The Office of Pre-College Programs is composed of three grant funded programs; GEAR UP, College Bound and Upward Bound. The programs receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education, New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and New Jersey City University.

GEAR UP is an acronym for Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. GEAR UP & College Bound provide early college awareness and preparation activities for grammar & high school students in order to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter & succeed in postsecondary education. Upward Bound exclusively provides the same services to high school students. Students participate in Saturday classes and in an intense six week summer program.

Students attend after school tutoring, academic courses, computer literacy, conflict resolution courses, individual & group counseling, standardized test preparation and career exploration. Students also participate in cultural growth experiences designed to enhance educational success. Some of these experiences include visits to universities, theatres, museums & concerts.