(October 17, 2011) – California State University, Fresno now offers one of the largest internship programs in the California State University system through its partnership with the California Teaching Fellows Foundation and the Fresno County Office of Education.


The Teaching Fellows Program was created to improve the quality and diversity of future educators. To support that objective, the foundation is awarding Fresno State a $4.25 million grant. As program administrator, Fresno State will use the funds to provide student internships in the Teaching Fellows Program.


A celebration of the partnership took place Monday, Oct. 17, at Rowell Elementary School in Fresno. The program preceded national Lights On Week,recognizing the importance of afterschool programs in the educational development of young people. Fresno State President Dr. John D. Welty joined Fresno County Schools Supt. Larry Powell and foundation executive director Mike Snell at the event.


The Fresno County Office of Education provides internships in afterschool programs, while teaching fellows bring high-quality, creative and energetic support to their assigned school sites.


Through collaboration with school districts, the program offers more than 500 Fresno State undergraduates paid part-time internships as tutors and afterschool program assistants. Teaching fellows are enrolled across a variety of college majors and represent an ethnic diversity that closely mirrors the students they mentor.


“This program is a proven success for the entire community,” says Snell. “Our fellows are far more likely to finish their degree and find work after graduation. And the students our fellows mentor benefit tremendously by having a role model in the classroom offering encouragement and academic support.”


“Fresno State students flourish as a result of this invaluable opportunity to gain early field experience,” explains Anne Murphy, director of the Teaching Fellows Program. “By the time our fellows graduate, they typically have as many as 2,000 hours of additional classroom experience. This adds to their confidence and competence as they enter teaching positions.”


The California Teaching Fellow Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2004. The foundation’s collaboration with the Fresno County Office of Education and the commitment of funding to Fresno State to administer the program strengthen the partnership among these organizations.


For more information, contact Murphy at 559.278.0256 or annem@csufresno.edu

California State University, Fresno is the largest institution of higher education in Central California and has a growing reputation as one of the West Coast's premier universities. Founded in 1911, Fresno State has earned national acclaim for programs in teacher-preparation, health care, water technology, winemaking, entrepreneurship and the Classics. Guided by a distinguished faculty, our 21,000 students receive the academic, practical and leadership skills to meet the dynamic challenges of today and the future in the global community.