Spend Your Summer at Montclair State

Featured Photo: Weston Science Scholars connects Montclair High School students with high-intensity science learning on the Montclair State University campus.

Important Message: Due to the challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, many face-to-face and hybrid courses have been converted to fully online format, and a few courses have been canceled. We will continue to offer a diverse portfolio of courses, via remote instruction, in support of students earning additional degree credits this summer. If you have any questions or concerns, Summer and Winter Sessions is working remotely to assist you. Email: summer@montclair.edu

For Vincent Falcone, a high school senior from New York, a summer experience at Montclair State University translated into a deeper understanding of the Italian language and culture. It also helped shape his choice of where he would like to spend the next four years.

After attending the Summer Italian Intensive, the college-bound Falcone decided that the Montclair State University campus is – in the language he will study – “perfetto.”

Pre-college experiences at Montclair State give students like Falcone a head start on what campus life will be like, plus college credits, wherever they ultimately decide to go. And from the lovers of Romantic languages, to future journalists, scientists, musicians and athletes, Montclair State offers plenty of options for kids and teens.

College students can also make the most of their summer by taking class. A robust Summer Sessions offers more than 900 online and hybrid undergraduate and graduate courses open to students who attend Montclair State or are home on break. The fully online or hybrid classes – which combine classes on campus and online coursework – help students focus on a single challenging course or graduate early – or on time.

A music camp at Stokes State Forest, literacy and STEM classes offered by Montclair State’s teacher education programs, and Red Hawk sports camps for basketball, field hockey and soccer round out the offerings. A sampling:

Hispanic Student College Institute

Nearly 200 Hispanic high school students attend the Hispanic Student College Institute, a three-day college prep program July 14-July 16. Montclair State is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a designation that indicates a commitment to ensuring that Hispanic students are prepared to succeed not only in college, but to “think big” about their futures.

Model United Nations Summer Academy

Open your mind to the world stage at the Model United Nations Summer Academy. A combined online and in-residence program, high school students improve their skills in writing, negotiating, public speaking and debating. At the same time, they learn about the world, its history, people and the way in which governments interact in real life. The program culminates with a trip to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Two sessions will be held: June 29-July 24 and July 13-August 7.

Summer Journalism Workshop

A Summer Journalism Workshop on June 21-June 25 will provide hands-on training in news reporting and exposure to technology, cameras and other storytelling tools. Students actively participate in broadcasting, digital media, and multi-platform journalism at Montclair State’s state-of-the art School of Communications and Media. They will also tour a major news studio in New York and experience campus life.

Summer Italian Intensive

Gain an immersive experience in Italian language and culture at the Summer Italian Intensive. The three-week program runs July 6-July 23 and includes a residential option. Participants earn three college credits.

Thematic themes, including immigration and Italian identity; Made in Italy (food and fashion) and sustainability introduce students to the profoundly Italian fabric of the New York metropolitan area.

Weston Science Scholars

The Montclair High School students selected as Weston Science Scholars attend a high-intensity interactive science course. The students all excel in science, mathematics or other related fields, and learn science by “doing” science.

Sounds of Summer

Montclair State’s John J. Cali School of Music presents the Stokes Forest Music Camp for young musicians ages 10-17. Students attend as day campers or stay overnight in the Stokes State Forest in Sussex County. With a focus on instrumental, vocal, keyboard or composition, students participate both as solo performers and in ensembles. The camp runs July 12-July 25.

Early College Program

Rising high school juniors and seniors can enroll in Montclair State courses and earn transferable college credit. The Early College Program is open to students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Choose from a range of 100- and 200-level classes, including Psychology, Biology and Music, taught by University professors both on campus and online.

Red Hawk Advantage

Incoming Montclair State students can get a jump on their freshman year by taking part in Red Hawk Advantage, a six-week summer program that gives freshmen an opportunity to earn college credits and experience campus life.

A 40 percent discount per credit compared to the fall tuition rate makes Red Hawk Advantage an especially attractive program.

Students have the option to live on campus. They earn up to seven General Education credits by taking College Writing, Fundamentals of Speech and New Student Seminar. In addition, a tutor from the University’s Academic Success Center works with students both in and out of the classroom. The program runs June 29-August 6.

Summer Literacy and STEM

The Summer Literacy Program provides students in grades 1-12 with the extra help they need to enhance their skills in reading and language arts. The program is staffed by classroom teachers and reading specialists who are in the final stages of completing their master’s degrees and/or State of New Jersey reading certification.

The epiSTEMic Program for Teaching and Learning engages children in grades K-8 with hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) projects and activities designed by Montclair State graduate students. The camp strives to provide an environment for teachers to develop their STEM practices in the classroom.

Both programs run in weekly sessions July 8-July 29.

For a complete listing of things to see and do on campus, visit the Montclair State Community Calendar.

Compiled by Marilyn Joyce Lehren.