Higher Initiative proJECT

The Higher Initiative Project (HIP) application process is the pathway for students going into high school to access the Small Learning Communities (SLCs) and other special programs within JCPS district high schools. This application process takes place in February/March of the spring semester of 8th grade.

SLCs give students the opportunity to access college- and career-oriented learning and, in many cases, to dual credit courses that earn them college credit during high school. Some SLCs allow students to graduate from high school with a 2-year Associates Degree completed. Examples of SLCs include: Legal Profession and Public Safety, Graphic and Media Arts, Culinary Arts, Fashion Design, Cosmetology, Finance, Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism, and Green Construction. If a student is part of an SLC, their elective classes will be classes related to that SLC—similar to the way the "majors" are set up at High Tech/County Prep. Some SLCs offer unique opportunities, like the CISCO Certification in Network Administration offered through Liberty High School or the President's Scholarship that awards a full scholarship to NJCU to Innovation High School students who achieve a 3.0 GPA and a combined 900 SAT score. Learn more about the SLCs in the HIP Fair Fliers and High School Tour Reviews linked below.

Students select their SLC when they complete the HIP application. The middle school counselor assists students and parents with completing the application and provides the application deadline. The completed application goes to the Secondary Division to be distributed to the high school review to determine acceptance. There are two rounds to review the application.  If the student is not accepted into their first SLC choice, the application goes to the second choice to review for acceptance.  If the student is not accepted into their first two choices, they will then attend their home school.  Most students are accepted into their first choice.