Diverse Male Teacher Initiative

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Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO-IL) has had a long record of preparing diverse candidates to teach in their local communities.

Our Diverse Male Teacher Initiative (DMTI) is a scholarship program aimed at increasing the number of men of color going into the teaching field. The Initiative is focused on men enrolling in or already enrolled in community colleges, with funding to take the prerequisite courses necessary to enter teacher licensure programs. DMTI applications will prioritize attendance in two-year institutions; in some special cases, men applying to or enrolled in four-year universities will be considered for admission.

JOIN TODAY’S MEN TEACHING

DmtI Goals

  • Build community and fellowship among men of color pursuing degrees leading to teaching.

  • Ground teacher preparation in the diverse communities that men of color candidates live in.

  • Ensure smooth and successful transfer for men of color teacher candidates from their respective community colleges to four-year licensure programs.

  • Lessen the financial, social, and emotional burdens of teaching preparation for men of color.

DMTI Scholars Receive

  • Up to $10,000 in scholarship money for tuition and living expenses for the year.

  • Ongoing one-on-one advising support from GYO-IL staff.

  • Tutoring and other academic assistance to help you succeed in the classroom.

  • Regular monthly networking and fellowship opportunities.

  • Professional mentorship from men of color.

All students benefit from having a teacher of color in their classroom.

We are committed to ensuring that Illinois students reap this benefit while providing an opportunity for men of color to become classroom teachers.

Application Requirements

  • You must be a resident of the state of Illinois

Transcript

  • Scanned copies of all college transcripts (they can be unofficial copies). If you have not attended college, please provide proof of a high school diploma or GED. 

A writing Sample

Please answer the following three questions: 

  • What led you to consider becoming a teacher? (2-3 paragraphs) 

  • GYO-IL helps aspiring teachers overcome the obstacles they face and get into the classroom. What obstacles have you faced in life and how do they indicate how you will overcome challenges on your way to becoming a teacher? (2-3 paragraphs)

  • Think of the different ways you participate within your community. What have you learned? How will this learning make you a high-quality teacher? (2-3 paragraphs)

ONe letter of recommendation

  • One letter that speaks to your professional, academic, community, or volunteer work and your passion for becoming a teacher. 

  • Letters from individuals who know you in those specific capacities, not just as a family member or friend.

Application Steps

  1. Complete Part One of the online application.

  2. Once you complete Part One, an email will be sent to you with further instructions on submitting the required components for Part Two of the application (one letter of recommendation; one personal statement; and proof of HS diploma or GED).

  3. Once you submit all documents required for Part Two you will receive an email confirming your application has been received.

  4. Our team will review applications on a rolling basis.

  5. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by a member of our team.

Application Deadline & Notice

  1. Applications for Central and Southern Illinois are now available.

  2. Applications will be reviewed on an rolling basis.