The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” is the cornerstone of our Teacher Village Initiative. Our unique teacher residency bridges the gaps in standard teacher preparation programs faced by people of color and those navigating marginalized backgrounds. We partner with CSUDH’s credentialing program and integrate wrap-around supports, including specialized professional training, subsidized housing, therapy, mentoring, financial literacy and a culturally affirming community.
The Teacher Village Initiative (TVI) 2-year program focuses largely on Black and Latinx men who already have a college degree or are in the process of completing college and have been impacted by economic instability, often including housing and food insecurity. Many are former foster youth, first-generation college students, or adults returning to school after a break. Our TVI Rise work entails a 6-year structured, deeply supported pathway for foster youth from high school through college and career.
What We Built in Just Two Weeks
Every summer, the TVI Rise Fellowship brings together system-impacted undergraduate students many of whom have experienced foster care for a powerful two-week journey.
Through mentorship, wellness, teaching practice, and healing community, these future educators rediscover their purpose, reclaim their stories, and reimagine what’s possible in our schools.
In just two weeks, transformation begins and the impact ripples outward.
Letters to Our Younger Selves
In a powerful closing activity, fellows wrote and recorded personal letters to their younger selves—affirming the dreams of the child within them and inspiring the next generation of educators. These letters speak to resilience, healing, and purpose.
Moments of Growth, Joy & Purpose
How Did it Impact Fellows?
Week 1 Insights:
⭐ 100% said the training helped them reflect on their future career (Avg: 5.0)
💡 4.86 Avg: “I learned skills that will help me in school and life”
🤝 4.71 Avg: “I felt supported and encouraged this week”
Week 2 Insights:
🧠 5.0 Avg: “I felt seen and supported by TVI Rise staff”
✊ 4.86 Avg: “This program is helping me consider a career in education”
📚 4.57 Avg: “I felt prepared to lead Read-In sessions”
“This was the first time I felt fully seen and believed in as a future educator.”
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Ready to apply for the TVI Rise Fellowship?
If you’re interested and would like to learn more, please reach out to liana.sims.wop@gmail.com to schedule a call.
Meet the Future of Education
Help Us Go Further
The TVI Rise Fellowship is more than a program—it’s a lifeline. Many of our fellows are navigating trauma, housing insecurity, and systemic barriers. Yet through mentorship, therapy, teaching practice, and radical love—they are rising. Your partnership fuels their transformation.