#LeadTheSurge isn’t just an event the Surge Institute puts on in multiple cities. Instead, it’s the centerpiece of the momentum we build around the movement to recruit the next group of leaders to become Surge Fellows. 

The #LeadTheSurge Chicago event was a powerful celebration of community, excellence, and the brilliant minds shaping the future of local education. For everyone in the room, the feeling of collective purpose was unforgettable. For those who couldn't make it, or for anyone looking to channel that inspiration into their own professional journey, we present this dynamic video featuring several Surge alumni sharing personal reflections on the many ways the program has benefited them personally and professionally, and on how it has unlocked new doors.

Now that you’ve seen firsthand the power of the Surge community, if you are a Chicago-based leader, this is your opportunity to apply for the Surge Fellowship. There is just a little more than one week left to complete your application before the June 12 deadline.

The Surge Fellowship isn’t a traditional professional development track or just a line item for your résumé. It is a transformative, 10-month journey designed specifically for Black and Latinx education and youth-serving leaders in Chicago. Our educational landscape thrives when leadership reflects the diverse communities it serves. Surge exists to accelerate that leadership, equipping local changemakers with the tools, network, and confidence to disrupt systemic inequities and build brighter futures for Chicago's youth.

If you are working through the final pieces of your application and have questions, Surge is hosting the final virtual Applicant Office Hour via Zoom on June 10 at 2 p.m. CT. This is your opportunity to ask last-minute questions and get the support you need to finish strong.

The future of Chicago education is being written by leaders bold enough to step into their power. Don't let the June 12 deadline slip away. Visit https://surgeinstitute.org/become-a-fellow/ today, and take your place in the movement.