About the Fellowship
The South Carolina Charter Founders Fellowship is a one-year, tuition-free program designed to support exceptional leaders in launching high-quality public charter schools across South Carolina.
Whether you’re preparing to launch a school or still refining your vision, the fellowship provides the structure, support, and community needed to move from idea to execution.
Key Dates:
Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Fellowship Timeline: August 31, 2026 - June 30, 2027
Questions about the fellowship? Contact Bria Gibson, Director of Talent Recruitment and Selection at bgibson@themindtrust.org.
Two Distinct Pathways
Founders
School leaders who have already applied for or secured a charter and are preparing to open a school.
Focus: Launching a high-quality school on time with strong enrollment.
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
Future Founders
School leaders who are still refining their school vision and preparing to apply for a charter.
Focus: Building a compelling school model and developing a strong charter application.
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
How the Fellowship Works
Cohort–Based Learning
Fellows participate in a cohort experience with other high–capacity leaders from across South Carolina, creating opportunities for collaboration, shared learning, and peer support.
Personalized Coaching
Each Fellow receives one–on–one advising tailored to their specific school model, timeline, and development needs.
In–Person and Virtual Experiences
The fellowship includes multi–day, in–person learning sessions in South Carolina and in cities across the country, as well as ongoing virtual coaching and working sessions.
Fellows work toward key milestones aligned to their stage, whether that’s submitting a strong charter application or opening a school successfully.
Milestone–Driven Progress
What Fellows Receive
A Tuition-Free Experience – All program costs are covered, including travel, lodging, meals, and materials.
Stipends and Launch Funding – Founder Fellows receive a stipend tied to key deliverables and milestones throughout the fellowship. Fellows who are not currently employed receive a $100,000 stipend to support their dedicated focus on launching their school. Fellows who are currently employed receive a $25,000 stipend in recognition of the significant time committed outside of their regular job. Future Founder Fellows receive a $12,000 stipend tied to participation and progress on key deliverables throughout the fellowship.
Personalized Coaching and Cohort Learning – You’ll receive one-on-one support tailored to your school model, alongside collaborative learning with a cohort of high-capacity leaders.
Expert Guidance in Key Areas – Fellows receive support in the following areas:
School design and academic model
Governance and board development
Enrollment and community engagement
Special education and multilingual learner planning
Talent recruitment and leadership
Financial sustainability and facilities
Charter application development
Launch readiness and performance management
National Network and Learning Experiences –Visit excellent schools, learn from national experts, and build a network that lasts beyond the fellowship.