A fellowship program at DREAM Mott Haven Middle School helps to inspire and train the future generation of teachers.

Nicholas Feliz, an alum of DREAM's programming, returns now to motivate students and advance his teaching career through the fellowship program.

“I had a lot of role models and mentors that inspired me growing up in the program,” said Feliz. “So, I would love to be one of those people to do the same for youth.”

The teaching fellowship provides former students the opportunity to advance their teaching careers in the same school that helped inspire them.

Besides the invaluable hands-on training these former students receive, recipients in the 12-month fellowship also earn a master’s degree and their teaching certification.

Administrators say the program increases the commitment to serving not only the students but also the larger community.

The teaching fellowship also provides part-time staff the opportunity to have a direct pathway to becoming teachers.