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ZetaCS(20230724_ZCombinatorFellows)_23_e

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 9:00 am- 5:00 pm I Fellows Travel Home
    Safe travels!
  • 8-9 AM I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Review schedule for the day over breakfast.
  • 9-10:30 AM I Family Communications
    Session Presentation
  • 12:15-1 PM I Lunch
    Free time for calls and lunch!
  • 1:15-3 PM I Operations and School Leader Hiring
    Session presentation
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I Focused Work Time
    Work time on family communications and enrollment.
  • 4:30-5 PM I Daily Debrief
    Reflect on the day and look ahead to tomorrow's schedule.
  • 3:15-4:30 PM I Focused Work Time
    Dedicated work time on thinking about ops and leader hiring.
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at South Bronx
    Welcome back!
  • 12:15-1 PM I Lunch
    Free time to take calls and eat lunch!
  • 3-4 PM I Program Next Steps and Alumni Support
    We've just about finished the entire program! Congratulations! Let's debrief the program as a whole and share your honest feedback. Then we'll discuss next steps and how we can best support you as Z Combinator Alumni!
  • 4-5 PM I Circle
    As we wrap your final Z Combinator session, we'll come together as a group and love on each other with circle.
  • 7:30 AM I Fellows Arrive at South Bronx
    Pitch Competition day!
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I Pitch Competition Debrief and Work Time
    We'll talk through how everyone felt the competition went and see how you're feeling! Then you'll have time to collaborate as a group and make any changes to your pitch from the judges.
  • 5:30 PM I End of Fellowship Dinner
    We will travel to Lido Harlem for our end of fellowship dinner with the entire team!
  • 7:50-10 AM I 2023-24 Z Combinator Pitch Competition!
    Schedule and plan to be provided beforehand.
  • 10-10:30 AM I Pitch Competition Wrap-Up
    Leaving some time for everyone to chat with the judges and take photos.
  • 7:30-7:50 AM I Breakfast and Prep for the Pitch Competition
    It's pitch competition time! We will have a light breakfast and review the competition plan/answer last minute questions.
  • 1:15-2:45 PM I Founder Consultancy
    Consultancy with Jess! More info to come.
  • 8-8:45 am I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Overview of the day ahead.
  • 9-10:30 am I Brilliance in Operations
    Session presentation
  • 8:00 am I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Address: 425 Westchester Ave., Bronx, NY 10455.
  • 2:45-3:45 pm I Circle
    Be ready to share your feeling word and appreciations for other fellows!
  • 1-2:30 pm I Prepping for Political and Community Response
    Session Presentation
  • 12:15-1 pm I Lunch
    Schedule to come.
  • 10:45-12:15 pm I 1:1 Office Hours for Marketing, Finance, or Talent Recruitment
    Schedule to come.
  • 3:45-4:30 pm I Session 3 Wrap-Up
    Reflection on Session 3 and look ahead to Session 4.
  • 9:00-5:00 PM I Fellows Travel Home
    See you in October!
  • 9:00-5:00 PM I Fellows Arrive in NYC
    Welcome back to NYC!
  • 9:45-10:30 AM | Overview of Summer Zeta University (SZU)
    Session Presentation
  • 10:45-12:15 PM | Defining Your Mission
    Session Presentation Session Handout
  • 5:30-7:30 PM | Session 1 Opening Dinner
    Location: 2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
  • 5-5:30 PM | Travel to Opening Dinner
    Location: 2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
  • 12:15-1 PM | Lunch
    Lunch from Shawarmania!
  • 1-1:45 PM | Work Time
    Please use this time to take care of anything you need to! You can also use this time to collaborate as a cohort and work on deliverables.
  • 3:45-4:30 PM | Financial Expectations and Coupa
    Session Presentation
  • 8-8:45 AM | Welcome to Z Combinator!
    We are so excited you are here!
  • 2-3:30 PM | SZU: Planning Ahead for Zeta Excellence Training
    Session Presentation
  • 8:00 AM | Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 9-9:45 AM | Overview of Session 1
    What should you expect for the next 2 weeks?
  • 4:30-5 PM | Daily Debrief and Wrap Up
    Session Resources Content Prework
  • 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM I Fellows Travel Home
    See you in September!
  • 8:00-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Pre Work
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 12:15-1 PM I Lunch
    Pre Work
  • 5-5:30 PM I Travel to Closing Dinner
    Pre Work
  • 5:30-7:30 PM I Session 1 Closing Dinner
    Pre Work
  • 4-5 PM I July Session Wrap Up and Next Steps
    Pre Work
  • 1-2 PM I CEO "Ask Me Anything"
    Pre Work
  • 2:15-3:45 PM I Work Time
    Pre Work
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I SZU: Building Relationships with Students
    Pre Work
  • 9-10:30 AM I SZU: Our Vision of Excellence in Classroom Community
    Pre Work
  • 12:15-1 PM I Lunch
    Pre Work
  • 9-10:30 AM I SZU: Core Values and Ideal Team Player
    Session Presentation
  • 3:45-4:30 PM I Work Time
    Pre Work
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 10:45- 12:15 PM I SZU: Safety and Policy
    Pre Work
  • 2-3:30 PM I SZU: Growth Mindset
    Pre Work
  • 8-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Pre Work
  • 1-1:45 PM I Time and Task Management
    Pre Work
  • 4:30-5 PM I Daily Debrief
    Pre Work
  • 2:00-5:00 PM | Fingerprinting if Needed
    During this time, any Fellows who have made prior arrangements to do their fingerprinting in NYC will go to their appointments (only for Fellows with fingerprinting locations over 1 hour away from their home).
  • 9:00-2:00 PM | Fellows Arrive in NYC
    All Fellows will be staying at Radio Hotel located at 2420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033
  • 3:45-4:30 PM I SZU: Learning Reflection
    Pre Work
  • 12:15-1 PM I Lunch
    Pre Work
  • 8-8:45 AM I SZU: Mindfulness Team Building
    Observe morning mindfulness and team building in action!
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 2-3:30 PM I Telling Your Story
    Session Presentation Pitch Deck Template: Make a copy and start drafting your pitch deck!
  • 10:45- 12:15 PM I Crafting Your Vision of a Graduate
    Session Presentation
  • 4:30-5 PM I Daily Debrief
    Pre Work
  • 1-1:45 PM I Work Time
    Pre Work
  • 9-10:30 AM I SZU: Academic Content (Vision of Science)
    Session Presentation
  • Whom should I contact if I have more questions?
    If you have additional questions about Z Combinator, please contact us at zcombinator@zetaschools.org.
  • What is the application process?
    Stage 1: Z Combinator accepts applications for the 2024-25 Z Combinator Fellowship Program starting in early 2024 on a rolling basis. Our application window closes once all openings are filled. Stage 2: Z Combinator invites select Fellowship candidates to complete a brief video interview. Stage 3: Z Combinator invites finalists to a virtual 30-45 min. live interview. Stage 4: XRef reference checks are completed after virtual interviews. Stage 5: Fellowship invitations are sent on a rolling basis.
  • If I am unable to attend all sessions, should I still apply?
    No. Because the Z Combinator Fellowship is grant-funded, we must ensure that all Fellows will attend each session and will not be able to admit anyone who is only able to partially complete the Fellowship.
  • When is the 2024-25 Fellowship application deadline?
    Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all Fellowship spots are filled.
  • Am I eligible to apply for the Z Combinator Fellowship?
    The 2024-25 Z Combinator Fellowship Program supports charter school founders who are opening their schools in the Fall of 2025. If you fit this criteria, be on the look out for our application launch in early 2024!
  • What is the time commitment for Z Combinator?
    Fellows are expected to attend all in-person and virtual sessions as well as complete deliverables between sessions. You should expect to spend a minimum of 20 hours working on deliverables between each session, though you may spend much more time, as all your hard work will lead to an even stronger school launch!
  • Is there a cost associated with being a part of the program?
    The Z Combinator Fellowship is fully funded. We cover the cost of tuition, transportation, lodging, and food.
  • When are the 2024-25 Z Combinator sessions?
    There are 4 in-person sessions in New York City and 2 virtual sessions that run from July through January. The 2024-25 Z Combinator Fellowship dates have not been released yet, but will follow a similar schedule as the 2023-24 Fellowship: Session I: Mon., July 17, 2023 - Fri., July 28, 2023 (including travel to/from NYC) Session II: Mon., September 11, 2023 - Fri., September 15, 2023 (including travel to/from NYC) Session III: Mon., October 23, 2023 - Fri., October 27, 2023 (including travel to/from NYC) Virtual 1-hour Session: Tue., Nov., 14, 2023 (Zoom meeting) Virtual 1-hour Session: Tue., Dec. 12, 2023 (Zoom meeting) Session IV: Mon., Jan. 8, 2024 - Fri., Jan. 12, 2024 (including travel to/from NYC) Please note that Fellows must attend all sessions—this is a nonnegotiable of the program. If you are unable to attend all sessions, please do not apply for the Fellowship. Fellows who do not attend all sessions may be removed from the Fellowship.
  • What is the Z Combinator dress code?
    As you will be in Zeta schools, professional dress is required. Zeta implements a "business casual" dress code, which means: (1) well maintained button-down shirt or professionally appropriate top, (2) professionally appropriate dress slacks or skirt, (3) professionally appropriate dress, (4) dress socks/hose, and (5) close-toe dress shoes. When touring, observing, or shadowing in schools, single-color sneakers are also appropriate for walking/standing comfort. Zeta occasionally implements dress-down days as specified in advance, which means: (1) professionally appropriate top and jeans or equivalent (no holes, rips, etc.), professionally appropriate shoes (does not include flip flops, beach shoes, gym shoes, etc.).
  • Cohort Experience
    Z Combinator creates a close-knit cohort experience, including an online community forum for real-time conversation and requests for support. ​ Z Combinator Fellows make connections and relationships with each other that last beyond the program.
  • Alumni Community
    Z Combinator is all about creating communities of continuous learners. We provide virtual opportunities to keep learning (like open access to some of our in-house professional learning opportunities) and are already working on ways to keep our first cohort on their path to success. Our network of Z Combinator Fellow Alumni is crucial to our mission of ensuring every child in America has access to free, high-quality public education, pre-K to 12th grade.
  • Office Hours
    Connecting is a crucial part of Z Combinator. We offer optional and as-needed virtual office hours with Zeta leaders in between in-person sessions to dive deeper on topics raised during workshops and to provide additional, timely support on school launch resource creation. This might look like small-group virtual pitch practice before an upcoming donor meeting, a 1:1 feedback session on your school launch plan with a Zeta leader, a group problem-solving session on your enrollment tactics, or other meetings to address questions that arise throughout your experience.
  • 4 In-Person and 2 Virtual Sessions
    Z Combinator Fellows spend 25 days across 4 sessions in New York City at Zeta Charter Schools for intensive, hands-on learning. During these sessions, Fellows embed with Zeta leaders and teachers for interactive workshops during Zeta’s summer training and professional learning program; observe Zeta’s schools in action including classroom visits, leader-teacher coaching sessions, and operational walkthroughs to observe how Zeta approaches processes like student arrival; engage in facilitated school launch planning from vision-setting to forming your tactical check-list leading up to Day 1; and join Zeta’s network leaders for business and operations sessions (e.g., People Operations, Budgeting, Family Outreach). We balance our intensive, hands-on sessions during the day with opportunities to connect and rejuvenate with Z Combinator Fellows in our beautiful city in the evening.
  • The New York Experience
    We want you to have a wonderful experience while you visit and learn in the Big Apple! Fellows receive Z Combinator swag and participate in cohort outings to classic NYC experiences. (Past outings have included Broadway hits Hamilton and Lion King and a Mets baseball game. Future outings may vary.) Z Combinator also covers the cost of lodging, food, and transportation throughout your stay.
  • School Launch Resource Creation
    Through workshops, coaching, and individualized support, Fellows leave Z Combinator with a wide variety of exemplar Zeta resources and customized school launch deliverables, which include: a personal development plan, a polished fundraising pitch deck, a school launch project plan, an academic scope & sequence, a Year One budget, an organizational hiring/staffing plan, and so much more!
  • Small-Group Mentorship
    We understand the difference a mentor can make in taking our thinking from good to exceptional (just look at the impact of excellent teachers on their students). Fellows are connected with mentors throughout the program for tailored advice and support during and between in-person sessions. This mentorship is intended to provide individualized support for Z Combinator Fellows, including answering questions, advising on challenges, and providing crucial feedback.
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 3:45-4:30 PM I Work Time
    Pre Work
  • 4:30-5 PM I Daily Debrief
    Pre Work
  • 9-10:30 AM I SZU: Academic Content (Math)
    Session Presentation
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I SZU: Analyzing Academic Data
    Session Presentation
  • 8:00-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 12:15-1 PM I Lunch
    Pre Work
  • 1-1:45 PM I Work Time
    Pre Work
  • 2-3:30 PM I Defining Your Core Values
    Session Presentation
  • 4-4:30 PM I Daily Debrief
    Pre Work
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 3-4 PM I Reflection and Q & A
    This is a great time to ask Paola all your year 0-1 questions!
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I Bringing Your School Design to Life
    Session Presentation Academic Resources Overview Handout School Design Process Handout
  • 12:15-1 PM I Lunch
    Pre Work
  • 1-3:00 PM I Work Time
    Pre Work
  • 7:00 PM I Hamilton on Broadway!
    Location: 226 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
  • 9:30-10:30 AM I Reflecting on Academics SZU Sessions
    Reflection Handout
  • 8-9:30 AM I Breakfast and Pitch Deck Review
    Zeta's Pitch Deck Example
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I Finance for Early Stage Charters
    Session Presentation Example: Financial Policies and Procedures Manual at Zeta
  • 12:15-1 PM I Lunch
    Pre Work
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 9-10:30 AM I SZU: Welcome & Mission, Vision, and School Design
    Session Presentation
  • 8-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Welcome!
  • 1-2 PM I Academic Resource Share
    Session Presentation Academic Resource Materials Handout
  • 4:30-5 PM I Daily Debrief
    Pre Work
  • 2:15-4:30 PM I Work Time
    Pre Work
  • 12:15-1 PM I Lunch
    Pre Work
  • 9-10:30 AM I People Ops for Early Stage Charters
    Session Presentation Example: Zeta's Handbook
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I Work Time
    Pre Work
  • 1-2:30 PM I Facilities for Early Stage Charters
    Session Presentation
  • 8-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Pre Work
  • 2:45-4:30 PM I Pitch Practice
    Pre Work
  • 4:30-5 PM I Daily Debrief
    Pre Work
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 6:00 PM I Dinner and Drinks at The Honey Well
    Location: The Honey Well - 3604 Broadway, New York, NY 10031 Reservation is under Samantha for 6 people at 6:00 pm. All Fellows will be reimbursed for up to $35 for food in addition to one drink of their choice!
  • 4:30-5 PM I Daily Debrief
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 9-10:30 AM I SZU: Core Values and Ideal Team Player
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 12:15-1 PM I Lunch
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 3:45-4:30 PM I Work Time
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I SZU: Safety and Policy
    Session Presentation
  • 8-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 1:-1:45 PM I Time and Task Management for Founders
    Session Presentation
  • 2-3:30 PM I SZU: Growth Mindset
    Session Presentation
  • 1-2 PM I CEO "Ask Me Anything"
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 4-5 PM I July Session Wrap Up and Next Steps
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 9-10:30 AM I SZU: Our Vision of Excellence in Classroom Community
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 2:15-3:45 PM I Work Time
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 5:30-7:30 PM I Session 1 Closing Dinner
    Location: 2128 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
  • 5-5:30 PM I Travel to Closing Dinner
    Location: 2128 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
  • 8-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I SZU: Building Relationships with Students
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 12:15-1 PM I Lunch
    Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
  • 12:15-1:00 PM I Lunch
    Free time
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I Family and Student Outreach
    Presentation slideshow
  • 1:00-2:30 PM I Work Time
    Free time
  • 8:00-8:45 AM I Welcome Back!
    We will do an overview of Session 2 while enjoying breakfast.
  • 9:00-10:30 AM I Building Your Team
    Presentation slideshow
  • 4:30-5:00 PM I Daily Debrief
    Debrief learnings for the day
  • 2:30-4:30 PM I Pitch Practice
    Come prepared to present your pitches to Emily and Aileen!
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Welcome back to Zeta South Bronx!
  • 2:45-4:30 PM I Work Time
    Free time to work on deliverables or take other calls/meetings.
  • 4:30-5:00 PM I Daily Debrief
    Reflect on your learnings for the day.
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Good morning and welcome back!
  • 9:00-10:30 AM I ZET Overview and Walkthrough
    Zeta Excellence Training Plan BiET Rubric
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I Moving Teacher Practice and Academic Planning/Coaching
    Presentation slideshow
  • 1:15- 2:45 PM I Charter Founder Consultancy
    Session Presentation Handout
  • 7:10 PM I Special NYC Event: NY Mets Game!
    Enjoy the game and take pictures for the team!
  • 12:15-1:00 PM I Lunch
    Free time!
  • 8:00-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Purpose of ZET presentation
  • 4:30-5:00 PM I September Session Debrief and Wrap-Up
    We will debrief and reflect on the session 2 and see what's to come during session 3!
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Welcome back!
  • 1:45-3:15 PM I Work Time
    Time to work on deliverables or take other meetings/calls.
  • 12:15-1:00 PM I Lunch
    Enjoy!
  • 8:00-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Overview of the day.
  • 3:15-4:30 PM I School Launch Project Planning
    Presentation slideshow School Launch Template
  • 9:00-10:30 AM I Marketing and Social Media as a New Charter School
    Presentation slideshow
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I Budget 1:1's and Work Time
    Please find your time slot for your budget 1:1 below: 10:45-11:10 : Romey 11:10-11:30 : Amanda 11:30-11:50 : Chaneka 11:50-12:10 : Christina
  • 1:00-1:45 PM I Budget 1:1's and Work Time
    Please find your budget 1:1 time slot below: 1:00-1:20 : Calandra 1:20-1:40 : Alana
  • 8:00 am I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Welcome back!
  • 2:30-4:30 pm I Pitch Practice
    Please ensure you have submitted the most up-to-date copy of your pitch.
  • 12:15-1:00 pm I Lunch
    Free time!
  • 4:30-5 pm I Daily Debrief
    Reflection on the day and look ahead to tomorrow.
  • 9-10:30 am I Knowing Yourself as a Leader
    Session Presentation
  • 10:45-12:15 pm I Managing Your Board
    Session presentation
  • 8-8:45 am I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Overview of the day ahead.
  • 1-2:30 pm I Work Time
    Time to work on deliverables and take meetings.
  • 10:45-12:15 pm I Getting Results as a Founder
    Session presentation
  • 8-8:45 am I Breakfast and Daily Overview
    Overview of the day ahead.
  • 4:30-5 pm I Daily Debrief
    Reflection on the day and look ahead to tomorrow.
  • 8:00 am I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Location: 425 Westchester Ave., Bronx, NY 10455.
  • 6:00 pm I Special Event (TBD)
    NYC special event to be determined soon!
  • 12:15-1 pm I Lunch
    Free time!
  • 9-10:30 am I Talent Recruitment 101
    Session presentation
  • 1-4:30 pm I Work Time
    With very little work time tomorrow, please take this time to collaborate as a group and move deliverables forward.
  • 9:00-5:00 pm I Fellows Travel Home
    See you on Zoom in November!
  • 8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South Bronx
    Welcome back!
  • 1:15-3:15 PM I Pitch Practice
    Come prepared to practice your 3 minute pitch once more before the competition!
  • 12:15-1 PM I Lunch
    Lunch/free time
  • 8-9 AM I Breakfast and Overview of the Week
    Enjoy breakfast and review the schedule for the week.
  • 9-10:30 AM I Year 1 Strategic Planning and Goal Setting
    Session presentation here Org goals template here
  • 3:30-4:30 PM I Focused Work Time
    Work time to finalize pitches based on Aileen's feedback.
  • 10:45-12:15 PM I Focused Work Time and Collaboration
    Time to collaborate with fellows on your year 1 goals and have deep think time around goals and planning.
  • 4:30-5 PM I Daily Debrief
    Reflect on the day and see what's in store for tomorrow.
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