Contact Us
Lead With CPS
773-553-1000
LeadwithCPS@cps.edu
The Great Expectations Mentoring (GEM) Program is a 10-month leadership development fellowship designed to support and advance emerging leaders within Chicago Public Schools. GEM offers a transformative space for participants to refine their equity lens, strengthen their leadership identity, and contribute meaningfully to CPS’s equity-centered work.
Fellows engage in monthly professional learning sessions, receive mentorship from experienced leaders, and complete a Capstone project aligned to their current role and office, department, or school priorities. Grounded in the CPS Equity Framework, GEM fosters collaboration with mentors, district leaders, and peers to operationalize leadership transformation and drive real impact across schools and networks.
The GEM Program is open to current CPS employees serving as Principals, Assistant Principals, Central and network office managers, directors, executive directors, and deputies. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to equity-centered leadership, and have the capacity to engage in the full 10-month fellowship experience.
The program is inclusive of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that underrepresented voices are developed, supported, and advanced in alignment with CPS’ s broader equity goals.
Complete the SY 25 Great Expectations Mentoring (GEM) Program Interest Form