Future Educators Academy

The Future Educators Academy at The College of New Jersey is a week-long residential summer program for high school sophomores and juniors (rising juniors and seniors) from NJ public schools who are interested in pursuing a career in education. This intensive program focuses on social justice in education and is designed to inform students of the importance of teaching and the ability of educators to affect change both in and beyond the classroom.

Hands-On Experience

Students will gain an overall understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in various education settings through a rich program that provides:

Individual and group learning experiences
Insight and instruction from education professionals
Field trips to local communities and institutions
Practical application of new concepts and ideas

Students will also gain familiarity with the classroom from a teacher’s perspective—planning and delivering mini-lessons to elementary school children.

Admissions & Requirements

This program aims to recruit students from marginalized and underrepresented groups, although any qualified student from an NJ public high school may apply. Selection is based on short essays, teacher recommendations, extracurricular activities, and a minimum GPA requirement. Applicants may also be interviewed. These virtual interviews will take place April 22–26.

Admission to the Academy is competitive, as spaces are limited. Participants will be required to complete pre-assignments, a portfolio of work which will culminate in a capstone presentation, and written reflections. The application for the 2024 Academy will open February 1.

“As soon as I came back from camp, I was like, we’ve got to get something started at my school! So now we have an [NJFEA] club. This year we started marketing and bringing more people in.”

—Liana Rodriguez (Summer 2022 Participant)

“I’m more of an introverted person, but by the end of that week…I was presenting to so many people that I didn’t know…and I shocked myself! Did I really just present things that I was passionate about?”

—Uma Mistry (Summer 2022 Participant)

“Don’t let your nerves get in the way of a great opportunity. I was super nervous for [teaching the elementary school students], but the hesitation all went away. It was a beautiful experience, honestly.”