A.R.I.S.E. Fellowship

Investing in leaders shaping the future of Atlanta’s public schools.

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The Atlanta Reimagining & Innovating for Schools Everywhere (A.R.I.S.E.) Fellowship is a nine-month program that builds community power to drive lasting change in Atlanta’s public schools. Fellows dive deep into the history and landscape of Atlanta Public Schools, explore the levers that shape education, and partner with communities to co-create sustainable solutions.

The A.R.I.S.E. Fellowship Experience

Throughout the fellowship, participants will:

Understand the education ecosystem

Dive into Atlanta’s history, student outcome trends, and innovative models from other districts.

Map the levers of change

Explore how money, people, political infrastructure, and narrative shape public education.

Build community networks

Engage with families, advocates, educators, and policy influencers.

Define their role

Clarify how to advocate for lasting change in K–12 education.

Join a growing movement

Connect with a collaborative cohort committed to equity-driven impact.

A.R.I.S.E. was designed in 2021 in collaboration with EdConnect, TeachX, Fathers Incorporated, Goodie Nation, and Next Gen ATL.

Meet our 2025 A.R.I.S.E. Fellows

Jimmie Lee

STEAM Instructional Coach, Atlanta Public Schools

Lola Green

Founder & Executive Director, The Urban Indigo Foundation

Roy Cogdell III

Education & Community Director, Grove Park Foundation Inc.

Davida Huntley

Senior Legal Administrator, City of Atlanta

Egypt Noboa

College and Career Specialist Urban League of Greater Atlanta

Kayla Sledge

Special Education Teacher, The Kindezi Schools

Aireane Montgomery

President/CEO, Georgia Educators for Equity and Justice

Saba Asfaw

Cardiac Sonographer, Piedmont Healthcare Board Member – Friends of the Park

Why it Matters

A.R.I.S.E. is a launchpad for ideas that create positive local impact. Every year, fellows channel what they’ve learned into capstone projects, championing community-based organizations that then become eligible for funding through the Parent Power A.R.I.S.E. Fund. Recent fellows influenced state-level legislation and directed more than $150,000 toward community-chosen initiatives.

A.R.I.S.E. in the Field

2025–26 A.R.I.S.E. Grantees

Meet three leaders who represent community organizations that have been awarded the 2025 A.R.I.S.E. Parent Power grants, advancing parent leadership, youth empowerment, and family-centered advocacy across Metro Atlanta.

Indy-Bound!

The A.R.I.S.E. Fellows’ trip to Indianapolis spotlighted more than new educational models—it underlined the power of legislation and advocacy. Armed with fresh policy tools, they came back ready to engage lawmakers, shape state bills, and push forward real political change for Atlanta’s public schools.

Equitable Education Champions

Meet Kristen Silton, co-president of the Parkside Elementary PTA. Because of her experience in the A.R.I.S.E. Fellowship program, she is now leading with a better understanding of outside influences and a focus on equity for all students.

Interested in Becoming an A.R.I.S.E. Fellow?

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