviewing, job search skills, resume writing, financial literacy, and stress-management techniques. The program includes weekly community service experiences with organizations like the NJ Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity.
Middlesex County E.L.I.T.E. Program: Open to Middlesex County residents between the ages of 16 and 24 and offers free training for youth not enrolled in another youth or educational training program. The goal of this program is to provide a pathway to full-time employment, with students being partnered with over 20 professional organizations that provide job training.
Ocean County Historical Society Internship: High school students in grades 9 through 12 with an interest in history can assist the Ocean County Historical Society.
New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) High School Internship Program: Offers high school students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of cybersecurity.
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) High School Summer Research Internship Program: A competitive six-week program designed for rising 11th and 12th graders, providing students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM research under the mentorship of NJIT faculty and their research teams.
Office of U.S. Senator Internships: Senators from New Jersey, such as Cory Booker and Andy Kim, have year-round internship opportunities available to high schoolers in their Newark and Camden offices, as well as their Washington, D.C. office. Interns assist in various tasks, including conducting research, attending legislative briefings, drafting memos, and engaging in community outreach efforts.
Mercer County Internship Program: Provides students 15 years of age and older who either live or attend school in Mercer County with hands-on, real-world work experience in public service. The program offers a variety of activities designed to teach new skills, enhance existing knowledge, and explore potential career paths in public administration.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School: A number of excellent high school internships are hosted by Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. High school students are responsible for independently arranging positions with Rutgers NJMS faculty members.
Governor's School of Engineering & Technology: A super-competitive, free, residential summer program that brings together some of New Jersey’s most talented and motivated rising juniors at Rutgers University School of Engineering. Participants will take academic courses, conduct research projects, participate in workshops, visit local corporations, and engage in networking opportunities.
Drew University Summer Science Institute: This three-week residential program immerses rising seniors in intense college-level research on the campus of Drew University. The program is tuition-free and seeks to introduce talented students to a range of scientific topics through academic courses, labs, projects, lectures, and math- and science-centered activities.

Additional Research Opportunities

New Jersey provides numerous research opportunities for high school students. Esteemed universities like Princeton University and Rutgers University offer research programs across disciplines. Research centers and institutes in the state actively engage students in hands-on experiences. Proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia creates additional research avenues. New Jersey's diverse landscape supports research in fields like environmental science and urban planning.

Partners in Science: An intensive, eight-week summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors that pairs students with mentors in science, health, and technical fields. It exposes them to current questions driving scientific discovery and challenges them to participate in ongoing research and independent projects.
Destination Imagination: An international competition that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students from kindergarten through college. Through teamwork, creativity, and research, participants work in groups to develop innovative solutions to Team Challenges.
Rutgers University's WISE program: Offers a unique opportunity for high school students interested in biology research. Over the course of two weeks, students engage in an authentic research project focused on DNA sequence analyses of genes from the duckweed Landoltia punctata. Through seminars and laboratory sessions, participants explore the molecular biology and bioinformatics aspects of this research, comparing the duckweed genes to those of other species. The program emphasizes active participation, independent work, and the submission of DNA sequence analyses for publication on GenBank, a renowned international repository of DNA sequences.
The Governor's School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology: This highly competitive summer program, hosted by Rutgers University School of Engineering, offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes academic courses, hands-on research projects, and engaging activities with industry professionals and peers. Through collaborative research projects, participants will have the chance to explore innovative ideas and present their findings at a research symposium, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Networking and Independent Research

If you’re struggling to find local internships online, try using your network. High schoolers who don’t have a niche research interest will appreciate the breadth the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program provides. Students who are at least 16 years old will work with Princeton faculty to contribute to ongoing research in topics like chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering.

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