6th Grade Applicants – How to Apply

Getting Started 

The application window is open from December 1 to January 31. For more details on applicant eligibility requirements, click here.

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 demonstrated financial need
  • 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

The application window is currently closed. No applications are being processed at this time. You may submit your online application beginning December 1st.

Step 3 – Complete Eligibility Verification Paperwork

The PEP Program serves children from families with demonstrated financial need. To complete the application process, the PEP Program will verify each family’s financial eligibility for PEP and each student’s citizenship/permanent residency status. Parents/guardians will be asked to submit proof of income, a financial disclosure statement, and proof of student’s citizenship/permanent residency. In addition, parents/guardians will be asked to complete a form allowing Summit Public Schools to release the student’s academic records to the PEP Program. If you have questions about the eligibility 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.

PEP Program, Copyright © 2026 – All Rights Reserved