GYO-IL’s Diverse Male Teacher Initiative PRESENTS:
Community-Connected MALE Pathways TO Teaching
One-year funding for Illinois-based community colleges to increase the recruitment, enrollment, retention, and transfer of community-connected men into PreK–12 teaching pathways. Scroll for information and RFP link.
Individuals interested in becoming a DMTI Candidate can learn more information here.
Who can apply:
All Illinois public community colleges, one proposal per college
Expansions of prior work, new pilots, and planning projects are all welcome
NOT FUNDED:
Programming that targets or serves current high school students
Tuition*
Indirect costs
*Tuition support for eligible Illinois teacher candidates is available through GYO-IL’s Diverse Male Teacher Initiative (DMTI) and GYO-IL’s regional consortia programs (separate requirements apply).
Two Funding Tracks:
Track ONE
TWO-YEAR / FOUR-YEAR PATHWAY PARTNERSHIPS
UP TO $75,000
Deepens partnerships between community colleges and four-year institutions, including planning-focused work that goes beyond transfer agreements.
Requires a partner: an Illinois-based four-year institution, public or private, with an approved teacher licensure program.
Outcomes: stronger institutional collaboration; increased enrollment, transfer, and retention of community-connected men in licensure pathways.
Track TWO
RECRUITMENT & ENGAGEMENT
UP TO $50,000
Expands engagement and recruitment of community-connected men in and into colleges, through innovative outreach, community-based strategies, planning, or a combination of these approaches.
No partner required.
Outcome: increased enrollment of community-connected men in teacher licensure pathways.
Key Dates:
• Applications open October 2nd, 2026
• Zoom Info session
October 6th, 2026 at 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Register Now
• Applications due October 22nd, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT
• Awards announced November 5th, 2026
For Questions Contact:
Dr. Deborah Hutti
GYO-IL Community College Liaison
dhutti@gyo-il.org
Please review the full RFP before applying. Proposals are due Thursday, October 22, 11:59 p.m. CT.
DOWNLOAD INFORMATION DECK:
Community-Connected Male Pathway RFP Required Documents:
GYO-IL RFP Signature Page Template
GYO-IL RFP Budget Template
GYO-IL RFP Milestone Template
$585K+
Awarded to community colleges
~1,300
Community-connected men reached
16
Community colleges funded