EdVoices

Are you a parent, student, or educator ready to speak out on key issues in education policy? Apply for EdVoices!

Are you passionate about making education work better for Minnesota students? Do you have personal experience that can help others understand what needs to change? Are you ready to step up and speak out on issues you’ve seen first hand? Apply to join EdVoices, where you’ll get training, find a platform, build community, and have a launchpad for becoming a recognized voice in Minnesota’s education justice advocacy efforts.

Join us to build your skills as a spokesperson for education justice and make meaningful change for K-12 students in Minnesota!

APPLY TO EDVOICES!

What is EdVoices?

Through EdVoices, we uplift authentic voices and drive honest conversations about key issues facing Minnesota students and what we can do to make schools work for all. This program brings together students, parents, and educators in a structured, collaborative cohort to craft and share their stories on Minnesota’s education system.

Accepted applicants will participate in six sessions where contributors will learn best practices in action-oriented storytelling, build personal goals and narratives, and reflect together—building community, creative momentum, and storytelling depth. Cohort participants will learn about key education issues at the Minnesota Capitol, how to research and craft a persuasive position, and how different communication mediums can reach different audiences to make change for students. By the end of the program, each participant will create at least one blog, video, or story in another format to launch their voice as a spokesperson for education justice.

Participants are eligible for a stipend of up to $400, based on attendance ($50/session) and publication of a final capstone story ($100). After completing the program, we’ll support you to speak out via additional blogs, testimony, and more, keeping you looped in on timely policy debates and supporting you to share your personal perspective to influence change.

The Ideal Contributor

Shares our vision of a Minnesota where every student succeeds in a rigorous and engaging education.
Has the personal drive to serve as a changemaker and spokesperson for education justice in Minnesota
Has a clear point of view on education in Minnesota, informed by their unique perspective as a current or recent student, a preK-12 parent or guardian, or an educator.
Is deeply passionate about specific education topics (e.g., school discipline reform, teacher diversity), and self-motivated to share their perspectives on these issues.
Is an excellent communicator, whether through writing, art, public speaking, video, etc.
Enjoys collaboration and feedback.

How to Apply

Interested participants must fill out an application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline to apply for the 2026 EdVoices cohort is August 16, 2026.