How to Become A Scholar

Eligibility Criteria

Cooperman Students

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the program the applicant must:

U.S. Citizen

Be a U.S citizen or permanent resident. Students will be required to provide proof of citizenship.

Essex County, NJ Resident

Have a primary residence in Essex County, New Jersey. Priority will be given to students in the City of Newark, Irvington, Orange Township, and East Orange school districts, although students across all of Essex County will be considered.

High School Pre-College Academy

Demonstrate financial need. Students will be required to provide proof of income. Please refer to the Financial Eligibility Facts Doc.

Financial Need

Demonstrate financial need. Students will be required to provide proof of income. Please refer to the Financial Eligibility Facts Doc.

Typically Cooperman Scholarsā€¦

  • Come from households earning less than $75,000 annually (for a household of four) and have minimal assets.
  • Qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
  • Face financial hardship.

High School Student

Be a current 11th grade student and attend a public high school or charter-public high school in Essex County.

Academic Commitment

Demonstrate a commitment to academic achievement. A target GradeĀ Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale is recommended or students should clearly demonstrate an upward academic trajectory.

Bridge-to-College program at Partner Institutions

Be able to participate fully in the three-week Summer Academy to be held during a time period between June 24, 2024 and August 9, 2024.

Limitless Achieve Courageous Believe Excellence Purpose Dream Gifted Dynamic Aspire Succeed Determined