What does Surge Institute do?

Surge Institute is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2014, dedicated to educating and developing leaders of color in the education sector. Its mission focuses on creating transformative change for young people, their families, and communities by addressing issues of race and class in urban education. Surge operates in multiple cities, including Oakland, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Kansas City, with plans for further expansion. The organization's flagship program is the Surge Fellowship, an intensive leadership development experience for leaders of color in education. Surge emphasizes authenticity, understanding systemic contexts, and envisioning transformative possibilities. In addition to the Fellowship, Surge offers various programs and services, including technical assistance, advocacy support, and community engagement initiatives. Over the past decade, Surge has supported over 500 leaders and aims to expand its network significantly by 2028, fostering diverse representation in educational leadership.