MIT School Access and Quality Fellowship 2026–2027
The MIT School Access and Quality Fellowship 2026–2027 is a one-year programme for US-based education professionals working on equitable enrollment and school performance systems. The Fellowship combines in-person and virtual programming, connects participants with researchers and policy experts, and includes individual coaching and a national peer community. Applications are open until August 24, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET.
Quick Overview
Programme: MIT School Access and Quality Fellowship
Opportunity Type: Professional Fellowship
Host Organization: Blueprint Labs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Programme Format: In-person and virtual
Duration: One year
Eligibility: US-based education professionals working on enrollment or school performance systems
Deadline: August 24, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET
Participation Fee: No fee associated with the Fellowship
About the MIT School Access and Quality Fellowship
The School Access and Quality Fellowship is designed for education professionals who want to sustain, refine, and expand equitable enrollment and school performance systems in their regions.
The programme connects enrollment leaders with academic researchers, policy experts, and other professionals working on similar challenges.
Fellows learn best practices, share knowledge, and work together to solve problems related to enrollment and school performance.
The Fellowship also examines how technology and artificial intelligence can affect education systems and support educational equity.
Programme Structure
The Fellowship combines several forms of in-person and virtual programming.
In-Person Programming
Participants take part in:
✓ A two-day Kickoff at MIT
✓ A two-day City Learning Visit
The Kickoff introduces Fellows to enrollment and school performance topics while helping establish the cohort community.
The City Learning Visit gives Fellows an opportunity to examine the enrollment and school performance practices of another city.
Virtual Programming
Virtual activities include:
✓ Monthly challenge sessions
✓ Webinars with policy experts and researchers
✓ Monthly one-to-one office hours with enrollment and research experts
✓ A capstone project completed during the Fellowship
Fellows attend at least two of three webinars.
Monthly challenge sessions allow participants to discuss enrollment and school performance challenges using case studies and peer problem-solving.
Also read: DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program 2027 at SDU
Learning Objectives
Through Fellowship programming and discussions, participants work on improving their ability to:
• Enhance equity through enrollment and school performance policies.
• Engage families and other stakeholders effectively.
• Use AI to forecast enrollment and evaluate the effects of enrollment policies.
• Understand how families experience AI-mediated school choice platforms.
• Identify strategies that support equitable access.
• Use enrollment data to better serve students, families, and schools.
• Build trust and collaboration between district and charter schools.
• Address declining enrollment while maintaining an equity-centered approach.
• Develop more equitable and accurate school performance measures.
• Make decisions about seat allocation at selective schools.
• Build more user-friendly enrollment systems for families.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected Fellows receive access to professional and peer-learning opportunities throughout the programme.
Confirmed programme benefits include:
✓ Access to policy and research experts
✓ Networking events
✓ Lectures and panels
✓ A national peer community
✓ Individual coaching
✓ Monthly newsletters with research, resources, and programme updates
✓ Access to an online portal for current Fellows and alumni
The Fellowship is designed so participants can complete its activities while continuing their regular professional responsibilities.
Check: Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028
Eligibility Criteria
The Fellowship is open to US-based education professionals who are currently leading, implementing, or researching enrollment or school performance systems.
Applicants may work across the enrollment spectrum, from decentralized systems to fully unified systems.
Previous Fellows have represented organizations such as:
• Public school districts
• Charter management organizations
• State education agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
Relevant professional roles can include:
• Directors of enrollment
• Admissions managers
• Directors of community engagement
• Directors of data management
• Communications specialists
• Directors of school performance
• Program and policy development advisors
• Directors of school quality measurement
Applicants must be based in the United States.
Time Commitment
The Fellowship requires a one-year commitment with regular learning activities.
Fellows are expected to participate in:
• A two-day Kickoff
• A two-day City Learning Visit
• At least two one-hour webinars from a series of three
• Monthly challenge sessions
• Monthly office hours
• A capstone project
• A short presentation on their capstone work
• A summary of accomplishments at the end of the programme
The Fellowship begins with an in-person Kickoff in the fall and concludes in early summer with the City Learning Visit and a written reflection on each Fellow’s accomplishments.
Capstone Project
Each Fellow selects a project related to enrollment or school performance and develops it during the Fellowship.
Projects may focus on issues such as implementing a new school quality measure or pursuing an enrollment policy change.
Fellows periodically report on their progress. At the end of the programme, each participant gives a brief five-minute presentation about their accomplishments.
Financial Conditions and Travel Support
There is no fee associated with the Fellowship.
However, Fellows continue working full-time at their education organizations and receive no additional compensation for participating in the programme.
Fellows or their organizations are generally responsible for travel and lodging costs connected to the two in-person events.
Five travel scholarships are available based on need and merit.
Eligible travel scholarships can provide:
✓ Up to $1,200 in travel and lodging expenses for each in-person event
Explore: Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2027 Cohort at Stanford University
Application Process
Eligible applicants should complete the official online application form for the 2026–2027 School Access and Quality Fellowship.
Before applying, candidates should confirm that they:
• Are based in the United States.
• Work professionally in education.
• Are currently leading, implementing, or researching enrollment or school performance systems.
• Can participate in the Fellowship’s one-year programme and required activities.
Applications must be submitted through the official online form before the stated deadline.
Application Deadline
Applications for the MIT School Access and Quality Fellowship 2026–2027 are currently open.
The deadline is:
August 24, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
