OUR APPROACH
Why Local Leadership Matters
“Education should be a means to empower children and adults alike to become active participants in the transformation of their societies.”
(UNESCO, 2017)
Across Latin America, rural communities face challenges that affect education, well-being, and economic opportunity. Limited resources, geographic isolation, and uneven access to services can make it difficult for children and families to thrive.
Yet lasting solutions are most effective when they are led by people who understand their communities best. Rural educators are among the most trusted and connected leaders in their communities. In many places where formal systems have limited reach, they serve as anchors of trust and coordination — with deep relationships that give them unique insight into community priorities and the ability to mobilize local action.
This makes educators a powerful entry point for advancing locally led change. Through the ConnectED Fellows Model, we strengthen this leadership by channeling resources, relationships, mentorship, and catalytic funding through a growing network of rural educators. With this support, Fellows turn community priorities into locally driven solutions that strengthen education, expand opportunity, and improve long-term community well-being.
What We Do
ConnectED Fellows believes that lasting change is built from within communities. By investing in the leadership capacity of trusted local educators and connecting them with the resources and networks they need, communities are better positioned to develop and sustain solutions that reflect their own priorities.
IF
Rural education leaders are supported with capacity development, resources, mentorship, and meaningful partnerships,
THEN
they can identify community priorities and lead solutions that address educational barriers and opportunities,
Which
they can identify community priorities and lead solutions that address educational barriers and opportunities,
Ultimately
contributing to thriving and resilient rural communities.
HOW WE DO IT
We are passionate about locally-driven solutions, and at the heart of our work are the ConnectED Fellows. The Fellows model was created in partnership with local communities to support education leaders to improve access, quality, and relevance of education for youth. With the right support networks, tools, and leadership development, Fellows become change agents who use human-centered design to engage and empower others in addressing education needs. We provide our Fellows with access to resources and capital, capacity development and mentoring and networking opportunities.
Phase 1
Identify Local Fellows
We work with local partners to identify and nominate rural education leaders who are deeply rooted in their communities and committed to improving opportunities for children and families.
Phase 2
Strengthen Leadership Capacity
Fellows engage in leadership development, mentorship, peer learning, and technical support that strengthen their ability to lead, collaborate, and advance community-led solutions.
Phase 3
Surface Community Priorities
We support Fellows in engaging parents, students, teachers, and community members to identify priorities, recognize community strengths, and inform solutions that are rooted in local realities.
Phase 4
Mobilize Partnerships & Resources
ConnectED serves as a bridge between local leaders and the resources they need to advance their work, connecting Fellows with funding, partnerships, expertise, and opportunities that can strengthen and expand their impact.
Phase 5
Launch Community-Led Solutions
Fellows work alongside parents, teachers, community members, and local partners to design, implement, and adapt initiatives that respond to local priorities and strengthen opportunities for children and families.
Phase 6
Learn, Measure, and Strengthen Impact
We monitor and evaluate the outcomes of Fellows’ projects to gain insights, share them with our network, and apply what we learn to scale successful initiatives to new locations.
Phase 7
Grow the Fellows Network
ConnectED continues to support Fellows through peer learning, mentorship, partnerships, and alumni engagement. As Fellows share knowledge, resources, and experiences with one another, they strengthen a growing network of leaders advancing community-led change across rural Latin America.
By partnering with local organizations and investing in education leaders already embedded in their communities, our model generates significant social return from collective investments in education.
Lasting change starts with people. We build on the strengths, knowledge, and resources already present within communities so that projects continue long after initial funding ends.
Communities are best positioned to identify their own priorities. Fellows engage local stakeholders to understand challenges, build consensus, and develop solutions together.
Change happens through relationships. We work alongside schools, families, municipalities, community organizations, and other partners to bring diverse resources and perspectives together.
Our model is designed to adapt to different cultures, geographies, and local realities while maintaining the core principles that make it effective.
Working With Communities
Everything we do begins with listening. Fellows work alongside community members to identify priorities, mobilize local resources, and lead solutions that reflect local aspirations and strengths.
Get Involved
How can you make a difference?
Invest in a Fellow.
Support a trusted rural educator with the leadership development, mentorship, and catalytic seed funding needed to turn community priorities into action.
Become a Volunteer.
Share your expertise to strengthen the work of ConnectED Fellows and support rural educators leading change in their communities.
Become a Partner.
Join a growing network of organizations committed to strengthening local leadership and expanding opportunities for children and families across rural Latin America.