Our Impact

Impact: Key stats

“Man Up Teacher Fellowship, in partnership with several institutions, recruits and trains highly effective male teachers of color who can earn a teaching certificate or master’s degree at no cost. The organization fights poverty by providing students, particularly male students of color, access to demographically similar teachers—which has been shown to increase academic achievement and social emotional development. Man Up created over $2.70 in estimated poverty-fighting benefits for each dollar it spent. Partnerships with other organizations provide Man Up participants with Praxis exam preparation, professional development, and opportunities to move into leadership roles.”

Slingshot Baseline Impact Report

4/5

Average Teacher Evaluation Score

89%

3rd-year retention rate

98%

Of Students are happy to have a male teacher of color

300

Nearly male teachers of color placed since 2018

144

applications for the 2025–26 academic year, the largest applicant pool in Man Up history

Why Man Up?

Man Up’s purpose is to recruit, train, and place a talented pipeline of men of color who can be impactful in any school setting and to work relentlessly to ensure the success of all students. Man Up Teacher Fellows will have an opportunity to obtain licensure, earn a Master’s of Education, and become certified in Educational Leadership at no cost. Man Up Teacher Fellowship is a 5-year program.

Man Up Overview

Retention rate:

Man Up has an 89% 3rd-year retention rate

2025 Impact Report

increase the national representation of male teachers of color by five percentage points by 2030, and recruit, prepare, and place 500 male teachers of color in Tennessee classrooms by 2030.

survey results with sample sizes: 94% of 342 surveyed students said teachers expect their best; 93% were happy to have a male teacher of color; 100% of 52 surveyed parents agreed teachers create a good learning environment and hold high expectations; 100% of 15 surveyed principals viewed Man Up program demands positively

The correct report is $1.85-$2.70 ROI for every dollar invested in Man Up Teacher Fellowship