Bluum’s Ashley Cotton Selected as 2026 50CAN National Voices Fellow

Bluum is proud to announce that Ashley Cotton, Director of Outreach and Organization, has been selected as a 2026 National Voices Fellow by 50CAN.

The National Voices Fellowship brings together education leaders from across the country who are working to expand opportunity for students. Fellows participate in a multi-month leadership development program focused on policy, communications, coalition building, and strategic advocacy.

Ashley was selected for her leadership in advancing public charter school access for families in Idaho, particularly children of active-duty military service members. She is currently helping lead a statewide effort to expand charter school enrollment priority for military-connected students. This work aligns with guidance from the U.S. Department of War encouraging states to reduce barriers for military families who move frequently due to service obligations.

As an active-duty Air Force spouse living in Idaho, Ashley brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her advocacy. In her role at Bluum, she works with charter school leaders across the state to expand high-quality public-school options, strengthen community partnerships, and elevate family voices in policy conversations.

The 50CAN National Voices Fellowship will provide Ashley with advanced training in media engagement, public speaking, and policy strategy. She will collaborate with a national cohort of leaders who are driving change in their states.

“We are proud that Ashley Cotton is representing Idaho and Bluum as a National Voices Fellow. Ashley is not only an outstanding thinker and doer, but also a first-rate person,” said Bluum CEO Terry Ryan.

Bluum has been a supporter and partner of 50CAN’s work for as long as the organization has existed.

Ashley is honored to join the 2026 cohort and apply everything she learns to her role at Bluum.

“The National Voices Fellowship will sharpen my ability to communicate clearly and advocate effectively for families. I look forward to bringing that training back to Idaho to better serve students and military-connected families. Military families sacrifice for this country. Their children deserve stable access to high-quality public schools. I am proud to represent Idaho in a national network committed to expanding opportunity.”

The 2026 National Voices cohort includes leaders from across the country working to improve education policy and expand access to excellent schools. More information about the fellowship and the 2026 class can be found HERE.