The One Square Mile (OSM) Early College Program, which commenced in the Fall of 2024, is designed to provide high school juniors and seniors in neighboring urban communities, such as Paterson and Passaic, with the opportunity to earn up to 7 college credits while still in high school at no cost to them.
Through this effort, the University Community Action Nexus (uCAN) and the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Montclair State University aim to strengthen the high school-to-college pipeline for underrepresented students in urban areas. This work is underscored by a mission to advance a just and equitable New Jersey, where people from all backgrounds and communities have access to opportunities to thrive. Funding from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation has been instrumental in supporting this initiative. The goal is to increase access to higher education for underserved communities by removing financial barriers and fostering academic success. The Fall 2024 cohort included a total of 30 students from various Paterson high schools (Eastside, International, JFK, STEAM, Rosa Parks) and Passaic High School.
To read more about the Fall 2024 cohort, click here.
Courses Available:
- Argumentative & Analytic Writing (WRT 105): This course teaches students to use writing as a tool for community advocacy (focusing on connection), crafting compelling narratives and persuasive pieces to promote understanding of the issue and elicit action. It aims to provide students with a foundation in reading, writing, and research skills necessary to perform college-level communication successfully.
- Interpersonal Communication (CMST 146): This course introduces students to concepts and practices of communication in interpersonal relational contexts. Topics include identity construction, perception of verbal and nonverbal cues, listening, disclosure, relationship development, and conflict management. Students develop capacities for effective interaction that are rooted in reflective awareness and responsive communicative choices.
Key Considerations Before Applying:
- Must be a student in a Paterson Public School or a student at Passaic High School
- Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Shuttle transportation will be provided and available at local high schools
- Classes will be conducted on Saturdays
- Accepted students will be assigned a peer tutor
- Accepted students will have full access to Montclair State University resources
Testimonials:
“I really appreciate the opportunity Paterson One Square Mile gave me to be in this program, learning so many new things about college life, but the most important thing for me was my improvement in the English language (writing, listening and speaking). For this reason, my parents and I are very thankful for this incredible and meaningful program!” – Juan Pablo Arredondo, Early College Student from Eastside High School
“Earning college credits while still in high school was incredible. I learned time management, discipline and effective communication while gaining confidence for my future.” – Blanca Gonzalez, Early College Student from Paterson STEAM High School
“The professors in the program helped give the students an amazing first look at what college could be like for them. They made the classes interesting, and provided a lot of incredible information that was pertinent to the students’ dreams and goals.” – Early College Tutor
“I was really impressed by how much progress the students made. At first, many of them were unsure about taking on such a big challenge, especially with the Writing 105 assignments, but by the end, they had gained so much confidence in themselves and were excited to keep learning. It was also great to see how both the students and their families became more involved in college life and everything that comes with it.” – Early College Tutor
The Fall 2025 cohort of the One Square Mile Early College Program is now open to applicants!
Click HERE to fill out form to receive updates!
To apply directly please watch This Video OR follow the steps below:
Step 1: Got to the Early College Program Application Portal — https://apply.montclair.edu/portal/ecp
Step 2: Create an account if you have not already
Step 3: Select on “Start A New Application”
Step 4: Select on “2025 Early College Programs”
Step 5: Select “Fall 2025” as the semester you’d wish to apply to
Step 6: Select “No” for the “Are you applying under a Dual Enrollment Partnership…”
Step 7: Select “One Square Mile” for the program you are applying to
Step 8: Select your General Area of Academic Interest
Step 9: Select the semester you are expected to start your college journey
Step 10: Complete Personal Background Section
Step 11: Complete Academic History (please have digital copy of transcript to upload)
Step 12: Complete Family Information Section
Step 13: Complete the Certification and Signature Section
Step 14: Review and Submit!
Other free opportunities for High School students to experience college life:
If you have any questions about these programs, please email patersonosm@montclair.edu.