What You Need To Know About Enrichment Programs NJ Institutions Offer

By Rebecca Moore


Most look forward to the summer months when they can lay on the beach and sun or get in more work hours for extra money. This is also customarily the time when families take vacations together. There are a growing number of young people who prefer to spend their free time getting a jump start on college or learning more about a subject they have a passion for. The enrichment programs NJ youngsters attend can be great, but everyone has to understand how they work.

The programs can last anywhere from several days to five or six weeks and concentrate on one subject. There are a wide variety of courses offered in the fields of art, science, math, drama, and leadership to name a few. Those who have signed up for longer courses may have the opportunity to live in a dorm instead of traveling back and forth.

When choosing a program, there should be discussion between the parents and the child. If the parents pick classes based on their own ambitions rather than their child's interests, the summer may be a failure. The experience is most successful when the child is fully engaged and interested. Classes taken abroad can be very beneficial. Parents should consider enrolling children through a local college or university. It will be much easier to work with local officials in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Of course admission is limited, and it can be highly competitive. Many universities require a written essay on the chosen subject, and most give those with high grade point averages the first slots. Deadlines can be way in advance of the summer program, so it is important to get transcripts and forms filled out and turned in early.

These courses are not inexpensive, and the cost is going up. Most schools offer financial aid packages and scholarship opportunities for those who qualify. In order to get the assistance, parents or guardians may be required to submit proof of income. For those who need financial help, applying early is especially important.

There are not any national guidelines when it comes to accreditation, and some courses offer more educational opportunities than others. The classes at colleges and universities tend to be the most educational. It is wise to talk to people that took a given course and get their feedback.

No matter what program a family chooses, finding out about the staff is very important. Schools should be happy to discuss how instructors are chosen and what credentials they are required to have. Some courses have a volunteer staff which tends to make the course of instruction less educational than those with paid instructors who are specifically qualified in a particular field.

Those who are lucky enough to get into a program that gives them intensive instruction in a subject they love, and may want to make a career out of, have a real advantage. They will learn a lot and make new friends. They will also get a head start on their college experience.




About the Author: