6 Research and Summer Programs in New Jersey For High School Students

The top research programs in New Jersey for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability. See research opportunities in other states here.

Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Polygence Core is an online research program that connects motivated high school students with expert mentors from top universities. Founded by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, Polygence helps you explore any topic you're passionate about through one-on-one mentoring over 3–6 months, ending with a project of your choice—like an academic research paper ready for publication, a prototype, or podcast.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $2895

Application Deadline

Feb 23, 2026

Recommended for you

Categories

Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Sci, Econ, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Neuro, Psychology

Explore the program

Polygence Pods Research Program

Summary

Learn Academic Research skills and build a foundational understanding of cutting edge subjects in Polygence Pods. Join a group of 6 students and meet weekly with a PhD-level mentor who is an expert in their respective field. Perfect for beginners, your program will culminate in a short-form research paper.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $495

Application Deadline

Varies by program

Short courses

Categories

Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Other

Explore the program

Other programs

Liberty Science Center’s Partners in Science

See website

Hosting Institution

Liberty Science Center

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Jersey City (NJ)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

May 16, 2026

Categories

Physics, Chemistry, Comp Sci, ...

Summary

Partners in Science is 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.

Odyssey of the Mind

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Hosting Institution

Odyssey of the Mind

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Sewell (NJ)

Cost

$290

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Neuroscience

Summary

The challenge invites high school students to tap into their creativity and problem-solving skills by identifying issues and crafting innovative solutions. Participating schools or community groups can purchase membership, which grants them eligibility for the competition. The competition unfolds at regional, state, and national levels, allowing students to showcase their ideas and compete with peers. The challenge is open to students in grades 9th to 12th, providing them with an opportunity to think outside the box, propose novel solutions, and make a positive impact in their communities.

Destination ImagiNation

See website

Hosting Institution

Destination Imagination

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Blackwood (NJ)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

Destination ImagiNation is 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. This unique program not only encourages imagination and creativity but also equips students with valuable life skills. By engaging in collaborative problem-solving, students gain the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and work as a team, preparing them for future success.

Rutgers University’s Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE)

See website

Hosting Institution

Rutgers University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

New Brunswick (NJ)

Cost

$2,000

Application Deadline

May 26, 2026

Categories

Data Science

Summary

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. By participating in the WISE program, students gain valuable hands-on experience, develop research skills, and contribute to the scientific community.

The Governor’s School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology

See website

Hosting Institution

Rutgers University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

New Brunswick (NJ)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

May 30, 2026

Categories

Engineering

Summary

The Governor's School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology provides an exceptional opportunity for high-achieving high school students to immerse themselves in the field of engineering and 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. Additionally, the program facilitates site visits to local corporations, providing valuable insights into potential career paths and industry trends. By participating in this program, students will gain a deeper understanding of engineering and technology, develop strong academic foundations, and establish meaningful connections within the field.

Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics

See website

Hosting Institution

Rutgers University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

In person

Cost

$4,800

Application Deadline

May 26, 2026

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

Rutgers University's WISE program offers a unique opportunity for high school students interested in mathematics.In the Discrete Mathematics program, students gain valuable hands-on experience, develop research skills, and contribute to the scientific community.

Are there many Research Opportunities for High School Students in the state of New Jersey?

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. High school students will have access to diverse research opportunities and can contribute to scientific advancements.

What research opportunities are available?

For a full set of research opportunity listings, see our guide to research opportunities for high school students.

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