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

Ability to pay a personal contribution of $500
African-American or Latinx leader
Age ranges that fall roughly between 28 and 40
Based in the Chicago area for the duration of the Fellowship
Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
Minimum of six years of work experience
Demonstrated leadership in education or your serving roles
Open-minded with a growth mindset
Strong desire to bridge divides and positively impact communities
Can complete all requisite pre-work before sessions (approximately 5-10 hours per month)

CPS Criteria

CPS full-time employee for one year at the time of application
Endorsed and supported by manager to participate in the program
Can attend at the time of application all the program dates
Last RISE rating of proficient or above
No active discipline issues at CPS (e.g., CAP, PIP, Warning Resolution, etc.)

How to Apply

The application for the current cohort has closed. If you are interested in applying for a future cohort, please complete a Lead with CPS interest form to be kept informed of the next application window.

Eligible Role

Central & Network Offices

Organization

Surge Institute Chicago

Duration

Application Open 5/1/25 - 6/27/25

Time commitment

The program launches in October of 205 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.

Contact

chicago@surgeinstitute.org | leaderdevelopment@cps.edu

Cost

$500 personal contribution (paid directly by participant), plus $5000 tuition (paid by a Lead with CPS Sponsorship)