Alumni Spotlight 07/23
Surge alumni are active, growing their careers, and making a difference all over the country. Many are living out their freedom dreams through new business ventures. Take a look at…
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Surge Welcomes Three New Staff Members
Andre Smith Divinity Pittman Cecilia-Ananya Belser Patton The Surge Institute is honored and excited to announce three new staff members joining our team to further our mission and vision: Andre…
Surge Institute statement on Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action ruling
Today’s Supreme Court ruling that colleges and universities can no longer take into account race as a specific basis in admissions is a saddening move, one that represents a step…
Carmita Semaan: One of Five Award-Winners up for National Recognition Amongst 400 Black Leaders in Education
Carmita Semaan transcends the range of possibilities expected of a little girl who grew up below the poverty line in Birmingham, Alabama. While her childhood was steeped in adversity, Carmita…
The Leadership Collaborative Celebrates with Opening Retreat
Over the April 29-30 weekend, The Leadership Collaborative (TLC) celebrated the beginning of their immersive learning experience together at their opening retreat in Houston, Texas. The Leadership Collaborative is a…
Giving Flowers to an Amazing Changemaker
This week we’re celebrating Amanda Aiken, a brilliant leader, experienced changemaker, and Harvard Doctoral Fellow, who is completing her impactful Surge residency. As an Innovation Doctoral Resident for Surge, Amanda…
Surge Alumni Convening a Rousing Success in New Orleans
The 2023 Alumni Convening in New Orleans from March 29th through 31st was a rousing success—and how could it not be? With such vibrant speakers, such committed attendees, and such…
Surge Academy welcomes the first cohort in Las Vegas, Nevada
(Las Vegas, NV – March 28, 2023) The Las Vegas Surge Academy launches its inaugural cohort for emerging educational leaders across Clark County. A powerful collective of 11 educational leaders…
The Surge Institute welcomes four new Chicago Advisory Board members
(Chicago, IL- March 21, 2023) Four brand new members are joining the Chicago Advisory board to continue their work on expanding the impact of the Surge movement. Learn more about…
Surge Academy Welcomes New Cohort in Washington, D.C.
(Washington, D.C. – March 14, 2022) A collective of 16 brilliant educational leaders set out to begin their Surge Fellowship journey this month during the opening retreat on March 23-25,…
Surge Angels Program Funds Three Ventures Founded by Education Leaders of Color
The Surge Institute recently awarded $100,000 in funding to three early-stage ventures run by Black, Latinx, Asian, and Pacific Islander education leaders CHICAGO, IL (February 1, 2023) – The Surge…
Black Principals Network Introduces Inaugural Cohort of New National Program
The Leadership Collaborative is a brand new collective experience, designed for Black principals across the nation to co-create and learn together. NATIONAL — The Black Principals Network is proud to…
Surge Academy Welcomes First Cohort in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA – November 1, 2022—In partnership with Comcast & Spring Point, please join us in welcoming our inaugural Philadelphia Academy cohort of 14 brilliant leaders of color! The Surge Institute…
Incoming CPO to Lead Surge Institute Programming into New Era
Janaia Nash brings unique experience and knowledge to a brand new role for the national nonprofit racial-equity organization serving leaders of color. The Surge Institute is honored and excited to…
Introducing 16 Leaders of Color to the Surge Chicago 2023 Fellowship
(CHICAGO, IL – September 6th, 2022) As the Surge Institute approaches its seventh year as a national organization, the community is honored to welcome 16 emerging leaders of color who…
Surge Welcomes 2023 Kansas City Academy Cohort
(Kansas City – July 13, 2022) In 2018 the Surge Institute launched its traveling program, the Surge Academy in Kansas City and since graduated two cohorts in 2019 and 2020.…
Surge Institute Doubles Down on Bold Expansion Strategy with New Hires and Transitions
(Chicago, IL – June 28th, 2022) The Surge Institute is excited to announce a key transition and several new faces serving the mission and vision of elevating and connecting leaders…
Surge Institute Nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Chicago Nonprofit Sector
(Chicago, IL – May 10th, 2022) – The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago’s Annual Celebration Awards honor the outstanding achievements in the Chicago nonprofit sector. YNPN Chicago received dozens…
Surge Institute Earns a “Give with Confidence” 95/100 Rating From Charity Navigator
(Chicago, IL – May 5th, 2022) – Surge Institute is proud to announce that its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency have earned a 95/100 rating from Charity…
April 2022 Aijeron Simmons
Aijeron Simmons (OAK’20) will transition into a new role as UTK Coordinator for the 21st Century California School Leadership Academy. (Berkeley’s Graduate School of Education hosts and coordinates the 21CSLA…