Foundation Academy “Embark” Program: Welcoming Our Inaugural Cohort of Future Educators
Pictured from left to right Front row: John Paxton Jr. Senior Director of External Strategic Partnerships, Jasmyn Nunez, Samantha Karol, Annie Kim, Kira Sides, Ashuana Francis. Rear: Zeina Cabrea-Perterson
Em·bark /əmˈbärk/ begin a course of action, especially one that is important.
At Foundation Academies, we believe in cultivating the next generation of educators who are passionate about making a lasting impact in urban education. Today, we are thrilled to announce the inaugural cohort of the Foundation Academy Embark: A Student Teaching to Career Pathway Program—an initiative designed to support and develop aspiring educators on their journey to the classroom.
“The Embark Program,” said Senior Director of External Strategic Partnerships John Paxton Jr., “is a testament to Foundation Academy’s unwavering commitment to attracting and nurturing the next wave of top-notch educators. By investing in aspiring teachers across key areas of need, we are not just shaping careers—we are strengthening the future of education. I’m thrilled to be part of a program that prioritizes excellence, equity, and the long-term success of our scholars and schools. Having had the opportunity to design and build this program, I am deeply committed to ensuring its long-term success as a pipeline for attracting the best educators for Foundation Academy for years to come."
Our Inaugural Cohort
After an extensive application and selection process, we are proud to welcome five outstanding college students into our Embark program. These future educators have demonstrated academic excellence, a deep commitment to urban education, and a vision for transformative teaching. As part of this program, they will receive financial support, professional mentorship, and hands-on teaching experience to prepare them for a successful career in education.
Each of these individuals embodies the spirit of the Embark program—dedication, resilience, and a passion for fostering student success. Throughout the program, they will be paired with high-performing lead teachers, gain access to professional development workshops, and receive personalized coaching to refine their teaching skills in real classroom settings.
About the Foundation Academy Embark Program
The Embark program is designed to attract high-performing, passionate student teachers who are committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities within urban education, particularly in critical shortage areas such as Math, Science, and Spanish Language. By supporting these future educators, Foundation Academy aims to create a pipeline of talented teachers ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and communities.
Program Benefits:
Monetary Stipend – Participants receive a $5,000 stipend to offset the financial burden of student teaching.
Professional Development – Access to workshops focused on classroom management, culturally responsive teaching, and leadership.
Mentorship & Coaching – Each participant is paired with an experienced lead teacher and receives ongoing support.
Employment Opportunities – Graduates of the program will receive priority hiring consideration at Foundation Academy, along with a $2,500 hiring bonus and additional opportunities within the school community.
Through Embark, we are investing in the future of education—ensuring that every student has access to passionate, well-prepared teachers who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead impactful classrooms.
Congratulations to our inaugural cohort! We cannot wait to see the incredible work you will do in shaping the next generation of scholars. Stay tuned for updates on their journey and the lasting impact they will make in the field of education.
Interested in joining the next cohort? Applications for the next cycle of the Foundation Academy Embark program will open soon! For more information, visit our website or contact embark@foundationacademy.org.
