CPP Frequently Asked Questions

Overview | Eligibility | Advisory Board | How to Apply

When do students apply to SEEDS?
Students apply to CPP while they are in ninth grade.

Who is eligible to participate in CPP?
Students in the ninth grade who are at the top of their class academically may apply for admission to the SEEDS College Prepatory Program. To participate, students must come from families with incomes of $70,000 or less (for a family of four). The income cap increases by $5,000 for every additional family member. Students must be enrolled in one of SEEDS' partner high schools.

How are students selected for CPP?
Students may apply to the program by going online to download an application or calling our office to have one mailed home. Students can also be nominated by their teachers, counselors and school principals (nomination form PDF below). They must submit report cards, standardized test scores, personal essays and teacher recommendations. Our Admissions Committee recognizes that each school varies in grading policies, so we do not have rigid grade requirements. However, we look for applicants who have at least a "B" average and have scored proficiently on standardized tests during eighth grade.

How many students participate in CPP?
SEEDS selects 15 students from each participating high school each year.

How long is CPP?
Students must commit to three years of Saturday classes and three residential summer sessions to complete program requirements. SEEDS encourages CPP students to be involved in extra-curriculuar activities, and so each student is allowed three excused absences each year. It is the students’ responsibility, however, to make up missed class work and assignments.

Where does CPP take place?
The College Preparatory Program takes place each Saturday at Orange High School in Orange and the residential summer program takes place at Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Geneva, NY).

Is there a charge for the College Preparatory Program?
No, there is no charge for participating in any SEEDS programs. We are a private, nonprofit organization funded entirely by donations.

Does New Jersey SEEDS provide college scholarships?
SEEDS works with colleges to obtain 80-100% in financial aid and scholarships for our families. The College Preparatory Program is designed to provide students and their families with the resources and information to prepare them for the college application and financial aid processes. All financial aid packages will be reviewed with students and their families.

Is transporation provided?
Yes, SEEDS provides free transportation to all our students. SEEDS provides transportation from central bus stops near the students’ high schools.

What does the CPP curriculum look like?
Classes are designed to supplement the public school curriculum throughout the year. The summer curriculum focuses on language arts, math, and science. Throughout the course of the three-year program, CPP students will also take College Life and College Planning workshops. Students also enroll in an elective course. In the past, elective courses have included study in visual arts, performing arts, psychology and forensic science. In the summer following their junior year, students have the opportunity to take on a work-study job to learn time management skills.

During the school year, the curriculum focuses on language arts and math. In addition, students prepare to take the appropriate standardized tests for college admission. CPP places a strong emphasis on the importance of cultural appreciation. Students participate in field trips to museums, art galleries, concerts, dance performances and Broadway shows. Students also have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers in the fields of journalism, business, law, politics, nonprofits, and the arts.

CPP also exposes our students to an array of colleges and universities through college visits and information sessions.

Do you give out homework?
Yes. Because SEEDS is an academic enrichment program, homework is given to students during most class meetings. Teachers make themselves available during the week by phone and email to answer student questions.

We are grateful to the following corporations and foundations for funding the College Preparatory Program: a donor wishing to remain anonymous, Bank of America, Barclays, The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation, C.R. Bard, Inc., Community Chest of Englewood, the HAPI Foundation, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, MetLife Foundation, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, NRG Energy, Orange Orphan Society, and the Prudential Foundation.