East Rockaway High School wrapped up its second annual Future Fridays initiative last week with a comprehensive college and career planning bootcamp. The two-hour session, held in the school cafeteria from 8-10 a.m., brought together the entire senior class while underclassmen took the PSAT.

Launched last year by Director of Guidance John Madden, Future Fridays emerged directly from student feedback. Seniors were overwhelmed by the demands of the modern college application process – maintaining strong grades, achieving competitive standardized test scores, building impressive extracurricular portfolios and completing extensive application materials. When the district asked how it could help alleviate this mounting pressure, Future Fridays became the solution.

The program represents a collaborative effort between the guidance and English departments. For five consecutive Fridays each fall, senior English periods are transformed into dedicated college and career planning sessions. Students use this protected time to work on college essays, complete applications, apply for financial aid, build resumes, prepare military applications or explore online job boards – whatever their post-graduation path requires.

The initiative culminates in a sixth-week bootcamp, a mandatory two-hour event where the cafeteria transforms into a hub of activity. Multiple stations offer targeted support: guidance on the CUNY and Common applications, on-site college admissions assistance, resume workshops, Nassau Community College application help, work and trade program guidance, and essay writing support, among other resources.

The bootcamp's scheduling is intentional. By taking place before free SUNY application week, students are positioned to submit their applications during that crucial period when application fees are waived.

According to Mr. Madden, the program delivers benefits beyond simply providing time. It significantly reduces student stress while allowing individual counseling sessions to become more focused and personalized. Instead of spending meetings navigating application logistics, counselors can address each student's specific goals and circumstances.

With East Rockaway's college attendance rates continuing to rise, Future Fridays is making a meaningful difference in preparing students for their next chapter.