Passaic Today

Over 360 high school students from across the United States participated in Montclair State University’s Pre-College Summer Programs, spending a week on campus to explore academic interests and potential career paths.

The university offered 19 areas of study during these programs, ranging from Fashion Design and EcoMind Explorers: Conservation Psychology to Pre-Medical Professions. Students lived in residence halls, attended courses led by university faculty, and engaged in hands-on activities related to their chosen fields.

In the Fashion Design program, students sketched designs, created mood boards, selected fabrics at New York City’s Garment District, and constructed finished garments. Sherita Cuffee, CEO of Viscera NY and program leader, guided participants through the process. Lily, a high school senior in the program, said: “I love our professors. They’re awesome. The opportunity to be able to design real outfits and get feedback and inspiration from actual designers is really important to me — especially if I want to go into fashion design as a career.” Jose Ortiz ‘22, an alumnus who taught in the program, noted: “The most impactful part of this program is seeing students go from sketch to finished garment in such a short amount of time. Their passion really shows. They’re fully immersed, and you can see their unique points of view shine through in every design.”

Students enrolled in EcoMind Explorers focused on conservation psychology by studying how people interact with nature rather than just learning about environmental science. Dr. Nicole Conklin explained: “It’s about understanding the human side of conservation. Students are learning how to apply psychological theories to environmental issues, whether they’re observing zoo visitors, building awareness campaigns, or exploring how messaging impacts behavior.” Scott, a rising senior participant said: “We’ve been talking about environmental justice, plastic pollution, and other major issues in today’s world. My favorite part was learning how certain communities are targeted by big companies — especially with air pollution — and how hard it can be for them to fight back. That really stuck with me.” At Bergen County Zoo fieldwork sessions involved observing visitor behavior at exhibits rather than animals themselves.

In the Pre-Medical Professions track students practiced clinical skills such as CPR and bleeding control techniques under guidance from medical professionals including Dr. Robert Meredith: “They’ve worked with 3D Anatomage tables, conducted lab experiments, earned CPR certification, and met with professionals across the medical field,” he said. “It’s not just one moment that’s impactful — it’s the entire experience that helps them decide if this path is right for them.”

Other available study areas included acting; business; criminal justice; teaching; film & television production; nutrition; animation & VFX among others.

Dominique Houze Senior Director for Strategy and Program Development described the programs’ purpose: “The 2025 Pre-College Summer Programs are a testament to our commitment to cultivating future leaders thinkers and innovators… 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.”

Participants also had opportunities for collaborative research creative projects field trips campus exploration networking with peers interested in similar subjects all while experiencing aspects of college life firsthand.

For more information about Montclair State University’s Pre-College Summer Programs prospective students can visit .