Apply to TORCH 2027
A free 4-day leadership program for high school students at Stockton University.
Start your applicationHow the application works
- Enter your personal emailUse a personal email you can access on any device — not a school email. No password needed.
- Click the verification linkWe'll send a secure link to your inbox. Click it to open your application.
- Complete at your own paceYour progress saves automatically. Close the browser and come back anytime with the same email.
Application decision dates
Early decision deadline: April 1, 2027. Submit by this date to be considered in the early-decision round.
Final decision deadline: May 1, 2027. Submit by this date to be considered in the final-decision round.
Start or continue your application
Use your personal email address (not a school email) to start or continue your TORCH 2027 application. We'll send a verification link — no password needed.
How we select participants
Applications are reviewed holistically by our Selection Committee. We read every application and every essay response. We are looking for students who care about other people and want to make a positive impact on the world, in ways big and small.
- Interest and desire to learn
- Each essay helps us understand a student's interest in learning and growing, their care for others, and how they hope to use leadership skills to strengthen their school, community, and world.
- Equity and accessibility
- We consider whether TORCH could open a door that may otherwise be out of reach because of cost, location, or limited access to opportunities like this one.
- Readiness and timing
- TORCH is open to rising seniors, juniors, and sophomores. All eligible students are welcome to apply. Because rising seniors have the fewest remaining opportunities to participate before graduation, we prioritize rising seniors, then rising juniors, then rising sophomores. We also consider whether TORCH is the right next step for a student's growth, based on their reflection and goals.
High academic achievement, existing leadership roles, and extensive resumes are not required to apply.
What is TORCH?
Torch Leadership Academy (TORCH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that hosts a 4-day residential leadership program, free of cost, for rising senior, junior, and sophomore high school students across New Jersey and surrounding regions.
We provide fun and engaging opportunities for students to explore their unique leadership potential, inspiring them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
TORCH connects students with a diverse network of young changemakers who support one another in accomplishing goals and becoming happy, healthy, purposeful, thoughtful, and empathetic leaders. We want students to leave ready to make a positive difference and help one another thrive in a world that needs more caring leaders.
Learn more at torchleadershipacademy.org