High School Students Explored Future Careers Through Seton Hall's Pre-College Summer Programs

This summer, high school students from across the region discovered new academic interests, explored future career paths and experienced college life firsthand through Seton Hall University's Pre-College Summer Programs.

Offered through the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, the programs welcomed students to Seton Hall's South Orange campus for immersive, hands-on learning experiences led by University faculty and industry professionals; an early look at college-level coursework while helping them build practical skills and confidence.

Throughout July, students engaged in interactive projects, collaborative activities and real-world simulations designed to connect classroom learning with emerging careers. Whether exploring robotics and engineering, baseball analytics, sports media, entrepreneurship, accounting, investing, law or health sciences, participants gained valuable insight into industries that align with their interests and future goals.

“These programs are designed to spark curiosity while helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world careers,” said Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., associate provost and dean of Continuing Education and Professional Studies. "By working alongside our faculty and industry professionals, participants gain valuable insight into potential career paths and leave with a stronger sense of what's possible for their future.”

Beyond the classroom, students experienced life as a Pirate by learning on a college campus, connecting with faculty and peers and gaining a better understanding of the academic and personal opportunities that await them in higher education.

“My favorite part of this program was definitely all the hands on activities we experienced. I loved how group oriented each activity was and how it opened up new friendships that I hope to hold in the future," said a student in the Introduction to Health Sciences and Careers program.

“My favorite part of the program was] getting to prepare for the SAT while also learning about college applications and the college experience," a student said about the SAT/ACT and College Application Prep program.

Another student who participated in the Topics in Women's Healthcare program has "really enjoyed learning about women’s health because it is a less talked about topic." She went on to say, "I got to ask questions and the teacher tried her best to integrate any topics we were interested in that she hadn’t already planned on talking about.”

In the Sports Media and Business Academy program, a student explained they “really enjoyed meeting new friends and hearing from the amazing speakers! I think this program is put together really well!”

Offerings included Introduction to Health Sciences and Health Careers, Topics in Women's Healthcare, Essentials of Cybersecurity and Information Security, Engineering Pathways: Robotics, Electronics and Green Technologies, Introduction to Baseball Analytics, Sports Media and Business Academy, Summer Entrepreneurship Institute, Summer Law Academy, Investing 101: Managing a Live Portfolio and Accounting for the Future: Unleashing Your Potential.

Credit and non-credit options were available, allowing students to explore areas of interest while earning valuable experience before beginning college.

Seton Hall University and the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies thank corporate partner Lord Abbett for its support of the Investing 101 program. Through its funding and participation, Lord Abbett helped enhance the student experience by leading a workshop and hosting a stock competition that gave participants the opportunity to apply what they learned in a fun, hands-on setting.

As another successful summer concludes, Seton Hall continues to provide high school students with opportunities to explore potential majors, develop in-demand skills and experience the University's collaborative learning environment before beginning their college journey.

Information about future Pre-College Summer Programs will be available on the Seton Hall Summer Programs website.

Categories: Community Engagement, Education