Atlanta Changemakers for Education Fellowship
Mission
To develop a network of Metro Atlanta leaders who understand public education systems and are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and relationships to advance education equity, influence policy, and strengthen public K–12 schools through advocacy and civic engagement.
Vision
Fellowship at A Glance
Driving Change
The A.C.E. Fellowship is a transformative experience for community leaders and advocates who want to build their knowledge, strengthen their influence, and drive meaningful change in public education.
- Duration: 9 months (August 2026–April 2027)
- Time Commitment: 4 hours a month
- Focus Districts: Atlanta Public Schools & Clayton County Public Schools
A.C.E. Fellows Gain:
- Greater clarity in their roles as leaders advancing education equity
- A deeper understanding of how public education systems shape student outcomes
- Relationships with influential education leaders
- A powerful network of civic leaders committed to students
- Skills to effectively advocate for equitable, high-quality public schools
- Tools to turn knowledge into meaningful action for students
Impact to Date
Apply to the Fellowship
The A.C.E. Fellowship is a leadership program designed to cultivate a lasting network of leaders committed to advancing education equity across Metro Atlanta. The fellowship brings together leaders from a range of sectors—including parents, educators, and community stakeholders—to deepen their understanding of how public education works and define their role in driving meaningful change for students.
Grounded in leadership enhancement, network building, and education systems advocacy, the fellowship equips participants to use their leadership and influence to advance meaningful change. Fellows engage in structured sessions and hands-on learning to develop an understanding of how policy, data, governance, and funding work together to create our educational ecosystem, and to gain the tools they need to actively participate in systems change. Upon completion of the program, fellows join a growing network of education advocates working individually and collectively to ensure every Metro Atlanta student has access to a high-quality K–12 public education, regardless of their neighborhood or background.
A.C.E. seeks current and emerging leaders who are deeply committed to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for students in Metro Atlanta.
Ideal candidates:
- are community-rooted leaders—including parents, educators, and nonprofit/business professionals—interested in deepening their civic engagement.
- demonstrate a strong desire to build their knowledge of the public education ecosystem and develop the skills needed to advocate for equitable, high-quality schools across the region.
- bring a passion for student success, a willingness to engage across diverse perspectives, and a commitment to translating ideas into action that benefits students and schools.
Step 1 – Apply
- Online applications open May 11, 2026
- Applications are due by 5:00 pm on May 29, 2026 to be considered
Step 2 – Interviews
- Beginning in early June, selected candidates will participate in interviews with RedefinED Atlanta
Step 3 – Selection
- The 2026–27 A.C.E. cohort will be announced in early August
- Final fellows are chosen based on:
- Program fit
- Readiness and leadership capacity
- Demonstrated involvement in APS and/or Clayton County
Step 4 – Participation
- The 2026–27 A.C.E. Fellowship will officially begin in mid-August and run through April 2027
- Fellows are expected to participate in 4 hours of programming a month
Session Dates (Saturdays):
- August 12
- September 9
- October 14
- November 18 (adjusted for Veterans Day)
- December 9
- January 13
- February 10
- March 10
- April 14
Please note: The fellowship schedule is subject to change with notice to fellows.
Applications are open through 5:00 pm on May 29.
FAQs
The A.C.E. Fellowship is nine months. It kicks off in August 2026 and ends in April 2027.
Session dates are subject to change; preliminary dates are as follows:
- August 12
- September 9
- October 14
- November 18
- December 9
- January 13
- February 10
- March 10
- April 14
Fellows are expected to dedicate 4 hours a month to the program. Once you’re accepted, more details will be shared about how those hours typically fall during the month.
A.C.E. Fellows will be allowed one excused absence during the program.
There is no application fee or cost to participate.
All sessions will be held in person.
The fellowship brings together leaders from a range of sectors—including parents, educators, and community stakeholders. This year, we’re specifically focusing on leaders who have connections to Atlanta Public Schools and Clayton County Public Schools.
A.C.E. Fellows gain:
- Greater clarity in their roles as leaders advancing education equity
- A deeper understanding of how public education systems shape student outcomes
- Relationships with influential education leaders
- A powerful network of civic leaders committed to students
- Skills to effectively advocate for equitable, high-quality public schools
- Tools to turn knowledge into meaningful action for students
RedefinED Atlanta staff will review your application; if you are selected to move forward in the selection process, you will be contacted to schedule an interview for early June. Final fellows will be announced in early August.
Absolutely! We encourage anyone not selected this year to apply again in the future.
The A.C.E. Fellowship is merging the best parts of the A.R.I.S.E. Fellowship and the Clayton County Grant Advisory Council to create one unified program. Participants experience not only dynamic, hands-on learning, but also direct grantmaking and advocacy opportunities to drive real, community-informed impact.
No, but you should be able to demonstrate strong involvement in APS or Clayton County, including working or volunteering in these communities.