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KIPP Texas is proud to spotlight one of our outstanding educators, Selina Rose Marroquin, winner of the 2025 Innovate, Create & Grow Opportunity Fund (ICGOF) competition for the San Antonio region! As a dedicated teacher at KIPP Somos Collegiate, Selina continues to inspire through her student-centered, tech-driven approach to learning—and this year, she’s taking literacy to the next level.
Selina has been a teacher for four years, all of them spent pouring her heart into the classrooms of KIPP Somos Collegiate. As a first-generation college graduate and the daughter of immigrant parents, Selina’s journey is deeply rooted in the transformative power of education.
“I became a teacher to honor their sacrifices and to ensure that every student, especially those from underserved communities, feels seen, supported, and empowered to pursue their full potential.” — Selina Marroquin.
Selina’s award-winning ICGOF project, Unlocking Literacy Through Tech, Media & Storytelling, is a three-phase initiative designed to empower emerging bilingual students by meeting them where they are—and helping them grow as readers, writers, and creators.
Phase 1: Literacy Through Technology
Students will use adaptive reading apps and audiobooks to strengthen fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Phase 2: Student Voice Through Storytelling
Learners will dive into creating their own podcasts and written narratives, building confidence in their storytelling abilities.
Phase 3: Bringing Stories to Life
Students will animate or film their original stories, showcasing creativity and mastery in a final multimedia project.
“It’s all about making literacy joyful, personalized, and powerful.” — Selina Marroquin.
Selina’s proposal was one of only five across the state to receive 100% funding through ICGOF. And after a live pitch competition on May 12 before a panel of KIPP Texas board members and team judges, she earned an additional $1,000 to bring even more resources into her classroom.
With these funds, she plans to purchase more tablets, headsets, app licenses, and storytelling tools—and support events like family literacy nights to celebrate student work and build community.
This project is more than a grant—it transforms how students experience reading and writing. By integrating technology, creativity, and culturally responsive instruction, Selina creates a classroom where students don’t just consume content—they make it.
“For my students, it means more access, engagement, and ownership of their learning.”
About the ICGOF Program
The Innovate, Create & Grow Opportunity Fund is a one-year grant designed to support KIPP Texas educators with bold, high-impact projects aligned to key priorities like literacy achievement, interdisciplinary learning, and student wellness. This year, 39 educators from across all five KIPP Texas regions submitted proposals. Only five finalists received full funding and were invited to compete for a $1,000 bonus.
Irmalyn Falcon – Austin
Katy Roberson – Dallas
Rosila Martins e Gama – Houston
Amanda Markham – Transformation Region
Selina Marroquin – San Antonio (Winner of the additional $1,000)
Selina Marroquin’s visionary work stood out—and now, her students will reap the rewards.
Congratulations, Selina! Your passion, creativity, and dedication to literacy are setting the standard for what it means to chase excellence at KIPP Texas.
Stay tuned for updates on Selina’s project as her students begin their storytelling journey next school year!
