The GeorgiaCAN Parent Fellowship is a year-long leadership program for Georgia parents, grandparents, and guardians who are ready to turn their passion for education into real action. Now in its seventh year, the fellowship equips community members with the tools, training, and platform to advocate for meaningful education reform, right in their own neighborhoods.

Fellows work alongside GeorgiaCAN’s State Outreach Director and Parent Fellowship Coordinator to build local advocacy movements and shape education policy at the school board and State Capitol level. This isn’t a passive program — you’ll be organizing, connecting with community members, and driving a project of your own design to address a pressing education issue in your community.

Who is an ideal fellow?

We are looking for candidates who are early in their advocacy journey. The ideal candidate is passionate about advancing educational change in their community and is committed to advocating not only for their own child, but for all 1.8 million students in Georgia’s public education system.

They should have a strong understanding of the policies GeorgiaCAN champions, along with an eagerness to help shape new ones. Above all, we’re looking for someone who brings energy to the work, builds meaningful relationships, and recognizes the importance of listening.

  • Hands-on experience in community organizing and advocacy
  • A deep understanding of Georgia education policy
  • Access to GeorgiaCAN’s statewide network of advocates and leaders
  • A small monthly stipend
  • Skills and credibility that last well beyond the fellowship year

 

The fellowship runs from July 1 through May 31 and requires fewer than 10 hours per week, with some evening and weekend availability.

We expect parent fellows to complete the following during their fellowship:

  • Host at least 5 parent focus events
  • Host a parent advocacy day at the State Capitol
  • Attend community/local school board meetings
  • Actively participate in weekly parent fellow meetings (team meeting and 1:1s)
  • Attend all in-person parent fellowship gatherings in July, December, January, and May.
  • Canvass or Phonebank parent advocates within the GeorgiaCAN Network.

Applicants must meet these requirements:

  • Must be a parent, grandparent, or guardian of a student attending a Georgia school (public, public charter, private school, homeschool, or other)
  • Must live in the state of Georgia.
  • Must complete the Parent Fellowship application and interviews.

Not required but encouraged:

  • Applicants completed GeorgiaCAN’s EPIC Parent Advocacy Training.
  • Experience in community or political organizing.

We do encourage applicants to reapply if not selected in previous application cycles.

The parent fellowship application closes on May 4, 2026. No late applications will be accepted.

  • Application closes on May 4.
  • Parent Fellowship applicant review and interviewing period is May-June
  • Accepted applicants will be notified on or around June 17th.