BECOME A CHICAGO SURGE FELLOW

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2021 SURGE FELLOWSHIP WILL OPEN IN MAY 2020

CHICAGO SURGE 2020 FELLOWSHIP SESSION DATES

Welcome Mixer:
September 20, 2019

Supervisor Breakfast:
October 3, 2019

Opening Retreat & Session 1:
October 17-19, 2019

Session 2:
November 15, 2019

Session 3:
December 20, 2019

Session 4:
January 17, 2020

Session 5:
February 21, 2020

Session 6:
March 20, 2020

Session 7:
April 17, 2020

Session 8:
May 15, 2020

Session 9:
June 19, 2020

Session 10: 
July 17, 2020

Closing Retreat & Graduation:
August 20-22, 2020

Fellows leave the program having developed an understanding of competency in organizational management, relationship management, strategic planning and problem solving, navigating complex environments, and expertise in the history and structure of public education. Each fellow will have demonstrated an ability to achieve and lead better, learning how to have a tremendous impact on the broad landscape of leadership and education.

Surge Innovates Through…

IDENTIFICATION. Identifying promising leaders already active within the education sector—instead of focusing on attracting talent from other fields—thus ensuring impressive ROI

TRAINING. Adapting leadership development best practices—full-spectrum support of a carefully selected cohort—to nurture bold leaders committed to building social and racial justice

CHAMPIONING. Providing executive skills training and critical coaching support to high-potential leaders who rarely have access to accelerated learning opportunities

Chicago Surge Fellows are…

CONNECTED. African-American or Latinx emerging leaders working in systems of schools, public policy, education philanthropy and advocacy organizations

ELITE. Proven high-potential trailblazers with track records of professional success

EXPERIENCED. Minimum of six years of relevant working experience and at least a bachelor’s degree.

PASSIONATE. Serving high-need communities, preferably with connections to these communities.

CANDIDATE CRITERIA

  • Chicago-based African-American or Latinx leader between the ages of 28 to 40
  • Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
  • Minimum of six years of work experience
  • Employed in education or youth-serving role (district, charter, public policy, philanthropy or advocacy/non profit) at the initiation of and for the duration of the fellowship
  • Passion for positively impacting the lives of young people and their communities

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS

Sponsoring organizations are expected to pay a tuition of $5,000 per fellow for the year-long program. Limited scholarships are available for accepted candidates with financial needs.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Two letters of recommendation; one must be from current organization
  • Résumé
  • Completed memorandum of understanding
  • Interview with three selection committee members
  • Ability to attend all sessions and participate for the duration of the program

If you have specific questions, contact Surge at chicago@surgeinstitute.org.