About the opportunity
The MIT School Access and Quality (SAQ) Fellowship is a one-year program designed for US-based education professionals who aim to sustain, refine, and expand equitable enrollment and school performance systems. The program supports individuals leading, implementing, or researching enrollment policies across various systems, from decentralized to fully unified, and fosters a professional community of peers to address challenges in school access and quality.
Funding and benefits
- Access to policy and research experts
- Networking events, lectures, and panels
- Participation in a national peer community
- Individual coaching
- Five travel scholarships available based on need and merit, covering up to $1,200 in travel and lodging expenses for each in-person event
Who can apply?
- Must be based in the United States
- Must be an education professional currently leading, implementing, or researching enrollment or school performance systems
- Open to individuals working in systems across the enrollment spectrum (decentralized to fully unified)
- Ideal candidates include roles such as directors of enrollment, admissions managers, directors of community engagement, directors of data management, communications specialists, directors of school performance, program and policy development advisors, and directors of school quality measurement
- Open to professionals from school districts, charter management organizations, state agencies, and nonprofits
When to apply
- Applications for the 2026–2027 Fellowship are due August 24, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET.
How to apply
- Apply via the official application form: https://mit.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QcrqkVK0zSZYvs
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- US-based education professionals currently leading or researching enrollment and school performance systems.
- Individuals in roles such as admissions managers, data directors, or policy advisors who want to refine their systems.
- Professionals seeking a peer community and expert coaching to address equitable access challenges.
What should you think carefully about?
- The fellowship does not cover travel and lodging for in-person events, except for a limited number of need-based scholarships.
- The program is a one-year commitment, requiring active participation in networking and a capstone project.
- Applicants must be based in the United States to be eligible.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is perfect for mid-to-senior level education professionals looking to expand their influence and knowledge base. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with a national network of peers and experts to solve complex problems in school access and quality measurement.
Our take
Education professionals working in enrollment or school performance systems should consider this fellowship to gain professional development and access to a high-level network, provided they can manage the travel costs.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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