The Promise Network

Program Type: 18-month fellowship for executive-level district leaders

The Promise Network is an 18-month fellowship for executive-level district leaders committed to transforming systems so that every child has access to opportunity-rich lives. Fellows work on systems-level challenges within their districts and build both internal and external leadership capacity.

Candidate Requirements

Leadership Position:

• Must hold an executive leadership role such as Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, or Chief Academic Officer in a Southern school district
• Must be committed to increasing educational access and opportunity in their systems
• Must exhibit readiness to implement innovative, transformational change
• Special consideration may be given to candidates from states outside the South on case-by-case basis

Participation Requirements:

• Fully participate in all five (5) two-and-a-half-day Network convenings and other hosted events
• Identify and support an in-district design team (3–5 members)
• Complete brief systems assessment during early fellowship to surface district needs and priorities
• Demonstrate openness to building external leadership capacity through policy, advocacy, and coalition-building exploration
• Have willingness to be consistent participants and contributors to the Network

In-District Design Team Requirements

• Team of 3–5 members (may be existing team)
• Responsible for identifying systems-level challenge within district
• Design and implement strategies to advance progress on identified challenge
• Active participation expected
• Provide rationale for team composition and capacity assurance plan
• Should include at least one cabinet-level leader (Chief Academic Officer, Deputy Superintendent) to promote alignment and continuity

Selection Criteria

Selection guided by:

• District's and candidate's demonstrated need and readiness for system-level change
• Commitment to build internal leadership (leadership within systems)
• Commitment to build external leadership (policy, advocacy, coalition building)
• Willingness to be consistent participants and contributors
• Selection may vary by district size, demographics, budget, location, and systems-level challenges
• Network will reflect diverse communities of Southern region and beyond

Geographic Scope

• Southern school districts (special consideration for states outside South)

Contact Information

• Email: ThePromiseNetwork@southerneducation.org
• See FAQ page for additional questions

Application Process

Before Applying:

Review application instructions with intended in-district design team before applying

Application Requirements:

Submit through online application portal (access via website)

Application materials must address candidate qualifications and design team composition

Required Information:

Demonstrate executive leadership role and track record

Provide rationale for in-district design team composition (3–5 members)

Describe how you will ensure capacity and learning opportunities for full engagement

Identify the systems-level challenge your team will address

Detail your commitment to building both internal and external leadership capacity

Show alignment with Network's focus on racial equity and opportunity-rich education

Selection Timeline:

Candidates selected based on demonstrated need, readiness, commitment, and willingness to fully participate

Questions

• Forward inquiries to ThePromiseNetwork@southerneducation.org
• See FAQ page for answers to general questions