The Details

Who should apply?
Are you a mid-level school leader ready to push boundaries, embrace new ways of thinking, and make a bigger impact? The Leadership+Design Fellowship is for forward-thinking educators who are ready to grow, connect, and transform their schools.

Whether you’re a Principal, Division Director, Assistant Principal, Department Chair, Curriculum Director, Instructional Coach, Innovation Director, Academic Dean, Grade Level Team Leader, or Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, this fellowship will help you sharpen your problem-solving skills, rethink how we do school, and build a vibrant network of peers from hundreds of schools across the country. You might have participated in a Leadership+Design workshop in the past, or felt a kinship with our approach and mission that you've been wanting to pursue.

If you’re ready to stretch yourself, collaborate deeply, and lead boldly, this fellowship is for you.

What does being an L+D Fellow entail?

• Opening Convening (September): Kick off the fellowship with a two-day, in-person gathering. Build connections, practice Leadership+Design’s values, and set goals for the year ahead.

• Monthly Virtual Gatherings: Participate in engaging discussions around readings, videos, and fieldwork. Connect with peers in smaller cohorts and through intentional pairings, all while staying connected via our active Slack workspace.

• Fellowship Project: Develop your skills as a facilitator, innovator, collaborator, or problem solver through a project of your choice. Whether it’s conducting research, facilitating workshops, or transforming how your school approaches meetings, you’ll have the freedom to design a project that matters to you and your school. Share your progress and insights with the cohort at the year’s end.

• Closing Convening (April): Reunite for a two-day, in-person gathering to showcase your project, reflect on lessons learned, and help shape Leadership+Design’s future programming.

What will I get out of being an L+D Fellow?

• Tools for Innovation: Gain habits, mindsets, and strategies to lead your school toward fresh approaches in teaching, learning, and leadership.

• A Powerful Network: Join a supportive cohort and a growing community of “L+Doers” committed to reimagining education for the future.

• Coaching and Support: Receive guidance to innovate and lead impactful changes in your school.

• Leadership Opportunities: Practice new ways of leading, facilitate with L+D teams, and receive authentic feedback.

• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy free membership in L+Doers Unite, with discounts to L+D programs and other benefits.

• Renewal and Connection: Recharge with meaningful human connection, play, and yes, great food and surprises at in-person events.

What Will You and Your School Commit To?

• Time and Energy: Attend all in-person meetings, virtual gatherings, and engage actively in Slack and monthly assignments. Your full participation is key to making the most of this experience.

• Project Engagement: Commit to designing and completing a year-long project that aligns with your professional growth and school’s needs. This project will culminate in a final presentation during the closing convening.

• Creative Contributions: Collaborate with the cohort to create new materials and explore fresh approaches to leadership and education.

• Program Fee and Travel Costs: Your school will provide the $3,500 program fee and cover travel and lodging for the two in-person convenings. We’ll take care of meals, materials and create an inspiring environment for your growth.

• Administrative Support: Ensure your school administration backs your participation and supports your efforts throughout the fellowship. We’ll ask for a supervisor’s approval to confirm this commitment.

Join the fellowship to lead boldly, grow professionally, and create meaningful change in your school and beyond.

When and where are the opening and closing convenings?

We hold the convenings in centrally located cities to ease travel and minimized the impact of time zones.  While we will visit these two locations, we have not determined yet which convening will be held in the Fall or Spring, the dates are set though. The final plans will be determined by February 15, 2025.

• Convening Locations: Denver, CO and Kansas City, KS

  • Fall convening: September 26 and 27, 2025

  • Spring convening: April 23 and 24, 2026

What does the Fellowship cost?

The program fee for the 2025-2026 Fellowship is $3,500. This fee includes:

• Two 2-day in-person convenings (September and April)

• Monthly virtual gatherings and coaching calls as needed

• Membership in L+Doers Unite with exclusive discounts and perks

• Materials, supplies, and awesome L+D merchandise

• Support for developing and implementing your Fellowship project

Please note: The program fee does not cover travel or lodging expenses for the in-person convenings.

Are there scholarships available?
We are deeply committed to providing up to 3 scholarships, ranging 25-75% reductions in the program fee, for applicants coming from schools without extensive resources. (Please note that scholarships do not cover the cost of travel.)

Scholarships will be dedicated towards developing a diverse cohort, with particular emphasis on leaders from public or charter schools, as well as applicants who are from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in school leadership roles.  If you would like more information about a scholarship, please contact Tara Curry-Jahn.

What if I have to cancel after joining the cohort?

When requested in writing, L+D will refund fellowship fees as follows: 75% of registration fee when requested 45 days or more from first day of the Fall convening; 50% of registration fee when requested 31–44 days from first day of the Fall convening; no refund within 30 days of the first day of the Fall convening.

This sounds like it’s right up my alley.  How do I apply?
Applications are open and will close March 31, 2025. Applicants will be notified by April 25, 2026. If you would like to be added to a waitlist, contact Tara Curry-Jahn.

 Questions?  Contact Tara Curry-Jahn.