Will Collins looks back on the year with gratitude. 

Hey Surge Family,

With the holiday season in full swing, I hope you’re preparing for some time off and will be spending it with those who mean the most. 

Because before you know it, 2025 will be officially over. 

But let’s not rush through these remaining days of the year (even if we are eager to start anew). Instead, take time to pause and reflect on all that we have to be joyful about, while making room to acknowledge that it's felt like a rollercoaster ride at times this year.

We have a lot to celebrate and be grateful for here at the Surge Institute. A few highlights from 2025 include: 

• Graduating our inaugural Detroit cohort in Surge Academy, featuring 11 innovative educators.
• Graduating another successful Surge Academy Philadelphia cohort, with 14 of them joining our alumni ranks. 
• Hosting The Convening in May in Arizona, themed as “The Power of Ascension.”
• Guiding 22 incredible school leaders, from eight states, through The Leadership Collaborative 2025. 

Furthermore, in October we achieved a new milestone, reaching 500 Surge alumni nationwide. That's 500 Black and Brown school leaders transforming education in their communities. 

We could not do any of this without our incredible Surge Family – our staff, board members, alumni, partners, donors, supporters, and the communities and schools that open their doors to us. Empowering Black and Brown educators to be at their best, to receive the best, and, in turn, that the young people they educate can reach their highest potential. 

Your commitment to our mission and the impact we're making across the country was revealed once again as you pushed past our goal in our recent Surge for More fundraising campaign (continuing through December 31). 

On a personal note, this season has reminded me of how grateful I am to be in community with all of you. Leading and serving alongside people who care deeply about one another, about our mission, and about the leaders and young people we exist to serve is not something I take lightly. I am thankful for your trust, your partnership, your grace, and your unwavering belief in what is possible when we move together with purpose and love. It is an honor to do this work with you, and I carry that gratitude with me as we close this year and look ahead to what’s next.

Happy holidays to you and yours,

Will Collins,

Interim CEO

Surge Institute

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