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Why I Became A
Surge Fellow
Application Open
APPLICATION &
SELECTION DATES
Application Opens: March 7, 2025
Priority Application Deadline: June 6, 2025
Application Closes: June 20, 2025
Selection Day: August 7, 2025
Cohort Announcement: Coming soon
Welcome Mixer: Coming soon
IN-PERSON
EVENTS
Save the Date!
June 5, 4 – 6pm | Surge Academy Detroit #LeadtheSurge Event
Disclaimer: Our intended audience for our virtual gatherings are African-American and Latinx leaders in the Detroit education and youth-serving space.
SURGE DETROIT 2026 ACADEMY SESSION DATES
Session 1 & Opening Retreat (in-person):
September 25-27, 2025
Session 2:
October 23-24, 2025
Session 3 (in-person):
November 20-22, 2025
Session 4:
December 18-19, 2025
Session 5:
January 22-23, 2026
Session 6 & Closing Retreat and Graduation (in-person):
February 26-28, 2026
The fellowship cohort participates in monthly full-day sessions: 9 AM to 5 PM (virtual sessions) and 8 AM to 5 PM (in-person sessions). Fellows are expected to attend all retreats and monthly sessions.
CANDIDATE
CRITERIA
- Detroit-based African-American or Latinx leader
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
- Minimum of five years of demonstrated leadership in education or youth-serving roles
- Employed in an education or youth-serving role (district, charter, public policy, philanthropy, or advocacy/nonprofit) at the initiation of and for the duration of the fellowship
- Passion for positively impacting the lives of young people and their communities
FELLOWSHIP
EXPECTATIONS
- Attend all sessions
- Complete all requisite pre-work before sessions (approximately 5-10 hours per month)
- Get your supervisor’s support
- Show up for yourself!
APPLICATION
REQUIREMENTS
- Completed application, including a résumé and responses to four essay questions
- Two recommendation surveys: one must be from current supervisor
- Memorandum of Understanding signed by applicant and employer
Surge Fellows leave this experience having enhanced their competency in both technical and adaptive leadership skills, including relationship management, problem-solving, negotiation, conflict resolution, communication, anti-racist design, and project planning, management, and execution. Surge Fellows also gain a deeper understanding of the sociopolitical and economic context, history, and structure of public education. And, importantly, Surge Fellows rediscover themselves, their power, and their dreams and become a part of a community of leaders who see, support, and affirm each other.
If you have specific questions, contact Surge at academy@surgeinstitute.org.