The Teaching Fellows Scholarship Program hosted its annual Scholar Orientation at Fresno State’s Smittcamp Alumni House on Aug. 20, bringing together 76 Fresno State students who are aspiring educators. The orientation helped prepare scholars for the classroom while officially welcoming 19 freshmen into the incoming 2026 cohort alongside returning members from 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Designed to bridge degree completion with hands-on classroom experience, the program provides Teaching Fellow Scholars with a comprehensive cohort model. Participants are placed part-time as teaching assistants or tutors across surrounding school districts through the California Teaching Fellows Foundation, combining financial assistance with academic guidance.
“This scholarship program helped me understand child development theories and other important things to know before joining the credential program,” said Daisy Bravo, a final-year fellow. “It also supported me financially. Tuition was a large struggle to the point I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to complete the credential program.”
To further support future educators, the California Teaching Fellows Foundation increased its annual scholarship to recipients this year. The award reflects the foundation’s commitment to recognizing students’ academic perseverance, dedication and professional growth both inside and outside the classroom, said Dr. Mike Snell, CEO of California Teaching Fellows Foundation.
Scholars also participate in experiential enrichment activities, including travel study, historical site visits and team-building excursions. Last year’s participants visited Denali National Park in Alaska.
In addition to scholarship awards, the foundation provides programs to support teaching fellows throughout their journey, including academic and life coaching, the First Generation Leadership Program and emergency relief through the Care Fund.
The California Teaching Fellows Foundation is a nonprofit based in the Central Valley that provides expanded learning programs to K-12 youth through morning and afterschool programs.
For more information on supporting future teachers, contact community@ctff.us.
(Story by Carli Medina)
