Residency Programs
Service and fellowship programs offer a structured way to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in schools or communities. These programs typically provide training, mentorship, and a defined commitment period, making them a strong option for students who want substantial real-world experience in education.
City Year
City Year is a full-year, AmeriCorps-based program that places recent grads in under-resourced K-12 schools as tutors and mentors. Corps members work closely with students on attendance, behavior, and coursework, building relationships that make a real difference in a school community. The program includes training, a living stipend, and hands-on classroom experience—making it a solid option for UChicago students looking to gain meaningful, direct experience in education.
Peace Corps
Peace Corps is a two-year international service program that places volunteers in communities around the world, often working on education, health, or community development projects. Volunteers live and work alongside community members, gaining language skills, cross-cultural experience, and a deep understanding of grassroots development work. For UChicago students interested in global education or international careers, Peace Corps offers a distinctive, immersive path—along with benefits like a living stipend, training, and support toward future education or federal employment.
Teach For America
Teach For America places recent grads and career-changers directly into classrooms in under-resourced communities, with a two-year teaching commitment paired with training and ongoing coaching. Corps members teach their own classroom from day one, working toward an alternative teaching certification while learning to navigate the realities of the profession firsthand. It's a demanding, fast-paced entry point into education—well-suited for UChicago students who want direct classroom leadership experience.