William Paterson University’s Aspiring Educators program has been awarded a transformative $583,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) Office of Apprenticeship’s Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) program. The funding will support a major expansion of this innovative initiative aimed at building a diverse pipeline of future K-12 teachers.

Now in its fifth year, the Aspiring Educators program introduces high school students—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—to the teaching profession through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

“This is a one-of-a-kind program that addresses two urgent challenges in New Jersey: the teacher shortage and the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the field,” says David Fuentes, program founder and associate dean of William Paterson’s College of Education.

Real Teaching Experience, Real Impact

During the summer, participants split their day between taking a college-level course on WP’s campus and working as teaching assistants in either the University’s Summer Youth Program or Paterson Public Schools’ Extended School Year program. They work with certified teachers in implementing free math and literacy enrichment activities for local elementary students on campus, gaining valuable teaching experience while helping younger learners thrive.

The aspiring educators receive a $2,000 stipend, earn resume-building credentials, and complete a three-credit WP education course—all before graduating high school.

“Great K-12 outcomes require teacher experience,” Fuentes says. “Teaching is both a science and an art.”

A Year-Round Pathway to the Profession

Thanks to the new grant, the Aspiring Educators program will now run year-round. Rising high school juniors and seniors will be able to take three WP education courses across the summer, fall, and spring semesters—earning nine transferable college credits.

The funding will also:

•   Provide a living-wage stipend, enabling students to prioritize coursework and vocational skill building over other part-time jobs

•   Supply free laptops preloaded with educator tools

•   Offer access to a virtual wellness coach and wellness resources to help students manage social and emotional stressors

“We’ve learned that cultivating future teachers means addressing the barriers they face—many of which are social and emotional,” Fuentes adds.

Strong Partnerships, Stronger Futures

This year, the program is serving 64 students from seven partner high schools: Bloomfield, Clifton, Passaic, Paterson, Haledon, Dover, and Manchester Regional. Those 64 students will directly benefit from the NJDOL PACE grant.

“Pre-apprenticeship programs are vital in bridging the gap between education and the workforce, equipping participants with essential skills and experience to excel in their careers,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “We are proud to have committed partners in William Paterson University, whose Aspiring Educators program demonstrates an admirable dedication to preparing our future teachers to make a significant impact in our schools and our communities.”

Financial support for Aspiring Educators has also come from the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), federal grants, participating school districts, and area businesses—underscoring the widespread commitment to growing a diverse, future-ready teaching workforce.

“It’s humbling to see how many people are rallying around the issues we’re working to solve,” Fuentes says. “This is what it takes to change public education. William Paterson is proud to be at the heart of that change.”