Programs

4H STEM Ambassadors Program (Rutgers)

4H STEM Ambassadors is a STEM-focused program encouraging youth to discover, explore and pursue science and research. Students spend a week at Rutgers, engaging in hands-on science activities, conducting their own projects, and exploring campus. Following the kickoff week, students volunteer with other 4H programs as ambassadors.

African Link Initiative

African Link Initiative is an evidence-based identity development program designed to help youth of African descent transform the way they see their world and their possibilities by first transforming how they see themselves and the continent of Africa. ALI has 3-parts and culminates in a birthright trip to Ghana.

 

Ashe Program (NJTLT)

The Ashe Program is a year-round, advanced tennis and academic enrichment program using athletics to teach life skills and prepare Mercer County students for success in and beyond high school. Students practice tennis with the NJTLT and attend enrichment programs by organizations such as Princeton University, Rider…

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a year-round mentorship program pairing youth in Mercer County with caring, reliable adults to provide support systems and build one-on-one relationships. Monthly meetings help build confidence, self esteem, and prepare Littles for lifelong success. 

Community-based mentoring…

Bridge to Employment

Bridge to Employment (BTE) is an academic support program for Trenton Central High school students in partnership with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the TCNJ Bonner Institute, and Trenton Central High. The program emphasizes high school graduation and pursuit of postsecondary pathways, especially in the health and science sectors. The program runs…

Career Launch (Boys and Girls Club)

Career Launch is a career preparation program for Mercer County teens that meets daily to teach workplace readiness and professional development. The program lasts 12 weeks and students can participate in a 50 hour volunteership upon completion of the program.

The program includes trips to local businesses, guest speakers,…

College Access Program (Boys and Girls Club)

CAP is a college access program that targets high school sophomores and juniors, supporting them in getting accepted to college and understanding financial aid. It meets weekly for 36 weeks and involves classes, workshops, and trips. 

It includes test prep, help finding schools…

Foundation Academies

Foundation Academies is a public charter school serving New Jersey K-12 students, with a focus on Trenton residents. The high school, Foundation Collegiate Academy, heavily emphasizes college preparation/readiness - 100% of graduates are accepted to a 4-year college. 

Students participate in music…

Futuro (LALDEF)

Futuro is a cohort-based, college prep program for first and second-generation immigrants. Students learn life skills to help them pursue and excel in postsecondary education. Applicants have the opportunity to apply for Trenton or Princeton Cohort. The program begins in the summer after a participant’s sophomore year and meets weekly until…

HomeWorks Trenton

HomeWorks Trenton runs a free, community-based, after-school residential program for high school girls in Trenton, New Jersey, where Black and Brown girls can authentically express themselves while receiving academic and social-emotional tools to thrive despite living in a systemically unjust society.

Our scholars live in the…

Princeton University Preparatory Program

PUPP is a rigorous academic and cultural enrichment program that supports high-achieving, low-income high school students. The multi-year, tuition-free program prepares participants for admission to and success in highly selective colleges. 

It includes a 6-week summer program for 3 consecutive summers,…

Saturday Morning Arts (Trenton Arts at Princeton)

Participate for FREE in Trenton Youth Dancers, Orchestra, Singers, or Theater! During weekly Saturday rehearsals, Trenton students receive free coaching and private instruction from Princeton University students, faculty, and staff. Rehearsals take place every Saturday, from 10AM to 1PM, in the Lewis Arts Complex at Princeton…

Science Mentors

ScienceMentors 1-to-1 is an organization that aims to develop competency and self- esteem in high school students through the application of the scientific method to environmental issues facing our society.

 

Summer Youth Employment Program (MillHill)

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a 6-week summer program for Trenton youth that prepares participants for successful careers with life skills and professionalism. Students work at nonprofit and for-profit organizations for 30 hours/week. 

It includes training in soft skills, guest speakers and career presentations,…

Talent Search (Mercer County Community College)

Talent Search is an academic support program for Trenton students, 8th grade and up, that encourages participants to graduate from high school and pursue postsecondary pathways. Students meet in groups and with advisors individually throughout the school year and are eligible to participate until they graduate from high school.

It…

Teen Enrichment (Boys and Girls Club)

Teen Enrichment is a collection of clubs and classes for Mercer County youth to encourage lifelong learning, success in school, and career exploration. Youth can participate daily.

It includes a STEM club, Project Alpha mentoring, cooking, entrepreneurship, a leadership club, test prep and math tutoring,…

Teen Gold Program (Boys and Girls Club)

Teen Gold is an ongoing teen development program for Mercer County youth to participate in daily to build vital life skills and succeed through and beyond high school.

It includes access to drop-in clubs/activities, the College and Career Center, guest speakers, the teen lounge…

The Bonner Institute (TCNJ)

The Bonner Institute is a need-based scholarship program for students at TCNJ that involves 300 hours of service and training per year. Students meet every other Tuesday as a program and meet one-on-one with their advisors at the beginning and end of the semester. Participants receive up to 4 years of funding, depending on their grade at…

Trenton PEERS (MillHill)

Trenton PEERS (Performing, Educating, and Engaging about Responsible Strategies) is a year-round leadership program preparing Trenton Central High School students to become PEER educators, graduate high school on time, and enter postsecondary education. The college prep focus ensures that all participants have a plan for their pathways after…

Upward Bound (Mercer County Community College)

TRIO Upward Bound hosted at Mercer County Community College is a tuition-free, year-round academic enrichment program geared towards Trenton high school students (9th - 11th grade). The program provides enrolled students with supplemental core classes (i.e.: Math, English and Science) and workshops that will prepare students for…

View by Category

  • Career Exploration - Programs focus on exposing students to different careers and the necessary skills to navigate them. 
  • College Prep - Programs focus on test prep, financial aid & scholarships, college applications and essays, the college experience, and building skills for success in and after college. Includes youth development skills.
  • For College Students - Programs directed at students currently enrolled in college.
  • Schools - These institutions include local schools and universities.
  • Scholarship - Programs provide students with college scholarships.
  • Summer - Programs run exclusively during the summer.
  • Year-Round - Programs run through the school year and summer and may last for multiple years of school. 
  • Youth Development - Programs focus on building skills for success in postsecondary education and careers.