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:

Chicago-based education and/or youth-serving leader.
The fellowship is designed with the perspectives of Black and Brown communities at the core, because those are the voices and experiences that shape our city’s classrooms and futures.
Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
Minimum of five years of demonstrated leadership in education and/or youth-serving roles
Able to attend all sessions and complete all requisite pre work before sessions (approximately 5-10 hours per month)
Must be able to attend selection days August 4-5, 2026

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 2026-2027.

How to Apply

Apply through Surge’s website. The priority application deadline is May 29, 2026. Applications close June 12, 2026. Consider attending virtual or in-person information sessions (details on the Surge website).

Eligible Role

Central & Network Offices

Organization

Surge Institute Chicago

Duration

10/15/26 - 7/27/27

Time commitment

The program launches in October of 2026 and concludes in July of 2027. The fellowship cohort participates in monthly full-day sessions: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Fellows are expected to attend all retreats and monthly sessions.

Application window

March 16 - June 12, 2026 Priority Application Deadline: May 29, 2026

Contact

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

Cost

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

Teachers Overview

Teachers Lead Chicago

Teachers

Teachers Lead Chicago

Teachers Lead Chicago