Detroit was filled with purpose and possibility as the Surge Institute celebrated the closing retreat and graduation of the 2026 Surge Academy Detroit cohort.

Twenty education leaders of color completed the intensive six month leadership journey during the gathering held February 26-28, marking an important milestone for the leaders and the communities they serve.

The closing retreat opened with a fireside conversation featuring Dr. Rema Vassar, professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Wayne State University. The conversation was facilitated by Surge Fellow Terrence Pruitt (CHI19), program director at Surge Academy and co-founder and CEO of Project Restore Initiative.

On Friday, fellows gathered to present their Freedom Dream Pitches, bold visions designed to advance equity and opportunity for students across the city. The day also featured a Leader of Color Talk with Alum Adrian Monge (DET25), director of programs for the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative.

The retreat concluded Saturday with a graduation ceremony honoring the Detroit 26 cohort, aptly named ReconstruXXion, a name chosen by cohort members that reflects both their collective vision for Detroit and the twenty leaders who make up the class.

Keynote speaker Dexter Sullivan delivered a powerful message on leadership and the work required to create lasting change. Cohort speaker Aquan Grant-Wayne reflected on the shared journey of the fellows and the leadership they now carry forward. Chatoris Jones (DET25) welcomed the graduates into the Surge alumni community and offered a call to action as they step into their next chapter of leadership.

During the ceremony, Andrea Black Evans (CHI17), executive director of Surge Academy, reflected on the fellows’ journey and the leadership they now carry forward in their schools and communities.

These twenty leaders now join the growing network of Surge alumni working across Detroit and the country to strengthen schools, uplift communities, and ensure every student sees themselves reflected in the leadership shaping their future.

Congratulations to the Surge Academy Detroit 2026 cohort and welcome to the Surge family. 

‍Applications are about to open for the 2027 Detroit cohort. Click here for more details