Are you passionate about strengthening schools, advancing educational equity, or stepping into local leadership?
The Academy for Local Leadership Fellowship is a 7-month leadership program designed for aspiring school board members, education advocates, and civic leaders who are ready to deepen their understanding of local systems, strengthen their leadership skills, and build meaningful impact in their communities.
To Apply
Application Opens: Friday, February 20th
The application has 3 parts. All required materials are due by Friday, April 3rd.
Part 1: General information about you.
Part 2: Long-form responses about your experiences and viewpoints.
The link will be shared after we receive Part 1.
Part 3: References
We ask that each applicant have 2 people submit references on their behalf. The link will be shared after we receive Part 1.
Application Due Friday, April 3rd
Part 1, 2, and 3 are due by this date.
Not Ready to Apply?
The Spirit of ALL
The Academy for Local Leadership is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to civic education and leadership development. Our programs help community members understand school governance, develop leadership skills, and explore ways to contribute meaningfully to their schools and district.
Key Programs
Fellowship Program
A hands-on leadership development program for aspiring school board members and education advocates interested in understanding public school governance and civic engagement.
Community Empowerment
A community-based program committed to building strong connections between communities and their school board representatives.
Professional Learning
Civic education and governance-focused training tailored for current school board members, nonprofit organizations, and education leaders.
Mission
ALL Chicago equips community members, parents, and caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage effectively in public school governance.
Through nonpartisan civic education and leadership development, we prepare participants to contribute thoughtfully to local education decision-making and to build strong partnerships between school boards, community leaders, and district administration – all while catering to the needs and aspirations of Chicago students, especially those furthest from opportunity.
Our Vision
A Chicago where all students, especially those furthest from opportunity, benefit from school boards and local leaders who are knowledgeable, engaged, and committed to equitable education.
Our Leadership
Our leadership team brings together experienced educators, community organizers, and civic engagement professionals dedicated to developing informed, effective, and inclusive leaders for Chicago’s public schools. Each member brings a commitment to nonpartisan civic education and community-driven impact.
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To achieve our aspiration of driving city-wide structural change, it is imperative to deepen our understanding of the broader civic landscape and build a strong network of peers who are equally committed to this work.
Damarr
CLASS 2
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Statement of Neutrality
The ALL Chicago program was established in response to the recent transition in CPS governance from a seven-member appointed Board of Education to a 21-member elected Board of Education. As a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization, this initiative is designed exclusively to provide educational information to community members interested in understanding school board governance and engaging in education advocacy. The program does not endorse candidates, engage in lobbying, conduct campaign activities, or provide support for any political campaigns.
