2026 Pre-College and Summer Youth Programs

Young people have always been the driving force behind change. Encourage your students to take part in creating a more just world. This summer, Kean University’s Human Rights Institute and the Holocaust Resource and Education Center are hosting Human Rights in Action—a unique program tailored for high school students. Through this opportunity, participants will gain the tools to become effective change makers and allies. 

This program will be run at two different Kean locations, our main campus in Union and Kean Skylands in Jefferson Township. 

Our immersive summer art programs, for middle and high school students, are divided into two separate sessions: Summer I and Summer II. Both sessions offer a variety of multidisciplinary art forms that are sure to inspire and enlighten emerging artists. During Summer I and Summer II, students will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant career pathways the arts offer. The program allows young artists to explore various art disciplines like drawing, painting, digital art, and historical archives, drawing inspiration from the campus’s landscapes and art collections. It includes college prep elements such as portfolio development and career guidance. Students engage in collaborative projects, art history, critiques, and workshops with visiting artists. The program culminates in a gallery exhibition, enhancing their portfolios. Campus tours and art gallery visits provide a broader artistic perspective. 

Register now for Camp Premiere 2026! Visit Premiere Stages at Kean University for more information.

Session 1: Theatremakers
Students translate their creative ideas into brand-new, original material for the stage. Through structured improvisation, storytelling exercises, and acting games, campers craft and star in their own, totally original theatrical presentation for friends and family.

Session 2: Actors Studio
Students focus on the craft of acting through physical and vocal warm-ups, improvisation, acting technique, and scene study. Working closely with industry professionals, campers perform scenes from contemporary plays, selected specifically for their unique talents and areas for growth.

Register for Theatremakers

Register for Actors Studio

The GSSRP is a 2-week or 4-week, hands-on research experience aimed at attracting and developing talented students who are interested in pursuing an education in a STEM field. Participants will work alongside faculty and staff on cutting-edge research projects in  Scientific Visualization, Cancer Biology, Machine Learning, Bioinformatics, Computational and Molecular techniques.  Participants will gain valuable technical skills and research experience and learn to work as part of a research team.

With topics ranging from climate change to animal conservation and environmental technology, the SKYLAB program held at Kean's Skylands campus in Jefferson Township, NJ has something for every budding science enthusiast. Using our 44-acre natural living laboratory and state of the art facilities, students will learn how to collect, analyze, and synthesize data into a research project that can be used simply to hone their skills or to earn them college credit (depending on the option chosen at the time of registration). Students will learn from several world-class Kean faculty in order to ensure a diverse and enriching experience. There will only be one session of the program. It will run Monday-Thursday, July 6-16, 2026, with drop-off at 9 a.m. and pick-up at 3 p.m.

Click here to view the 2026 Drone Horizons program flier

Take your curiosity to new heights with Drone Horizons, a hands-on 4-day program designed for high school students (aged 16+) eager to explore the exciting world of drones and their real-world applications. From technology and design to safety and career opportunities, this program will give you a unique, immersive experience into the rapidly growing field of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Registration is now open! Click here to apply.