Surge Institute’s Fellowship Chicago is excited to announce the 25 emerging education leaders beginning their journey with Surge. This diverse group of leaders collectively brings exceptional perspectives and dedication to educational transformation, positioning them to become effective advocates for justice and equity in their communities. Learn more about the 2026 Chicago cohort and why they are excited to join the Surge community.
Surge Institute’s Academy Detroit is thrilled to welcome its second Detroit cohort, an influential collective of 20 brilliant education leaders ready to dream big and break barriers. From veteran principals who’ve turned their schools into community beacons to rising teacher-leaders blazing trails with innovation and passion, this team is about to change the game for Detroit education. Read more about the 2026 Detroit cohort and why they are committed to helping young people.
The Surge Institute is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to educate and develop leaders of color who create transformative change for young people, their families, and our broader communities.
We support people who profoundly and directly affect positive change in the world. We elevate leaders of color in educational spaces. Their ideas and gifts, coupled with access, resources, and encouragement, transform the people around them. Students, families, and whole communities realize their potential. There’s no limit to the possibilities.
Engage with this movement and become an agent of change.
Surge was built by and for communities of color and designed to empower, educate and elevate our leaders in the education systems serving our communities. Our goal is to serve 5,000 leaders by 2030.
This work does not happen in silos. The Surge program suite has created a sprawling network of change-makers collectively building a brighter future for our youth.
We are a megaphone for our people. Continued impact and heightened influence are the hallmarks of a true movement toward systemic change.