Learn about our SUMMER FELLOWSHIP.
Make a remarkable difference
this summer.
Embark on a transformative journey in educational leadership with our 10-week Summer Fellowship. This Fellowship is designed for talented graduate students and emerging professionals pursuing non-instructional careers in education, providing an opportunity to lead critical short-term projects in school districts, charter schools, government education agencies, or nonprofits. Join a vibrant community of diverse peers, forge lasting connections, and gain invaluable exposure to critical issues and policies that accelerate a lasting and impactful career in education.
THE FELLOWSHIP EXPERIENCE
High Impact Placement.
Apply your skills to strategic initiatives in education with the support of EP and our partner organization.
Grow Your Leadership.
Through on-the-job learning, in-person convenings, site visits, and communities of practice, Fellows receive valuable mentoring and leadership development from experienced education professionals and EP Alums.
Build Community.
Gain lasting personal and professional connections through a nationwide network of 4,700+ diverse peers.
EXPLORE THE SUMMER FELLOWSHIP
- 2026 Summer Fellows will live and work in one of our primary geographic regions:
- Bay Area, CA
- Chicago, IL
- New York, NY
- Texas:
- Dallas
- Houston
- Washington, D.C.
- Fellows lead crucial short-term initiatives that fall primarily within four priority areas: project/program management, data and analytics, operations, and strategy.
- Summer Fellows receive a stipend of $10,000.
- Fellowship programming began June 2026.
Our 2026 Summer Fellowship application is now open.
Examples of the Work You'll Do
Oakland Unified School District
- Equitable Summer Learning Enrollment Systems Fellow, Oakland Unified School District
CONNECT WITH US
Application Timeline
1.
September 16, 2025
Application opens
2.
December 9, 2025
Priority round deadline
3.
February 3, 2026
Final round deadline
4.
Feb – March 2026
Mutual Matching and Placement Confirmation for Priority Round Candidates
5.
April 2026
Mutual Matching and Placement Confirmation for Final Round Candidates
6.
June-August 2026
Summer Fellowship Programming
Application & selection process
Eligibility
Summer Fellowship applicants must be new to the program and available to complete the full program in person in one of our target cities.* They should hold a bachelor’s degree and have at least two years of professional, full-time work experience (excluding undergraduate and graduate internships) or, if they are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program or hold a graduate degree, at least one year of professional, full-time work experience (excluding undergraduate and graduate internships). Eligibility for EP Fellowship programs is limited to US workers (US citizens, permanent residents, asylees and refugees). Above all, candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to EP’s mission along with a passion for public education.
*While the large majority of placements will be on site in the regions listed above, there may a small number of opportunities in cities outside of our core regions, and/or remote opportunities. In order to maximize your chance of being placed during our Onboarding process it is important that you are open to working in one of the cities listed above for the entirety of your placement.
Application Prep
To prepare a strong application, candidates should focus on highlighting their demonstrated professional experience, leadership skills, commitment to education, and the unique perspective that they bring. One crucial aspect of the application is the resume, which should effectively showcase work accomplishments to your potential partner organization. We encourage you to review our candidate resources, including resume examples (instructional experience / non-instructional experience) and our “Guide to a Great Resume” to help you prepare your application.
Onboarding timeline/matching
Our Onboarding process plays a crucial role in ensuring the right fit between Fellows and partner organizations. After submitting an application, candidates are carefully evaluated based on their qualifications, including demonstrated professional experience, leadership skills, and commitment to education. Once selected as finalists, candidates enter our Onboarding process and are matched with partner organizations based on their skills and location preferences. The final step involves the placement process, where candidates interview with our partner organizations and are placed with projects that align with their interests and goals. Throughout this process, EP provides support and guidance to both Fellows and partner organizations to ensure a successful and fulfilling experience for all involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scroll for answers to some of our most frequently asked questions
onboarding Timeline
1.
Build Matching Profile & Complete Pre-Matching Survey
2.
Receive Matches from EP
3.
Interview with Matched Partners
4.
Receive & Accept Extended Placement Offers
Questions? We’ve got answers
Are international students eligible to apply?
Due to the complex and timebound nature of our onboarding timelines, our limited capacity as a small nonprofit organization, and our mission to build long-term talent pipelines for US education systems, eligibility for EP Fellowship is limited to US workers (US citizens, permanent residents, asylees and refugees).
Do I need a graduate degree to apply?
You do not need a graduate degree to be eligible to apply. However, candidates who have enrolled in or completed a graduate degree typically fare better in our selection process.
Can I reapply for an EP Fellowship if I have been rejected?
Yes, as long as you are authorized to work in the US, meet our current eligibility requirements, and have experience in our priority areas of project/program management, data and analytics, operations, and strategy. Note that the Summer Fellowship has two admissions rounds and candidates not advancing in the priority round cannot apply again for the final round of admissions.
Can I apply to both the Summer and Impact Fellowships?
While you can apply to both, be aware that you would have to participate in and complete two different admissions processes. We strongly encourage you to review the two Fellowships and choose the one that is the best fit for you.
How do I know if you have received my application?
After you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation and follow-up email that explains the next steps in the process. You can also check the status of your application and continue to find important resources in the Applicant Center.
Do you require references as part of your admissions process?
We require two references as part of your admissions file provided with your initial application or anytime before you complete your in-depth interview. If we decide to contact your references, we will do so after the in-depth interview stage of our selection process and candidates will be notified a minimum of 72 hours in advance of your references being contacted.