Theory of Change
Communities flourish when their members have the opportunity to build skills that enrich both their own lives and the collective well-being of the place they call home. Yet, in many areas, lower literacy rates among adults and children are closely linked with high unemployment and poverty. Research from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics shows that individuals with limited literacy skills are more likely to face challenges in securing stable, well-paying employment, reinforcing cycles of economic hardship at the local level.
At the same time, schools and education systems are facing a growing need for well-prepared professionals who can support student learning and development in a variety of roles. Many capable individuals do not consider entering the field simply because the pathways to do so are not visible, accessible, or well-supported. This Fellowship program seeks to address these intergenerational challenges by providing participants with a structured, community-rooted (or home-grown) entry point into education careers, strengthening both early literacy outcomes and the future education workforce.
Program Components:
- Homegrown Leadership Development: The Fellowship engages individuals who have completed high school and are exploring meaningful career pathways. Fellows serve as early literacy tutors in local classrooms for a full academic year, gaining practical experience that opens doors to the field of education.
- Rigorous Training and Coaching: Over the course of one year, Fellows receive personalized, ongoing coaching and classroom observation focused on evidence-based literacy practices and child development. This approach to training ensures Fellows are equipped to become effective classroom leaders.
- Economic Stability and Workforce Readiness: Fellows work 25-30 hours per week while earning a competitive wage. This structure provides financial stability and valuable work experience, supporting career advancement.
- Personal and Professional Growth: Monthly development sessions address key areas such as communication, financial literacy, leadership, and wellness. These sessions prepare Fellows to navigate both academic and career pathways successfully.
- Pathways to Higher Education and Career Advancement: Through mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and the chance to earn college credits, Fellows are supported in continuing their education and pursuing careers in schools and youth-serving roles. This support helps build a strong, locally rooted education workforce.
Impact at Multiple Levels:
- Advancing Literacy and Economic Stability: By providing high-quality, evidence-based literacy support in early learning environments, the Fellowship contributes to improved literacy outcomes for children– a foundational asset for long-term academic and economic success. Improved literacy can have a long-term impact on both educational and economic outcomes, helping to disrupt cycles of poverty.
- Growing a Community-Rooted Education Workforce: By creating structured pathways into education careers, the Fellowship helps address the teacher shortage while ensuring that educational talent is cultivated locally. Participants bring shared experience and community understanding into the classroom — enhancing connection, representation, and long-term investment in local success.
- Sustaining Community Investment: By creating a cycle of mentorship, where individuals return to serve and enrich their communities, the Fellowship helps ensure that knowledge, skills, and leadership remain rooted in the places that need them most.