Montclair State University Opens Doors for High School Students to Earn College Credits

On Saturdays, high school students from Paterson and Passaic trade sleeping in for classes at Montclair State University, where they earn college credits in Writing and Interpersonal Communication – opening doors to futures they once thought were out of reach.

With funding from Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and Paterson Public Schools, these students – many from underrepresented and low-income families – are gaining the tools to aspire to and prepare for higher education. The new One Square Mile Early College Program is just one of many signs of progress in Paterson made possible by Dodge Foundation funding and the collaborative efforts of the University and community leaders through the “One Square Mile” initiative.

At Eastside High School, Dodge Foundation and Paterson Public Schools funding supports a full-service community school that provides English classes for adults and creative arts programs for teens. Other nonprofit organizations focused on addressing homelessness, substance use, food insecurity and youth expression through the arts have also benefited. This collective effort represents a shared vision to revitalize a concentrated area of the city through community-driven solutions. 

This fall, the One Square Mile Early College Program introduced selected Paterson and Passaic juniors and seniors to the college experience. The program reflects Montclair’s mission to open doors for students in underserved communities by creating clear pathways to higher education.

Program Highlights:

• 3-7 transferable college credits in English and/or Interpersonal Communication
• Tutoring and mentoring support to guide students toward success
• Exposure to campus resources normally offered to full-time students

Bryan Murdock, associate vice president for Community Partnerships, shared, “The ‘One Square Mile’ initiative fosters transformation from within, healing communities while creating spaces of authentic belonging. This program focuses on student success by addressing critical needs such as affordable housing, education and enrichment opportunities.”

Celebrating Success 

To culminate their first college semester, about 80 family members, friends, mentors, tutors and professors gathered on December 14 to honor the students, who over the fall semester completed Writing 105 and/or Interpersonal Communication, honing critical academic and communication skills.

• Dr. Melissa Baralt ’01, ’03 MS, a Montclair alumna and biology professor, shared her inspiring journey as a first-generation Latina in STEM and encouraged students to embrace higher education.

• Albert P. Antomattei ’24 MBA, program associate for the One Square Mile Early College Program, urged students to keep pushing forward: 

“This celebration is just one step on your journey. We’re here to help you get there. ‘There’ is wherever you aspire to go in life.” 

• Blanca Gonzalez, an Early College student and junior at Paterson STEAM High School, reflected on how the program shaped her experience: 

“Earning college credits while still in high school was incredible. I learned time management, discipline and effective communication while gaining confidence for my future.”

Summer Bridge Career Exploration Workshop 

During the summer, a one-week non-credit residential program allowed students to explore career paths through hands-on workshops and field trips:

• Field Trips: Students visited a Broadway performance of Hamilton, CNBC Studios and the Charles J. Muth Museum at Hinchliffe Stadium. At the museum, they studied the stadium’s history as a Negro League baseball venue during segregation.
• Workshops: Participants explored television production, radio and podcasting, photography, social media and sports reporting.

Christine Lemesianou, associate dean in the College of the Arts, highlighted the program’s broader impact:

“Completing the program is about more than earning credits – it’s about building the mindset and habits for lifelong success and learning.”

Additional Ways High School Students Can Earn College Credits at Montclair

• Early College Scholars Program 
  • High school students can take Montclair courses online or on campus, earning transferable college credits while completing their high school studies. 
  • Applications are open for spring and summer 2025. 
  • Students can enroll in two courses per term (fall, spring, summer). 
  • Dedicated academic success coaches provide support throughout the process. 
• Dual Enrollment Programs for High School Students 
  • In partnership with 11 New Jersey high schools, students fulfill high school and college requirements at reduced tuition rates. 
  • Credits are transferable to most institutions in New Jersey and beyond. 
• Montclair Academic Dual Enrollment (MADE) Program 
  • Montclair High School students gain hands-on STEM experience by taking courses in natural sciences, computer science, theater, music and more. 
  • Students can take two courses each semester, earning over 12 credits that count toward both high school and college transcripts. 
• Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy 
  • This nationally recognized partnership with Newark Public Schools, the American Federation of Teachers and Montclair’s College for Education and Engaged Learning allows East Side and University High School students to:
    • Take college-level courses at no cost
      
    • Earn up to 30 credits over five semesters
      
    • Explore teaching as a career with a clear pathway to a Montclair degree
      

Learn about all of Montclair’s opportunities for high school students, including Pre-College Summer, Hispanic Student College Institute and the Early Bird Junior Admission Program at montclair.edu/high-school.

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