Last fall, the Surge Institute reached a powerful milestone: Our movement surpassed 500 alumni. These esteemed educators completed the Surge Fellowship, Surge Academy, or The Leadership Collaborative, and represent cities and school systems around the country. To honor this achievement, the Surge National Alumni Committee launched the 500 Alumni Milestone Mini-Grant Program.

Today, the committee announces 10 recipients of $500 mini-grants. These Surge-provided grants are for alumni – selected by alumni – and will support creative projects, gatherings, and initiatives that strengthen our community, deepen our impact, and honor the brilliance of our growing network.

Congratulations to these innovative educators and school leaders. 

Alumni: Christian Collins
Surge program: CHI18
Grant proposal: Sip & Savor Surge Soul Circle

Alumni: Derrick Fleming Jr.
Surge program: CHI20
Grant proposal: Winter Skate Party

Alumni: Folasade Adekunle
Surge program: TLC23
Grant proposal: Dreamscape Collective

Alumni: LaToya Black
Surge program: INDY22
Grant proposal: X-Factor Alumni Retreat

Alumni: Leslye Salinas
Surge program: OAK21
Grant proposal: Alumni Vision Board Brunch

Alumni: Mercedes C. Alvear
Surge program: CHI22
Grant proposal: Surge Alumni Yoga Session at Latina Sweat Project

Alumni: Roxanne Rose
Surge program: OAK20
Grant proposal: Songs of Liberation: Using Music as the Foundation of Strength and Resilience

Alumni: Serena-Monet Lewis
Surge program: DC23
Grant proposal: The Care Exchange: A Collective Self-Care Experience

Alumni: Sterling Grimes
Surge program: PHILA24
Grant proposal: Philadelphia Alumni Retreat

Alumni: Tamara Johnson
Surge program: DET25
Grant proposal: A DET25 x DET26 Unity, Mentorship & Impact Experience