MIT School Access and Quality Fellowship 2026–2027 | Fellowship for US Education Professionals

Applications are now open for the MIT School Access and Quality (SAQ) Fellowship 2026–2027, a one-year professional fellowship offered by Blueprint Labs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The fellowship is designed for US-based education professionals working to improve equitable school enrollment and school performance systems in their communities. Participants will have opportunities to learn from education and policy experts, collaborate with peers across the United States, and develop a practical capstone project focused on enrollment or school performance.

Fellowship Summary

• Fellowship: MIT School Access and Quality Fellowship
• Host Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Organization: Blueprint Labs
• Location: United States
• Duration: One year
• Fellowship Period: 2026–2027
• Eligibility: US-based education professionals
• Application Deadline: August 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
• Application Fee: None

Who Can Apply?

The MIT SAQ Fellowship is intended for professionals working across the school enrollment and school performance spectrum.

Potential applicants include:

• Enrollment directors
• Admissions managers
• Community engagement directors
• Data management directors
• Communications specialists
• School performance directors
• Program and policy development advisors
• School quality measurement professionals
• Education policy researchers
• Professionals working with school districts, charter management organizations, state agencies, and education-focused nonprofits

Important: Applicants must be based in the United States and should currently be leading, implementing, or researching enrollment or school performance policies.

What Does the Fellowship Include?

The MIT School Access and Quality Fellowship is structured so that working professionals can participate alongside their regular employment.

1. MIT Kickoff

The fellowship begins with an in-person kickoff where fellows meet their cohort and begin the year’s learning and collaboration.

2. Webinars

Fellows participate in webinars covering specific challenges and practical issues related to school enrollment and performance.

3. City Learning Visit

Participants visit a city with established enrollment systems and practices to learn directly from real-world examples.

4. Monthly Challenge Sessions

Fellows participate in monthly sessions led by members of the cohort to discuss specific enrollment and school-performance challenges.

5. Capstone Project

Each fellow develops a project related to school enrollment or school performance and works on it throughout the fellowship.

6. Expert Office Hours

Participants have access to monthly one-on-one meetings with enrollment and research experts. (Blueprint Labs)

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will gain access to:

• Education policy and research experts
• Professional networking opportunities
• Lectures and panel discussions
• A national peer community
• Individual coaching
• Collaborative learning opportunities
• Practical experience through a capstone project
• Exposure to innovative enrollment and school performance practices (Blueprint Labs)

Is the MIT SAQ Fellowship Fully Funded?

This fellowship should not be described as fully funded.

There is no fellowship fee, but fellows or their organizations are generally responsible for travel and lodging costs associated with in-person events.

However, five travel scholarships are available based on need and merit. These can provide up to $1,200 in travel and lodging expenses for each event. (Blueprint Labs)

Time Commitment

The fellowship lasts approximately one year and includes:

• A two-day kickoff
• A two-day City Learning Visit
• Two of three one-hour webinars
• Monthly challenge sessions
• Several hours throughout the fellowship for the capstone project
• A final short presentation
• A written summary of accomplishments at the conclusion of the fellowship (Blueprint Labs)

What Is the Capstone Project?

Each fellow chooses a project connected to school enrollment or school performance.

Examples may include:

• Developing a new school quality measurement system
• Pursuing an enrollment policy change
• Improving enrollment equity
• Using enrollment data for better decision-making
• Strengthening community engagement
• Improving relationships between school districts and charter organizations

Fellows present their progress throughout the year and conclude with a short presentation of their accomplishments. (Blueprint Labs)

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the 2026–2027 MIT School Access and Quality Fellowship is:

August 24, 2026 — 5:00 PM ET

Applicants should submit their applications before the stated deadline.

How to Apply

Interested education professionals should:

1. Review the eligibility requirements.
2. Prepare the required application information.
3. Complete the online application.
4. Submit the application before August 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the fellowship open internationally?

No. Applicants must be based in the United States.

Is there an application fee?

No. There is no fee associated with the fellowship.

Does MIT cover travel and accommodation?

Generally, fellows or their organizations are responsible for travel and lodging for in-person events. However, five travel scholarships of up to $1,200 per event are available based on need and merit.

Can I participate while working full-time?

Yes. The program is specifically designed for working professionals and can be completed alongside regular professional responsibilities. Fellows continue working full-time at their education organization during the fellowship.