Enrollment now open for Kean’s pre-college summer programs

UNION, N.J. – It’s never to early to start planning for summer, especially if you have creative thinkers, aspiring athletes, determined dancers, future scientists and novice playwrights in your life. Kean University offers a variety of unique pre-college summer programs, from June through August, for teens and young adults with varied interests. Conducted by Kean’s world-class faculty in the University's state-of-the-art facilities, each program is designed to educate and engage students in fun and practical learning activities. Space is limited and advanced registration is required atwww.kean.edu/summercamps.

Here are some of the options:

PAR FORE New Jersey 
Mondays-Thursdays, June 27-August 4
Ages: 11-17
Youth from Newark and neighboring communities are invited to register for PAR FORE (Perseverance, Accountability, Resiliency, Fellowship, Opportunity, Respect, Empowerment). This six-week, inter-generational mentoring program utilizes therapeutic principles inherent in the sport of golf to foster positive personal, social and physical development for adolescents at-risk of joining youth gangs.
Contact: Jennifer Gardner at jengardn@kean.edu or (908) 737-5852

STEM Group Summer Scholars Research Program
Mondays-Thursdays, July 5-August 11
Ages: 14-18
Talented high-school students interested in pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) careers are invited to register for the New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics six-week, hands-on Group Summer Scholars Research Program. Participants are divided into research teams and are, paired with faculty mentors conducting scientific research to learn firsthand how to conduct basic and applied research in a variety of scientific areas.
Contact: Michael Tocci at mtocci@kean.edu or (908) 737-7223

Thinking Creatively Design Camp 
Mondays-Thursdays, July 5-28
Ages: 15-17
Teens enrolled in the Thinking Creatively Design Camp will work alongside Kean University design faculty, visiting professional designers and art directors in a fun, creative and collaborative environment to develop original design solutions to real-world projects. Activities include individual studio projects, a design charrette, a field trip to a professional studio and/or design event, critiques, team studio projects, final portfolio exhibition and reception. 
Contact: Rose Gonnella at design@kean.edu or (908) 737-4741

Highlands Environmental and Sustainability Science Summer Program
Monday-Friday, July 11-15 and July 18-22
Ages: 16-19
The Highlands Summer Program in Environmental and Sustainability Science provides high school students with a unique opportunity to explore the biodiversity of the New Jersey Highlands. Participants will explore 47 acres of protected forest and gain practical skills to identify plants and insects, purify water, examine the ecology, and survive in the wild fields of the region’s delicate ecosystem. Students can choose from two 5-day sessions.
Contact: Dongyan Mu at sess@kean.edu or (908) 737-3737

Kean Boys Volleyball Camp
Monday-Wednesday, July 18-20
Ages: 14-18
The Cougars’ Division III men’s volleyball team will share its game-winning strategies at the Kean Boys Volleyball Camp. Young athletes will experience real-life game situations and gain new skills during match-style competitions. Open to overnight and day-only campers.
Contact: Charlie Ginex at cginex@kean.edu or (908) 737-0674 

Camp Premiere 
Monday-Friday, July 18-29 and July 25-Aug 5
Ages: 11-18
Students in grades 6-8 and high school interested in the magic of theater should register for Camp Premiere. Participants work alongside professional actors, directors and playwrights to learn the elements of acting and play development through innovative, active exercises that help translate creative ideas and impulses into fully conceptualized and mountable original performances for the stage. Each age-based session culminates in a public performance.
Contact: Christine Scarfuto at (908) 737-4092 or cscarfut@kean.edu

Kean Elite Girls Volleyball Camp
Sunday-Tuesday, July 24-26
Ages: 14-18
Open to athletes with varsity-level or club-volleyball experience, the Kean Elite Girls Volleyball Camp will provide participants with real-life match situations and skills training.
Contact: Coach Donald Perkins at doperkin@kean.edu or (908) 737-0609

Steps to Your Future 
Monday-Wednesday, July 25-27
Ages: 14-21
A three-day college-immersion program, with an optional two-night overnight experience, Steps to Your Future is open to young adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Campers will be supervised by faculty and graduate students from Kean’s Occupational Therapy Community Cares Clinic as they participate in individual and group activities including eating in the dining hall, navigating the campus, attending a college class, doing laundry, preparing meals, and participating in campus events.
Contact: Geraldine Pagaoa-Cruz at gpagaoa@kean.edu or (908) 737-5942

New Jersey DECA Summer Leadership and Competitive Events Program 
Tuesday-Thursday, July 26-28
Ages: 14-17
NJ DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in high schools and colleges for successful careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. This overnight immersion experience is designed for current and prospective DECA students to learn from industry professionals, participate in mock events and develop new skills through expert leadership training.
Contact: Jeffrey Victor at jvictor@njdeca.org

Thinking ahead to summer 2017?

Upward Bound Project
Ninth and 10th graders enrolled in a college-prep program in East Orange or Elizabeth are invited to apply for the Upward Bound Project. A federal TRIO program, Upward Bound includes instruction in math, science, foreign language, literature, corporate mentoring, STEM research, tutoring, test preparation and financial literacy, as well as cultural enrichment activities and career counseling. Applications are due Oct. 1.
Contact: Veronica Jackson at (908) 737-3618 or vjackson@kean.edu

In addition to the summer programs offered by Kean University, many local groups and organizations host camps and other activities on our campus. For the latest information or to sign up, visitwww.kean.edu/summercamps.