Young Scholars Program FAQ

Students can apply in fourth and fifth grades. Students who apply and are admitted in 4th grade start the program in the summer after 4th grade. Students who apply and are admitted in 5th grade start the program in the summer after 5th grade.

Students must live in either Newark, East Orange, Orange, or Irvington. Families must also meet our income policy: For a household with up to four members, total income cannot exceed $70,000. For each additional dependent, we add $10,000 to the threshold. For example, if there are up to five members of the household, total income cannot exceed $80,000. For six members, total income cannot exceed $90,000. Finally, students (not their parents) must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Students apply to the program by completing an inquiry form.

Each Young Scholars Program class has approximately 25 students.

Young Scholars participate in a 14-month program that begins with a summer program following fourth or fifth grade, continues to meet on Saturdays during fifth or sixth grade and culminates with an additional three-week summer program the summer before sixth or seventh grade.

Saturday programming takes place at Newark Academy in Livingston, NJ. Summer programming takes place at Far Brook School in Short Hills, NJ.

All of our programs are FREE.

SEEDS works with our partner schools to obtain 90-100% in financial aid and scholarships for our families. The money comes directly from the schools’ budget.

Our placement team works with each family to determine the best fit for each student. After months of research, families generally apply to 5-10 selective schools. Based on acceptances and financial aid received, families make their final selection.

Yes, SEEDS provides free transportation to all our students. For the Young Scholars Program, we provide door-to-door transportation for all classes and field trips.

Yes. Because SEEDS is an academic organization, homework is given to students during most class sessions. Teachers make themselves available during the week by phone and email to answer student questions.

The students take classes on Saturdays during the academic year. There are academic classes in English, mathematics and history. In addition to classes, students participate in test preparation and work on applications to selective schools. There are also workshops to help our students with interviews, applications, and career development. 

Once graduates are placed, our Guidance team provides annual visits, guidance (academic and social and college selection support), and a network for professional development.