National School Counselor Fellows Program
The National School Counselor Fellows Program, led by the Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment (CEPA), empowers school counselors from across the country to lead systems change in postsecondary advising. Over a two-year fellowship, participants engage in intensive professional learning, peer collaboration, and individualized coaching to address systemic barriers that limit college and career opportunities—particularly for historically underserved students.
Fellows conduct postsecondary systems audits, use data to identify equity gaps, and design actionable, school- or district-wide change projects. They deepen their leadership, advocacy, and policy skills through monthly virtual sessions, targeted training, and in-person convenings, including the annual National School Counselor Fellows Summit. The program fosters a national network of counselors committed to reimagining postsecondary pathways, sharing best practices, and influencing local, state, and national conversations on educational equity.
Through the support of CEPA and partner organizations, fellows graduate ready to implement sustainable solutions that strengthen school counseling practices and expand access to postsecondary success for every student.
Applications Are Now Open for the 2025–2027 National School Counselor Fellows Program
Join a powerful national network of school counselors committed to leading systems
change and expanding postsecondary opportunities for every student. Over this two-year
fellowship, participants gain leadership and advocacy training, mentorship, and access
to mini-grants to bring their equity-driven ideas to life.
Apply by August 31, 2025 to be part of this transformative community. Apply here.
CEPA Annual National School Counselor Summit
3rd National School Counselor Fellows Summit – June 26–27, 2025
The Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment welcomed school counseling leaders
from across the nation to San Diego State University for the 2025 National School
Counselor Fellows Summit. Over two inspiring days, fellows shared their equity-driven
projects, engaged in collaborative problem-solving, and strengthened networks to advance
postsecondary access for all students.
This year’s summit featured dynamic keynote addresses from Alma Barrera Garcia (SDSU School Counseling Graduate), Jarian Kerekes (President, Equitable Foundation), and Shannon Davidson, Ph.D. (Author, Trauma- and Resiliency-Informed Practices for Postsecondary Education: A Guide), alongside welcoming remarks from Ryan Fewins-Bliss (Executive Director, Michigan College Access Network) and Aaron Stallworth (Founding Executive Director, Scholars Equity Network). Their expertise, lived experience, and vision challenged attendees to dismantle systemic barriers and reimagine equitable postsecondary pathways.
During the summit, CEPA proudly announced the launch of new mini-grants to support fellows in advancing their equity-focused projects. Funded through the generous support of the Scholars Equity Network, the Equitable Foundation, and the Kresge Foundation, these grants will provide direct resources to help school counselor fellows implement innovative, data-informed strategies that dismantle systemic barriers to postsecondary access and success. By investing in the fellows’ leadership and vision, these partners are ensuring that promising ideas grow into impactful, sustainable solutions for schools and communities nationwide.
Congratulations to our graduating fellows for their unwavering commitment and advocacy—driving transformative postsecondary advising practices that open doors to student success.
Save the Date - 4th Annual National School Counselor Fellows Summit
Welcome 2024-2026 Fellows!