On March 6, the educational organization Teach for Ukraine NGO opened applications for its youth leadership development program. To create equal opportunities for every child to realize their potential—regardless of birthplace or residence—Teach for Ukraine engages motivated young people to teach in small towns and villages. This year, organizers handed over the spotlight to program participants, who shared their thoughts on what the program means to them in a new video.
The 2022 PISA national education quality study revealed a significant gap between rural and urban students: in mathematics, 15-year-olds in rural areas lag behind their city peers by 92 points—equivalent to about 4.5 years of learning. To change this, Teach for Ukraine recruits motivated youth to teach in small community schools.
Applications for the program are now open. Participants relocate and teach in rural or small towns for one or two years, organize extracurricular activities, and host community events. They receive specialized training, a teacher’s salary, and a leadership scholarship covering living expenses during the program.
A background in education is not required. Before starting, all participants complete the Summer Institute—an intensive 5-week training program combining theory and practice to develop leadership skills and teaching mastery. Continuous learning and mentorship support are provided throughout the teaching period.
“Our goal is to create an environment where every child can realize their potential, regardless of location or war. Teach for Ukraine seeks motivated individuals who will not only teach but become role models shaping the future. War directly impacts education, deepening inequality and creating barriers to quality learning. Our mission to foster positive change by engaging youth in these challenges is more important than ever,” explains Oksana Matiyash, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Teach for Ukraine NGO.
Who can apply?
- Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any field by September 1, 2024 (education degree not required)
- Have strong knowledge in at least one school subject (a test will be required)
- Be ready to relocate to a small village or community for the program duration
Since 2017, the program has impacted over 15,000 children and partnered with 38 schools across Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and Lviv regions. Participation means not only changing students’ lives but also personal growth, networking, and educational impact for the participants themselves.
In the previous recruitment round, 33 participants joined—from top Ukrainian university graduates to project managers, IT specialists, designers, journalists, and international organization staff.
Applications are open until:
First wave: March 31
Second wave: April 30
Third wave: June 2
