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The Fellowship
Too many aspiring charter founders don't make it to day one.
Charters are often founded by leaders with strong academic or day-to-day school operational experience but who may otherwise not yet be equipped to tackle the massive business, operational, legal, and political challenges facing early-stage charter startups. These challenges often divert founder-leaders from focusing on what is important and usually in their wheelhouse – delivering high-quality education — and may even create obstacles that prevent a school’s launch.
Z Combinator equips you to launch strong on day one, while making incredible connections with other charter founders.
Z Combinator empowers Fellows with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to launch their schools strong during "Year 0" (pre-launch year).
Mentoring & Cohort Experience
Interactive Training & Hands-On Learning
School Launch Resource Creation



The Fellowship Timeline
Fellows Selected
June 2023
Session II: 5 days
Sept 2023
Virtual 1-hour Session
Nov
2023
Session IV: 5 days
Jan
2024
July
2023
Session I: 10 days
Oct 2023
Session III: 5 days
Dec
2023
Virtual 1-hour Session
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9:00 am- 5:00 pm I Fellows Travel HomeSafe travels!
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8-9 AM I Breakfast and Daily OverviewReview schedule for the day over breakfast.
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9-10:30 AM I Family CommunicationsSession Presentation
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12:15-1 PM I LunchFree time for calls and lunch!
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1:15-3 PM I Operations and School Leader HiringSession presentation
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10:45-12:15 PM I Focused Work TimeWork time on family communications and enrollment.
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4:30-5 PM I Daily DebriefReflect on the day and look ahead to tomorrow's schedule.
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3:15-4:30 PM I Focused Work TimeDedicated work time on thinking about ops and leader hiring.
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at South BronxWelcome back!
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12:15-1 PM I LunchFree time to take calls and eat lunch!
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3-4 PM I Program Next Steps and Alumni SupportWe'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!
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4-5 PM I CircleAs we wrap your final Z Combinator session, we'll come together as a group and love on each other with circle.
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7:30 AM I Fellows Arrive at South BronxPitch Competition day!
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10:45-12:15 PM I Pitch Competition Debrief and Work TimeWe'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.
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5:30 PM I End of Fellowship DinnerWe will travel to Lido Harlem for our end of fellowship dinner with the entire team!
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7:50-10 AM I 2023-24 Z Combinator Pitch Competition!Schedule and plan to be provided beforehand.
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10-10:30 AM I Pitch Competition Wrap-UpLeaving some time for everyone to chat with the judges and take photos.
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7:30-7:50 AM I Breakfast and Prep for the Pitch CompetitionIt's pitch competition time! We will have a light breakfast and review the competition plan/answer last minute questions.
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1:15-2:45 PM I Founder ConsultancyConsultancy with Jess! More info to come.
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8-8:45 am I Breakfast and Daily OverviewOverview of the day ahead.
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9-10:30 am I Brilliance in OperationsSession presentation
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8:00 am I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxAddress: 425 Westchester Ave., Bronx, NY 10455.
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2:45-3:45 pm I CircleBe ready to share your feeling word and appreciations for other fellows!
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1-2:30 pm I Prepping for Political and Community ResponseSession Presentation
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12:15-1 pm I LunchSchedule to come.
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10:45-12:15 pm I 1:1 Office Hours for Marketing, Finance, or Talent RecruitmentSchedule to come.
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3:45-4:30 pm I Session 3 Wrap-UpReflection on Session 3 and look ahead to Session 4.
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9:00-5:00 PM I Fellows Travel HomeSee you in October!
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9:00-5:00 PM I Fellows Arrive in NYCWelcome back to NYC!
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9:45-10:30 AM | Overview of Summer Zeta University (SZU)Session Presentation
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10:45-12:15 PM | Defining Your MissionSession Presentation Session Handout
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5:30-7:30 PM | Session 1 Opening DinnerLocation: 2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
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5-5:30 PM | Travel to Opening DinnerLocation: 2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
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12:15-1 PM | LunchLunch from Shawarmania!
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1-1:45 PM | Work TimePlease 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.
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3:45-4:30 PM | Financial Expectations and CoupaSession Presentation
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8-8:45 AM | Welcome to Z Combinator!We are so excited you are here!
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2-3:30 PM | SZU: Planning Ahead for Zeta Excellence TrainingSession Presentation
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8:00 AM | Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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9-9:45 AM | Overview of Session 1What should you expect for the next 2 weeks?
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4:30-5 PM | Daily Debrief and Wrap UpSession Resources Content Prework
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9:00 AM- 3:00 PM I Fellows Travel HomeSee you in September!
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8:00-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily OverviewPre Work
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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12:15-1 PM I LunchPre Work
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5-5:30 PM I Travel to Closing DinnerPre Work
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5:30-7:30 PM I Session 1 Closing DinnerPre Work
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4-5 PM I July Session Wrap Up and Next StepsPre Work
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1-2 PM I CEO "Ask Me Anything"Pre Work
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2:15-3:45 PM I Work TimePre Work
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10:45-12:15 PM I SZU: Building Relationships with StudentsPre Work
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9-10:30 AM I SZU: Our Vision of Excellence in Classroom CommunityPre Work
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12:15-1 PM I LunchPre Work
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9-10:30 AM I SZU: Core Values and Ideal Team PlayerSession Presentation
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3:45-4:30 PM I Work TimePre Work
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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10:45- 12:15 PM I SZU: Safety and PolicyPre Work
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2-3:30 PM I SZU: Growth MindsetPre Work
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8-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily OverviewPre Work
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1-1:45 PM I Time and Task ManagementPre Work
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4:30-5 PM I Daily DebriefPre Work
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2:00-5:00 PM | Fingerprinting if NeededDuring 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).
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9:00-2:00 PM | Fellows Arrive in NYCAll Fellows will be staying at Radio Hotel located at 2420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033
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3:45-4:30 PM I SZU: Learning ReflectionPre Work
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12:15-1 PM I LunchPre Work
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8-8:45 AM I SZU: Mindfulness Team BuildingObserve morning mindfulness and team building in action!
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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2-3:30 PM I Telling Your StorySession Presentation Pitch Deck Template: Make a copy and start drafting your pitch deck!
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10:45- 12:15 PM I Crafting Your Vision of a GraduateSession Presentation
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4:30-5 PM I Daily DebriefPre Work
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1-1:45 PM I Work TimePre Work
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9-10:30 AM I SZU: Academic Content (Vision of Science)Session Presentation
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Whom should I contact if I have more questions?If you have additional questions about Z Combinator, please contact us at zcombinator@zetaschools.org.
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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.
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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.
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When is the 2024-25 Fellowship application deadline?Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all Fellowship spots are filled.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.).
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Cohort ExperienceZ 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.
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Alumni CommunityZ 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.
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Office HoursConnecting 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.
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4 In-Person and 2 Virtual SessionsZ 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.
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The New York ExperienceWe 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.
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School Launch Resource CreationThrough 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!
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Small-Group MentorshipWe 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.
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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3:45-4:30 PM I Work TimePre Work
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4:30-5 PM I Daily DebriefPre Work
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9-10:30 AM I SZU: Academic Content (Math)Session Presentation
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10:45-12:15 PM I SZU: Analyzing Academic DataSession Presentation
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8:00-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily OverviewLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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12:15-1 PM I LunchPre Work
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1-1:45 PM I Work TimePre Work
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2-3:30 PM I Defining Your Core ValuesSession Presentation
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4-4:30 PM I Daily DebriefPre Work
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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3-4 PM I Reflection and Q & AThis is a great time to ask Paola all your year 0-1 questions!
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10:45-12:15 PM I Bringing Your School Design to LifeSession Presentation Academic Resources Overview Handout School Design Process Handout
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12:15-1 PM I LunchPre Work
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1-3:00 PM I Work TimePre Work
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7:00 PM I Hamilton on Broadway!Location: 226 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
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9:30-10:30 AM I Reflecting on Academics SZU SessionsReflection Handout
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8-9:30 AM I Breakfast and Pitch Deck ReviewZeta's Pitch Deck Example
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10:45-12:15 PM I Finance for Early Stage ChartersSession Presentation Example: Financial Policies and Procedures Manual at Zeta
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12:15-1 PM I LunchPre Work
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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9-10:30 AM I SZU: Welcome & Mission, Vision, and School DesignSession Presentation
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8-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily OverviewWelcome!
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1-2 PM I Academic Resource ShareSession Presentation Academic Resource Materials Handout
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4:30-5 PM I Daily DebriefPre Work
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2:15-4:30 PM I Work TimePre Work
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12:15-1 PM I LunchPre Work
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9-10:30 AM I People Ops for Early Stage ChartersSession Presentation Example: Zeta's Handbook
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10:45-12:15 PM I Work TimePre Work
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1-2:30 PM I Facilities for Early Stage ChartersSession Presentation
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8-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily OverviewPre Work
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2:45-4:30 PM I Pitch PracticePre Work
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4:30-5 PM I Daily DebriefPre Work
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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6:00 PM I Dinner and Drinks at The Honey WellLocation: 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!
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4:30-5 PM I Daily DebriefLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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9-10:30 AM I SZU: Core Values and Ideal Team PlayerLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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12:15-1 PM I LunchLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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3:45-4:30 PM I Work TimeLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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10:45-12:15 PM I SZU: Safety and PolicySession Presentation
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8-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily OverviewLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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1:-1:45 PM I Time and Task Management for FoundersSession Presentation
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2-3:30 PM I SZU: Growth MindsetSession Presentation
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1-2 PM I CEO "Ask Me Anything"Location: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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4-5 PM I July Session Wrap Up and Next StepsLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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9-10:30 AM I SZU: Our Vision of Excellence in Classroom CommunityLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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2:15-3:45 PM I Work TimeLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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5:30-7:30 PM I Session 1 Closing DinnerLocation: 2128 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
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5-5:30 PM I Travel to Closing DinnerLocation: 2128 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
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8-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily OverviewLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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10:45-12:15 PM I SZU: Building Relationships with StudentsLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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12:15-1 PM I LunchLocation: 425 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455
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12:15-1:00 PM I LunchFree time
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10:45-12:15 PM I Family and Student OutreachPresentation slideshow
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1:00-2:30 PM I Work TimeFree time
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8:00-8:45 AM I Welcome Back!We will do an overview of Session 2 while enjoying breakfast.
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9:00-10:30 AM I Building Your TeamPresentation slideshow
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4:30-5:00 PM I Daily DebriefDebrief learnings for the day
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2:30-4:30 PM I Pitch PracticeCome prepared to present your pitches to Emily and Aileen!
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxWelcome back to Zeta South Bronx!
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2:45-4:30 PM I Work TimeFree time to work on deliverables or take other calls/meetings.
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4:30-5:00 PM I Daily DebriefReflect on your learnings for the day.
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxGood morning and welcome back!
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9:00-10:30 AM I ZET Overview and WalkthroughZeta Excellence Training Plan BiET Rubric
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10:45-12:15 PM I Moving Teacher Practice and Academic Planning/CoachingPresentation slideshow
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1:15- 2:45 PM I Charter Founder ConsultancySession Presentation Handout
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7:10 PM I Special NYC Event: NY Mets Game!Enjoy the game and take pictures for the team!
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12:15-1:00 PM I LunchFree time!
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8:00-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily OverviewPurpose of ZET presentation
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4:30-5:00 PM I September Session Debrief and Wrap-UpWe will debrief and reflect on the session 2 and see what's to come during session 3!
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxWelcome back!
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1:45-3:15 PM I Work TimeTime to work on deliverables or take other meetings/calls.
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12:15-1:00 PM I LunchEnjoy!
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8:00-8:45 AM I Breakfast and Daily OverviewOverview of the day.
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3:15-4:30 PM I School Launch Project PlanningPresentation slideshow School Launch Template
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9:00-10:30 AM I Marketing and Social Media as a New Charter SchoolPresentation slideshow
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10:45-12:15 PM I Budget 1:1's and Work TimePlease 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
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1:00-1:45 PM I Budget 1:1's and Work TimePlease find your budget 1:1 time slot below: 1:00-1:20 : Calandra 1:20-1:40 : Alana
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8:00 am I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxWelcome back!
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2:30-4:30 pm I Pitch PracticePlease ensure you have submitted the most up-to-date copy of your pitch.
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12:15-1:00 pm I LunchFree time!
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4:30-5 pm I Daily DebriefReflection on the day and look ahead to tomorrow.
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9-10:30 am I Knowing Yourself as a LeaderSession Presentation
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10:45-12:15 pm I Managing Your BoardSession presentation
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8-8:45 am I Breakfast and Daily OverviewOverview of the day ahead.
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1-2:30 pm I Work TimeTime to work on deliverables and take meetings.
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10:45-12:15 pm I Getting Results as a FounderSession presentation
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8-8:45 am I Breakfast and Daily OverviewOverview of the day ahead.
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4:30-5 pm I Daily DebriefReflection on the day and look ahead to tomorrow.
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8:00 am I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxLocation: 425 Westchester Ave., Bronx, NY 10455.
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6:00 pm I Special Event (TBD)NYC special event to be determined soon!
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12:15-1 pm I LunchFree time!
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9-10:30 am I Talent Recruitment 101Session presentation
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1-4:30 pm I Work TimeWith very little work time tomorrow, please take this time to collaborate as a group and move deliverables forward.
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9:00-5:00 pm I Fellows Travel HomeSee you on Zoom in November!
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8:00 AM I Fellows Arrive at Zeta South BronxWelcome back!
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1:15-3:15 PM I Pitch PracticeCome prepared to practice your 3 minute pitch once more before the competition!
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12:15-1 PM I LunchLunch/free time
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8-9 AM I Breakfast and Overview of the WeekEnjoy breakfast and review the schedule for the week.
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9-10:30 AM I Year 1 Strategic Planning and Goal SettingSession presentation here Org goals template here
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3:30-4:30 PM I Focused Work TimeWork time to finalize pitches based on Aileen's feedback.
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10:45-12:15 PM I Focused Work Time and CollaborationTime to collaborate with fellows on your year 1 goals and have deep think time around goals and planning.
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4:30-5 PM I Daily DebriefReflect on the day and see what's in store for tomorrow.
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