Community Outreach for Rising Educators (C.O.R.E.)

C.O.R.E. is a student-led organization within Purdue University’s College of Education, designed to bridge the gap between aspiring educators and the broader K–12 community. Our mission is to cultivate a culture of service, mentorship, and experiential learning that empowers future teachers while enriching the educational experiences of local youth.

mission

A student teacher giving a high five to a young elementary student.

Empowering Through Experience

At C.O.R.E., we believe that education is at our core—not only as a field of study but as a calling to serve, inspire, and lead. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Education, C.O.R.E. provides structured opportunities to engage with K–12 students through tutoring, classroom support, enrichment activities, community service, and community-based educational events. These experiences allow Purdue students to apply pedagogical theory in real-world settings, develop professional competencies, and foster meaningful relationships with students and educators in the surrounding community.

Alignment with the College of Education

C.O.R.E. directly supports the College of Education’s mission to prepare educators who are innovative, reflective, and committed to improving learning outcomes for all students. By offering hands-on outreach experiences, we help future teachers grow into culturally responsive, community-minded professionals who are ready to meet the diverse needs of today’s classrooms.

Goals

A student teacher bent over an elementary student's desk and smiling.

Building Educator Excellence

C.O.R.E. strives to enrich educator preparation through meaningful experiences, strong community ties, and a commitment to inspiring the next generation—guided by the following goals:

  1. To provide Purdue education majors—both undergraduate and graduate—with early and ongoing field experiences that complement their academic coursework.
  2. To strengthen partnerships between Purdue University and local schools through consistent, impactful engagement.
  3. To promote leadership, collaboration, and service among future educators.
  4. To inspire K–12 students by connecting them with passionate, relatable role models from Purdue.

Vision

We envision a future where every education student at Purdue has the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young learners. Through C.O.R.E., we aim to be a catalyst for educational equity, community connection, and professional growth.