DeLauro Honored with Teach for America Congressional Champion Award

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) was presented with the Teach For America Congressional Champion Award today in recognition of her leadership in the effort to expand educational opportunity to all of America's students. One of 12 legislators honored, Congresswoman DeLauro has also served as a guest teacher in a Teach For America corps member's classroom in New Haven.

Teach For America is the national corps of recent college graduates who commit to teaching for two years in public schools around the country. Many graduates of the program pursue careers in education, and become leaders in working to expand educational opportunity. This year in Connecticut, about 150 Teach For America corps members are reaching approximately 9,000 students in underserved schools around the state.

"For over two decades, Teach For America has worked to bring young, bright, and motivated men and women right out of college into the school systems that most need the benefit of their talent and enthusiasm. In doing so, Teach For America has done more than just work to transform our education system. They have changed thousands of children's lives for the better, and helped to see that each boy and girl in America has access to the educational opportunities they deserve. Teach for America is a great idea that works, and I have always been proud to support your efforts," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "With that in mind, I humbly accept this award today. It means a great deal to me, and I take it as a call to continue trying to make a difference in people's lives."

"The support of our Congressional champions has played such a significant role in growing our impact in our first 20 years. Not only have they been instrumental in providing critical funding and policy changes, but their backing has given confidence to thousands of others who have made an investment in our mission," said Wendy Kopp, founder and CEO of Teach For America. "I am incredibly grateful to Congresswoman DeLauro for her ongoing leadership in the field of education, and for enabling Teach For America to invest in future generations of leaders committed to working inside and outside of the classroom to provide all children with an excellent education."