Montclair Pre-College Program a Fun Experience for High School Students Learning About Sports, Film, Social Media and Animation

During a week living on Montclair’s campus this summer, high school students spent four days in the classroom, took a day-long field trip, worked on a group project, made new friends, networked with professors and professionals in their field of interest, and learned more about the energy and social life of living in a college dorm. In other words, it was like an introduction to college life packed into seven fun days.

More than 250 students participated in one of 12 programs from July 14-20, including more than 75 rising sophomores, juniors and seniors who enrolled in one of four programs run by School of Communication and Media professors: Film and Television Production, Sports Communication, Social Media Success and Influencer Marketing, and Animation/VFX.

“I’ve always been very passionate about sports. Before coming here, I didn’t know about so many different aspects of the field, but I’m definitely interested in going into sports reporting,” said Saanvi Lamba, a rising sophomore from North Brunswick Township High School who was part of the Sports Communications cohort. “I made great connections and had professors who specialize in different areas. We received a lot of individual attention and had all our questions answered. The program was amazing (video recap of the Sports Communication program can be found here). We learned a lot and connected with people who are always willing to help you.”

Each program offered a field trip, which included trips to CNBC (Film and Television Production), a Red Bulls game (Sports Communication) and PR/Strategic Communications agencies M Booth and Thatcher + Co. (Social Media Success).

“The trip to CNBC was really cool,” said Cassandra Orenstein, a rising junior from Warren Hills High School who was part of the Film and Television Production program. “We saw so much behind-the-scenes work, things I didn’t understand (because you see it from the other side) on television. Learning to work with groups and be around people and how to film and act has been an amazing experience. I spent most of my time in the writing classes and that was a lot of fun for me.”

“My favorite part was our trip to New York when we visited the agencies and learned about the different types of jobs available in PR, Social Media or working with influencers,” said Luke Bridges, a rising sophomore from West Orange High School. “It was interesting to learn how companies find influencers to promote their clients and how much money it costs to have those influencers.”

One of the highlights for the Social Media Success group was an unexpected visit from two former Pre-College students. Tori Mcklaine of Sicklerville, NJ enrolled at Montclair for the Fall 2024 semester after participating in the 2023 Pre-College Social Media Success program. Mcklaine contacted the Social Media program director after she learned the 2024 Pre-College program coincided with the University’s Bridge Program, which allows students to earn credits toward their degree before their first semester.

“You need to start getting ahead as soon as you can,” the Journalism and Digital Media major told the students. “It is a foot race to the end when you are in college and there are people that are already putting in the work before they set foot on campus. Take advantage of unique opportunities like this and have fun while you’re doing it,” she said.

Niles Scott was also part of the Social Media Success program last summer and said the experience factored heavily into his decision to attend Montclair. “Being here for that week definitely influenced me. I met a couple of students who already committed here, made friends and met some nice professors. And the campus is beautiful. We got to see all of it during that week and that helped, too.” Scott is enrolled in the College of the Arts, pursuing a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in School & Community Settings.

“We think of the Pre-College program as an immersive introduction to being a college student and what it would be like for students to be part of School of Communication and Media and our campus community,” said Dr. Keith Strudler, Director, School of Communication and Media. “The feedback we received from students and parents has been incredible. It’s exciting for high school students to get a taste of college life, and specifically what Montclair and the School of Communication and Media can offer.”

A critical part of the program is to ensure students feel welcome in a new and uncertain environment. “I never did anything like this before; this was even my first time sleeping out of my house,” said Leidylis Montalbo, a rising senior from Beloved Community Charter High School in Jersey City, NJ. “I was anxious before coming here but as soon as I got to campus, the environment felt very safe and welcoming. All the professors and peer mentors were nice, I made a lot of new friends and learned a lot during the week.”

Students interested in applying to any of the undergraduate programs can find more information here. Application information about the 2025 Pre-College Program will be available early in the Spring 2025 semester.

Story by Keith Green, School of Communication and Media