Bloomfield Summer Programs

Bridging the Past and the Future: Africana Studies Summer Institute

Date: July 20, 2026 – August 14, 2026 (Summer Session F)
Instructor: Dr. Leah Gaines

The Africana Studies Summer Institute is a four‑week, hands-on academic and community‑building experience for incoming and current Bloomfield and Montclair students, as well as Visiting students enrolled at other universities. Through two foundational Africana Studies courses (AFS 105: Introduction to Africana Studies and AFS 207: African American History to 1877), students will earn 6 credit hours of required SEEDS (Gen Ed) courses. In the process, students will explore the histories, cultures, and intellectual traditions of African peoples and the African diaspora, while developing the academic skills, cultural awareness, and peer networks that will support their success throughout college. Students will also participate in experiential learning opportunities, including field trips to regional sites.

This program is designed as a launchpad for lifelong learning, leadership, and civic engagement. Students will leave with a deeper understanding of the African American experience, sharpened critical thinking skills, and a completed portfolio artifact they can showcase in future academic and professional contexts.

Program Benefits

• Gain hands-on learning experiences focused on community and culture through the Africana Studies Summer Institute at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University.
• Earn college credit through AFS 105: Introduction to Africana Studies and AFS 207: African American History to 1877, both of which count toward our General Education SEEDS requirements.
• Engage in experiential learning through work in our community garden and field trips to regional sites such as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Weeksville Heritage Center, and the Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium.

Choose Your Track

• Commuter Track: $3,600 (includes in-state tuition and fees for 6 credit hours and field trip costs)
• Residential Track for In-State Students: $5,300 (includes residence hall lodging, daily meal plan, in-state tuition and fees for 6 credit hours, and field trip costs)
• Residential Track for Out-of-State Students: $7,925 (includes residence hall lodging, daily meal plan, out-of-state tuition and fees for 6 credit hours, and field trip costs)

Contact and Program Registration

Please contact Associate Dean Emily Ruth Rutter, ruttere@montclair.edu, to register for the program.

Visiting students need to complete the Montclair State University Visiting Student application.