FAQ

  • If I have a question concerning the ASPIRE Program that is not answered in the frequently asked questions, who do I need to contact?

  •  If you do not find the answer to your question, please send your question to StemAspire@wpunj.edu.

  • When did the ASPIRE-STEM Program begin?

  • The ASPIRE-STEM Program began in the Spring 2022 term and had its first cohort of students in Summer 2022. New cohorts will begin each Summer of the remaining years of the grant program.

  • Do I have to declare a certain major to be a part of this program?

  • Yes, due to the nature of the grant students must be enrolled full-time in one of the majors listed below; if you are enrolled in another major, or if you are a part-time student, please be advised that you will not be eligible for this program:

    Mathematics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Information Technology, Biology, Environmental Sustainability, Exercise Physiology

    Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Earth Science, Medicinal Biochemistry, Integrated Math and Science

  • My school is not listed as one of the partner schools, can I still apply for this program?

  • Yes! You may apply if you think you meet the eligibility criteria even if your school is not listed as a partner school.

  • What are the benefits of joining the ASPIRE Program?

  • Great question! There are numerous benefits to joining this program, including the following:

    • Financial support, including funding for transportation, meals, and textbook costs
    • Access to personal academic coaching to support your academic and career goals as you complete your degree program
    • Access to peer and faculty mentors to support your academic and professional development
    • Access to Supplemental Instruction (SI) to provide academic support both in and outside of the classroom
    • Participation in our Summer Programs, where you will be able to interact with faculty, students, and program staff to acclimate to William Paterson University and your respective fields of interest
    • Opportunities for research, internships, and other forms of work-based learning to refine your career-readiness skills

  • There are many financial aid opportunities such as “Pledge for Success”, “ASPIRE Program” and “MaCS Scholarship” at WPU and “Garden State Guarantee” from the state. How do I know which financial aid gives me the maximum benefit? Do I apply to all of them?

  • The Financial Aid Office at WPU provides financial consultation to help you figure out which options best maximize your benefits. Please send an email to FinAid@wpunj.edu to schedule an appointment with one of the financial aid experts.

  • Do I need to apply for enrollment into the ASPIRE program and, if yes, when is the application due?

  •  YES! If not done so already, please fill out the ASPIRE STEM Program Application form. This form is required to be considered as a participant in the ASPIRE Program, as well as the Summer Programs. The application for the Summer 2025 cohort is due by Sunday, June 22, 2025. Early application submission is strongly encouraged!

  • I may not be able to commute by car to campus. What are my options to attend my Summer Program?

  • Please visit the following webpage to learn more about public transportation options to visit the William Paterson University campus: https://www.wpunj.edu/commuter/services.html

  • What will happen in cases of inclement weather?

  •  ASPIRE Staff will contact all program participants no later than by 6:30 AM if any changes to the program schedule are necessary due to weather conditions. Also, visit the University website for information regarding campus closing. In addition, make sure you are signed up for university emergency text notifications. In cases of campus closure, information will be communicated to participants regarding steps to ensure participation credit for that day of the program.

  • Is there an on-campus housing option for students to participate in the summer programs?

  • Please be advised that there is no on-campus housing available for transfer students participating in the Summer Research Experience Program for Transfer/Current Students.

    However, there IS an optional, no cost on-campus housing option available for incoming Freshman students participating in the 10-day Summer Bridge Program. Below are some details regarding this opportunity:

    Incoming Freshman students will have the option to reside on campus for the following days and be provided the following meals; both meals and housing are at no-cost to the student and are covered by the ASPIRE grant:

    Student will have the option to reside on campus for the following days and be provided the following meals FOR FREE; both meals and housing are at no-cost to the student, they are covered by the ASPIRE grant:

            • WEEK 1: 
              • Move-in on Sunday 7/6 by 7 PM (snacks provided)
              • Reside on campus Sunday 7/6 through Thursday 7/10 (provided breakfast/lunch/dinner 7/7 through 7/9)
              • Move out will be Thursday 7/10 by 4 PM (provided breakfast and lunch)
            • WEEK 2:
              • Move-in on Sunday 7/13 by 7 PM (snacks provided)
              • Reside on campus Sunday 7/13 through Thursday 7/17 (provided breakfast/lunch/dinner 7/14 through 7/16)
              • Move out will be Thursday 7/17 by 4 PM (provided breakfast and lunch)
            • WEEK 3:
              • Move-in on Sunday 7/20 by 7 PM (snacks provided)
              • Reside on campus Sunday 7/20 through Tuesday 7/22 (provided breakfast/lunch/dinner on 7/21)
              • Move out will be Tuesday 7/22 by 4 PM (provided breakfast and lunch)

    NOTE: Students are not allowed to reside on campus Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the program. All University, campus housing and ASPIRE Program rules and policies must be adhered to in order to remain in the housing program.   


    Any students who elect not to participate in this summer housing program will be responsible for commuting to William Paterson University for the 10-day Summer Bridge Program. Commuter-based participants will be provided with daily meal vouchers for lunch and a transportation stipend will be provided to students at the completion of the program.