Section 17 of P.L. 1940, c.153 (C.34:2-21.17) shall not apply to minors under the age of 18 who have successfully reached the ninth or higher grade level and who have the approval of a parent or guardian to participate or work in any educational program in science. A school student shall not participate or work in the program more than 20 hours per week during the school year.
As used in this act "educational program in science " means a program in which any minor under the age of 18 who has successfully reached the ninth or higher grade level participates in a scientific project or activity located in a research facility pursuant to an educational program under the supervision of the minor's school and adult sponsors from private business and industry, provided that no supervision by a school shall be required if the minor is a high school graduate.
N.J.S. § 34:2-21.17f