The only way our community’s going to move up out of the poverty that we’re in is through education. Teach For America has opened eyes to a world of possibilities for so many kids.

Teach For America is increasing educational opportunity and the leadership pipeline in California and across the country. Teach For America corps members are having a significant impact on student achievement, and the organization’s alumni are a force for change in education nationwide.

My students are college-ready and have embraced their role as life long learners. Every day we see how the progress we make ties directly to their futures.

Not only are there great teachers coming through the [Teach For America] program, but it’s a great pipeline of talent… you get these great people with this vision, this entrepreneurial spirit, and a willingness to innovate.

What really made a difference in my life was experiencing teachers who were so for the student… they were doing all of it to close the achievement gap and give students a chance to succeed.

Teach For America corps members exhibit the creativity, leadership abilities, and civic consciousness that we place such a premium on. They arrive at Google with an excellent skill set developed in a demanding work environment and a greater commitment to the larger world.

In many of those schools where you see that remarkable transformation you see large numbers of Teach For America teachers and alumni. These are the folks who are going to become curriculum leaders, the executive directors, the principals, the heads of foundations… They’re very much an essential part of the map for reform in the city.

My son did internships through college and felt that he couldn’t deliver the impact he wanted to make. He was energized by other corps members who also wanted to change education and improve the lives of children. It’s incredibly tough work, but making a difference is what makes the experience worth it.

Mr. Younker has big goals for us to reach. We have a goal to read 2,000 books. When Mr. Younker first came we didn’t have many books so he started a book drive so our reading level would be higher.

One of the reasons why Teach For America is so important is that it's preparing, through service, a whole array of people who can flow into our public institutions in major positions of leadership. It will change the nature of our politics.