TARGET: The Academy at Rutgers for Girls in Engineering and Technology

TARGET is a summer program designed for middle school and high school students to increase awareness and familiarize them with career opportunities within engineering. The objective of the program is to eradicate the negative stereotypes commonly associated with women’s ability to pursue careers in math and science related fields. Program mentors and faculty members facilitate workshops, hands-on activities, labs and projects for the duration of the program in hopes of creating an insightful, exciting opportunity for participants to learn more about the many different engineering disciplines.  TARGET is available to all qualifying students regardless of their sex, gender or gender identity.

"One of the biggest benefits of TARGET is that students are mentored by our enthusiastic undergraduate and graduate engineers. We want to encourage all individuals to consider engineering as a viable career option and empower them to be a part of the change to erase negative stereotypes of women’s ability to pursue careers in STEM ."   

                                                                  - Candiece White, Assistant Dean

Program Dates For 2021

TARGET encompasses six different, one-week long, commuter programs for a group of 24 students each. Eligibility for each of the six programs is determined by grade-level.  The program is held on Rutgers University- Busch Campus from 9:00AM to 5:00PM each weekday of the designated week. When selecting a TARGET program please note that classes are determined by current grade-level (if you are currently in 6th grade, you should apply for TARGET 1).

TARGET I (6th grade) June 28 - July 2
TARGET II (7th grade) July 5 - July 9 
TARGET III (8th grade) July 12 - July 16
TARGET IV (9th grade) July 19 - July 23
TARGET V (10th grade) July 26 - July 30
TARGET VI (11th grade) July 12 - July 16
 
Transportation must be provided by the student’s family. Lunch and two snacks daily will be provided by Rutgers. The cost for the one-week TARGET program is $425. Sponsorship is available on a need basis upon acceptance into the program.
 
** Due to COVID-19, our program format is possibly subject to change. As soon as additional guidance is provided by University, we will update selected participants on any adjustments to the traditional program structure. **

Testimonials

Here's what some of our past participants have said about our TARGET program:

“I loved this program so much. The counselors were amazing, nice, kind, and funny. I had so much fun with the projects and all my friends I hope to return next year and I don't think you need to change anything.” 

                                                                           - TARGET I (6th), 2018

“I liked the program very much and I would be more than happy to apply for the next year. I would absolutely recommend the program to a friend. I learned a lot from the program and it helped me think about my future because I learned about different engineering disciplines which was very good.”

                                                                           - TARGET II (7th), 2019

“I loved the fun and friends and how emphasis was put on encouraging girls in STEM.”

                                                                           - TARGET III (8th), 2018

“I love the program every year as it refreshed my passion for the subject of engineering. TARGET also increases my confidence as I am reassured and inspired by the wonderful counselors.”

                                                                           - TARGET IV (9th), 2019

“I enjoyed the hands on experience.”

                                                                          - TARGET V (10th), 2019

"What I liked most about this summer program is that I had the opportunity to work with a graduate mentor for research and was able to learn something new as well as spark interest in a possible major in my future endeavors."

                                                                          - TARGET VI (11th), 2021

Apply

Our application for Summer 2021 is closed. If you would like to be notified by our program when next year's application is released, please complete the following interest form. 

For more information, contact:

Aisha Ciafullo, Ed.M
Rutgers School of Engineering OSS
98 Brett Road, Room B-110
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8058
Telephone: (848) 445-1396
Fax: (732) 445-5878