Options for Advanced Academic Achievement (OA3)

The purpose of this program is to provide qualified high school students from partnered schools with the opportunity to take college credit courses at their school during the regular academic year, on the NJIT campus through the Pre-college Academy and, for certain students, to become involved in a meaningful research experience. These courses will be taught by teachers certified by NJIT as an adjunct faculty member in the related NJIT department. In general, students who have successfully completed grade eleven with an overall average of “B” or better, including course prerequisites, will be permitted to enroll in college credit courses. Through on-site programs, “certified” high school teachers will instruct college credit course(s) as part of their regular load at their secondary school.

The NJIT-Newark Public Schools FIRST Partnership

The collaboration efforts of NJIT, with local school districts, community groups, corporations and foundations, and science centers have given us the opportunity to serve an increasing number of students and expand our programs to younger students in the elementary schools.  Of special importance are the long-term relationships that have been established with major urban districts such as Newark and Union City, and with individual schools.  Many of the programs are targeted towards specific schools within the districts.  In addition, we have been able to assist schools to address and meet their specific needs.  One example is the Newark Public Schools (NPS)-NJIT FIRST Robotics partnership.

The Twelfth-Grade Options Program

NJIT partners with K-12 schools, through articulation agreements, in order to provide college-bound students with opportunities to enroll in college-level science, mathematics, engineering and technology courses that allow them to earn college credit.  These students take college credit courses while satisfying high school graduation requirements.  The college credits are counted toward their undergraduate degrees, and those in the articulated agreements can often enroll with advanced standing, possibly as college sophomores, thereby saving a year of college tuition fees.  NJIT has such agreements with high schools in Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, and Warren counties.  The pre-college students who participate in these programs significantly surpass the graduation rates of their peers.

The Science Outreach Program

The Outreach Program is a partnership between NJIT, local schools and districts, and corporations and foundations that support the program.  It is a systemic approach to improve urban science education by promoting positive and permanent changes in educational environment of urban classrooms to ensure full participation of children in the learning of science, and that all students have the knowledge and skills necessary to meet challenging academic standards.