ATLANTIC COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

Seven scholars have been selected from Atlantic County to participate in 2009 New Jersey Governor’s School programs.  Governor’s Scholars are rising high school seniors who are academically or artistically talented, and each scholar participates in one of five Governor’s School programs.  Students from public and private high schools across the state compete in this highly selective program.  The Governor’s Schools are held on five college campuses throughout New Jersey.  Over 1,600 students applied to this prestigious program, and approximately 262 students were selected as scholars.  The purpose of the New Jersey Governor’s School is multi-pronged:  to develop the state’s gifted students into intellectual and civic-minded individuals, and to prepare these students for higher education.

The Governor’s School programs are in engineering (Rutgers University), the environment (Richard Stockton College of New Jersey), international studies (Ramapo College of New Jersey), public issues (Monmouth University) and the sciences (Drew University).  Students take intensive courses, complete assignments, and learn time management while participating in Governor’s School.  It demonstrates the differences between high school and college level courses – the demands, the thrill of real life applications, the need for self-direction, and the excitement of using state-of-the-art equipment.  For the first time in most of these students’ lives, they are living in a residence hall and taking college level courses with faculty members. 
To be considered for selection, candidates must be nominated by their guidance counselor and complete an application, write several essays, and personal sketches.  The application process starts in November and ends in May, with the final selections being announced.  The summer program is primarily funded through private donations.  Below is a list of dates for the 2009 sessions of the New Jersey Governor’s School:

1. June 28th - July 22nd —School of Engineering and Technology (Rutgers)
2. June 28th - July 11th —School on the Environment (Stockton)
3. July 5th - July 18th — School of International Studies (Ramapo)
4. July 12th  - July 25th — School of Public Issues (Monmouth)
5. July 12th - August 1st —School in the Sciences (Drew) 

The New Jersey Governor’s School program was created in 1983 and has been thriving since its inception, with nearly 8,000 students as Governor’s School alumni.  The program falls under the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education, and is supervised by the Governor’s School Board of Overseers, whose members are appointed by the Governor.  The board works with each host institution to ensure the program continues its high academic standards.   

Atlantic County Governor’s Scholars - 2009: