Camden Academy Students "Aim High" As They Graduate From Rutgers College Prep Program

Camden Academy Charter High School is proud to announce the successful completion of Aim High Academy by four rising Camden Academy seniors. Natalie Guzman, Nicole Muns, Nathaniel Muns and Joshua Stauffer will graduate from the Aim High Academy at Rutgers–Camden on Friday, July 25 at 3 pm. Hosted by Rutgers-Camden, the Aim High Academy (AHA) is a free summer residential program, which focuses on college and career preparation.

The students learned of the program from 11th grade Camden Academy guidance counselor Joseph Varga, and then later applied for enrollment themselves.

“Senior year comes with many other obligations and deadlines and the time to research colleges just won't be there. Summer programs between junior and senior year that help students with the college search process are an invaluable resource to students and parents,” said Varga.

The three-week program entails college-level math and writing courses, as well as SAT prep courses conducted through the Princeton Review. Students also attended college and career seminars, as well as trips to other colleges within the region.

“You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it. Similarly, you have to walk onto a college campus and take a look around and get a feel for it. You will have to live there for four years so you need to be able to see yourself in that environment day after day, year after year,” said Varga.

Unlike other schools, Camden Academy’s responsibility to its students does not just stop at graduation. Instead, guidance counselors, staff and administrations continuously guide students on their path to post-secondary education.

Camden Academy Charter High School is currently partnered with Camden County College and is actively working with higher education to further their commitment to students’ futures.

During the month of July, 120 students participated in Camden Academy’s Best Summer Ever Program. The program allowed students to attend Camden County College courses and participate in team-building exercises and field trips every week. This program, along with all network school programs, was offered to students completely free of charge.

In addition, of Camden Academy’s entire 2014 graduating class, 94 percent of students will go on to attend a college or university in the fall.