35 Years of Teach For America: A Moment to Reconnect and Rise Together
35 years ago, Teach For America began with a belief that still guides our work today. Every child deserves access to an excellent education, and leaders across the country have a role to play in making that possible.
What started as a bold idea has grown into a national network of almost 70,000 alumni leaders working in classrooms, schools, nonprofits, government, and communities across the country. Each one began with the same decision to step forward and serve students.
This October, that network will come together in a powerful way.
On October 2–3, 2026, more than 10,000 alumni, corps members, partners, and community leaders will gather in Las Vegas for the Teach For America 35th Anniversary Summit. It will be the largest gathering in our organization’s history and the first national summit in nearly a decade.
A Community That Spans Generations
Across the country, Teach For America alumni are teaching in classrooms, leading schools and districts, launching nonprofits, shaping public policy, and strengthening communities. Many first discovered their purpose while standing in front of students.
The Summit will bring these leaders together to reconnect, learn from one another, and explore how we continue expanding opportunity for young people in the years ahead. It is a rare chance to experience the full scope of the Teach For America network in one place.
The last time this community gathered at this scale was during the 25th Anniversary Summit, a moment that brought thousands of educators and leaders together around their shared commitment to students.
Ten years later, the movement has grown even larger and the work ahead feels more important than ever.
Our Region Is Part of the Story
The Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana community has played an important role in these 35 years of impact. From classrooms to community organizations, alumni from our region continue to expand opportunities for students and families every day.
As we move closer to the Summit, you can expect to see more ways to engage with this milestone moment.
In the months ahead, we will highlight alumni from our region who are carrying forward the mission in powerful ways. Their stories reflect the leadership, commitment, and belief that have defined Teach For America for 35 years.
Join Us in Las Vegas
The 35th Anniversary Summit is an opportunity to reconnect with the community that shaped your journey, celebrate the progress we have made together, and help imagine the future of education.
Most of all, it is a chance to be in the room with thousands of people who share the same belief in students and the same commitment to doing something about it.
For every child. For every community. For One Day.
We hope to see you there.
Make the Summit Possible: Apply for Financial Support
We want the Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana community to be part of this moment.
To help reduce financial barriers, our region has a limited number of Summit financial support packages available for alumni who currently live in the Greater Chicago–NWI region.
Approved applicants will receive:
$50 discounted Summit registration & a complimentary two-night hotel stay*
*Please note flights are not included. Attendees are responsible for booking their own travel. To activate the hotel reservation, attendees must provide proof of travel booking.
How the process works
1. Complete the national financial support application form
2. Applications are reviewed holistically on a rolling basis by our regional team
3. You will receive an update within two weeks
4. If approved, you will receive a unique promo code to register
Financial need is an important consideration in our review process. We also consider how alumni are contributing to our regional community and advancing impact for students.
Because support is limited, we encourage applicants to provide thoughtful context in their responses.
If attending the Summit would be meaningful but cost presents a barrier, we encourage you to apply.