MAAC News: JUne/ly 2025
- Andrea Smith-Morgan
- Jun 20
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Follow us on Instagram!
Summer Boot Camp 2025 Underway; New Virtual Option Added!
MAAC's 7th annual Summer College Readiness Boot Camp wrapped up its first week, setting
this year's cohort of high school scholars on a steady course for their college and career aspirations!
Advanced placement ELA teacher Charity Bracey worked with scholars to refine their writing skills, while college counselor Jose Mercado helped scholars navigate the common app used to apply to colleges and universities across the country.
"We are lucky to have such a supportive and compassionate staff, including two wonderful volunteers, who have connected so well with our scholars," said MAAC executive director Andrea Nicole Smith-Morgan. "It's rewarding to see them so engaged. They ask so many questions!"
Each day of boot camp, community engagement speakers present a 45-minute workshop to the scholars. Last week, entrepreneur Oona Callender spoke about the benefits of trade school, educator Candace Pryor-Brown shared strategies for navigating high school, Traveling Diary creator Kyra Peralte helped the scholars create vision boards, and Montclair State University admissions counselor Mario Carbajal provided helpful information about the university admissions process.
Virtual Boot Camp Registration Now Open!
For the first time ever, MAAC is adding a virtual college readiness boot camp to its summer lineup. Scholars will meet virtually with MAAC's executive director to discuss their goals, then be matched with MAAC's credentialed staff for virtual workshops specifically tailored to their areas of interest and need.
"We are excited to launch this new boot camp option, which provides customized, individualized instruction to high school students around their goals, needs, and schedule," said Andrea. "We've learned that transportation is an obstacle for many students, so this new program creates an opportunity for high school students who want to participate in boot camp but are held back because of transportation issues. It also works around a high school student's busy schedule—there are no obstacles to this program!"
To learn more about MAAC Virtual Boot Camp, contact Andrea at andrea@themaac.org.
MAAC Summer Boot Camp is made possible by grants from Essex Regional Educational Services Commission and Montclair Fund for Women.
MAAC Receives $6,000 Grant from Montclair Fund for Women
MAAC received a major boost for its Summer Boot Camp program, thanks to a grant from Montclair Fund for Women.
"Montclair Fund for Women has once again stepped up as a major supporter of MAAC's programs and services," said Andrea Nicole. "We are so grateful to president Lori Heninger and all the members of this organization, who share in our mission of providing opportunities to underserved youth. Because of this charitable group, we are able to offer scholarships to area youth and bring our holistic college and career readiness programming to more scholars summer after summer through our Summer Boot Camp program."
Scholar of the Month: Blake Ricketts
From Boot Camp to Ivy League in Just One Year
Blake Ricketts' resume reads like a Who's Who of Young Leaders in New Jersey. As Teaneck High School class president, Board of Education student liaison, and CEO of Teen Interns Learning Together, Blake leaves an undeniable impression of a young man on the path to academic and career success.
After receiving a scholarship to MAAC's 2024 Summer Boot Camp, Blake came into the program well prepared with smarts, skills, and leadership. But even leaders encounter obstacles. And questions, and doubts.
True to his ambitious spirit, Blake agreed to this interview in the midst of his final exams, just days before graduation. We're proud to share his story here, starting with Blake's recollection of how he felt just one year ago:
"Last summer when I registered for the MAAC Summer Boor Camp, I was nervous and overwhelmed because it was the first time it registered to me that I was going off to college in a year," he reflected.
You are a bright, confident, driven young leader. What mindset or philosophy has helped you be so successful?
My faith in God has made me successful because it has provided me with a foundation and a purpose in life. Through God, I was able to find my passion, which is leadership and guidance, and through that, I have been able to see the miracles that can occur through public service.
What challenges have you overcome?
One challenge I had to deal with was balancing my personal life and mental health alongside my leadership positions. It was challenging at times to separate the two; however, I ultimately understood that the satisfaction and happiness of those who looked up to me were more important than the personal struggles I faced.
What were you glad you did in high school? What are you most proud of?
I am grateful that I fully engaged in every opportunity available to me, from volunteering regularly during my freshman year to joining various clubs. I made it a priority to maximize my experiences, which ultimately paved my way to success. I take great pride in the legacy I've established among the youth at Teaneck High School, and I eagerly anticipate the remarkable achievements they will accomplish, surpassing my own.
Who inspires you, and why?
My mother and grandparents inspire me, as they have shown me just how far hard work and perseverance can take me in life.
What schools were you accepted to? Where are you attending?
Cornell University, Fordham University, Hofstra University, Kean University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, New York Institute of Technology, Pratt Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Temple University, The New School, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I am going to Cornell.
What are you most excited about in college?
I am excited to explore the field of architecture while also exploring a new environment and new way of living.
Where do you want to be in 5 years? 10? 20?
In five years, with God's will, I will graduate from the five-year Bachelor of Architecture program and will be prepared to enter the field of architecture. In ten years, I aspire to work with a leading firm, gaining advanced knowledge and experience. Ultimately, in twenty years, I hope to be a top-level executive or the owner of my own firm, actively pursuing my mission of becoming a Black starchitect.
How do you want others to see you?
(story continued below)
I want others to see me as someone they can reach out to and follow. I do not want my successes to drive me away from people; rather, I want them to inspire people to reach out and see their own excellence.
What advice about school and life would you give to younger students?
Give it your all. You don't have to be the best at one thing. Be well-rounded and put the most you can into whatever falls on your plate, even when it is not 100%.
Congratulations to Blake and all the 2025 graduating scholars!
College Reps Visit and Inspire MAAC Scholars at Shelters
MAAC capped off its school year program at the Turning Point and Harmony House shelters with two inspirational guest speakers from Ithaca College and Essex County College, who opened the teen residents' eyes to opportunities they might never have otherwise considered.
Ricky Castaneda, an admissions specialist from Essex County College, met with a high school freshman living at the Turning Point shelter and spoke with him about the school.
"Ricky met with one of our scholars in a beautiful one-on-one discussion, and they really connected," said Andrea Nicole. "He informed the young man of the many opportunities and degrees available at ECC, and explained the financial benefits of attending the county college. He also presented him with fun swag and gave him his business card so they can connect again. Our scholar left the session with a smile and, clearly, gratitude."
Over at Harmony House, Lakesha Watson, assistant director of regional recruitment at Ithaca College met with several high school scholars who reside at the Newark shelter.
"She showed them a video and talked about the supportive community at Ithaca. They asked tons of questions about the different majors, class schedules. These scholars had never heard of Ithaca, yet Lakesha made it seem attainable," said Andrea Nicole. "She even shared some fun Ithaca traditions and superstitions, which intrigued the teens. There was a true sense of connection with this school."
MAAC's after-school program at the two shelters is made possible through a partnership with Essex Regional Educational Services Commission.
MAAC Board Members
Eleanor Gil-Kashiwabara | Tanya Isler-Home | Nadine Verna | Tamara Williams
Mindful Awareness Academy for Children (MAAC), PO BOX 338, Montclair, NJ 07042
Commenti