It’s a one-week, residential summer academic program for high school students where they’ll get hands-on instruction from outstanding Montclair faculty in one of several exciting disciplines. In addition to academics, students will get a taste of college life by living in dorms, eating in campus dining facilities, and meeting students from other programs. It’s a great way to learn more about an area of interest and take an important step towards your college future.
Rising 10th through 12th graders are eligible for the program.
There will be two sessions offered in Summer 2025. Students may apply for a program in Session I, or in Session II, or students may apply for programs in both Sessions I and II with the intention of registering for two weeks! Session I runs from Sunday, July 13 – Saturday, July 19, 2025. Session II runs from Sunday, July 20 – Saturday, July 26, 2025.
- AI-Driven Internet of Things (IoT)
- Animation and VFX
- Business Entrepreneurship Week
- Chopped: The Science of Food and Cooking
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Merchandising
- Film and Television Production
- Influencing, Marketing, and Creative Strategy
- Law & Order: Understanding America’s Criminal Justice System
- Model United Nations
- Pre-Medical Professions
- Pre-Teacher Academy
- Sports Communication
- Summer Honors: Creativity in New York City
- Summer Honors: Leadership for the 21st Century
- Sustainability: How Clean is Our Water?
- The Craft of Acting
- Wall Street and the Investment Experience
For most programs, students will be in their academic classes from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a break for lunch. You’ll spend the rest of your time enjoying all of the other aspects of campus and residential life. All programs will take at least one off-campus field trip during the program to meet with leaders in the field.
Students will live in The Heights in doubles. Our residential life staff will oversee recreational evening activities and ensure everyone’s well-being throughout the program. Students will eat in Montclair’s dining hall Sam’s Place, located just a short walk from The Heights. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided for all students.Please note that kosher, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options are available.
Lots! First, all programs will take a field trip to meet with professionals in the field. And every evening, our residential staff will lead fun activities for all students, including opportunities for recreation and sports, interactive games, and enjoying leisure time in communal spaces. Of course, students may use some evening time to work on group projects with their classmates. Regardless of your program, you won’t be bored.
Students cannot bring cars to campus.
Students may not have visitors during the program.
All students should bring comfortable clothing for the week, including leisure and recreational clothing as well as appropriate clothing for a field trip. There are laundry facilities in the dorms, but we expect that most students may be too busy to want to use them. Students should bring all toiletries and personal items. In some programs (including Film & Television), it is critical to have closed toe shoes during production. A suggested “packing” list will be sent in June as well as specific information about your specific program from your program director. While all meals will be provided, students are welcome to bring their favorite snacks and other items that make them feel comfortable. Students will not be leaving campus (other than their field trip) during the week.
While it is not required, we recommend that students bring their own laptop computers if they have them. This will facilitate independent and group work when you return to the dorms. Additionally, students should bring writing tools (pens/pencils) and a notebook or binder.
Finally, students may want to bring some limited spending money (or credit) to buy shirts, hats, or other items from the campus store and for field trips. We do not encourage students to bring excessive cash to campus.
For general information about pre-college or your application, please contact precollege@montclair.edu. For questions about a particular academic program, please contact the program director (their contact information is found on individual program pages).
Yes. Once students have been accepted and submitted their deposit, you will receive a request for additional information, including a health form, emergency information, drop-off and pick-up information, and other information that you’d like to share with program administrators. Prior to the program, you will receive an online packet that provides additional detailed information about pre-college and the exciting week ahead of you.
The Application for 2025 will open on Monday, November 25th.
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance. Students are not registered unless the deposit has been received. The remainder of the balance is due no later than June 13. Payments are accepted online through the Touchnet Payment Portal, listed in your acceptance letter.
There will be adult supervision throughout the program including Montclair State University staff, Residential Peer Mentors, and the Resident Director.
Yes. Students are welcome to apply for programs in both Sessions I and II with the intention of participating for two weeks. Students that participate in both sessions will be eligible to remain in campus housing from Sunday, July 13 through Saturday, July 26.