Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP)

The Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) is a free, multi-year college preparation program at Princeton University for high-achieving high school students from lower-income families in Mercer County, New Jersey. Scholars attend three summer institutes on Princeton's campus, each lasting about six and a half weeks, beginning the summer after sophomore year. Summer courses cover art, writing, science, literature, math, and a college prep track with test preparation and admissions guidance. During the school year, scholars join weekly after-school enrichment sessions, cultural outings, and an overnight fall college tour in junior and senior year. In senior year, PUPP helps students and their parents with college applications and financial aid, and it keeps supporting alumni through college. The program has run since 2001 and charges no tuition.

Open only to students at four partner high schools in Mercer County, NJ: Ewing High School, Lawrence High School, Nottingham High School in Hamilton, and Trenton Central High School. Selection gives priority to students with strong academic potential who would be the first in their family to attend a four-year college. Students are invited to apply in the spring of their freshman year. After a competitive application, a committee from Princeton's Emma Bloomberg Center for Access & Opportunity chooses each cohort.