Surge Institute

🏆Ambassador of the Year Award: These alums have been making some noise and stirring things up!! They have embodied the Surge core values of Authentic and Passionate advocacy. These alumni are helping us radically re-imagine what is possible for our young people, our communities, and our leaders. These alums are actively putting intentional external pressure on the system to change in service of advancing equity and liberation! Ambassador of the Year East * Rhonda Henderson, Ed.M, MBA (DC22) Ambassador of the Year Central * Jonathan Chaparro (CHI17) Congratulations to you all! #LeadTheSurge #ThePowerOfAscension #SurgeAlumni #LeadershipInAction

🏆Changemaker of the Year Award: These alums are helping to pull the strings and move the work forward across the community and/or around the country. They have embodied the Surge core value of Connected. They understand that the value they provide to the movement is casting a vision and helping others imagine what could be possible. They are expert connectors and facilitators of introductions and conversations necessary for it all to work. They are advancing our movement of liberation, justice, and equity for our young people, our communities, and our leaders! Changemaker of the Year East * Arman Lakes, Ed.D. (DC22) Changemaker of the Year Central * Cescily Phillips (KC20) Changemaker of the Year West * Naomi Fierro Peña (OAK22) Congratulations to you all! #LeadTheSurge #ThePowerOfAscension #SurgeAlumni #LeadershipInAction

CHICAGO LEADERS: PRIORITY DEADLINE APPROACHING! Your pathway to scholarship opportunities closes in TWO WEEKS. The 2026 Surge Fellowship Chicago priority application deadline is JUNE 13th. Why the priority deadline matters: * FINANCIAL ACCESS: Scholarship consideration is ONLY available for applications submitted by June 13th. * COMPETITIVE EDGE: Early applications demonstrate commitment and receive priority consideration. * PEACE OF MIND: Submit now and avoid the last-minute rush before the final deadline. The Surge Fellowship isn’t just professional development—it’s a transformative experience that positions Black and Latinx leaders to reshape Chicago’s education landscape from the inside out. Chicago’s children can’t wait for educational equity. Neither should your leadership journey. 🔗 SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TODAY: https://lnkd.in/gbSBzd44 Need support? * Connect with us during our upcoming virtual office hour: https://lnkd.in/gZ8jcdEN * Check out the application guide: https://lnkd.in/gWmrawH6 #SurgeChicago #PriorityDeadline #CHI26 #ScholarshipOpportunity #EducationLeadership #SurgeFellowship

DETROIT EDUCATORS: DOUBLE DEADLINE ALERT! The countdown is on for TWO critical opportunities: 1️⃣ #LeadTheSurge Event: Wednesday, June 5th (4-6 PM) Join Detroit’s most dynamic education leaders at Kamper’s Rooftop (Book Tower) for an evening that could transform your leadership journey! Connect with Surge alumni, build powerful relationships, and discover how to amplify your impact. 2️⃣ PRIORITY APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 6th Submit your Surge Academy Detroit application by June 6th to be considered for scholarship opportunities! Connect the Dots: Attend #LeadTheSurge on June 5th, get insider application tips from alumni and staff, then submit your application the very next day for priority consideration! 📍 EVENT DETAILS: * WHEN: Wednesday, June 5th | 4:00-6:00 PM * WHERE: Anthology Events, Kamper’s Rooftop (Book Tower), 1265 Washington Blvd, Detroit * RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gU5DuBfH 📝 APPLICATION LINKS: * APPLY HERE: https://lnkd.in/gGyDhEF5 * APPLICATION GUIDE: https://lnkd.in/ghZydgbp * SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION DEADLINE: June 6th * VIRTUAL OFFICE HOUR: June 3rd, 3-4 pm ET - https://lnkd.in/gZ8jcdEN Don’t leave your leadership potential—or scholarship opportunities—on the table. This is your moment! #SurgeDetroit #LeadTheSurge #EducationLeadership #ScholarshipOpportunity #DetroitEducation #PriorityDeadline #DET26 #SurgeAcademy

Surge Spotlight! Take a look at the impact the fellowship had on our CHI24 fellows! Ready to walk in your purpose and join this movement? Applications for the CHI26 cohort are now open! 🔥 👉🏽 Apply today and be part of the next wave of transformative leadership. https://lnkd.in/gbSBzd44 #SurgeCHI #CHI24 #CHI26 #SurgeStrong #EducationForLiberation #LeadWithLove #ApplyNow

🏆The Innovator of the Year Award: These alums may not have been as visible as the Ambassador, but have absolutely been getting the job done! They embody the core value of Influential stewardship. These alums are strategic in their tasks, thoughtful in their requests/demands, and most importantly, are moving the needle. These alums are “in the room where it happens” and shifting policy and practice in service of advancing equity and liberation for young people, our communities, and our leaders! Innovator of the Year Award East * Le'Yondo Dunn (PHILA23) * Kawanza Billy (DC22) Innovator of the Year Award Central * Jessica Sullivan-Wilson (CHI21) Innovator of the Year Award West * Jane Lee (OAK20) Congratulations to you all! #LeadTheSurge #ThePowerOfAscension #SurgeAlumni #LeadershipInAction

🏆The Surge Pioneer Award: This award is presented to an individual who has been a steadfast supporter of our movement through their dedicated service on behalf of the Surge Institute. You truly exemplify what it means to make a lasting impact, supporting Surge and empowering us to move powerfully, forward, and upward. Nicholas Pearce, CEO, Founder, The Vocati Group, LLC, is the recipient of the Surge Pioneer Award! Congratulations, Nicholas! #LeadTheSurge #ThePowerOfAscension #LeadershipInAction

Surge is hiring a Director of Development — and this isn’t your average fundraising job. You’ll lead strategy, build power, and help fuel a national movement of leaders of color in education. Even better, you’ll report to David Henry one of the kindest, most brilliant leaders I know. Working with him is a masterclass in vision, heart, and humility. Surge is a place where purpose meets joy, and where your work truly matters. If you’re a seasoned fundraiser ready for more meaning and impact, apply now or share with someone great: https://lnkd.in/e_QNCdEY

📢 We’re Hiring: Director of Development at Surge Institute Surge is on the move — and we’re looking for a dynamic, equity-driven fundraising leader to join our team as Director of Development. This is more than a job — it’s a chance to power a national movement of leaders of color who are transforming education and creating lasting impact in our communities. 📍 Remote | Full-Time 🔗 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/e_QNCdEY If you're passionate about creating opportunities, unlocking potential, and building community — this is your moment. Come build with us. #NowHiring #DevelopmentDirector #EquityInEducation #SurgeForward #NonprofitJobs #FundraisingLeadership

10 years. 444 alumni. 8 cities. 3 million+ students impacted. 📚✨ The Surge movement is bold, growing, and transforming education from the inside out. Dive into a decade of impact, leadership, and legacy — and see what’s possible when we invest in leaders of color. 💥 📖 Read the 10-Year Impact Report now: https://lnkd.in/dtPDqRf #LeadTheSurge #10YearsOfImpact #EducationForLiberation #LeadWithLove #SurgeAlumni