The Essentials Fellowship is our launchpad to strengthen early childhood education. Join educators and community leaders for a full day of training, mentorship, and get $500 in funding to launch your first pilot.
This is the first step toward the Tiny Fellowship - where you can receive additional $5,000 to further test and scale your innovation.
Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate with a bold idea, you'll get the support to bring your vision to life and prepare for greater impact!
A program by 4.0 Schools, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering education innovators nationwide
📅 Saturdays, Jan 24 & 31, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
📅 Saturdays, Jan 24 & 31, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
You see the gaps. You have ideas. But between the demands of your day job and the uncertainty of where to start, that idea stays stuck in your head.
The Essentials Fellowship changes that.
In one day, you'll learn the frameworks that successful education innovators use: design thinking, rapid prototyping, and real-world testing.
You'll leave with a clear plan, $500 to launch your first experiment, and a national network of educators who've been exactly where you are.
Ready to launch your education innovation and join us this January?
Apply for the FellowshipThe fellowship takes you through a proven framework—from reflection to real-world experimentation—all in one powerful day.
What makes learning meaningful?
Reflect on your most powerful learning experiences. Identify the elements that create real educational impact—and why they matter for the work you want to do.
What's possible if you think bigger?
Engage in creative exercises that push past constraints. Brainstorm bold, imaginative solutions to the challenges you see in early childhood education.
Where do your ideas meet reality?
Connect your big vision with your unique strengths and available resources. Turn inspiration into a practical, actionable starting point.
What will you test first?
Refine your concept into one focused question. Then design a small-scale 'pop-up' experiment to test your idea in the real world—starting with that $500 stipend.
From rapid prototyping to real-world testing, you'll gain the tools and support that turn ideas into impact.
Stop overthinking. The fellowship gives you a clear framework, expert guidance, and $500 in funding to move from idea to pilot in weeks, not years.
Learn the innovation methods that work. Not theory, but practical tools for rapid prototyping, testing, and iterating on your ideas with real students and families.
You're not alone. Join a national community of educators who are redefining what's possible in early childhood education and support each other beyond the fellowship.
Join fellow innovators in Austin or Houston this January. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
Apply NowThis fellowship is designed for early childhood educators, program leaders, and community organizers in Texas who are ready to experiment, test new approaches, and build something better.
No prior experience in innovation or entrepreneurship required. We'll teach you everything you need to know.
📍 Location: Details provided upon acceptance
📅 Dates: Saturday, January 24 & Saturday, January 31, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
🍽️ Lunch: Included
📍 Location: Details provided upon acceptance
📅 Dates: Saturday, January 24 & Saturday, January 31, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
🍽️ Lunch: Included
Both sessions are required. Plan to attend both January 24 and January 31 in your chosen city to complete the fellowship and receive your $500 stipend.
No! The Essentials Fellowship is designed for educators at all experience levels. Whether you're exploring an idea for the first time or have been thinking about it for years, you'll gain valuable frameworks and practical skills.
Both January 24 and January 31 sessions are required to complete the fellowship and receive the $500 stipend. Please only apply if you can commit to both dates in your chosen city.
The stipend is designed to help you launch a small-scale pilot or "pop-up" to test your idea with real students, families, or educators. During the fellowship, you'll learn how to design and run this experiment effectively.
Yes! If you know an educator or community leader who would benefit from this experience, use our Nomination Form to recommend them.
We review applications on a rolling basis. You can expect to hear from us within 2-3 weeks of submitting your application.
No. The fellowship is completely free. You'll receive hands-on training, lunch on both days, and a $500 stipend to support your innovation project.
That's exactly why you should apply. The fellowship is designed to help you refine your thinking, develop a clear focus, and create an actionable plan. You don't need to have everything figured out.
4.0 is a community-driven platform where education innovators bring their ideas to life with the support, resources, and network they need to succeed.
From fellowships to funding opportunities, we empower changemakers across the country to reimagine learning in ways that truly meet the needs of students, families, and educators.
Our Impact: Over 2,500 innovators have launched transformative projects through 4.0, reaching more than 18.7 million students nationwide.
Learn more about our programs →Join Texas educators in Austin or Houston this January. Limited spots available.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early applications are encouraged.