FUTURE EDUCATOR ACADEMY

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Millersville University is excited to host the Future Educator Academy 2026, a residential college experience for high school students, held on our campus from July 12–18, 2026. Space is limited, and preference will be given to applications received by April 1, 2026. We invite high school students (with preference given to rising juniors) who are serious about pursuing careers in education (teaching, social work, guidance counseling, administration, etc.).

As a Grow Your Own program and in response to the teacher shortage crisis, many school districts will cover part or all of their students' $750 tuition for the week. Students are encouraged to check with their school districts to determine whether all or part of their tuition could be paid, so they can accurately complete the application.

The School District of Lancaster covered the full tuition ($750) for SDOL students in 2025!

For More Information:  email Miriam.Witmer@millersville.edu or call 717-871-4167

Future Educators PathwayS

The Future Educators Academy is just one component of the Future Educators Pathways, a comprehensive mentoring and educational program that can begin as early as Middle School. The program supports local students aspiring to become educators stay the course all the way through college graduation and being hired as a local teacher! In fact, students who make it to graduate are guaranteed an interview at the school district from which they graduated! There are 4 main components of the Future Educators Pathways:

  1. Side By Side in-person seminars during middle and high school
  2. Summer Future Educator Academy: a residential college experience during summer of Junior year in high school
  3. Dual Enrollment during Junior and Senior years of High School
  4. Mentoring throughout the entire process (Mentoring Educators for Tomorrow Program)

Interested in learning more about Millersville University's Initiative?

Check out this document that explains the program and its components. 

Graphic depicting the progression of the Future Educators Pathway. The pathway begins in middle or high school when students engage in “Side By Side” in-school seminars centered on personal development, leadership, and education. In their junior year of high school, students are encouraged to attend the Future Educators Academy, a week-long residential college experience focused on professional development, leadership, and the skills needed to succeed in college. During Junior and Senior Years of High School, students can begin their college studies through dual enrollment. Through all steps of the way, from middle school through graduation, students are supported by mentoring. For students who persist through graduation, they are guaranteed an interview at their home school district.

Why Future Educators?

There continues to be a need for creative, culturally-responsive educators here in the Lancaster County area. Millersville is committed to investing in local students interested in becoming educators!

The Impact

The Future Educators Pathway has been active at Millersville University since 2007! Currently, over 30 graduates are serving in both teaching and leadership roles in schools across Lancaster County.

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ABC 27 New Coverage

Watch our Future Educator Academy in action—where passion meets purpose in the classroom!