Alumni

Leaders of Color for Systems Change Fellowship

This fellowship is designed to develop the next generation of BIPOC system changers who are passionate about making education more equitable in the immediate future. 

The fellowship provides intentional education opportunities, unique real-world experiences, and coaching. In this program you will:

1.

Explore your identity as a leader of color in the advocacy, organizing, and policy space.

2.

Further your understanding of the educational landscape in Illinois* through thoughtfully curated sessions designed and led mostly by people of color.

3.

Build a network of peers who will be your lifelong co-conspirators in advancing educational equity.

*For the purpose of this fellowship, policy will focus on priorities in Illinois, however the tactics, strategy, and tools can be applied in any location.

Application

Applications for the FY24 cohort will open July 31, 2023. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2023.

Review the application instructions before applying →

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Fellowship Experience

Learning

Designed by BIPOC professionals, with input from BIPOC alumni, partnering with a BIPOC curriculum development company, sessions led by BIPOC and BIPOC coaches.

Hands-on Experience

Fellows will take a 1 day trip to Springfield in March or April 2024 (based on legislative calendar) to interact and meet with State legislators.

Coaching

Fellows will receive group coaching to develop soft skills and explore mindsets necessary for this type of advocacy work.

Impact

Fellows will become life-long co-conspirators in our fight for educational equity.

We will have more people who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, who have our lived experience in spaces where they can influence change such as committees, coalitions and other advocacy spaces.

Advocate for policy changes that impact educators, students and families.

Headshots of the inaugural class of 2023

Inaugural class of 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Fellowship will run in-person this year. Some events may switch to being virtual if it becomes unsafe to have in-person events and as participants request. Sessions will take place at our downtown office located at 227 W Monroe, 21st Floor (Studio Offices) Chicago, IL 60606.

  • Yes, at this time, this is a requirement of our program.

  • Kickoff/Session 1: 11.11.23 / 10am-4pm

    Session 2: 12.7.23 / 6-9pm

    Session 3: 1.11.24 / 6-9pm

    Session 4: 2.8.24 / 6-9pm

    Trip to Springfield: TBD, All Day (March or April based on legislative calendar)

    Session 5: 3.7.24 / 6-9pm

    Graduation: 4.11.24 / 6-9pm

  • Applications are open from 7/31-9/1, we will notify applicants of acceptance by 9/22/23.

    • A TFA alum.

    • Individuals who identify as BIPOC and share a similar economic background of the students and families we serve.

    • Someone who is passionate about educational equity and is comfortable using their voice.

    • Experience in advocacy, policy or community organizing is preferred but not required.

Testimonials

  • “This fellowship broadened my view of what is possible. It gave me a different vantage point for not only viewing entry points to change, but causality of issues that I see on the local level. I believe that this will make me a much more effective and impactful change agent in my role of school administrator because I have a greater understanding of identifying causes and where to go to address long-term systemic change.”

    – Niambi Riggins-Thomas
    (2023 Fellow)

  • “The Springfield trip was the perfect summation of all the skills, resources, and conversations we had and learned about in our sessions. It also opened my eyes to the many different ways that people show up in the Capitol. Seeing those all come to light at committee meetings and through conversation with Senate President Don Harmon made me so excited to do the work and expand my reach outside of just my professional role.”

    – Brandis Haugabrook
    (2023 Fellow)

  • "I was able to meet education leaders all across the Chicago. This helped me develop my network in the education space. I now have contacts from teachers to principals to non profit leaders and more that will help me in catalyzing my impact."

    – Krish Patel
    (2023 Fellow)

Application Details

  • Application Requirements

    1. Submit a Resume

    2. Submit letter of recommendation by email directly to Jasmin Rosales-Montas at jasmin.rosales@teachforamerica.org.

    3. Respond to the following short essay prompts (include in one document)

  • Essay 1

    Purpose

    Please answer the following in less than 500 words:

    • What education related issue are you most passionate about and why?

    • What key experiences have contributed to your commitment to urban education?

    • How is your identity as a BIPOC important in this work?

  • Essay 2

    Demonstrated Impact

    While no previous experience is necessary we want to hear about your impact in your current work or your personal life.

    In under 500 words, demonstrate your impact as an advocate for education. You should share the experience(s) where you led/influenced the most people and answer using the STAR format.

    STAR format:

    • Situation/Task–Describe the situation or the task you needed to accomplish, provide context to the issue

    • Actions–Logically and concisely explain steps you took to address the situation or accomplish the task

    • Results–Explain the quantifiable results of your actions. How did

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