KIPP Alumni Leadership Accelerator

Applications open on April 15, 2024, and close on May 12, 2024.  Apply here. 

Yes. We require one reference for this fellowship. As you’re completing your application, you’ll be required to enter the name and email address of the references you’d like to request references from. Your references will receive a unique link via email where they’ll be able to submit the references. You may not submit the references on their behalf.  

If you are a working professional with at least 2 years of work experience and are in college or in a graduate program, we recommend you apply. Otherwise, we recommend you finish your degree and get a few years of work experience under your belt before pursuing a leadership program. 

Yes, you may still apply. A bachelor’s degree is not required for the program. We look for leaders across all sectors.  

Several former fellows currently work for KIPP; however, the Alumni Leadership Accelerator program does not provide industry-specific education programming for educators. It will, however, provide you with knowledge to pursue people-management roles regardless of your industry.

If you are currently teaching or are an assistant principal at a KIPP school and you’re interested in school leadership, we suggest that you instead look into other KIPP programs like the KIPP School Leadership Program.

If you are working for a regional team or the KIPP Foundation, you may still apply, and we encourage you to be specific about how this program can help your career and leadership aspirations in ways beyond your professional relationship with KIPP.

Please view this rubric to learn more about selection criteria.  

Up to 60 alumni will be selected to be in the Leadership Accelerator program this year. 

Nominations are always welcome! Please submit your nominations here. Once you’ve submitted your nomination, the nominee will receive a customized email inviting them to apply.

Nominations do not guarantee acceptance to the programs. Alumni are still required to submit a completed application.

There is no cost to fellows. Tuition, travel, lodging, food, and all materials will be paid for by the KIPP Foundation. This year, we’re asking that Accelerator Fellows give back to the Alumni community in the form of time and talent through regional associations or by connecting directly with their region to identify volunteer opportunities. We’ll share more details around this with selected Fellows prior to the end of the program. 

You will receive an email before May 30, 2024 notifying you of our decision. 

You will spend up to 10 hours a month, for two months, dedicated to the workshops and professional development components of the fellowship. Following this, you will be responsible for engaging with your personal advisory board through our digital platform on a monthly basis. 

• May 12th,2024 – Applications are due  
• May 30th, 2024– Fellows are notified of the decision 
• June 10th, 2024 – Program Kickoff and Virtual Programming begins through July 25th 
• July 29-31st, 2024 – A 2.5 day Leadership Summit in Orlando, Florida  

• Access to a community of peers and other KIPP alumni leaders across the country
• Access to digital platform to create their personal advisory boards who will provide mentorship, coaching, and support through June 2025.
• Participation in a 2.5- day, in-person summit
• Access to professionals, entrepreneurs, and like-minded change agents
• Engagement with the KIPP Foundation Board, KIPP donors, and KIPP champions
• Professional development training and skill workshops

We look for leaders across all career sectors! The best time to apply for the Accelerator is when you already have a sense of your career, leadership, and professional interests. Most applicants will have on average, 5-7 years of work experience.

A bachelor’s degree is not required.

Over the last seven years, applicants have come from over 13 KIPP regions and over 20 career fields. Past fellows have ranged in age from 22 to 34.  Ideal candidates:

• Alumna/us of a KIPP middle or high school
• Extraordinary track record of leadership and professional achievement
• Ambitious goals and a vision to have an outsized impact on others
• Demonstrated persistence in pursuit of career aspirations
• Strong communication skills
• At least 3 years of work experience, preferred
• Commitment to attend all coaching and networking sessions, travel for in-person summits, and participate fully in the other components of the program

The best time to apply for the Accelerator is when you already have a sense of your career, leadership, and professional interests. This program will help you to the next step.

Fellows who’ve chosen non-degree centered careers typically have an average of 5-7 yrs. of work experience, while fellows who’ve chosen degree-centered careers have an average of 3 yrs. of work experience in addition to a completed degree.

Many applicants are not selected the first time they apply – so it is VERY common to reapply. If you have applied before and are still interested in the program, we highly encourage you to consider reapplying. The Accelerator selection team looks holistically at where you are in your career, and a lot can change in a year! By reapplying, you also demonstrate your commitment to your leadership goals.

Jamelfrey Pacheco, KIPP National Alumni Network Director, can answer any additional questions you might have. Please reach out to accelerator@kipp.org.