TARGET (The Academy at Rutgers for Girls in Engineering and Technology)

TARGET (The Academy at Rutgers for Girls in Engineering and Technology) is a week-long summer engineering day program run by the Rutgers University School of Engineering for middle and high school students. Despite its name, it is open to qualifying students of any sex or gender identity. Sessions are organized by grade, with TARGET IV, V and VI serving students in 9th, 10th and 11th grade, and earlier sessions serving grades 6 through 8. Participants explore different engineering disciplines through workshops, hands-on activities, labs and projects led by student mentors and faculty. The program centers on the engineering design process and on students discussing STEM and sharing their experiences with one another. In summer 2026, the high school sessions ran in July, with TARGET IV from July 20 to 24, TARGET V from July 27 to 31, and TARGET VI from July 13 to 17. Sessions take place in person on Rutgers' Busch campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and families arrange their own transportation. Lunch and two snacks are provided daily. The one-week program cost $500 in 2026, and need-based sponsorship is available to accepted students.

Students apply to the session matching their current grade level at the time of application; the high school sessions are for students in 9th, 10th or 11th grade during the spring before the program. TARGET is open to all qualifying students regardless of sex, gender or gender identity. Applicants complete an online application form, and an interest form is available for updates.