How to Apply?

Getting Started 

The application window is open from December 1 to January 31.

Step 1 – Confirm Your Eligibility (see below)

To be considered for the PEP Program, the applicant must: 

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a green card
  • Reside in the city of Summit, NJ
  • Be enrolled as a 6th-grade student at Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School
  • Be from a family with limited financial resources
  • Be self-motivated, with a desire to go beyond a high school degree
  • Show intellectual curiosity and an open mind to new experiences and learning
  • Demonstrate a record of academic success
  • Display and maintain a positive attitude
  • Show a strong family commitment to the applicant’s success 
Step 2 – Submit Online Application

Create an account and begin the application process! You can save your progress on the application and log in to the system at any time until the deadline. Please note that once your application is submitted, you will no longer be able to make changes. Click here to get started!

Step 3 – Complete Academic Records Release and Financial Verification Paperwork

The PEP Program serves children from families with limited financial resources. To verify that students financially qualify for PEP, parents/guardians will be asked to submit proof of income, a financial disclosure statement, and a form allowing Summit Public Schools to release the student’s academic records to the PEP Program. If you have questions about the financial verification process, please email us at info@pepprogramnj.org or call (908) 277-1106.

Step 4 – Student and Family Interviews

Selected finalists will be contacted for an interview. All interviews are conducted online. Both the student and the parent(s) are required to participate. Students and parents who do not attend their interviews will not be eligible for program participation. 

Step 5- Recruitment Friday Participation
All selected finalists for the PEP Program are required to attend team-building exercises at the PEP House. These activities help PEP staff get to know each applicant and will take place after school. Participation in Recruitment Friday is for students only. Students who do not attend Recruitment Friday will not be eligible for program participation.

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