How to Apply for the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Artificial intelligence and technology are reshaping what it means to teach and learn. Classrooms across the country are rethinking instructional strategies, roles, and systems to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. To help educators lead this transformation, the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship offers a powerful platform for those closest to the classroom to share their insights and experiences. Each year, a cohort of K-12 educators and school leaders is selected to contribute first-person essays and multimedia stories on EdSurge, highlighting how they tackle real-time challenges and guide their communities toward innovative practices.

This guide walks you through the process of applying for this prestigious fellowship. Based on the program’s structure and recent selection for the 2026–27 cohort, you’ll learn the key steps to craft a compelling application and increase your chances of being named one of the next Voices of Change Fellows.

What You Need

Before starting your application, gather these essentials:

• A clear understanding of the fellowship’s mission: The program empowers educators to lead conversations about AI and technology in education, sharing authentic stories of change.
• A unique classroom or school leadership story: Focus on a real challenge you’ve addressed using innovative practices, with tangible outcomes.
• Strong writing or multimedia production skills: Your submission should be a first-person essay or a multimedia piece (e.g., video, audio, or photo essay) that resonates emotionally and intellectually.
• Time for active participation: Fellows commit to sharing insights throughout the academic year, so ensure you can dedicate time to writing and collaborating.
• A completed application form: Available during the open submission window; check EdSurge and ISTE+ASCD channels for updates.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Understand the Fellowship’s Purpose and Reach

Begin by immersing yourself in the fellowship’s goals. Read past fellows’ stories on EdSurge to understand the tone, depth, and impact expected. The Voices of Change Fellowship is not a traditional grant; it’s a platform for amplifying educator voices. You must be ready to share how you are actively reimagining learning in your context. Review the 2026–27 cohort announcement for clues about what stood out: the program editor noted that applicants were already guiding their communities toward innovative practices. Emulate that forward-looking mindset.

Step 2: Identify Your Powerful Story

Your story is the heart of the application. Reflect on a specific challenge where you used AI, technology, or a new instructional approach to create change. Examples might include integrating AI-driven tools to personalize learning, restructuring classroom roles to foster student agency, or leading a school-wide shift in assessment methods. Ensure your story shows real impact—quantitative or qualitative—and connects to the broader theme of preparing students for tomorrow. Avoid vague statements; be concrete about what you did, why it mattered, and what you learned.

Step 3: Choose Your Medium and Craft Your Submission

The fellowship accepts both written essays and multimedia narratives. If you choose a written piece, keep it first-person, engaging, and around 800–1,200 words (similar to this guide’s length). For multimedia, consider a 5–7 minute video diary, an audio podcast episode with student voices, or a photo essay with captions. Whichever format you pick, prioritize authenticity and clarity. Use vivid descriptions, quotes from students or colleagues, and a narrative arc that moves from problem to action to outcome. Proofread carefully and ask a peer to review your submission for flow and impact.

Step 4: Submit Your Application During the Open Window

Applications for the 2026–27 cohort closed before the announcement, but future rounds will follow a similar timeline. Monitor the ISTE+ASCD website, EdSurge, and relevant social media channels for the next call. When the application opens, carefully fill out all fields—including your contact details, role, and school information—and upload your piece. Double-check that your submission aligns with the fellowship’s focus on first-person, real-time challenges. Submit before the deadline and retain a confirmation receipt.

Step 5: Prepare for Selection and Participation

After submission, the review committee evaluates all entries based on clarity, originality, and relevance to the fellowship’s mission. If selected (like the six educators in the 2026–27 cohort), you’ll receive an invitation to join the program. Be ready to commit to a year of sharing your expertise through published stories, possibly participating in virtual meetups or providing feedback to other fellows. Your work will be featured on EdSurge, giving you a national platform to influence education’s future.

Tips for a Winning Application

• Start early: Crafting a compelling story takes time. Begin brainstorming weeks before the application opens.
• Focus on “how,” not just “what”: Describe the process you used to implement change, not just the result. Editors want to learn from your journey.
• Be vulnerable: Share both successes and failures. Honest reflections make your story relatable and powerful.
• Use concrete examples: Instead of saying “students improved,” say “students’ reading scores increased by 15% after using an AI reading assistant for three months.”
• Proofread and test multimedia: For videos or audio, ensure excellent sound and lighting. Test links and playability before submitting.
• Align with ISTE+ASCD principles: Show how your work connects to digital citizenship, equity, or innovative pedagogy—themes these organizations champion.
• Network with past fellows: Reach out to previous cohort members (listed on EdSurge) for advice and insights about the experience.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship. This program is a unique opportunity to lead the conversation on how AI and technology are transforming education—and your story could inspire educators across the country.