The application for the 8th cohort of The Mind Trust’s Innovation School Fellowship is now open! Start your application today.
Through this nationally unique paid fellowship, exceptional school leaders have the opportunity to spend one to two years developing sustainable school models for Indianapolis that attract and retain high-quality, diverse talent; commit to equitably serve their school community; and have an academic vision of excellence for all students. Read more about Fellows from past cohorts.
Fellows receive extensive support that will help them launch Innovation Network Schools that combine the freedoms and flexibilities of charter schools with the resources and services of district schools. Read more about the K-12 schools launched in Indianapolis by School Fellows.
The Mind Trust created the Innovation School Fellowship in 2014 in partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and the Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation to launch Innovation Network Schools within Indianapolis’ largest public school district.
Since 2014, The Mind Trust’s School Fellowships have supported the launch of 32 IPS Innovation Network Schools and charter schools. In fall 2020, School Fellows launched five schools in Indianapolis: Believe Circle City High School, Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School, The PATH School at School 67, Rooted School Indianapolis, and Sankofa School of Success.
The Mind Trust believes it takes exceptional school leaders to design and build schools that provide all students, no exceptions, with the education they deserve. Because of this, we choose Fellows who exhibit:
The first step in the application process is to submit a Statement of Intent. Prospective applicants can preview the Statement of Intent questions here. Note: This document is for drafting and planning purposes only. Please do not submit your Statement of Intent with this document. Submissions must be made through the online application portal.
Submission dates to remember:
Innovation Network School Fellowships are awarded in close partnership with IPS after a final interview with a selection committee of distinguished local and national education leaders.
Questions about The Mind Trust’s School Fellowships and application process can be directed to Amber Audrain, Director of Alignment and School Investments. Email Amber.
The Mind Trust’s Fellows in the news
Ma’at Lands, Cohort 6: ‘Overlooked for far too long’: Eastside church partners with The Mind Trust to launch new middle school via Chalkbeat
Geoff Fenelus, Cohort 7: Haiti, Brooklyn, Indy: My journey as a founder and CEO via The Indianapolis Recorder
Kim Neal, Cohort 6 and David Spencer, Cohort 5: ‘No One is Invisible:’ Leadership Lessons and Advice from School Leaders via TeachForAmerica.org
Shatoya Ward, Cohort 4 and Darius Sawyers, Cohort 5: VIDEO – New Life for P.R. Mallory & Co. Building via Inside Indiana Business
Mariama Carson, Cohort 1: Quality School Options: Empowering school leaders to turn vision into reality via The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation