15 Summer Programs at Rutgers University for High Schoolers

Rutgers University is New Jersey’s preeminent public university and a globally recognized comprehensive research institution. With a long tradition of cutting edge exploration in various areas of study, attending a summer program at Rutgers provides high schoolers with the opportunity to learn from esteemed faculty at a renowned institution.

Continue reading to learn more about pre-college summer programs and discover 15 summer programs at Rutgers University that are sure to bring your student one step closer to success!  

Why Should Your Teen Attend a Summer Program?

Summer programs are a great way for students to gain a deeper understanding of their favorite subjects in a college setting. Ultimately, learning from and alongside talented faculty and peers respectively can help your student realize their full academic potential.

Getting a feel for university life via pre-college programs can help high schoolers determine the kind of college experience they may want in the future.  Many summer programs simulate college life through on campus living and rigorous coursework. This is a great opportunity for students who have never lived away from home to get accustomed to the idea early on.

Additionally, involvement in summer programs can demonstrate your student’s drive and passion for a particular area of study to undergraduate admissions officers later on. Overall, participating in a summer program is one of the many ways that your teen can show prospective schools that they are a self-motivated and ready to thrive in a college setting.

15 Summer Programs at Rutgers University For High Schoolers

Note: Costs are estimates and can vary according to factors such as residential or commuter status.

1. ALI Youth Media Symposium

This 6-week program teaches students how to utilize media technology as a tool for change in the realm of educational advocacy. Participants of the program will gain key advocacy skills like public speaking and learn foundational skills in videography and production to convey their understanding of policies.

• Eligibility: 9th-12th graders

2. Aim High Academy – Rutgers Newark

This 3-week residential program at Rutgers University aims to help high-achieving, low-income students realize their goals in the field of STEM. The program emphasizes research, career awareness and leadership. This is a great opportunity for students to gain experience in conducting fieldwork and laboratory data analysis.

• Eligibility
• • Must be a rising senior that resides in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Passaic, or Union county, NJ
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
  • Successfully complete Algebra II and Biology
  • Earn a B or higher in all science and mathematics courses
  • Must be Federal Trio low-income levels
  • Must be a potential first-generation college student

3. BOLD (BioCONECT Oncology Leadership Development) Initiative

During this week-long program, students have the unique opportunity to learn about cellular biology and the genetics of cancer. Within the context of breast cancer, students will increase their understanding of causal factors and diagnostic tools. Ultimately, this program will allow high schoolers to learn innovative risk reduction strategies and explore the many careers related to the field oncology.

• Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
• Cost: $300
• Deadline: March 31, 2019
• Apply Here

Essay Requirements: Answer the following questions in essay form—typed, double-spaced, and no more than two pages long.

• Describe why you would like to participate in the 2019 BOLD Initiative summer camp and what you hope to gain from the experience.
• Describe some of your extracurricular activities and how they complement your personal interests.
• Describe your favorite learning experience. (This does not have to be limited to a school experience.)

4. CREHST (Clinical Research Experience for High School Students)

This program aims to expose promising high school students from underrepresented populations to innovate methods of biomedical research, with an emphasis on clinical research in order to actively promote careers in cancer research. Beyond research, students will also engage in relevant courses, lectures and workshops.

• Eligibility:  10th-11th grade students who fall under at least one of the following categories:
  • From a racial/ethnic group that is underrepresented in the sciences
  • Economically disadvantaged
  • Be a high school student in the state of New Jersey.
    • Preference will be given to students in the New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School (NBHSTHS), and New Brunswick High School
  • Commit to at least 4 hours per week (one afternoon per week) during the academic year and 40 hrs. per week during the summer to research and program activities for a period of one year
  • Have an interest in pursuing a biomedical or health-related research career
• Cost: $0

5. CURE (Continuing Umbrella for Research Experience)

The CURE Program provides research training as well as academic and professional enrichment for highly motivated high school students from underrepresented backgrounds. Students will work on their research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor advisor and a postdoctoral fellow. Participants will experience additional academic growth through  a course in cancer biology as well as special seminars and lectures.

• Eligibility:  10th-11th grade students who fall under at least one of the following categories:
  • From a racial/ethnic group that is underrepresented in the sciences
  • Economically disadvantaged
  • Be a high school student in the state of New Jersey.
    • Preference will be given to students in the New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School (NBHSTHS), and New Brunswick High School
  • Commit to at least 4 hours per week (one afternoon per week) during the academic year and 40 hrs. per week during the summer to research and program activities for a period of one year
  • Have an interest in pursuing a biomedical or health-related research career

6. Cooperman College Scholars

This 3-week scholarship program gives high schoolers early exposure to college life at Rutgers University through a variety of rigorous courses and on campus living.

• Eligibility: rising juniors form Essex County with a GPA of 2.75 or better
• Apply Here

Essay Requirements: Provide a typed response to the following questions:

• In no more than 650 words, recount an incident or time when you experienced a failure or a personal challenge. What lessons did you learn? What would you do differently if a similar incident arose?
• In no more than 300 words or in a 2 minute video, answer the following question: What do you envision for your future and how will going to college help you in that path?

7. Hugh N. Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop for New Jersey High School Students

This 10-day program at Rutgers University gives high school students the opportunity to experience life as a journalist. Ultimately, this workshop aims to inspire more diverse students to pursue careers in journalism while equipping them with key skills integral to the profession such as prowess in writing, editing and digital savviness.

• Eligibility: Low income students in grades 9-11
• Cost: All accepted students will receive a full scholarship
• Deadline: April 15, 2019

Essay Requirements:

• Typed 150–200 word essay explaining your interest in the workshop
• Typed 150–200 word essay explaining how you have personally been impacted by an area of diversity – race, ethnicity, culture, gender, etc.

Additionally, this program requires two writing samples. Examples of eligible writing samples include news stories, term papers, short stories and blog posts.

8. Leadership Summer Academy

Learn the key habits of effective leaders during this 1-week program at Rutgers University!

Through this summer academy, students will identify their personal leadership strengths, fortify their approach to critical analysis and hone in on communication skills via a series of integrated lectures, public speaking workshops, field trips, and sociocultural activities.

• Eligibility: Grades 10-11
• Cost: $2,239
• Deadline: 5/18/19
• Apply Here

Essay Requirements: This essay should be a maximum of one page, double-spaced. In the essay, please address one of the following:

• Why do you want to attend the Rutgers Pre-College Summer Academy and what do you hope to learn?
• Share your most meaningful achievement and how it relates to your future goals.

9. Engineering Summer Academy

This 1-week program gives high schoolers the opportunity to explore various engineering disciplines such as aerospace, biochemical and biomedical engineering just to name a few! Through hands on, goal-directed projects, students will gain an understanding of engineering’s real world applications. Furthermore, this summer academy pushes high schoolers to hone their skills in math and science through the project based exploration of advanced concepts.

• Eligibility: Grades 10-11
• Cost: $2,239
• Deadline: 5/19/19

Essay Requirements: This essay should be a maximum of one page, double-spaced. In the essay, please address one of the following:

• Why do you want to attend the Rutgers Pre-College Summer Academy and what do you hope to learn?
• Share your most meaningful achievement and how it relates to your future goals.

10. Political Engagement Academy

This 1-week program at Rutgers University aims to teach students how they can have a positive impact on their greater community. The Political Engagement Academy ultimately provides students with the opportunity to work on  projects that they’re truly passionate about.  Through engaging classes, small group discussion, guest speakers, and field trips, students will be well prepared to critically assess political positions and craft comprehensive policy proposals.

• Eligibility: Grades 10-11
• Cost: $2,239
• Deadline: 5/20/19

Essay Requirements: This essay should be a maximum of one page, double-spaced. In the essay, please address one of the following:

• Why do you want to attend the Rutgers Pre-College Summer Academy and what do you hope to learn?
• Share your most meaningful achievement and how it relates to your future goals.

11. Physical Therapy Academy

Gain hands-on experience in the field of physical therapy through this 1-week program at Rutgers University! Additionally, this summer academy introduces students to the exercise science major at Rutgers—an ideal preparatory track for any Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Graduate Program. Beyond the classroom, students will tour the Functional Human Anatomy and Exercise Physiology Labs, visit the Graduate Rutgers DPT North Campus, and learn about nutrition and health via an interactive cooking demonstration.

• Eligibility: Grades 9-11
• Cost: $2239
• Deadline: 5/21/19

Essay Requirements: This essay should be a maximum of one page, double-spaced. In the essay, please address one of the following:

• Why do you want to attend the Rutgers Pre-College Summer Academy and what do you hope to learn?
• Share your most meaningful achievement and how it relates to your future goals.

12. Music Theory and Ear Training Bootcamp

Is your student looking to hone their music theory and aural skills? If so, this musical bootcamp offers courses that cover foundational concepts of written music theory and ear training! Overall, this summer program aims to help high schoolers gain an embodied understanding of music and music theory.

• Eligibility: Grades 9-12
  • Since this class is intended for those who plan to continue their musical studies in college, students should have at least an intermediate level of proficiency on their instrument, knowledge of note names in at least one clef and the ability to recognize whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes.
• Cost: $500

13. Rutgers Early College Humanities Program (REaCH)

This program offers high school students from underserved communities the opportunity to take college level humanities courses on site at their schools or community organizations.The REaCH “early college” experience helps its students prepare for the demands of learning beyond high school.

• Eligibility: Grades 9-11
• Cost: $0

14. The Rutgers Summer Acting Conservatory (RSAC)

This highly selective 4-week program provides conservatory training to aspiring young theater artists. All faculty members are working theater professionals who actively challenge students, ultimately allowing high schoolers to reach a new level of mastery within their craft.

• Eligibility: Grades 9-11
• Cost: $5,675
  • Registration Fee: A $55 audition fee is due at the time of audition registration.
• Deadline: 6/3/19

Visit the RSAC Registration page for more information on scholarships and financing options.

15. Rutgers Summer Dance Conservatory

This summer dance conservatory is a demanding program for intermediate to advanced dancers who are looking to build upon their technique while simultaneously exploring options for college study and careers in the world of dance. Through a series of master classes and lectures, students have the opportunity to gain exposure to a variety of dance styles and topics.  

• Eligibility: Students entering grade 9 through the first year of college
• Cost: $1,300
  • Audition Fee: $25
• Deadline: 3/31/19

Visit the program’s Registration & Fees page for more detailed audition information.

How Can You Help Your Teen Find Summer Programs?

If your high schooler needs help finding and applying to summer programs that align with their interests and long term goals, don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers and guidance counselors for insight on programs that may fit your student’s needs!

Additionally, our CollegeVine Early Advising Program is a great resource to help students strengthen their application profiles.

On the hunt for even more pre-college summer programs? Take a look at these CollegeVine posts:

Affordable Academic Summer Programs for High School Students

Pre-College Summer Programs for High School Students

4 Delaware Summer Programs for High Schoolers

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