3. a. Each research university that participates in the ACES Program shall establish a residential pre-college summer program for selected underrepresented high school students who attend a partner high school. Partner high schools shall be selected by the research university, in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education, based on certain criteria including the high school’s population of underrepresented students, socioeconomic status, the availability of rigorous STEM coursework, and a supportive school administration. During each school year, teachers and school counselors at a partner high school shall identify and nominate talented underrepresented students for participation in the ACES pre-college program for the upcoming summer. Each student who is selected for the pre-college summer program shall receive a tuition-free scholarship to participate in the program and travel stipends, if necessary.

b. The ACES pre-college summer program at each participating research university shall consist of a one or two-week immersive, residential program that introduces high school students to a range of topics in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology in a hands-on learning environment. The program shall provide the students with exposure to the college experience and encourage the students to pursue an education in the STEM fields. The pre-college summer program and follow-up activities at each participating research university shall include, at a minimum, the following components:

(1) exposure to the STEM disciplines with a focus on hands-on learning;

(2) engagement with faculty, staff, and current students at the university during and after the pre-college summer program;

(3) counseling on the college admissions and financial aid processes;

(4) introduction to successful university graduates who work in the STEM fields in New Jersey, including corporate site visits to STEM and technology companies;

(5) customized college visit days during the college admissions process for students who attended the pre-college summer program; and

(6) professional development programs for teachers and school counselors at the partner high schools.

L.2019, c.431, s.3.