TOCA Online

Study a language with globally minded peers!

TOCA Online is our suite of virtual programs that build students' language skills, offer them enriching cultural exchange experiences, and expand their global awareness. Our high school-level program recruits students to study Arabic, Spanish, or French, taught by refugee language partners dispersed worldwide; and our college-level program provides meaningful language practice of Arabic and promotes understanding across cultures among language students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States and university students in the Middle East and North Africa. Keep an eye out for the app!

Applications open from February 15, 2025 - May 1, 2025

What Our Students Have to Say

  • “I'm interested in studying Arabic because I want to become closer with my culture and religion. I want to reconnect with the language to establish my sense of identity.”

    Nabil, 17, New York

  • "Right now, I would love to learn a new language! Spanish was my first language, then English. I've never had a chance to learn Arabic, but since I speak two languages, why not a third?"

    Rosanna, 17, Maryland

  • "A family friend used to teach me Arabic when I was really little. I told my mother that I wanted to learn again but we never found the time or a good tutor."

    Iyanna, 17, D.C.

Partners & Supporters

Why Students, Teachers, and Parents Love TOCA Online

“It’s amazing that what the students are learning in the TOCA Online program complements what they’re currently learning in school.”

- Mr. Williams (Educator)

“As a result of participating in TOCA Online, my daughter is now studying Arabic in college. My daughter enjoyed the program, and the online instruction and engagement helped her adjust to all the challenges of her COVID senior year.”

- Ms. Compton-Harris (Parent)

“[My daughter] was excited to meet people from other areas. My daughter also stated that she feels she learned more in TOCA Online than she did with her high school teacher in French 4.”

- Ms. Howery (Parent)

Student Outcomes

of students expressed a desire to learn more about how people live in different countries.

96%

98%

of students expressed an interest in learning more about other cultures.

98%

student approval rating for the TOCA Online program.

 FAQs

  • The summer program dates are in two sessions: Session 1 (June 24 - July 10) and Session 2 (July 22 - August 4). Students will take ten total hours of small group language training, participate in facilitated discussions with refugee guest speakers, and connect with other teens who are also excited about learning languages!

  • This program is for U.S.-based high school students who identify as a student of color, between the ages of 13 and 18, and interested in global languages and cultures.

  • There is a large racial disparity in which students have access to enriching language learning opportunities. Our aim as an organization is to center high school students of color in our program to ameliorate this gap.

  • Fill out the scholarship application on our TOCA Online website. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply, the better!

  • Classes will be held on Zoom, which can be accessed on mobile or laptop devices.