MCLEOD SOCIETY
FELLOWSHIP
Applications open february 1, 2026
Deadline: March 1, 2026
The McLeod Society Fellowship is a selective, year-long leadership fellowship housed within Freedom to Choose Schools. It supports experienced education leaders working across the full landscape of education options—including public, charter, microschool, homeschool, and community-based models.
Rooted in the legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune, the fellowship equips leaders with the policy fluency, leadership tools, and national network needed to expand access to high-quality education options for families.
In 2026, the fellowship enters a new chapter under Freedom to Choose Schools, deepening its focus on leadership development, cross-sector collaboration, and real-world impact.
Who Should Apply (Eligibility)
This fellowship is designed for senior education leaders.
Applicants must be:
- School Leaders (Principals, Heads of School, Executive Directors, Founders), or
- Executive-level administrators or C-suite leaders (CEO, COO, CAO, Chief of Staff, Executive Director)
Applicants may work in schools, school networks, education nonprofits, advocacy organizations, or education-focused initiatives spanning all education options.
Fellowship Experience
Fellows participate in a cohort-based experience that includes:
- Virtual leadership and policy trainings
- Two in-person convenings
- Peer learning and national networking
- Exposure to advocacy strategy, storytelling, and systems leadership
2026 Timeline & Key Dates
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: February 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Cohort Announced: Mid-March 2026
- Fellowship Begins: April 2026
Program Dates
- April – Virtual Training
- May – Virtual Training
- June 24–26, 2026 – In-Person Convening (Location, TBD)
- July – Virtual Training
- October – Virtual Training / Reflection
- November – Fellowship Graduation & Gala (Location TBD)
What Fellows Gain
- A national network of senior education leaders
- Deeper policy and systems understanding
- Stronger leadership voice and public narrative
- Ongoing engagement as part of the McLeod Society alumni community
What Leaders Are Saying
“The McLeod Society Fellowship is about building leaders who understand that education doesn’t live in silos. Families deserve strong leaders who can navigate systems, policy, and narrative to expand real options.”
— Jay Artis-Wright, Executive Director, Freedom to Choose Schools
“This fellowship is designed for leaders already doing the work—and ready to lead more boldly, collaboratively, and strategically across education options.”
— Denisha Allen, Fellowship Lead
Apply Now
If you are a senior education leader ready to deepen your impact and join a national community committed to expanding high-quality education options, we encourage you to apply.
Applications close March 1, 2026
MEET THE INAUGURAL COHORT OF THE
MCLEOD SOCIETY FELLOWSHIP
