Research Opportunities for High School Students
There are many research opportunities for high school students to explore at Rutgers. Here are few places to start.
Find Out What It Means to be at a Top Research University
Rutgers–New Brunswick is a member of the Association of American Universities and the Big Ten Academic Alliance, networks that cultivate knowledge-sharing and access to research resources.
for high school students
Reasons to Explore Rutgers Research as a High School Student
- Experience what it's like to attend a leading research university
- Explore potential interests and majors
- Jumpstart your college education
- Learn from top-notch faculty
- Work in a lab setting
- Gain a competitive advantage for college admission
- Earn Rutgers–New Brunswick college credit
Waksman Student Scholars Program
The Waksman Student Scholars Program (WSSP) provides opportunities for high school students and their teachers to conduct an authentic research project in molecular biology and bioinformatics and publish their findings. This is a year-long program that begins with summer institutes for teachers and one or two of their students. It continues back at each high school during the academic year, at which time more students can become involved in the research project, working together with teachers and research scientists. In doing so, students gain a deeper understanding of how science operates and are encouraged to continue their education and careers in a science discipline.
Pre-College Programs
Pre-college programs enhance college awareness, provide extracurricular enrichment, and increase the academic preparedness of students currently attending elementary, middle, and high school (grades K-12).
Summer Scholars Program
If you are an ambitious and high-achieving high school junior (or younger), you may apply to take up to two introductory-level college courses at Rutgers–New Brunswick this summer! Learn more about the Summer Scholars Program.
Summer Programs at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Both the Mini Medical School for High School Students: Achieving Excellence in the Sciences and The Summer Science Scholars Academy are offered through Summer Programs at RWJMS.
Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics
The Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics is a summer program for mathematically talented high school students. It provides a mathematically rich environment designed to encourage students to consider careers in the mathematical sciences.
Toxicology, Health & Environmental Disease High School Summer Program
The Toxicology, Health & Environmental Disease (THED) High School Summer Program is an intensive program requiring active involvement. Students will participate in a variety of laboratory activities such as DNA isolation, PCR, cell culture, gel electrophoresis, enzyme activity measurement, and microscope slide staining, in addition to discussions about careers in medicine, pharmacy, toxicology, environmental science, and research. This summer program is open to highly motivated high school students interested in the biomedical and environmental sciences, entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the fall. Participants must have completed at least one high school biology course.
New Jersey Northern Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
The New Jersey Northern Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, hosted at Rutgers University, invites high school students to report on the results of their original research investigations in STEM and compete for scholarships and recognition at this regional event. Students in grades 9-12 enrolled in public, private, or home schools are eligible to participate in their local regional symposium. The event is sponsored and administered by the Aresty Research Center.
Pursue Your Research Journey at Rutgers
View details about application due dates, using the Common Application to apply to Rutgers, information on tuition and fees, browse our undergraduate programs, and learn more about undergraduate research at Rutgers–New Brunswick.