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Eagle Rock's Fifth Changemaker Cohort: A Path for Educational Transformation

Eagle Rock School and its Professional Development Center (PDC) are excited to announce the recruitment for their Fifth Changemaker Cohort, scheduled to launch from February 16 to 20, 2026. This initiative aims to gather teams of students and educators from across the nation, all committed to transforming their schools into environments that are equitable, inclusive, and engaging for all learners.

What is the Changemaker Cohort?

The Changemaker Cohort offers a unique professional development opportunity designed for student-educator pairs dedicated to spearheading significant changes within their educational contexts. Participants will partake in a year-long program, experiencing hands-on sessions that concentrate on leadership development, equity-driven school enhancements, and methods to promote a sense of belonging for every student.

Why Should Schools Apply?

• - Immersive Learning: Engage in workshops and discussions led by seasoned experts, ensuring that learning is comprehensive and applicable.
• - Collaborative Network: Become part of a national community that prioritizes equity and engagement, connecting with other schools to share insights and experiences.
• - Tailored Action Projects: Develop and launch projects specifically designed to address the unique needs of your school, backed by continuous support from Eagle Rock PDC.
• - Student-Educator Partnership: The program emphasizes co-leadership, promoting collaborative decision-making to foster sustainable change.

Dan Condon, Associate Director of Professional Development at Eagle Rock School, emphasizes the program's vision: "This initiative is fundamentally about reimagining what's workable in our schools. By joining together as partners, students and educators can cultivate the skill sets and community needed to address inequities and create thriving environments for every young person."

Since its inception in 2021, the Changemaker Cohort has successfully aided schools nationwide in crafting equity-focused innovations that elevate student outcomes and encourage inclusivity. The upcoming cohort aims to build upon this success, enabling a new generation of pairs to lead powerful transformations within their communities.

Participating Schools to Date

The initiative has attracted a diverse range of schools, including:

• - Crosstown High, TN
• - Eagle Rock School, CO
• - Empower Generations High School, CA
• - E'Tude High School, WI
• - Fannie Lou Freedom High School, NY
• - Francis Parker High School, KY
• - Freedom High School, NM
• - Highline Big Picture, WA
• - iLEAD Agua Dulce, CA
• - Lake Arthur High School, NM
• - Nashville Big Picture, TN
• - New Visions Humanities IV, NY
• - Vaux Big Picture, PA

Applications for the Fifth Changemaker Cohort are now open. Student-staff pairs looking to be part of this transformative experience should visit www.changemakercohort.org for further details and to apply.

About Eagle Rock

Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Estes Park, Colorado, Eagle Rock School offers a year-round, full scholarship residential program for students aged 15 to 17. Recognized nationally, it provides a unique learning experience. The Eagle Rock Professional Development Center focuses on empowering educators and students known as changemakers, all dedicated to becoming the next generation of leaders who dismantle unjust systems. Their vision promotes high schools as hubs of engagement and learning, fostering diversity, equity, and collaborative leadership. The Eagle Rock School and PDC is a Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the American Honda Education Corporation, a subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.