Eligibility

All participants:

Are current and/or aspiring elected officials.
Are residents of Washington, D.C.
Demonstrate leadership and impact in communities they have lived in and served, specifically showcasing a track record of measurable contributions.
Have a strong passion for equity and proven experience advancing it.

About Center for Strong Public Schools

The Center for Strong Public Schools is a home for courageous elected officials who are passionate about transforming public education. We are a powerful voice for strengthening public education, ensuring every child in America—especially those from Black, Brown, and low-income communities—has access to high-quality educational opportunities. Learn about the Center for Strong Public Schools at StrongSchoolsNow.org.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Through sessions spanning 7 weeks (approximately 3 hours per week, plus assignments and prep work) — and featuring top national and local experts — we prepare participants to transform D.C.’s public education system. From systems literacy to strategic policy design, fellows learn how to build and advance an impactful and strategic education agenda. Specifically, fellows will:

Strengthen their skills in analysis, advocacy, and action to run for office.
Develop the ability to analyze complex education issues and determine what students need from their leaders.

Session Number

Session Title

Session 1

Orientation: Current State of Education in DC

Session 2

Federal, Congressional, and Local Oversight of Schools

Session 3

How School Quality, Choice, and Equity Shape Opportunities

Session 4

Building Power with Communities

Session 5

Policy Analysis, Solutions, & Impact on Marginalized Students

Session 6

Real World Applicability

About the Fellowship

The Strong Schools Public Policy Fellowship is a leadership development program designed to prepare the next generation of public education champions in Washington, DC. Over the course of eight weeks, fellows will engage in dynamic sessions focused on education policy, campaign readiness, and governance.

Cohort members (10-15 D.C. residents) will gain:
- Deep understanding of DC’s education landscape
- Tools to advocate effectively for strong, equitable public schools
- Connections with policymakers, advocates, and education leaders across the city

Application Instructions

Please complete all sections of this application before submitting. All responses must be entered directly into this form. Applications are due by Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

Full Name*

Preferred Pronouns

Address*

Ward of Residence*

Email*

Phone Number*

Current Occupation and Employer*

LinkedIn or Website

How did you hear about the Strong Schools Public Policy Fellowship?*

If you answered "other" to the question above, please specify.

Describe your current or past involvement in DC’s public or public charter school system.*

What professional or community experiences have shaped your views on education policy?*

Share a leadership experience where you helped drive a policy, program, or campaign that improved outcomes for students or families.*

What would success in this fellowship look like to you?*

What specific education issues in DC are you most passionate about addressing?*

What long-term leadership path are you pursuing?*

Run for public office

Serve on a public charter school board

Influence education policy or advocacy in another capacity

If you selected "run for office," what seat and year?

Please explain your selection to the above question.*

Where do you see yourself in DC’s education ecosystem five years from now?*

How do you hold yourself accountable?*

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing DC’s public and public charter schools today?*

How do you define “equity” in education, and what policies best promote it?*

How have you engaged families, educators, or communities around education issues?*

What communities or neighborhoods in DC do you feel most connected to, and how have you contributed to them?*

This fellowship requires regular attendance at sessions, active participation, and completion of a policy or advocacy project. Can you commit to this expectation?*

Yes

What support do you need (e.g., scheduling, childcare, accessibility) to fully participate?*

Tell us about a perspective or experience you bring that you think is underrepresented in education policy or leadership.*

Short Essay: Write a short statement (250–400 words) describing your vision for strong public schools in Washington, DC.*

I understand that this program includes independent learning outside of sessions. I agree to complete 3–5 hours per week of readings, assignments, and preparation (“homework”) for the duration of the program.*

Click to accept terms.

I understand that some site visits, meetings, or interviews may occur during standard business hours (M–F, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). I will make reasonable arrangements (e.g., personal time, employer permission) to participate in these activities.*

Click to accept terms.

I affirm the following: I will respect all participants, staff, and community members, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, immigration status, or socioeconomic background. I will foster an inclusive learning environment, refrain from harassment or discrimination, and follow all program policies. I will engage in good-faith dialogue, honor confidentiality when requested, and address disagreements constructively. I understand that violations of this pledge may result in disciplinary action, including removal from the program.*

Click to affirm.

By typing my name below, I certify that the information in this application is true and that I agree to the Time Commitment, Business-Hours Availability, and Respect & Inclusion Pledge above.*

Today's Date*

D.C. Office

STRONG SCHOOLS POLICY FELLOWSHIP

Eligibility

About Center for Strong Public Schools

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Session Number

Session Title

INAUGURAL COHORT 2026 ALUMNI

JON ALFUTH

WILBERTA BYNUM

CHANDLER DENNARD

CHRISTINE MILLER

ANA DE SOUZA

JOSHUA WILEY

About the Fellowship

Application Instructions

Learn More About Our D.C. Office

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