The Future Falcon and Future Educator Academies are complementary but distinct: the Future Falcon Academy introduces middle schoolers to college life, while the Future Educator Academy supports high school students interested in education or people-centered careers through professional and skills development opportunities.
Fitchburg State University’s Future Falcon Academy and Future Educator Academy are innovative pipeline programs that open doors for underrepresented youth—especially English language learners—to see themselves as future college students and inspiring educators.
Through immersive on-campus experiences and mentorship rooted in culturally responsive practices, these academies empower young learners to build confidence, find community, and dream big about their futures in higher education and the classroom.
Our Mission: Empower. Inspire. Transform.
These programs are designed to:
- Provide Early Access and Hands-On Experiences - Introduce middle and high school students to the college environment through engaging, interactive activities that spark curiosity and confidence.
- Foster Identity and Belonging - Create inclusive spaces where students feel seen, valued, and supported in envisioning themselves as college-bound scholars and future professionals.
- Build Clear Pathways to Higher Education - Guide students from middle school through high school and into college, especially those from communities historically underrepresented in higher education and the teaching profession.
- Grow a Diverse Educator Workforce - Recruit and nurture future teachers who reflect the rich cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity of today’s classrooms.
- Champion Culturally Responsive Learning - Deliver programming that affirms student identity, promotes equity, and equips participants to thrive in diverse educational settings.
Together, the Future Falcon Academy and Future Educator Academy are more than programs—they are powerful movements to reimagine who belongs in college and who leads in our schools.
Join us in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.
Future Falcon Academy
Future Falcon Academy engages middle school students who are English learners. They join Fitchburg State University for four days during their February or April school vacations to participate in highly engaging workshops in areas such as Science, Literature, the Arts, Criminal Justice, Health, Human Services, and more. Additionally, the university hosts a Future Falcon Academy All-Stars Day in the summer, which is a special event that brings back participating students for a day of fun and celebration on campus.
Future Educator Academy
Future Educator Academy serves diverse high school students who join Fitchburg State University's campus for one day in the fall and one day in the spring. The academy offers “badges” (certificates for attending full-day workshops) on a range of topics, including:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Supporting Students’ Mental Wellness in the Classroom
- Equity and Diversity in a Multicultural Society
- Peer Mediation and Conflict Resolution
- Career Planning and My Future
See pictures below from our Falcon Badges program. Students completed a badge focused on topics in education; peer mediation and conflict resolution techniques, activity facilitation, financial literacy and financial planning, and working with students who are underserved, traditionally marginalized, and disenfranchised.
The Future Educator and Future Falcon Academy are designed to introduce middle and high schoolers to the community and opportunities that Fitchburg State offers. We want them to feel empowered to envision themselves in higher education and know that they belong here.
