"Paterson Teachers for Tomorrow" is a project designed to attract high school students from Paterson, NJ to careers in teaching. This article is based on an exploration of high school students' sense of self, college awareness and preparedness, and academic achievement during a year-long pre-college program. Data indicate that students developed a strong self concept as capable learners through the structure, activities and opportunities to see themselves accomplishing their academic goals. The program also succeeded in raising college awareness by allowing the students to be on campus and see what it takes to get there and stay there. Finally the program increased student's academic skills through a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum that challenged students at every turn to be their best. (Contains 1 footnote.)