What is New Jersey SEEDS?
Founded in 1992, New Jersey SEEDS is a privately funded, statewide, nonprofit organization. We change the lives of motivated, high-achieving students from low-income families by transforming their educational opportunities. We ensure that our students have the knowledge, skills, access and support to thrive at the nation’s finest schools and colleges.
What programs does NJ SEEDS offer?
SEEDS identifies and selects scholars at three different points along their educational trajectory and has developed three distinct academic programs to meet their needs. Each program - Scholars, Young Scholars and College Preparatory - is designed to rapidly build the critical thinking skills and knowledge base that will allow students to thrive in far more challenging school environments than those from which they come.
Young Scholars participate in a 14-month program that begins with a summer program following fourth or fifth grade, meets on Saturdays during fifth or sixth grade and culminates with a three-week summer program and overnight retreat the summer before sixth or seventh grade. The Young Scholars Program is open to students in Greater Newark (Newark, Irvington, Orange or East Orange).
The Scholars Program takes place over a 14-month period, beginning in the summer after seventh grade with a three-week residential experience, continuing Saturdays during the eighth grade year, and culminating in a second three-week residential experience during the summer between eighth and ninth grade. The Scholars Program is open to students who live in the state of New Jersey.
College Preparatory Program students participate in a three-year program that begins the summer prior to tenth grade. The College Preparatory Program is only open to students who are enrolled in SEEDS' partner high schools.
Who is eligible to participate in the New Jersey SEEDS programs?
New Jersey students who demonstrate strong academic skills and potential, as well as financial need (see chart below), are eligible to participate in SEEDS' programs.
Household Size | Annual Income |
Up to 4 .................................................................. | $70,000 or below |
5 ............................................................................ | $75,000 or below |
6 ............................................................................ | $80,000 or below |
For each additional dependent, add $5,000.
To apply, students must have strong academic skills, meet our financial guidelines and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents residing in the state of New Jersey. (A social security number or alien registration number will be required for verification of citizenship status at the time of application.)
When do students apply to SEEDS?
Students apply to the Young Scholars Program during the fourth and fifth grades, and begin classes in the fall of their fifth- or sixth-grade years. Students apply to the Scholars Program during the seventh grade and begin classes the summer between seventh and eighth grade. Students apply to College Preparatory Program while they are in ninth grade. Applications open in the fall.
How are students selected for the NJ SEEDS Programs?
Students may apply to the program online. Students may also be nominated by their teachers, counselors and/or school principals. They must submit report cards, standardized test scores, personal essays and teacher recommendations. Finalists in all programs must participate in family and individual interviews, and take an entrance exam. The SEEDS Admissions Committee reviews all student records, and makes admissions decisions based upon a student’s potential for success in the independent school or college setting.
How many students participate in New Jersey SEEDS programs?
Each Young Scholars Program class has approximately 25 students. Approximately 125 students are accepted into each Scholars Program class. For the College Preparatory Program, SEEDS selects 15 students from each participating high school each year.
Where do NJ SEEDS programs take place?
The Young Scholars Program currently takes place at Newark Academy in Livingston and The Delbarton School in Morrristown. The Scholars Program currently takes place at The Hill School in Pottstown (Pennsylvania), The Pingry School in Martinsville, the Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood and Seton Hall Prep in West Orange. 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).
"SEEDS taught me to lead by example. They taught me to never feel ashamed of my economic status. They showed me that I could be just as successful as someone born with the advantages that I was born without. That first step into NJ SEEDS almost seven years ago began my journey of a thousand miles."