The New Jersey Orators is a non-profit organization serving over 5,000 youth from 7 to 18 years of age since its inception in 1985 with the mission to teach the art of public speaking, an appreciation for literature, reading and media arts literacy, and life skills in preparation for college. We welcome all students in middle school and high school as well as their parents. We also welcome school counselors and teachers who advice students and parents about pre-college programs and college choices.

By offering the Beyond High School 1/2 Day Conference and Workshops, New Jersey Orators is fulfilling its vision as an educational organization committed to developing confident youth with the ability to succeed. As a recent New Jersey Black Issues Conference award recipient of the Community Change in Education Award, we feel communicating about proven practices, programs and research in a community environment will help increase student success. 

Research on college readiness, including the demographics of the students in pre-college programs, retention and success rates of high school graduates, and identification of practices that increase student achievement, show that students and parents lack the necessary information to prepare students for success in college. This conference and workshops provide the necessary information that will help to:

•   Improve the success of students enrolling in pre-college programs, 

•   Identify life skills sets sought by admissions officers, and 

•   Provide parents with financial information and knowledge that will assist them in being financially prepared for their children to attend college.