Introduction
In the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Little Village, a tutoring program has been making waves by empowering local high school students to become first-generation college students. This impactful initiative is a collaboration between DePaul University and the Telpochcalli Community Education Project (TCEP). For several years, the program has provided invaluable guidance to Latinx high schoolers in Little Village, offering them support on their academic journeys. Today, we shine a spotlight on the driving force behind this program, Dr. Tim Elliott, Assistant Professor in the WRD department, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the tutoring program’s mission and goals.
The Foundation of TCEP
TCEP’s origins date back to 1998 when concerned parents and teachers in Little Village recognized the urgent need for educational resources within their community. Dr. Elliott entered the picture around five years ago when he secured grant funding from DePaul to partner with TCEP and create a tutoring program aimed at assisting students in crafting their college application essays. With Dr. Elliott’s mission in mind, DePaul tutors help demystify the college application process by empowering students to share their own stories
In collaboration with his colleague, Terry Vaughan III, Dr. Elliott brought the tutoring program to TCEP, where tutors were paired with Little Village high schoolers. Their collective goal was to bridge the gap between the Little Village community and higher education. Over the years, TCEP has grown into a valuable resource for individuals from pre-k to adulthood, particularly local students, thanks in large part to Dr. Elliott’s unwavering dedication and commitment to managing the day-to-day operations of the program.
The Focus of TCEP’s Tutoring Program
TCEP’s tutoring program strives to build solidarity among first-generation and migrant students, enabling them to reach their fullest potential. By focusing on anti-violence in youth initiatives, TCEP endeavors to nurture strong individuals who are not only academically engaged but also foster a profound sense of community and belonging.
Dr. Elliott’s Role in TCEP’s Tutoring Program
Dr. Elliott’s role within TCEP’s tutoring program is instrumental. He brings structure and organization to the program’s daily operations and supports the tutors as they guide students through the process of crafting their college application essays. In pursuit of the program’s continued success, Dr. Elliott has even developed a comprehensive handbook to ensure its sustainability and lasting impact.
Impact and Future Aspirations
One aspect that excites Dr. Elliott the most is the program’s potential to secure additional funding, which would enable the hiring of tutors from the local community. This would not only allow TCEP to maintain its partnership with DePaul tutors but also establish strong roots within Little Village.
Final Thoughts
In Dr. Elliott’s own words, “I’m grateful for all the funding that DePaul has provided, and I couldn’t have accomplished this alone.” He extends his gratitude to his colleague Terry Vaughan III for helping conceptualize the tutoring program, Maria Velazquez and Sarah Khalifeh at TCEP, Jen Finstrom, the outreach partner with DePaul’s Writing Center, and all the dedicated tutors and supporters who have contributed to TCEP’s growth as a thriving educational hub.
Despite TCEP’s remarkable successes, Dr. Elliott continues to ask, “how many students would benefit from additional support?” He leverages his background in higher education, service learning, and community partnership to cultivate enduring connections that enable Little Village’s students to achieve their full potential. Dr. Elliott envisions a future for the program that involves bringing more community members and young people into the fold, bridging generational gaps, and fostering a strong sense of mentorship. As TCEP looks ahead to a promising future, it serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community unites to uplift its youth.