In mid-June, 37 high school students interested in a career in teaching traveled to Ball State University to take part in the second year of a unique program offered by Teachers College. The innovative Flight Path to Teaching Adventure program, offered free of charge thanks to an Indiana Youth Programs on Campus Lilly Endowment grant, was open to rising high school juniors and seniors from across the state.

Participants in the program spent four days at Camp Adventure serving at apprentice teachers for the Summer Learning Fun at Camp Adventure, alongside camp counselors and current Ball State students. Throughout the week, the apprentice teachers assisted with lessons and activities for the third graders attending camp, and had the opportunity to teach their own lessons at the end of the week. On the final day, the apprentice teachers were joined by their families at Camp Adventure. They showcased their accomplishments from the week, engaged in camp activities such as the ropes course and fishing, and shared a delicious picnic lunch together.

In the afternoons, upon returning to campus, the students took part in various campus activities hosted by the Welcome Center, the Learning Center, and the Career Center. These activities aimed to provide participants with insights into the college experience at Ball State. In the evenings, they bonded as they participated in community and teaching-related activities. They explored their creativity by painting hand-thrown pottery made locally, visited Minnetrista, attended a Bob Ross painting workshop, and participated in a STEM lesson.

Speaking about their week afterwards, participants had glowing feedback:

This camp was an amazing experience that I enjoyed immensely, and it taught me valuable lessons such as patience, perseverance, and how to work with children. All of the college students, teachers, and faculty members were extremely helpful in the process. I also valued having people my age in the experience as well, we made so many memories.

The biggest impact in this program can be seen in the numbers. Out of the 18 eligible students who participated in last year’s Flight Path to Teaching Adventure Program, a whopping 11 will be attending Ball State University in the fall as Teachers College majors. Many thanks to the Lilly Endowment for making this program possible.