Surge Institute

As we celebrate 10 transformative years of visionary leadership, the Surge community stands at the threshold of a new decade of impact. Together, we’ve redefined the education landscape, elevating the voices and visions of Black and Brown leaders, building bridges, and challenging barriers. Now, it’s time to rejuvenate, reflect, and reimagine at the 2025 Surge Convening! Surge alumni! Join us May 8th-10th, 2025, in the vibrant energy of Scottsdale, Arizona, for an inspiring retreat like no other. Under the theme “Power of Ascension: Fueling Our Rise for the Next Decade,” this Convening will empower us to reflect on our collective journey, celebrate our accomplishments, and envision the bold future ahead! Registration coming soon! #TheConvening #10YearsofSurge #Ascens10n

TLC25 application is opening soon! Our next informational will be December 12th at 5:30pm CT. Repost if you know a Black school leader !! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gjxNj8aU Complete interest form: https://lnkd.in/gd2r9M5b

On #NationalPhilanthropyDay, we recognize the power of bold investments in visionary leaders. Ten years ago, NewSchools wrote the first check to support Carmita Semaan’s idea for what would become the Surge Fellowship. That initial investment demonstrated our belief in the power of diverse education leaders to improve outcomes for all students. Today, Surge Institute has supported over 500 leaders of color in eight cities, collectively impacting more than 3 million students. This kind of impact is only possible when funders take risks, invest early, and center equity. Carmita’s courage, vision, and leadership have created a ripple effect of change, inspiring a generation of leaders to step into their genius. This is the essence of philanthropy—making catalytic investments to spark enduring change.

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Surge Institute and most importantly recognizing the visionary behind it all, Carmita Semaan. Her leadership inspires me daily as I navigate my own journey as a founder. Thank you, Carmita, for being a constant presence for me and so many others! You show us daily what is possible. ????? It was also a privilege to acknowledge the remarkable impact of NewSchools as the recipient of the Surge Vanguard Award. Celebrating their contributions to both Surge’s journey and my own—especially as Project OneTen is a proud NSVF grantee—was truly meaningful. A heartfelt thank you to Frances Messano for your beautiful words and support. Here’s to 10 more impactful years! ??

This American Education Week, we’re thrilled to celebrate the contributions of educators nationwide and a powerful decade of impact at the Surge Institute! For 10 transformative years, Surge has been at the forefront of uplifting BIPOC education leaders—driving equity, excellence, and innovation in classrooms and communities across the country. #AmericanEducationWeek

We’re still not over how incredible our 10 year Ascension celebration was at the beginning of this month! 10 transformative years of visionary leadership should continue to be celebrated by our community! We cannot continue to make impact without the community that continues to support us! #SurgeForMore #Ascens10n #LeadTheSurge

Congratulations to Surge alum Jessica Ca?as?(CHI21)!?Jessica is now the Chief of Community Engagement at Kids First Chicago! #LeadTheSurge #SoarWithSurge

Congratulations to Surge alum Jasmine Gilstrap Hunter?(CHI24)! Jasmine is speaking on a panel with A Better Chicago about chronic absenteeism and promising, evidence-based solutions about the crisis. Register for the panel: https://lnkd.in/gSn2m_N2 #LeadTheSurge #SoarWithSurge

Our yearly, Surge For More giving campaign is around the corner! Let’s keep our 10 year anniversary momentum going to support more leaders of color! Let’s support the critical work our fellows and alumni are doing every day to pave the way for future leaders as they stand as pillars of change within their communities. Stay tuned for details to come! #SurgeForMore #Ascens10n #LeadTheSurge

Black Principals! Join this informational session today, if you're interested in learning about our next TLC cohort!