Rising leaders initiative
RISING LEADERS INITIATIVE
All too often in education policy, the voices of students—the next generation of leaders—are drowned out by special interests. We’re looking to help change that, starting with charter high school students who want to help shape education policies in their local communities and states.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Rising Leaders Initiative is a one-year advocacy training program for high school students who attend charter schools. It is designed to inspire student engagement in education advocacy and cultivate the next generation of young leaders who will shape education policies in their local communities and states. By providing students with the tools and resources they need to become effective advocates for choices in public education, we can create a brighter future for all students.
Recruit
We recruit a diverse group of 10 charter high school students who want to advocate for choices in public education and positively impact their communities.
Train
Students participate in monthly virtual training and programming to deepen their knowledge of the functions of civic engagement, advocacy, and coalition building and to develop critical skills in leadership and public speaking.
Empower
Students create and lead an advocacy club in their school to educate and raise awareness for their charter school and work towards developing impactful policy initiatives that address urgent public education issues affecting their school or community.
Eligibility
- High school students enrolled at a U.S. charter school.
- Good academic standing.
- Demonstrated commitment to service through volunteering and contributing to their school and community.
- An interest in advocacy, leadership, and policy.
Program Duration
Students are expected to participate in virtual training and meetings from August to May and share their stories at national and regional conferences, directly reaching education leaders and decision-makers.
Stipend
Students are eligible for a $3,000 stipend for participating in the program.
APPLICATION PROCESS
How To Apply
We are not currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 cohort of the Rising Leaders Initiative. Please check our website for updates on future application periods
Application Timeline
We are committed to selecting diverse and talented students with a strong interest in leadership and advocacy and a demonstrated commitment to serving others. The Rising Leaders Initiative is a competitive program requiring students to commit time outside school hours. Each academic year, we accept ten exceptional students to join the program.
All applications are reviewed by a selection committee to ensure a fair and impartial selection process. Two members of the committee evaluate each application comprehensively. Students who meet the criteria will be invited to participate in a video interview with the National Alliance for admission to the program. Please take note of the important dates and deadlines.
Important Dates
Application opens: February 7, 2024
Application closes: March 15, 2024
Students selected to advance to the second round notified: April 16, 2024
Students selected for the program notified: June 10, 2024
Rising Leaders Initiative class of 2024-2025 announced: August 2024
Students selected for the program must be available in August for orientation.
How To Apply
To apply, you must fill out an online application, provide your personal information and details about your school, respond to the application questions, and submit your academic transcript, parent consent form, and recommendation.
In addition, students are required to submit the following documents:
- Online Application: Fill out an application providing personal information and answers to the application questions. Click here to start your application.
- Academic Transcript: Your transcript must include grades from the most recently completed semester or quarter.
- Parent Consent Form: A parent or guardian must complete your consent form. Download the form here.
- School Recommendation Form: Please download the recommendation form here or share this link with the school official recommending you. Your recommendation must be completed by a principal, teacher, school counselor, coach, or school official.
Applications will be considered complete only when we receive all the required documents.
Application Timeline
We are committed to selecting diverse and talented students with a strong interest in leadership and advocacy and a demonstrated commitment to serving others. The Rising Leaders Initiative is a competitive program requiring students to commit time outside school hours. Each academic year, we accept ten exceptional students to join the program.
All applications are reviewed by a selection committee to ensure a fair and impartial selection process. Two members of the committee evaluate each application comprehensively. Students who meet the criteria will be invited to participate in a video interview with the National Alliance for admission to the program. Please take note of the important dates and deadlines.
Important Dates
Application opens: February 7, 2024
Application closes: March 15, 2024
Students selected to advance to the second round notified: April 16, 2024
Students selected for the program notified: June 10, 2024
Rising Leaders Initiative class of 2024-2025 announced: August 2024
Students selected for the program must be available in August for orientation.
If you have any questions or would like further information, send an email to risingleaders@publiccharters.org.
Interested in supporting the program? Contact Kyle Breckenridge at kyle@publiccharters.org or make a charitable donation
