Students Experience College Life During 2024 Sports Communication Pre-College Program at Montclair University
Experience College Life: Highlights from the 2024 Sports Communication Pre-College Program
This summer, high school students experienced college life in an exciting and immersive way through Montclair State University’s Pre-College Program. Held from July 14-20, this unique initiative attracted over 250 students, providing them with a taste of academia, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience in various fields, including Film and Television Production, Social Media Success, Animation/VFX, and of course, Sports Communication.
Living the College Experience
Imagine spending a week living on campus, where every day brings new learning opportunities and adventures. That’s precisely what students like Saanvi Lamba and Leidylis Montalbo enjoyed. Saanvi, a rising sophomore from North Brunswick Township High School, remarked, “I made great connections and had professors who specialize in different areas. The program was amazing. We learned a lot and connected with people who are always willing to help you.”
Saanvi was part of the Sports Communication program, where the focal point was on exploring various aspects of the sports field, including reporting, marketing, and social media strategies. The week culminated in a thrilling field trip to a Red Bulls game, which not only energized the students but also showcased real-world applications of their classroom learning.
Behind the Scenes with Industry Professionals
No program would be complete without a visit to some of the industry’s leading organizations. For the Film and Television Production cohort, a field trip to CNBC opened students’ eyes to the inner workings of a major broadcasting network. Rising junior Cassandra Orenstein shared her excitement about being "behind the scenes." She noted how these experiences enriched her understanding of the television industry and provided her with valuable insights into the creative process.
The Social Media Success students also stepped into the professional world, embarking on a visit to top agencies like M Booth and Thatcher + Co. Rising sophomore Luke Bridges expressed his intrigue, saying, “It was interesting to learn how companies find influencers to promote their clients.” These field trips allowed students to see firsthand the diverse career paths available in communication and media.
A Welcoming Environment
One of the most critical aspects of the program was ensuring that students felt at home in an unfamiliar environment. Leidylis, who expressed her initial anxiety about staying away from home for the first time, found comfort quickly. “The environment felt very safe and welcoming,” she shared. "All the professors and peer mentors were nice, I made a lot of new friends and learned a lot during the week.”
This nurturing atmosphere is precisely what Dr. Keith Strudler, Director of the School of Communication and Media, hopes to achieve: an immersive introduction to college life that helps students feel confident and excited about their future endeavors.
Words of Wisdom from Alumni
The program not only nurtured current students but also played a role in shaping the futures of its alumni. Tori Mcklaine, a former Pre-College participant now attending Montclair State, returned to share her journey with the current cohort. “You need to start getting ahead as soon as you can,” she advised, emphasizing the importance of seizing unique opportunities. Her experiences during the Pre-College program had a significant impact on her decision to enroll at Montclair, showcasing the program’s success in inspiring future students.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the week-long program concluded, participants were buzzing with excitement about what they had learned and the connections they’d made. The immersive college experience helped countless students envision their futures, potentially as students at Montclair State University.
For those interested in exploring undergraduate programs at Montclair, information is available here. Keep an eye out for application details for the 2025 Pre-College Program, which will be released in Early Spring 2025.
In a world where digital media plays a pivotal role in communication, programs like this are vital in preparing the next generation of professionals.
Whether you dream of being a sports reporter, a filmmaker, or a social media strategist, Montclair’s Pre-College Program lays the foundation for a glorious future in the industry. So, what are you waiting for? Your college experience could be just around the corner!