The next step in your career as a public leader begins with Impulso.
The journey Impulso builds with you
6-month hybrid learning journey, with in-person sessions in São Paulo
Peer exchange before and during the program, plus support from specialists.
Structured action plan, ready to be implemented in your department, with potential to generate concrete impact
Access to the Ensina Brasil leadership network, with support and connections for your continuous development.
What It Is
Impulso is an intensive training program for public leaders in Education Departments, with special attention to strengthening women and Black individuals. We select, develop, and connect professionals in mid- and senior-level management positions (such as Division Chiefs, Department Directors, Area Coordinators) in the public sector—municipal, state, or federal—to advance to more strategic positions and contribute to the formulation and implementation of educational policies.
Strengthening management begins with those who experience the challenges of public education firsthand. That’s why we create conditions for these leaders to expand their trajectories, strengthen their influence, and participate in decisions that impact the educational system—with diverse cohorts and a real commitment to equity.
It’s an opportunity for learning, exchange, and professional strengthening for those who want to continue growing with purpose and serve Brazilian public education even more.
Who Is Impulso For?
For those who hold a mid- or senior-level management position (such as Division Chiefs, Department Directors, Area Coordinators) in the public sector—municipal, state, or federal—and have at least 1 year of experience in public schools, whether as a teacher, pedagogical coordinator, or school administrator.
Why You Deserve an Impulso?
Tools + Actionable Plan
Practical pathways in management, influence, and mobilization, with a structured action plan to implement in the Department and generate real impact.
Career Path + Equity in Leadership
Clarity about your next steps and strategies to advance, with discussions and references that address the challenges faced by women and Black individuals in the public sector.
Network + Ongoing Support
Connections with diverse leaders who face similar challenges, expanding your network for exchange, collaboration, and support.
Training Pillars
Self-Leadership
Strengthen your foundation as a leader—with self-awareness, purpose, and emotional intelligence—and advance to leading people and teams, with conflict management, building trust environments, and operating in complex organizational contexts.
Collective Leadership
Act strategically in networks, mobilizing stakeholders, building alignments, and influencing decisions. At the same time, incorporate equity as a guiding principle, analyzing inequalities and promoting their institutionalization in policies and practices.
Ecosystem Leadership
Diagnose problems based on evidence, define strategies, and manage implementation with a focus on results. At the same time, make decisions in complex contexts, considering risks, institutional sustainability, and the challenges of public sector work.
Program Structure
Starts in
Applications open: March 23 to April 27, 2026
Program start: June 2026
Program end: December 2026
Investment
The program is completely free. Participants only cover travel expenses to São Paulo for in-person modules. Financial support for travel may be requested, subject to resource availability.
Duration
6 months, with 80 hours of coursework
Hybrid training with:
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Two in-person sessions in São Paulo (SP);
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Six online modules;
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Weekly synchronous sessions on Monday or Tuesday evenings;
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Monthly network meetings
Cohort Profile
Up to 100 participants per cohort
50% of the cohort consists of women and/or Black individuals
Especially in 2026, we are opening a percentage of the cohort for Black individuals and women who are not yet in management positions.
Learning Journey
1. Selection Process
Those interested in Impulso must apply and participate in the selection process to enter the program.
2. In-Person Training
The program includes two in-person immersions in São Paulo, designed to promote practical learning, exchange among leaders, and deeper exploration of key topics in educational management.
3. Online Training
Six online modules will be offered via Zoom, consisting of synchronous online sessions, ensuring continuity and deepening of learning.
4. Action Plan
Participants receive support to develop a robust leadership action plan, with potential for implementation in the Department and a focus on generating concrete impact. At the end of the cycle, we celebrate the progress achieved and certify the participants.
5. Network Access
Upon completing the learning journey, you join the Ensina Brasil leadership network and will have support and connections for your continuous development.
How to Participate
Application
You fill out an initial form with information about yourself and your motivations. Please note that this information is confidential and will not be shared. The form is completed through a WhatsApp chatbot in a question-and-answer format.
Online Assessment
This stage is designed to better understand your logical reasoning. It takes about 20 minutes.
Training + Group Challenge
You participate in an activity and solve, in a group, challenges based on real situations from your experience in public education.
Final Interview
This stage is to learn more about your mindsets and competencies. It takes about 45 minutes.
Final Results
We announce the selected candidates and begin preparations for the program’s initial immersion.
Where Impulso leaders are making a difference in Brazil
- Paraná
- Rio Grande do Sul
- Tocantins
- Rio Grande do Norte
- Maranhão
- Amazonas
- Rio de Janeiro
- São Paulo
- Alagoas
- Espírito Santo
- Goiás
- Mato Grosso do Sul
- Santa Catarina
- Pernambuco
- Pará
Who impacts and who is impacted
Elisa Manoel
Deputy Secretary of Education, Taubaté (SP)
“Impulso was a rocket for me: it brought technical knowledge and qualified experiences from all over Brazil—and there’s no going back. With this work, we will enhance public education and take a leap so that #oneday all children have quality public education.”
Ednaldo Firmino da Silva
Municipal Secretary of Education, Branquinha (AL)
“For me, Impulso awakens in educational leaders the courage to innovate and act with intention. It challenges us to look at education with more systemic vision, equity, and commitment to the common good. I see its mission as strengthening people to transform contexts, respect local realities, and drive solutions that make a difference in students’ lives.”
Who Makes Impulso Happen
Sonia Lota
MBA Professor at Insper
Jaqueline Padrilha
Trainer at Talent Academy
Kátia Schweickardt (Master Speaker)
National Secretary of Basic Education
Mafoane Odara
Business School Professor
FAQ
Frequently asked questions and their answers!!
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Is the program only for those who work in Education Departments?
Yes. Impulso is designed for professionals in mid-level management positions in municipal, state, or federal Education Departments.
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Can white people and Black men participate?
Yes. The program is designed for diverse leaders and is committed to racial and gender equity, but it is not exclusive. What we seek are leaders with experience, commitment to public education, and a desire to grow.
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What does “mid-level management” mean in practice?
It includes positions such as Division Chiefs, Section Chiefs, or Area Coordinators, among others who work in coordinating teams, policies, and processes.
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Does the program help secure a new position?
Impulso does not guarantee promotion or placement, but it offers tools, mentoring, and training to support career growth.
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Is there certification?
Yes. Participants who complete the program receive a certificate of participation.
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Is the program free?
Yes. The training has no cost. Participants only cover travel and accommodation expenses for in-person sessions. There is a possibility of requesting financial support for these costs.
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Is there financial support for airfare and accommodations?
Yes. The Program offers the possibility of financial support for travel and accommodation costs during in-person modules. This support is limited and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, according to criteria defined by the program team.
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Is the program in-person or remote?
The training is hybrid and lasts about 6 months, with two in-person sessions and weekly online activities in the evening.
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How does the selection work?
The Impulso selection process consists of different stages. After the initial application, there is a profile assessment, followed by a training stage with a group challenge. Approved candidates proceed to an individual interview. Throughout the process, we evaluate both competencies and alignment with the program’s purpose.
Technical Partners
Strengthen your leadership. Amplify your impact!
Express your interest for the 2027 cohort!
