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Frequently Asked Questions
Selection Process & Application
I want to learn more. Will you have an info session?
I want to learn more. Will you have an info session?
Yes! We'll be holding a session on May 29. Register here.
How long is the selection process?
How long is the selection process?
There are three parts of the selection process for Design Studio:
The written application stage runs from early May to early June
The first round interviews take place at the end of June
The final round of interviews take place in mid-July
When does the application open?
When does the application open?
The Design Studio application opens here on May 7th.
Please check this site in Fall 2025 for more information on the Launch selection process.
What should I have ready before I start the application?
What should I have ready before I start the application?
We are looking for you to bring your personal experience in education to this application. Applicants who can clearly articulate the change they are looking to make in Rochester and how they see that change manifesting in a school building are welcome! You can see a copy of all of the application questions here.
How fleshed out does my idea need to be to be considered?
How fleshed out does my idea need to be to be considered?
We are looking for candidates who have an idea for an innovative school that is not fully fleshed out. Candidates should be able to speak clearly about the problem they are looking to solve, the vision they've created to solve that problem, and their future school's connection to the community's vision. Candidates do not need multi-page school designs, schedules, hiring plans, student recruitment plans, etc.
What types of ideas are suitable for the Design Studio pilot program?
What types of ideas are suitable for the Design Studio pilot program?
The Design Studio welcomes a wide range of innovative ideas aimed at improving education in Rochester. Whether it's a new teaching approach, an innovative curriculum design, or a bold approach to designing classrooms, participants are encouraged to bring forward ideas that have the potential to make a significant and sustainable impact on student learning and well-being.
How will you select candidates?
How will you select candidates?
See here for the rubric we will use to choose candidates for Design Studio.
Phase I - Design Studio
If I'm selected, what is the time commitment of the Design Studio?
If I'm selected, what is the time commitment of the Design Studio?
Selected participants will be announced in the Summer of 2024. The Design Studio program spans approximately six months beginning in the Fall of 2024 during which participants will work collaboratively with facilitators to develop and implement their pilot initiatives. This program will require you to attend 3 weekend, in-person workshops, attend two virtual workshops, and do 5-8 hours of preparation work (i.e. reviewing articles, drafting plans, etc.) for each session.
Is there a cost to participate in the Design Studio?
Is there a cost to participate in the Design Studio?
No. Thanks to generous support from funders there is no cost to joining the program.
Will I be eligible for Launch Support at the conclusion of the Design Studio?
Will I be eligible for Launch Support at the conclusion of the Design Studio?
Participants of the Design Studio are not automatically eligible for the Launch Support program. Select participants will be invited to join Launch Support after the conclusion of the Design Studio.
How will the pilot initiatives be funded?
How will the pilot initiatives be funded?
Each participant in Design Studio will receive up to $5,000 to pilot their initiatives.
How will the success of pilot initiatives be measured?
How will the success of pilot initiatives be measured?
READY will work closely with participants to establish clear metrics and goals for their pilot initiatives. Success will be evaluated based on these metrics, which will include the scalability of the proposed solution.
Will participants have the opportunity to collaborate with other education innovators during the Design Studio?
Will participants have the opportunity to collaborate with other education innovators during the Design Studio?
Yes, the Design Studio cohort experience fosters collaboration and idea exchange among participants. Through structured sessions and networking opportunities, participants will have the chance to learn from and collaborate with other leaders passionate about transforming education in Rochester.
What opportunities are available beyond Phase I of the Fellowship?
What opportunities are available beyond Phase I of the Fellowship?
At the conclusion of Design Studio, select participants will have the opportunity to join Launch. In this phase, participants will receive a salary, coaching, and additional funding to further develop their ideas and potentially launch a school in Rochester.
Phase II - Launch
Can I join the Launch program without being in the Design Studio?
Can I join the Launch program without being in the Design Studio?
Yes. Candidates with fully fleshed out school designs who are looking to launch their model in Rochester can apply to the Launch Support program in 2025. Find out more about the program here.
Can I apply to the Launch Program now?
Can I apply to the Launch Program now?
Applications for Launch Support will open in Fall 2025. if you're not sure whether you should apply for Design Studio or Launch, reach out to bryant@bhadvising.com.
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