TFA Programs
What is the tentative timeline for the Fall 2024 Ignite cohort application opening and deadline?
This spring – The Fall 2024 Ignite cohort app will be opening sometime late February(TBD) with a deadline of early May, potentially late April (TBD)
When is the final Breakthrough deadline for this summer?
February 29th, but applicants should apply whenever they are ready, because some sites review applications on a rolling basis! And if they have questions throughout the application process they should reach out to teach@breatkhroughcollaborative.org
Who is included in the auto lead nurture journey and what happens once they attend an event with us and the TFACT campaign is closed out?
Freshmxn, sophomores, and juniors that are sourced/check in with us using the auto sourcing campaign are added to the Auto Nuture Journey for underclassmxn. They receive a couple automated emaisl that come from Teal’s email address and provides information/next steps in alignment with the things they noted they were interested in (Part time roles, summer opps, etc.) over the following 7 - 10 days. From there, they become part of the group that Teal manually sends nurture to (newsletters, event updates, etc.)
A faculty member you speak to supports two programs — one supporting students with DACA and the other supporting international students on student visas. They ask you about the citizenship/residency requirements for Ignite and if either of these groups of students would be able to participate. How do you respond?
The students with DACA status would be able to, but the students on a student visa would not be eligible. “TFA Ignite eligibility mirrors the corps. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, or have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) through one of the following categories which does not require employer sponsorship [listed on our website]. You are not eligible to apply if you are in the United States with a student visa, exchange visa, work visa, or tourist visa.”
What are the 3 Breakthrough Collaborative sites in The Blaze's territories?
Austin, Forth Worth, Houston, New Orleans
RT Leadership recently announced that in the future season, the Early Decision admissions opportunity will be sunsetted and only open to what kind of applicants?
TBD - Previous Ignite fellows, campus ambassadors, and potentially Breakthrough Collaborative alumni
A student tells you they are interested in volunteer opportunities but don’t have a lot of time availability. You note TFA Impact might be a good option for them. How would you explain TFA Impact and the process to them?
TFA Impact is a virtual volunteer program aimed at fostering connections between high school students and undergraduates, with the goal of illuminating the pathway to college. As a TFA Impact volunteer, you'll support high school students virtually, sharing insights from your post-high school journey. This day-of-service opportunity will allow you to hone your communication and leadership skills. Registration is rolling and on-boarding takes about 20 mins and is on your own. On the day of service, volunteers will work approximately 75 minutes. You will put in your general availability during the registration process and if there is an availability to participate that matches with your schedule, you will receive outreach from the Impact team. TFA Impact has a rolling registration and days of service are added ongoing through the semester based on the school partners.
A sophomore says, I’m looking for summer job opportunities. Does TFA have anything? How do you respond?
If you are looking for a summer job THIS SUMMER, Teach For America has partnered with Breakthrough Collaborative whose mission is to work with highly motivated, traditionally underrepresented students to achieve post- secondary success and empower aspiring leaders to become the next generation of educators and advocates. Breakthrough is an 8-9 week long paid summer fellowship and is open to all majors. Choose from 25 sites across the country. Breakthrough Teaching fellows spend the first few weeks in training/ leadership development , then 6 weeks of teaching middle/high schoolers in both academics and leadership development, along with other fun activities. It’s paid and fellows earn roughly $1350 - $4500, the exact amount depends on the site. There are 25 sites across the country, and one right here in CITYX!
You’re presenting in an Environmental Studies class. What might be a good event to highlight in your presentation and where could you find more information about it?
“Equity Talks: Why Education is a Secret Solution to Climate Change” happening on Feb 21st. Promo package including RSVP link, templates, etc. can be found in the FY24 RT National Events Calendar
You meet a senior at a career fair who mentions they’re graduating in May and they’ve been tutoring student athletes and have really loved it. They’re unsure about what they want to do next year. Would you pitch Ignite to them? Explain your answer!
No, because once they graduate, if they are not going to be currently enrolled in school they will not be eligible for Ignite. You would want to push them instead towards the corps and meeting to explore/learn more.
A student is interested in Breakthrough Collaborative and asks, “Do I need to live in or near the Breakthrough site?
“You would need to be at the site daily so either living a reasonable distance from it or many Breakthrough sites do provide housing for those who are out of town/state. It varies by the region in terms of what housing is available. I would suggest checking out the 2024 Teaching Fellow Site Directory with specifics about all locations!”
A faculty member wants to know what resources TFA can provide in terms of career development for their underclassmxn students. What tangible resources does TFA offer and where could we direct them to access them?
There are a lot of great resources immediately available on the Equity Hub including on demand events about resume builders, downloadable resources, blog posts, etc. In addition, you might point them in the direction of our upcoming REMI events – Evolve series, “Evolve: The 7 Most Important Job Search Tips for College Students and Recent Grads” on Feb 8 and “Evolve: Insider Interview Tips: Lessons from Recruiters” on Feb. 15. (As well as e-connect them with Teal if they’d like to chat more about how we can specifically partner with them to support their underclassmxn students!)
You meet a junior on campus who seems interested in Ignite, but is just unsure because they’re a Computer Science major and not an education major. How do you respond?
Encourage them by letting them know Computer Science and non-education majors are actually some of our highest contributors to Ignite. Ignite fellows are fully trained prior to working with students on both content and best practices in building strong relationships with students. They are also provided curriculum in alignment with what the student is learning in school and they’ll have the coaching of an experienced educator for questions as well.
A sophomore is interested in summer opportunities and has a lot of questions about Breakthrough Collaborative’s logistics. What might be your next step?
Remember, you are not being asked to be an expert on Breakthrough Collaborative! Encourage the student to click “Summer Opportunities” in their interest form when they sign in with the auto sourcing form, letting them know they’ll get an email with more information from our team; encourage them to check out the 2024 Teaching Fellow Site Directory with specifics about all locations (including housing, payment, dates, etc.), prompt them to email teach@breakthroughcollaborative.org with questions beyond that.
You have a packed week on campus coming up in 3 weeks including a community dinner and a panel on public policy and social services. How might you go about increasing your TFA community on campus, with a focus on early engagement?
Invite previous Ignite fellows and current Ignite accepts to the community dinner; Pull underclassmxn leads who have attended past CPs from you or your ambassador in policy, social sciences, and humanities courses to invite to the panel – (and work with Teal to pull this list to be able to invite them in plenty of time!)