Eagle Rock's Professional Development Center Recruiting for Fifth Changemaker Cohort Launching February 16-20, 2026

The Changemaker Cohort is a unique professional development experience designed for student–educator pairs who are committed to creating meaningful change in their local contexts. Over the course of the one-year program, participants will engage in intensive, hands-on sessions focused on leadership development, equity-driven school improvement, and strategies to strengthen belonging for all students.

Why Apply to the Changemaker Cohort?

• Comprehensive immersive learning: Workshops, discussions, and applied practice led by expert facilitators.
• Collaborative Network: Join a national learning community of schools advancing equity and engagement.
• Action Projects: Design and launch a project tailored to your school's specific needs, with coaching and ongoing support from Eagle Rock PDC.
• Student–Educator Partnership: Grounded in the belief that lasting change comes when youth and adults lead together.

"This program is about reimagining what's possible in schools," said Dan Condon, Associate Director of Professional Development, Eagle Rock School. "By partnering students and educators as co-leaders, we're cultivating the skills, courage, and community needed to disrupt inequities and create schools where every young person thrives."

Since its launch in 2021, the Changemaker Cohort has supported schools nationwide in designing equity-focused innovations that enhance outcomes and foster belonging. The upcoming Fifth Cohort will build on this momentum by equipping a new generation of student–educator teams to lead transformational work in their communities.

Participating schools to date include: 

• 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 are now open for student and staff pairs interested in joining the Fifth Cohort, February 16-20, 2026.

For more information or to apply, visit www.changemakercohort.org.

About Eagle Rock

Nestled in the mountains of Estes Park, Colorado, Eagle Rock is a full-scholarship, year-round, residential high school enrolling young people ages 15-17 in an innovative learning experience with national recognition. The Eagle Rock Professional Development Center works with Changemakers—educators and students—committed to preparing the next generation of leaders to break down unjust systems. With a vision for high schools to be centers of engagement and learning, the PDC empowers teams to embrace diversity, equity, and collective leadership. Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center is a Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the American Honda Education Corporation, a subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

SOURCE Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center