Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah will offer a "Jumpstart" pre-college program for Bergen County students entering college in the fall as well as for students in good academic standing who are entering their junior or senior year in high school.

"Students have the opportunity to earn college credits and experience campus life, while learning about subjects such as photography, ecology, and literature," said County Executive Dennis McNerney.

"Each program will include seminars, field trips, and hands-on experience that will expose them to new information and set them apart from other college applicants."

The new summer program offers courses in performing and visual arts, enrichment in reading, writing, and literacy, and science field studies. Students can select from two or four-week programs and can choose to take credit or non-credit courses.

"Students who take pre-college courses easily enhance their college admissions applications because their successful completion of these rigorous courses shows admissions officers that they are motivated and able to meet the challenge of college-level work," said Ramapo College Provost Dr. Beth Barnett.

Participants in the program can live on campus in new air-conditioned, single-room residence halls. Students who choose to live on campus will have instruction, course materials, meals, housing, and trip fees included in the cost of the program.

Programs range in price from $1,800 to $3,500.

The application deadline for the programs is June 14.