The Chicago Surge Fellowship

SURGE educates, empowers, and energizes educational leaders of color who will create change in the communities they serve. The experience is designed to create both individual and collective transformation through the reclamation of leadership narratives centered on the power and strengths of one’s own racial and ethnic identities. Over a year, fellows participate in one and two-day sessions each month, complete take-home assignments, and monthly contact with executive coaches.

The program content is divided into five key subject areas: Executive Skill Development, Individual Leadership Development, Education Policy, Team Building, and Communications & Navigation. Leaders of color with decades of professional experience serve as facilitators.

The fellowship curriculum encompasses a combination of content areas and learning experiences designed to impact each fellow's mind and heart.

Eligibility

Surge Criteria:

Identify as Black and/or Latinx
Hold a bachelor’s degree
Minimum of 6 years of work experience in education or youth-serving spaces
Currently serving in a leadership role that impacts education, youth, or communities of color
Ability to attend all sessions and participate for the duration of the program, (including selection days, Aug 12-13).
Can complete all requisite pre-work before sessions (approximately 5-10 hours per month)

Additional CPS Criteria:

RISE rating of proficient or higher
CPS full-time employee for one year at the time of application
You can only participate in one cohort or external development program per school year. If you are accepted, this will count as your one professional development opportunity in a Lead with CPS program in Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

How to Apply

Eligible employees will be notified by email when the 2027 application opens.

Eligible Role

Central & Network Offices

Organization

Surge Institute Chicago

Duration

10/1/25 - 7/24/26

Time commitment

The program launches in October of 2025 and concludes in July of 2026. The fellowship cohort participates in monthly full-day sessions: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (virtual sessions) and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (hybrid sessions). Fellows are expected to attend all retreats and monthly sessions.

Application window

The application window of the current cohort has closed.

Contact

chicago@surgeinstitute.org for program questions | leadwithcps@cps.edu for funding questions

Cost

$7,500. Acceptance into SURGE does not guarantee sponsorship. The Talent Office in combination with SURGE can cover the cost of a limited number of CPS employees selected by Surge.

Teachers Overview

Teachers Lead Chicago

Teachers

Teachers Lead Chicago

Teachers Lead Chicago