Becoming involved in extracurricular and enrichment activities is highly recommended for students interested in attending college one day. Rutgers University offers many free and paid programs for students.
The National College Match application opens soon! This college and scholarship application connects high-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to top colleges and lifelong opportunities through QuestBridge. If you're a high school senior, sign up for the mailing list to be notified when the application opens in late September.
These programs are typically free of cost and/or offer scholarship opportunities to participate.
TS provides Newark and East Orange Students with academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school, continue to, and complete their post-secondary education. Talent Search also encourages persons who have not completed education programs to enter or re-enter and complete post-secondary education.
Eligible Locations: Orange, Newark, and East Orange school districts in New Jersey
This award-winning access and success program immerses student participants in a unique pre-college culture, providing university programming, events, support, and mentoring that extends through their high school years and into college.
Eligible Locations: Camden, Newark, New Brunswick, Piscataway, and Rahway, New Jersey
The program provides college application assistance, financial aid guidance, tutoring services, and mentoring. Students can also explore available scholarship opportunities and participate in college readiness workshops. Additionally, the program offers college tours and visits, as well as tutoring in English, science, and math.
Eligible Location: Newark, NJ
The Rutgers University–Newark Upward Bound Program is an intensive yearlong college preparatory program that provides classroom instruction and academic support to students in grades 9 through 12 from the East Orange, NJ School District. The program’s mission is to assist students in completing high school and enrolling in and graduating from college.
Eligible Locations: East Orange High Schools, New Jersey
The mission of Cooperman College Scholars is to help highly motivated and academically talented students thrive in college. We place students in challenging, well-matched environments with solid support systems, and we eliminate the pressures of insufficient financial aid, which can negatively affect student retention and graduation
Eligible Locations: Newark, East Orange, Orange, Irvington, and the Essex County area in New Jersey
The program serves as the go-to source of pre-college assistance and information for local students, families, and schools, offering college prep workshops for "strivers" along with one-on-one support and mentorship. Strivers in 11th and 12th grade can also participate in college visits, SAT preparation courses, and tutoring.
Eligible Location: Camden, New Jersey
An enriching academic journey designed for rising 11th and 12th grade students who have a passion for STEM. Running for six weeks from June to August, SYSP offers a comprehensive blend of academic enhancement and medical immersive experiences.
Eligible Locations: The program is open to all. Participants must commit to the in-person schedule for the entire six weeks without exception.
A unique summer learning opportunity for students who have an interest in learning about cellular biology and genetics of cancer, as well as the diverse careers connected to the field.
Eligible Locations: Open to all
IGNITE’s mission is to develop 3rd-8th grade Camden scholar-leaders through STEAM, civic and community engagement, and college and career exploration with year-round support, mentoring, and programming.
Eligible Location: Camden, New Jersey
The Pre-College Outreach and Upward Bound Math-Science programs are designed to motivate first-generation students to successfully graduate high school, prepare for college admissions, and attend the college or university of their choice. Scholars gain the necessary skills to become college graduates and leaders of tomorrow.
Eligible Locations: New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, and Plainfield Public Schools
Rutgers Future Scholars program offers 200 first-generation, academically promising middle school students from New Brunswick, Piscataway, Newark, Camden, and Rahway the opportunity for a full college scholarship and a college education.
College preparation begins at any age, check out our guides and stay on track.
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