Montclair’s Pre-College Summer Programs Give High School Students a Head Start on College and Careers

High school students can jump-start their college journey this summer through Montclair State University’s Pre-College Summer Programs – offering hands-on courses in Film, Pre-Med, Business, Wall Street and more. With immersive, college-level academics and exclusive field trips to iconic New York City destinations like Wall Street, the United Nations and Broadway, students gain real-world experience while living on campus and learning from expert faculty.

Applications are now open for this opportunity to explore future careers and experience college life firsthand.

“This transformative experience leaves a lasting impact, fostering students’ confidence and providing a clear pathway to future academic and personal success,” says Dominique Houze, Montclair’s senior director for Strategy and Program Development.

What Students Are Saying

“I really appreciated the depth and detail of my program. The balance between class time and enjoying the campus was well thought out.”

“I admired how much effort the professors put into teaching us things we hadn’t learned before.”

“I came here not knowing anyone, but I quickly met new friends through classes and events.”

Start Early, Succeed Big

As New Jersey’s fastest-growing and most affordable residential pre-college program, Montclair’s offerings challenge students in academic courses while preparing them for college life – regardless of where they ultimately choose to enroll.

• Session I: Sunday, July 13 – Saturday, July 19, 2025
• Session II: Sunday, July 20 – Saturday, July 26, 2025
  • Students can choose to attend for one or two weeks, selecting from a variety of courses tailored to their interests.

• NYC Adventures Await
  • Located just 12 miles from NYC, Montclair takes full advantage of its proximity to one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan regions.
• Major & Career Exploration
  • With 19 college-level courses, students can explore potential academic majors and career paths. They also master life’s must-haves and essential skills for college and beyond.

“Not only are students experiencing college-level academics, but they’re also learning to be independent and autonomous,” says Bradley Litchfield, co-managing director of Pre-College Summer. “They immerse themselves in the full college experience, including Broadway shows, diverse dining experiences, and visits to iconic NYC locations. These experiences will stay with them for a lifetime and help shape their sense of identity.”

Session Offerings

Session I: Sunday, July 13 – Saturday, July 19, 2025

• #What’s On My Plate
• Animation and VFX
• Business Entrepreneurship Week
• Fashion Design
• Film and Television Production
• Law and Order: Understanding America’s Criminal Justice System
• Pre-medical Professions
• Pre-teacher Academy
• Sports Communication
• Summer Honors: Creativity in New York City
• Water Resilience: How Clean is Our Water

Session II: Sunday, July 20 – Saturday, July 26, 2025

• AI Driven Internet of Things (IoT)
• EcoMind Explorers: Discovering Conservation Psychology
• Fashion Merchandising
• Film and Television Production
• Influencing, Marketing and Creative Strategy
• Model United Nations
• Pre-medical Professions
• Summer Honors: Leadership in the 21st Century
• The Craft of Acting
• Wall Street and the Investment Experience

Looking for More? Explore Dual Enrollment

Through Montclair’s Dual Enrollment Program, students from participating New Jersey high schools can earn college credits while completing high school coursework. Courses are available in the fall and spring at reduced rates, with credits transferable to most colleges in New Jersey.

I’m a ______, tell me more…

Prospective Student / Parent: Learn how to apply for Pre-College Summer and more about the full list of programs; plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Journalist: Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview about this topic.