Lamar Shambley’s Journey

Lamar Shambley’s life changed when he began to take studying Spanish seriously at the age of 13. Growing up in Brooklyn, his early Spanish classes consisted of learning basic vocabulary like farm animals, colors, and numbers. He sought to practice his burgeoning skills with native speakers online, but he longed to explore Spanish-speaking countries.

During his time at Virginia’s William & Mary, he seized an opportunity to join a public health program in the Dominican Republic. Despite lacking a passport, Shambley’s professor helped him overcome this hurdle, leading him to engage in translation and ethnographic work, experiences that enriched his language comprehension.

Founding Teens of Color Abroad

Years later, while teaching Spanish at a charter school in Brooklyn named Ascend, Shambley wanted to provide opportunities for students who looked like him to become global citizens. With support from numerous funding sources, including the Pincus Family Foundation, he established Teens of Color Abroad (TOCA).

The name is meaningful; it is derived from the Spanish word tocar, which means to touch. Shambley envisioned students learning about diverse cultures and languages while sharing their own heritage. His initiative aims to bridge racial gaps in foreign-language education and study-abroad participation.

Impact of Language Programs

In the summer of last year, Shambley led a group of 12 students on a transformative two-week language program in Seville. Many students had never flown on an airplane or even visited Manhattan, making this a profoundly eye-opening experience for them.

Shambley noted how the program shifted their perspectives. For example, during a flamenco dance class, students displayed initial disinterest, yet after attending a live flamenco performance, one student was moved deeply by the experience. “Mr. Shambley, that really moved me. The guy was really powerful,” he remarked.

Looking ahead to the next program, Shambley plans to introduce new elements such as a storytelling project in podcast format. His mission is not solely to share his passion for languages and travel, but also to equip students with vital skills for college and future opportunities.

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