We craft meaningful experiences for educators of color in Tennessee to amplify their voices, advocate for equitable policies and practices, and expose them to leadership opportunities.
Become the Teacher Tennessee Needs.
Lead Before You Ever Enter the Classroom.
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS | Limited to 10 Future Educators Across Tennessee
The Ascension Project is an exclusive leadership and advocacy fellowship that is designed for college juniors and seniors preparing for a thriving career in education. This transformative year-long program is designed for educators of color who are eager to make a positive impact in the classroom, throughout their school, within our communities, and beyond.
Ascenders will engage in a robust curriculum rooted in cultural relevance and impact, equipping them with leadership skills, a professional network, mentorship, and the confidence needed to lead as they learn.
Are you passionate about serving students and leading change in education? This is your opportunity.
Only 10 participants will be selected from across the state to join Tennessee's next generation of education leaders.
The Ascension Project is an exclusive leadership and advocacy fellowship that is designed for college juniors and seniors preparing for a thriving career in education. This transformative year-long program is designed for educators of color who are eager to make a positive impact in the classroom, throughout their school, within our communities, and beyond.
Ascenders will engage in a robust curriculum rooted in cultural relevance and impact, equipping them with leadership skills, a professional network, mentorship, and the confidence needed to lead as they learn.
Are you passionate about serving students and leading change in education? This is your opportunity.
Only 10 participants will be selected from across the state to join Tennessee's next generation of education leaders.
Imagine the Future
Imagine beginning your teaching career already connected to mentors, school leaders, policymakers, and fellow educators across Tennessee. What would it mean to walk into your first classroom with confidence because you're prepared with professional development coupled with a culturally relevant network of support?
The Ascension Project can position you to make this your reality.
The Ascension Project can position you to make this your reality.
What Will Ascenders Gain?
Ascenders gain insight and experience through individual assignments, group work, mentorship, book study, and more.
Each learning mode is designed to position participants to:
✅ Develop their leadership identity
✅ Learn directly from award-winning educators and school leaders
✅ Build relationships with mentors across Tennessee
✅ Expand their professional network
✅ Participate in exclusive leadership workshops
✅ Complete real-world leadership experiences
✅ Receive personalized coaching
✅ Learn how education policy impacts classrooms
✅ Become an advocate for students and public education
Each learning mode is designed to position participants to:
✅ Develop their leadership identity
✅ Learn directly from award-winning educators and school leaders
✅ Build relationships with mentors across Tennessee
✅ Expand their professional network
✅ Participate in exclusive leadership workshops
✅ Complete real-world leadership experiences
✅ Receive personalized coaching
✅ Learn how education policy impacts classrooms
✅ Become an advocate for students and public education
NEW! Education Advocacy Academy
We're elated to announce the launch of the Education Advocacy Academy! This new experience teaches future educators how to become powerful voices for students, schools, and the teaching profession.
Participants will learn how to:
Upon successful completion, participants will earn an education advocacy certificate, signifying their commitment to career readiness, education policy, and professional excellence.
Participants will learn how to:
- Understand education policy
- Advocate for students and educators
- Engage with policymakers
- Tell their individual advocacy story
- Influence positive change in education
- Confidently serve as an education ambassador
Upon successful completion, participants will earn an education advocacy certificate, signifying their commitment to career readiness, education policy, and professional excellence.
What You'll Experience
Develop. Build the confidence, leadership skills, and professional identity needed to successfully transition into your first teaching position.
Connect. Meet aspiring educators, veteran teachers, principals, district leaders, policymakers, and higher education partners from across Tennessee.
Elevate. Expand your leadership capacity, strengthen your professional network, complete advocacy training, and graduate prepared to lead from day one.
Connect. Meet aspiring educators, veteran teachers, principals, district leaders, policymakers, and higher education partners from across Tennessee.
Elevate. Expand your leadership capacity, strengthen your professional network, complete advocacy training, and graduate prepared to lead from day one.
A Mentor Who Walks With You
Every Ascender is matched with an experienced Tennessee educator.
Mentors provide:
Mentors provide:
- One-on-one coaching
- Career guidance
- Classroom advice
- Leadership support
- Professional networking
- Encouragement throughout the year
Capstone Experience
Ascenders will select an experience that showcases their growth and knowledge gained throughout the program from two options:
- Professional Portfolio
- Mentorship Reflection Experience
Who Should Apply?
College juniors and seniors who are enrolled in a teacher licensure program, and:
- Plan to teach in Tennessee
- Are in good academic standing
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- Have a passion for students and education
- Receive a faculty recommendation
- Will attend all required program sessions
Ascenders Will Graduate The Program With:
- The Ascension Project Certificate of Completion
- Education Advocacy Certificate
- A statewide professional network
- A long-term mentor
- Leadership and advocacy experience
- Resume and graduate school credentials
- Greater confidence entering the classroom
Ready to Lead?
The application is open through Friday, August 14, 2026.
Only 10 future educators will be selected. Become a part of Tennessee's next generation of transformational educators.
Only 10 future educators will be selected. Become a part of Tennessee's next generation of transformational educators.
What Are Alumni Saying?
This program was amazing. The mentors were top tier. They were so patient and very informative to us and I always appreciate when someone takes time out of their life to help me. The program was well put together and one of the best experience I've ever experience since choosing education. I am very thankful."
This program was really helpful and provided me with answers to my questions. It also allowed me to participate with my busy schedule. I like that I can relate to the mentors and get knowledge from them.
My biggest takeaway from this program when it comes to my future career, is to be sure to do all of my prior research on a specific school and district to ensure that it is the best fit for me. Also, networking and connecting on professional levels could help me to venture out and find job opportunities.
Program Staff
Dr. Courtney Mauldin-Jones, Programs Manager