Volunteer Kick-Off
Torch Leadership Academy Kicks Off 2025 Program with 57 Volunteers at Stockton University
Haddon Township, NJ – July 17, 2025
Torch Leadership Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young change makers, begins its 2025 summer program this Friday at Stockton University with its annual Staff Training Day.
This year’s cohort includes 57 volunteer staff members—a mix of college students, young professionals, educators, and program alumni—who will prepare for the arrival of 120 high school students from 60 schools across the region. These volunteers play a vital role in leading workshops, mentoring students, and ensuring a transformative experience throughout the four-day residential program.
Volunteers are traveling from across New Jersey and from cities like Los Angeles, Nashville, and Boston, representing a wide range of fields including education, healthcare, law, technology, engineering, and the arts.
“Our staff are the heartbeat of this program,” said Bryan O’Donnell, President of Torch Leadership Academy. “Their generosity, energy, and commitment create a culture where students feel safe to explore who they are and how they want to lead.”
“Torch Leadership Academy has positively impacted many aspects of my life,” said Ally Townsend, a volunteer Senior Counselor and alumna of Pinelands Regional High School. “It helped me grow as a student, a teammate, and a leader.”
The training day will include counselor workshops, program walk through, and setup of student accommodations to ensure a supportive, high-impact experience from the moment students arrive.
This year’s volunteer team includes 57 individuals who collectively donated over 2,700 hours to ensure the program’s success. The program was free of charge thanks to the generous support of donors and grant making partners such as Atlantic City Electric, the Jon Ben Snow Memorial Trust, WSFS Cares Foundation, Haddon Township Equity Initiative, and many more.
About Torch Leadership Academy
Torch Leadership Academy is a nonprofit that offers a free, four-day leadership program for high school students focused on ethical leadership, social impact, and self-discovery. Hosted annually at Stockton University, the program brings together students from across New Jersey and beyond to develop skills through experiential learning, mentorship, and community-based workshops.
For press inquiries or interview requests, contact:
outreach@torchleadershipacademy.org | 609-300-6397
Website: torchleadershipacademy.org
Instagram/Facebook: @torchleadershipacademy
