We equip Teach For America alumni to lead bold, community-driven change in Mississippi by combining graduate study with hands-on social innovation. Fellows reimagine what’s possible—for themselves and their communities.
Our Mission
Through a unique blend of graduate education and real-world impact, the TFA Graduate Fellows Program empowers alumni to design and lead bold, community-centered projects across Mississippi. As they pursue advanced degrees at Delta State University, Fellows receive mentorship, collaborate with peers, and apply entrepreneurial thinking to address pressing challenges—reimagining what’s possible for their communities and their futures.
The Graduate Fellows Program is a collaborative initiative between Teach For America–Greater Delta and Delta State University, made possible through the generous support of the Robert M. Hearin Foundation.
Our Fellows represent a diverse and inspiring network of leaders who have lived and worked in communities across Mississippi throughout their time in the Fellowship. Since our first cohort in Fall 2016 through our final cohort in Fall 2025, Fellows have pursued a wide range of graduate degrees and launched innovative projects addressing local challenges. From education and mental health to economic development and community organizing, each Fellow brought their unique passions and perspectives to reimagining what’s possible for Mississippi.
Since 2016, the Graduate Fellows Program has supported more than 70 Teach For America alumni in transforming bold ideas into meaningful action across Mississippi. Fellows have launched over 60 community-centered projects in areas such as education equity, mental health, rural development, youth mentorship, and economic opportunity.
While earning graduate degrees at Delta State University, Fellows worked hand-in-hand with local communities—living and leading across the state. The result: a powerful network of values-driven leaders committed to reimagining what's possible for Mississippi and the people who call it home.
Through generous support and strategic partnerships, Fellows have secured over $1.5 million in funding to launch and run community-driven initiatives across Mississippi.
The vast majority of our alumni continue to invest their time, talent, and leadership in the very communities they served during the Fellowship.
Through innovative projects, partnerships, and community engagement, our Fellows have touched the lives of thousands across Mississippi—advancing equity, access, and opportunity.
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Each Fellow is paired with a dedicated mentor—an experienced leader who offers guidance, encouragement, and expertise to support both personal growth and project success.
Whether you’re a community leader, educator, alumni, or supporter, there are meaningful ways to engage with the mission of the Graduate Fellows Program. From mentoring a Fellow to sharing your story or exploring partnership opportunities, your involvement helps spark lasting change across Mississippi.
Collaborate directly with a Fellow to support innovative, community-based projects—whether through mentorship, resources, or shared mission, your partnership helps bring bold ideas to life in Mississippi.
Support the next generation of changemakers by giving directly to a Fellow’s project or contributing through the Delta State University Grants Office—your generosity fuels lasting impact across Mississippi.
