What We Are Looking For
EALA is looking for New Champions who bring exceptional leadership, a dedicated commitment to students with learning differences, and a passion for continued professional growth. The goal is to identify and fund these emerging leaders who are making a tangible difference, but have not yet received the level of attention or funding their work deserves.
An EALA "New Champion" fits ALL of the following profile:
You lead a community-based organization (CBO), school, district, non-profit, or for-profit*
Your organization is based and operates within the United States.
You are a leader from a marginalized background or a dedicated ally who has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing access and belonging in education.
You are actively working to improve the lives of students with disabilities and learning differences, including those from underserved communities and those who face barriers to educational opportunity.
*For-profit organizations must be eligible to receive contributions from non-profit entities, and have under $2 million in annual revenue.
The New Champions Experience
EALA aims to elevate and empower the New Champions and Runners-Up by providing a comprehensive support package designed to expand your impact and reach.
Funding: The New Champion will receive a one-year, $35,000 unrestricted subgrant. The two Runners-Up will receive a one-year $5,000 unrestricted subgrant.
Retreat: Participation in an exclusive virtual retreat with former champions and runners- up to kickoff the mentorship year and build community with innovators in the education world.
Mentorship: A year of dedicated guidance through quarterly, virtual 1-on-1 sessions with an experienced mentor to help navigate professional challenges, and achieve milestones.
National Spotlight: EALA will leverage its national platform to amplify your work through podcasts, webinars, and opportunities to attend EALA-affiliated events.
Selection Process
EALA has designed the selection process to be transparent, fair, and accessible for everyone. This program provides a competitive subgrant based on professional merit and mission alignment; it is not a competition or sweepstakes prize.
The New Champions Fund recipients are selected and granted by a panel of expert judges using well-defined rubric. This process is moderated by an individualized Request for Proposal (RFP) written at the beginning of each New Champions application window. The application process takes place online and is designed to be simple and accessible, with dedicated support throughout the process.
All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of 40 expert judges, representing a broad range of professional expertise and lived experiences across the education sector—including school leaders, researchers, advocates, and former New Champions. After a collaborative review summit, the New Champions will be announced in May 2026.
2026 EALA New Champions Fund
What We Are Looking For
EALA is looking for New Champions who bring exceptional leadership, a dedicated commitment to students with learning differences, and a passion for continued professional growth. The goal is to identify and fund these emerging leaders who are making a tangible difference, but have not yet received the level of attention or funding their work deserves.
An EALA "New Champion" fits ALL of the following profile:
You lead a community-based organization (CBO), school, district, non-profit, or for-profit*
Your organization is based and operates within the United States.
You are a leader from a marginalized background or a dedicated ally who has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing access and belonging in education.
You are actively working to improve the lives of students with disabilities and learning differences, including those from underserved communities and those who face barriers to educational opportunity.
*For-profit organizations must be eligible to receive contributions from non-profit entities, and have under $2 million in annual revenue.
The New Champions Experience
EALA aims to elevate and empower the New Champions and Runners-Up by providing a comprehensive support package designed to expand your impact and reach.
Funding: The New Champion will receive a one-year, $35,000 unrestricted subgrant. The two Runners-Up will receive a one-year $5,000 unrestricted subgrant.
Retreat: Participation in an exclusive virtual retreat with former champions and runners- up to kickoff the mentorship year and build community with innovators in the education world.
Mentorship: A year of dedicated guidance through quarterly, virtual 1-on-1 sessions with an experienced mentor to help navigate professional challenges, and achieve milestones.
National Spotlight: EALA will leverage its national platform to amplify your work through podcasts, webinars, and opportunities to attend EALA-affiliated events.
Selection Process
EALA has designed the selection process to be transparent, fair, and accessible for everyone. This program provides a competitive subgrant based on professional merit and mission alignment; it is not a competition or sweepstakes prize.
The New Champions Fund recipients are selected and granted by a panel of expert judges using well-defined rubric. This process is moderated by an individualized Request for Proposal (RFP) written at the beginning of each New Champions application window. The application process takes place online and is designed to be simple and accessible, with dedicated support throughout the process.
All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of 40 expert judges, representing a broad range of professional expertise and lived experiences across the education sector—including school leaders, researchers, advocates, and former New Champions. After a collaborative review summit, the New Champions will be announced in May 2026.