Applying for NJCU STEAM Academy

Welcome back returning students and welcome new students! Submitting an application expresses your interest in joining the program. Acceptance decisions take into account both available funding and spaces for first-year students.  

If you are accepted, you will receive additional paperwork to formally confirm your participation. Completing an application does not guarantee enrollment but is the necessary first step to be considered for this selective acceleration program.

The number of openings for incoming new students is limited each year, depending upon the incoming grade level of the students applying. The NJCU STEAM Academy aims to build a high-ability cohort best positioned to thrive in this intensive environment, with emphasis on selecting 7th grade students who seek to continue through all four years of the program.

We encourage all promising students with passion for STEAM subjects to apply. Even if students are not selected this year, they may reapply the following summer.

Applications will open for students on February 5, 2026 and ends on April 3, 2026

APPLY NOW! 

All Applicants:

All applications require the following supporting documentation to be submitted by their teachers in addition to their completed application. 

It is highly recommended that students request their teacher complete the Recommendation Form found below immediately after students decide to apply for the program. 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

1. Teacher Recommendation Form 

1. One from their MATHEMATICS teacher

2. One from their SCIENCE teacher

   Note: If students currently have the same teacher for Mathematics and Science, they must request that your previous Mathematics and/or Science teacher submit their second recommendation.

   RECOMMENDATION FORM 

Important Dates and Information

• Applications will remain online until the deadline.
• All online applications and supporting documentation must be submitted together for the application to be considered complete by the application deadline of Friday, April 3, 2026.
• Decisions notifications will be sent by May 1, 2026.

Enrollment Requirements 

After an application has been successfully submitted with all documentation, an acceptance decision will be made in May 2026. Once notified of acceptance, there are additional steps that parents/guardians must take to complete enrollment and secure your student's seat in the program. All Parents/Guardians and their students must accept their spot by returning all registration paperwork by the specified deadline (TBD).

Only students who have completed all three enrollment steps—submitting their application, receiving acceptance notification, and formalizing their acceptance through completion of the enrollment paperwork—will be able to attend NJCU STEAM Academy. 

We look forward to welcoming students in Summer 2026!

College Course Enrollment

Students in NJCU SA Year 4 (Grade 11 students) will be eligible to enroll in select undergraduate courses to earn college credit after program hours. Previous graduates from the Proyecto Science Summer Program that had completed Years 1-4 are also eligible to enroll in classes for college credit for the same price as current NJCU SA Year 4 students. Students can take a maximum of two (2) courses, earning up to 6 college credits. The full list of undergraduate 100-level courses will be posted the first week of February 2026.

To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

Academic Performance Criteria:
- Minimum passing of courses in previous academic courses with an 85% or higher
- Demonstrated proficiency in prerequisite subjects related to their intended college courses

Attendance and Participation Requirements:
- Minimum 90% attendance rate in previous academic year
- Active participation in program activities and discussions
- Consistent submission of assignments and projects on time

Maturity and Readiness Indicators:
- Positive recommendations from at least two instructors
- Demonstrated ability to manage time and meet deadlines
- History of appropriate academic conduct and behavior

Additional Requirements:
- Completion of any required placement tests for specific college courses, if applicable
- Parental/guardian consent for enrollment in college-level coursework
- Payment for college courses arranged with the Office of Student Accounts

If your student is interested in enrolling in college-level courses, students in the STEAM Academy Year 4 will indicate this on their application for the program. Students and their families will then submit additional letters of recommendation and attendance information, and select the courses of interest. Previous Proyecto Science students will have a separate application for college credit.

If students are admitted into the NJCU STEAM Academy, parents will be notified to complete any additional requirements that New Jersey City University requires of any minor under 18 matriculating in undergraduate courses on campus.