College graduates have a variety of options available to them. Some decide to enter the real world and get a job, while others decide to stay in school to continue their educational experience, while even others look to brighten their community with social service.

“Young people are recognizing that when it comes to their future, it’s never too early to start planning,” said Melanie Adams, the St. Louis executive director of Teach for America.

“Many are searching for a way to have a positive, lasting influence in future generations,” she said. “An increased number of those who want to have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of children and build a foundation to effect the long-term changes needed to eliminate educational inequality are turning to Teach for America.”

Teach for America is a national corps of college graduates who commit themselves to a two-year teaching position in low-income urban and rural communities, becoming life-long leaders in the pursuit of expanding opportunities for children. The corps was founded on the vision that one day, all children in America will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.

The national corps’ goals are to provide teachers who will ensure that their students aspire for dramatic goals and build a force of leaders with the insight and added commitment that leads them to work throughout their lives, from inside education and from every sector, to effect the systemic changes needed to truly realize our vision of education opportunity for all.

Teach for America gives future leaders the opportunity to have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of children while building a foundation to effect the long-term changes needed to eliminate educational inequity. Teach for America selects a corps of approximately 2,000 college graduates, yearly.

Corps members attend a summer training institute designed to help them understand and gain basic teaching skills and experience.

The members are placed as fulltime, paid teachers in public schools.

They are paid directly by the school districts in which they work and generally receive that same health benefits and insurance as other beginning teachers.

Applicants are able to indicate their personal preferences for regional sites, grade levels and subject areas.

Applications for 2003 Teach for America corps must by submitted by Feb. 21.

To apply, one needs to submit on an on-line application that should include a letter of intent, resume and essay.

Applicants are evaluated in accordance with their demonstrated leadership ability, strong critical thinking skills and record of outstanding achievement in academic, extra-curricular or work endeavors.