Let's Talk About TORCH.

Student Testimonials

“TORCH has given us a safe place to express ourselves. We will always remember this experience for the people we have met and the impact they will forever have on us.”

What have you learned from TORCH?

“Here students will find mentors that really provide the help students need. TORCH is not just a summer camp, it’s an incredible place where everyone develops special bonds with each other while learning and sharing their experiences on what it takes to be a leader."

What does leadership mean to you?

“TORCH pushed us outside of our comfort zone and transformed us through new experiences and friendships. While this was new for many of us, and sometimes uncomfortable and hard, these moments allowed us to grow. Torch Leadership Academy has been an experience unlike any other and I am so thankful for my time here."

Learning Goals

By participating in TORCH programming, you will learn about and develop the following skills:

Embrace Challenges, Stand for What's Right

Courage goes beyond stepping out of your comfort zone, facing fears, and taking risks. It also involves the bravery to stand alone when necessary, advocating for what's right even when it's difficult. By demonstrating this courage, you'll build confidence, uncover your true potential, and reveal your hidden talents. Embracing these challenges is what will help you grow and experience the best life has to offer.

Master the Art of Dialogue

Effective communication is the key to meaningful relationships. Learn to articulate your thoughts clearly, listen attentively, and engage in constructive dialogues. Mastering the art of communication enhances your interpersonal connections and fosters a more empathetic and understanding community.

Be a Catalyst for Change

We inspire you to actively contribute to your communities. By promoting justice, inclusion, and collective engagement, you become more than just a learner — you become a change-maker. Stand up for your beliefs, make a positive impact, and be the catalyst for meaningful change in society.

Envisioning the Future and Fueling Dreams

Dare to dream big, set ambitious goals, and envision the future you desire. We guide you in turning those dreams into reality. Develop optimism, persistence, and strategic planning skills to fuel your determination and bring your visions to life.

Harness the Power of Mindfulness

Fully embrace the power of being present in each moment. Mindfulness enhances focus, reduces stress, and deepens self-awareness and empathy. Discover the transformative benefits of mindfulness to thrive in every aspect of life.

Creative Problem-Solving

Develop the ability to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to challenges. Learn to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome obstacles with confidence and ingenuity. Unlock your problem-solving potential to navigate life's challenges successfully in all areas of your life.

Team Success and Interpersonal Skills

Collaboration is the key to success, from group projects to professional teamwork. Recognize the value of different perspectives, foster positive social interactions, and build strong interpersonal skills. By embracing collaboration, you pave the way for shared success and achieve remarkable outcomes.

Thriving through Adversity

Life inevitably brings challenges, but resilience empowers you to persevere, recover, and learn from these experiences. It's about thriving, not just surviving, in the face of adversity. Develop the ability to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, emerging stronger and more determined than ever before.

Program Accommodations

Student Cost

It cost ZERO dollars for all students to apply and attend Torch Leadership Academy. This is possible through our wonderful donors and sponsors!

Meals

Meals are catered by Stockton University and are fully paid for by TORCH. Any dietary restrictions will be gathered and accommodated.

Housing

Students will reside overnight in on-campus dormitories in apartment suite-style living at Stockton University. Housing assignments aim to encourage new connections while ensuring comfort.

Stockton University

We are gracious to host TORCH at Stockton University! Click below to see the Residential Guide for all information regarding summer programs at Stockton, as well as the printable campus map and virtual tours (check out the Campus Center and Academic Spine). Please use these resources to orient yourself, students, and parents with the campus.

TORCH Forms

To participate, all students and parents/guardians will need to fill out a forms packet, which includes the Code of Student Conduct, Waiver and Release, Medical Release Form, and Housing Survey.

Students needing medication during their stay at TORCH should mention this in their Medical Release form. They will be responsible for administering their own medication.

These forms will be made available after applications close for TORCH 2024.

TORCH Packing List

To expedite questions and concerns, we provide a recommended packing list for all students. We highly recommend comfortable clothing for summer weather and closed-toed shoes. We will send a full packing list after applications close for TORCH 2024. Students will receive a TORCH drawstring bag at registration.

Program Requirements

There's no set number of participants required for our program to run. We strive for maintaining a maximum 2:1 student to staff ratio to provide for the best experience possible for participants.  In 2022, we hosted 60 students and 37 volunteers -- in 2023, we hosted 66 students and 43 volunteers.

We believe in quality over quantity, focusing on each student's individual growth.  High academic achievement, existing leadership roles, and resumes of experience are not necessary to apply to TORCH.  We seek students who are willing to learn and want to build skills to make an impact in their local communities.

Our Selection Committee considers students' interest & desire to learn, equity & accessibility, and readiness for the next level while choosing participants for the program.

Program Schedule

Our four-day summer leadership program will take place in July at Stockton University. The program will include a mix of high and low-energy activities, along with outdoor activities, weather permitting.

Student registration begins at 8 am on Saturday. All students should arrive no later than 8:30 am. We kindly ask that students do not bring their own cars. Drop-offs by parents or guardians are appreciated. For alternative arrangements, please reach out to us.

Students, family members, friends, and special guests are invited to our Closing Ceremony and Nonprofit Expo on Tuesday, from 4 pm to 6 pm in the Event Room A in the Campus Center at Stockton University. Students will start packing up from 2:45 pm, and parents can help between 3:00 - 4:00 pm before the ceremony starts.