Interested Students

What is the NJ LEEP College Bound Program?

The College Bound Program is a free college access and success program serving students and families in the greater Newark area. We provide 7 years of programming (grades 6-12) to support students in developing the academic and social-emotional skills necessary to succeed in college and beyond.​ Families also play a meaningful role in building our community by attending family meetings, community-wide events, and workshops throughout the year. 

Our programming includes:

  • A 5-week academic enrichment summer program starting in July.

  • 15 Saturday sessions, October-May.

In addition, our High School Program includes:

  • 1-2 days of afterschool programming a week, October-May.

NJ LEEP high school graduates continue to receive support throughout their time at college or university as they experience a new chapter in life via our College Student Success Program.

Seleccione aquí para información en español.

Who can apply?

  • Current 5th-grade students in the Greater Newark Area. 

  • Students in grades 6-11 may also apply to join our waitlist. Should a space become available, students will then move through the rest of the application process

  • Students who are first-generation and/or low-income.

    • We define first-generation students as those whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree in the United States. 

    • We define low income as an income of $80,000 or below for a family of four (for each additional household member, we add $5,000 to the threshold). 

How do I apply?

Part 1: Documents and Prompt Response
Before completing the application, you will need:

  • A copy of your student’s most recent report card.

  • The first two pages of the parent(s)’s/guardian(s)’s 2022 1040.

  • A student-written response to the following prompt:

    • “Why are you interested in joining NJ LEEP? What are you looking to gain from being part of the NJ LEEP community? How will this experience be important to your future goals?" 

    • Students currently in 5th-7th grade should write 2-3 paragraphs.

    • Students currently in 8th-11th grade should write 4-5 paragraphs.

Please save all documents, including the prompt response, as a Google Doc, Word Doc, PDF, or picture.

Part 2: Application

Once you have all of the documents, you may complete the application and upload the documents using this Google Forms link. The student and at least one parent/guardian should complete the application together, as there are specific questions for both to answer.

The priority application deadline is 12/15/2023 at 11:59 PM EST. 

The final application deadline is 03/31/2024 at 11:59 PM EST.

*Deadline extended to May 5th

Part 3: Teacher Recommendation

Once you have submitted the application, please send the Teacher Recommendation Form to one current math, ELA, science, or social studies teacher: https://forms.gle/cbHuitidioBNX6eN8 

Part 4: Interview

Once we have received all parts of your application and the Teacher Recommendation, the recruitment team will contact you via email to schedule a virtual family interview. The interview will last 30-45 minutes.

Family Information Sessions

Our family information sessions for the 2024-25 recruitment cycle have concluded, but we will still be accepting applications through March 31, 2024. We are happy to answer any questions you have about NJ LEEP or the application process.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the application process, please contact the recruitment coordinator, Ms. Silvana Romero, at recruiting@njleep.org or (973) 856-9950.

Thank you for your interest in NJ LEEP. We look forward to getting to know you and your family!