Inducing HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies against neutralization-resistant (Tier-2) virus strains by vaccination has been a challenge. While native-like (SOSIP) envelope trimers based on various HIV-1 strains can induce neutralizing antibodies against the autologous (Tier-2) viruses, the induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), probably a prerequisite for an HIV-1 vaccine, is much more challenging. A critical step in this process is the activation of naïve B cells expressing germline antibody precursors that have the potential to evolve into bNAbs. VRC01-class bNAbs, named after its first member VRC01 and targeting the CD4 binding site, are attractive for germline-targeting because they share distinct genetic features and are found in multiple HIV-1 infected individuals. We have reengineered the native-like BG505 SOSIP trimer to engage germline precursors of VRC01-class bNAbs. The resulting GT1, GT1.1 and GT1.2 trimers (GT for germline targeting) bind multiple VRC01-class bNAb germline precursors in vitro. Crystal structures of GT1 and GT1.2 reveal a native-like conformation and the successful incorporation of design features associated with binding of VRC01-class bNAb germline precursors. Immunization experiments in knock-in mouse models expressing VRC01-class germline precursors show that these trimers activate germline precursor B cells in vivo, resulting in the secretion of specific antibodies into the sera. The Ab response in VRC01-class precursor knock-in mice can be further ‘shaped’ by the design and selection of next-step ‘shaping’ immunogens and ‘polishing’ immunogens. Sequence analysis of the B cell receptors of memory B cells in these mice after receiving a regimen of germline-targeting, ‘shaping’ and ‘polishing’ immunogens reveals that such a regimen selects for VRC01-class somatic mutations as well as rare insertions and deletions that are found in VRC01-class bNAbs. VRC01-class MAbs isolated from these mice have the capacity to neutralize heterologous wild-type HIV-1 isolates. Thus, germline-targeting using SOSIP trimers is a promising strategy for the induction of HIV-1 bNAbs.