The mission is simple: Empower, inspire and transform. Fitchburg State University’s Future Falcon Academy recently welcomed middle school students from Fitchburg, Leominster, Ayer/Shirley and Gardner for the Future Falcon Academy All Stars Summer 2025 event. This immersive full-day experience provided each student with a fun and meaningful introduction to university life. Students participated in a variety of engaging activities, including a self-defense workshop, a "walk and talk" session, and recreational time in the game room. The day also featured lunch at the Holmes Dining Commons, an interactive session exploring emergency and service vehicles up close at the Fitchburg State University Police Department, and an Upward Bound showcase to celebrate the talents and efforts of those talented participants. “The Future Falcon Academy is designed to introduce middle schoolers to the community and opportunities that Fitchburg State University offers,” Fitchburg State University Coordinator of the Future Falcon Academy Lourdes Ramirez said. “Whether it’s learning a new skill in the self-defense workshop, bonding during game room fun, or speaking with our campus police and safety professionals, every activity is intentional. We want the middle school students to feel empowered to envision themselves in higher education and know that they belong here at Fitchburg State University.” Ramirez says that events like these are all about creating positive, welcoming experiences that build confidence and can be the spark that drives a student to pursue their goals. “Exposure is everything,” Ramirez said. “For many students, especially first-generation college-bound youth, just stepping onto a college campus can shift their mindset. When they get to walk through the quad, eat in the dining hall, or meet professionals from educators to campus police, it makes the idea of college more tangible and real. We’re not just saying college is possible, we’re showing them what it looks like and, more importantly, what it feels like.” University Police Chief Michael Cloutier describes a commitment to fostering strong, foundational relationships between his officers and students, embracing every opportunity to engage with students. These interactions, he said, are crucial for building trust and open communication. “Our ongoing collaboration with Fitchburg State University's Future Falcon Academy is invaluable,” Cloutier said. “It's not just about fostering professional partnerships; it's a real opportunity to build positive relationships and trust with middle school children, shaping a safer and more connected future for everyone involved. I would like to thank our city partners – the Fitchburg Police and Fitchburg Fire departments – for their participation, as well as our university colleagues in the School of Education and Capital Planning and Maintenance.” The students said they loved the experience of being on campus and attending the Future Falcon Academy. “It’s a really nice place to be; it’s very calming and the classrooms are a really nice size,” said soon-to-be Leominster High ninth grader Gabrielle Ellis. “Everything just works together.” “Fitchburg State is really nice and I’m going to try to come here when I’m older,” said Longsjo Middle School eighth grader Enzo Nunez. In the self-defense workshop, instructed by owner Tonya Peters of Force Defense & Fitness of Holden, students gained knowledge, skills, and mindset to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. “I like self-defense because it teaches you how to protect yourself in future situations,” Ellis said. Angel Marroquin, a seventh grader at Sky View Middle School in Leominster, said he enjoyed playing billiards and Nintendo with his friends in the game room. Nunez enjoyed the Touch-a-Truck event in the parking lot of the police station. “I was excited to see what the fire trucks looked like on the inside, and what the police cars looked like,” he said. Fitchburg State University’s Future Falcon Academy and Future Educator Academy are innovative pipeline programs that open doors for underrepresented youth—especially English language learners—to see themselves as future college students and inspiring educators. Through immersive on-campus experiences and mentorship rooted in culturally responsive practices, these academies empower young learners to build confidence, find community, and dream big about their futures in higher education and the classroom. These programs are designed to: provide early access and hands-on experiences, foster identity and belonging, build clear pathways to higher education, grow a diverse educator workforce and champion culturally responsive learning.