July 24, 2024
In a world where education and workforce development intersect, the partnership between We Will All Rise and District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund represents a beacon of hope and progress for young men of color. This collaboration aims to address the underrepresentation of Black and Brown men in the education sector, leveraging the strengths of both organizations to create a transformative impact.
The Rise of We Will All Rise
Mr. Ricardo O. Neal’s story is one of resilience and dedication. An immigrant from Jamaica, Ricardo was raised in Massachusetts and pursued his passion for social work at Boston University School of Social Work, focusing on macro practice and earning a master’s degree in social work. His early career involved working with young people involved in the criminal justice system, addressing public safety issues, and supporting youth involved in gangs. His journey led him to public education, where he organized community members in Boston and advocated for the needs of at-risk youth.
After moving to Washington, D.C., Ricardo worked at a comprehensive high school for six years, a transformative experience that deepened his commitment to education. He then turned his focus to supporting Black and Brown men in education, founding We Will All Rise in 2019 and anchoring the organization in Baltimore while serving several cities across the country. We Wil All Rise aims to improve college graduation rates among Black men, which stood at 34% nationally. Through targeted programs, We Will All Rise has achieved a graduation rate that exceeds 50% and maintains a 73% retention rate among its participants, demonstrating the effectiveness of their approach.
The Genesis of a Partnership
Stean Wilborn, Subject Matter Expert at District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund, reached out to Ricardo Neal after learning about the organization. Their initial conversation quickly revealed shared passions and goals. Stean’s personal experiences and commitment to increasing representation in healthcare resonated with Ricardo’s mission in education. This mutual understanding and respect laid the foundation for a fruitful partnership.
The collaboration between We Will All Rise and District 1199C aims to scale the “I Can Teach” program, which exposes young men of color to careers in education. Currently, participants are placed in classrooms for six to ten months, working alongside lead teachers and covering specific content areas. The partnership seeks to evolve this model into a recognized apprenticeship program, meeting national standards and expanding its reach.
As Dr. Mark Nash Sr., We Will All Rise’s Chief Innovation Officer, confirms “We recognize the impact of Black and Brown men on all students, especially children at the earliest ages. Creating apprenticeship programs like “I Can Teach” is essential for empowering these educators to make a difference. Our partnership with District 1199C, which shares our vision and understands the need for more educators of color, is instrumental in helping We Will All Rise launch a nationally recognized program.”
Building on Success
The “I Can Teach” program has already seen significant success. In Baltimore, We Will All Rise has Partnered with Towson University Child Care Center to operate the summer program, I Can Teach Summer Institute, and had an overwhelming response, with 23-25 applicants for just five slots. Participants are placed in early childhood education classrooms, where they gain hands-on experience and develop workforce skills. The hope is that these experiences will inspire them to pursue careers in education.
Mark underscores the importance of community involvement and personal growth. He highlights how the program fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among participants. “It’s not just about getting a job; it’s about finding a calling,” he says. Mark emphasizes that many young men of color often do not see themselves represented in education roles, and this program aims to change that narrative.
“The program has been inspirational as I think about my future. The training we received before starting in the classroom was phenomenal because it helped me learn more about child development. As a young Black man, I feel that being in the field will help prepare me for when I become a parent. The interactions with the students have been eye-opening. I have learned to be more patient, and they have given me a new perspective on a potential career in teaching.”
— Chase Powell, Fellow – 2024 I Can Teach Summer Institute Baltimore
Lifting Lives
Ricardo and Mark emphasize the technical aspects of success: achieving apprenticeship designation, building a diverse cohort, securing funding, and becoming a leading player in the national apprenticeship conversation. Mark, however, brings a personal touch to these metrics. He speaks passionately about the joy of seeing participants thrive, not just professionally but personally. “Success for me is when a young man completes the program and tells me how it changed his life,” Mark shares. He also focuses on participant engagement, satisfaction of placement partners, completion rates, and earning credentials like the CDA (Child Development Associate).
Changing the Landscape
Stean envisions the program celebrating decades of success, creating a fraternity of educators who make a significant impact in the lives of young people. The collaboration aims to expand its reach, with ongoing support and the potential for new partnerships. Meetings with new and interested organizations are already underway, signaling a promising future.
Ricardo O. Neal, President and Chief Executive Officer of We Will All Rise, reflects on the importance of their mission: “Our work to increase Black and Brown male educator representation in classrooms is vital for the success of all children, especially our youngest learners. The team at 1199C has been an indispensable partner in helping We Will All Rise pivot our “I Can Teach” program to a registered apprenticeship model, and we look forward to continued growth and sustained impact in the years ahead.”
“There’s nothing better than waking up in the morning with a purpose and just being with the kids. I know what type of joy I bring them every time I step into the classroom. Every time they see me, it’s, Hi Mr. Daquan and things of that nature. You can’t really miss those opportunities to build a connection with the next generation of the world.”
— Dequan Shannon, Fellow – 2023-24 I Can Teach Milwaukee
Advancing ECE’s Workforce
The partnership between We Will All Rise and District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing systemic issues. By combining expertise in education and workforce development, they are creating pathways for young men of color to enter and succeed in the education sector. This initiative not only benefits the participants but also enriches the educational landscape, fostering a more diverse and inclusive future.
To learn more about the Registered Apprenticeship Program, please visit https://1199ctraining.org/registered-apprenticeship-program/ or contact us at apprenticeship@1199ctraining.org
To learn more about We Will All Rise, please visit https://wewillallrise.org/.
Listen to the personal journeys of Ricardo O. Neal and Dr. Mark Nash Sr. on the BONDcast podcast here.
Watch the story of Dequan Shannon, We Will All Rise Fellow, on Instagram.
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