How We Close the Achievement Gap
TTEF teaches metacompetence. It’s the ability to understand how we observe, interpret, and engage with the world around us—in essence, learning how to learn.
Research shows that people who develop this skill:
But those born in low-income neighborhoods often lack access to tools that cultivate it. We’re working to change that. |
Our Story
TTEF was founded by Andres Idarraga, Bruce Reilly, and Noah Kilroy, whose journeys from a prison cell to academic achievement and professional success Brown University and Yale Law School revealed that excellence can flourish in even the most challenging environments when equipped with the right tools.
Since 2012, we've supported over 100 formerly incarcerated students pursuing higher education. Now, we're evolving our approach to find and nurture excellence through metacompetence—the ability to understand how we observe, interpret, and engage with learning—starting in correctional facilities and expanding to high schools, community colleges, and anywhere communities are underserved.
Since 2012, we've supported over 100 formerly incarcerated students pursuing higher education. Now, we're evolving our approach to find and nurture excellence through metacompetence—the ability to understand how we observe, interpret, and engage with learning—starting in correctional facilities and expanding to high schools, community colleges, and anywhere communities are underserved.
Our Unique Approach |
TTEF's comprehensive framework teaches advanced perception and metacognitive skills crucial for higher learning and achievement through.
Self-AwaREnessWe teach students to recognize the conscious and unconscious processes that shape how they engage with the world—often without even realizing it.
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Critical ThinkingOnce students understand these internal patterns, they gain the power to reframe them, unlocking their full capacity to learn, grow, and lead.
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Cognitive flexibilityBy helping students harness these innate inner tools, we empower them to rise above the limitations of their environment and use their talents to rewrite their futures
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Our Curriculum
Our innovative curriculum uses familiar frameworks for deeper learning.
For example, our "Brain as Muscle, Learning as Sport" module teaches cognitive development through the lens of athletic training:
For example, our "Brain as Muscle, Learning as Sport" module teaches cognitive development through the lens of athletic training:
Endurance Training and Rest Cycles
Cultivating mental stamina while understanding the limits of willpower through structured cognitive exercises and recovery protocols.
Strength Training
Enhancing mental agility and processing speed through targeted problem-solving drills and pattern recognition exercises.
Skills Training
Mastering decision-making and self-regulation techniques through scenario-based learning and real-world simulations.
Practice and Repetition
Leveraging neuroplasticity through structured, consistent practice routines that reinforce neural pathways and cognitive patterns.
Nutrition
Understanding the critical mind-gut connection and its profound impact on cognitive function, focus, and learning capacity.
Join Our Mission
Together, we can unlock the potential of low-income students and build pathways to success.
contact us
Ready to learn more about TTEF's transformative approach? Contact us today to discuss partnership opportunities, funding initiatives, or volunteering.
Email: [email protected] |
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