Lights, camera, learning

GEAR UP Students Explore Film and Television Careers During Brookdale Summer Academy

61 students gain hands-on experience in acting, scriptwriting, production and behind-the-scenes careers

Lights, camera, learning.

Sixty-one students participating in Brookdale Community College’s GEAR UP Summer Academy stepped in front of and behind the camera this summer for an immersive film project that introduced them to the many creative, technical and professional roles involved in bringing a production to life.

Throughout the project, students explored acting, improvisation, scriptwriting and production while learning about the wide range of careers available in the film and television industry. The experience also connected filmmaking to lessons in mathematics, science and English Language Arts, demonstrating how skills students develop in the classroom translate into real-world careers.

For many of the students, the project provided an opportunity to experience an industry and career pathway they may not otherwise have considered.

“The film project gave our students a chance to learn by doing,” said Euniqha Cox, director of GEAR UP for Success at Brookdale Community College. “They were able to be creative, collaborate with one another, solve problems and see how the subjects they study every day connect to an exciting and growing industry. Experiences like this can open students’ eyes to possibilities they may never have imagined for themselves.”

The hands-on project was part of Brookdale’s GEAR UP Summer Academy, which combines academic enrichment with college and career exploration. By incorporating filmmaking into Math, Science and English Language Arts coursework, students had opportunities to apply concepts across disciplines while developing communication, teamwork, critical-thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

Students also discovered that the film and television industry extends far beyond the actors seen on screen. Through the project, they were introduced to the numerous professionals who work behind the scenes to develop, coordinate and produce film and television content.

The experience is especially timely as New Jersey’s film and television industry continues to expand, creating opportunities for students to explore careers in a growing field close to home.

The completed student project can be viewed on YouTube: GEAR UP Summer Academy Project 2026.

Preparing Students for College and Beyond

GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, is designed to increase the number of students from low-income communities who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Brookdale’s program primarily serves students from Asbury Park, many of whom will be the first in their families to attend college.

The program begins supporting students as early as seventh grade and continues through high school and into their first year of college. Students receive academic tutoring, college and career counseling, mentoring, financial aid guidance, college-readiness workshops, college visits and tours, cultural and educational field trips, and opportunities such as the Summer Academy.

Brookdale’s GEAR UP students have demonstrated strong academic outcomes, with 99 percent of participating high school seniors graduating from high school and 70 percent enrolling in college within six months of graduation. The program also reports that 100 percent of participating students were promoted to the next grade.

GEAR UP also works closely with parents and families, encouraging their involvement through workshops, college visits, volunteer opportunities and other program activities. Nearly 3,000 students are supported by GEAR UP programs throughout New Jersey.

Through experiences such as this summer’s film project, Brookdale’s GEAR UP program aims not only to prepare students for college but also to help them envision the possibilities available to them after graduation.

Visit the website for more information about GEAR UP for Success at Brookdale Community College, or contact Euniqha Cox, director, at ecox@brookdalecc.edu or 732-224-2162.

GEAR UP is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.