See how high schoolers are exploring college life and future careers through Montclair’s immersive summer programs
From sketching runway looks to producing their own sports segments, 365 high school students from across the nation spent a week at Montclair State University exploring their passions and kickstarting their futures.
Through the university’s Pre-College Summer Programs, the teens got a taste of college life — staying in dorms, making new friends and taking courses taught by experienced university faculty.
Here’s how it went:
Fashion Design
From early 2000s emo grunge and dark academia to flowy coquette dresses, students in the Fashion Design program brought their unique styles to life — sketching, sewing and even taking a field trip to NYC’s Garment District to source materials at the iconic Mood Fabrics.
EcoMind Explorers: Conservation Psychology
What does psychology have to do with protecting the planet? In the EcoMind Explorers program, students didn’t just learn about the environment — they studied how people think, feel and behave toward nature.
Pre-Medical Professions
What’s it really like to work in medicine? In the Pre-Medical Professions program, students got hands-on experience in everything from emergency care to medical ethics — practicing real clinical skills and learning what it takes to save a life.
Explore 19 Areas of Study
From Nutrition to Animation & VFX, Montclair’s Pre-College Summer Programs offer high school students a chance to explore one of 19 different majors through hands-on, immersive experiences.
Areas of study include:
- Acting
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Criminal Justice & Law
- Teaching
- Film & Television Production
- And more.
Why Spend Your Summer At Montclair?
At Montclair State University, high school students don’t just imagine college life — they live it.
Through our one-week residential Pre-College Summer Programs, students stay in dorms, explore campus, and take hands-on courses led by university faculty.
Whether they’re learning to negotiate like a diplomat, trade stocks like Warren Buffett, or create and measure social media content — each student gets the chance to dive deep into a subject they love.
That immersive approach is exactly what makes Montclair’s Pre-College Summer Programs so impactful.
“The 2025 Pre-College Summer Programs are a testament to our commitment to cultivating future leaders, thinkers, and innovators,” says Dominique Houze, Senior Director for Strategy and Program Development.
“These programs are more than just a summer experience — they serve as a launchpad for academic and personal growth, shaping aspirations, building confidence, and laying a strong foundation for future success in college and beyond.”
From field trips and creative projects to collaborative research and real-world skills, the Pre-College Summer Programs give teens a powerful taste of what college — and their futures — can be.
Want Your Teen To Experience It For Themselves?
Explore Montclair State University’s Pre-College Summer Programs and learn how they can explore their passions, build new skills, and join a campus community that champions curiosity, creativity and bold new ideas.
