$1.5 Million In Scholarships for Aspiring Principals In North Carolina
DURHAM, NC – A new partnership between The Innovation Project and North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is set to transform the educational landscape in North Carolina. With $1.5 million in funding, this initiative aims to support aspiring principals from small, high-need school districts by helping them pursue a Master of School Administration degree. This scholarship offers a significant opportunity to empower future school leaders and strengthen education across the state.
Scholarship Details
The Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion of Effective Educators scholarship initiative offers comprehensive financial support, covering the total cost of the two-year Master of School Administration (MSA) program. In addition, it provides a salary during the full-time principal internship in the second year, ensuring aspiring principals are supported throughout their journey. This generous funding is made possible by grants from the U.S. Department of Education and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.
Commitment to Educational Equity
Portia Gibbs-Roseboro, the MSA Program Director at NCCU, highlights the significance of this partnership, stating, *”This underscores our shared dedication to advancing educational equity and excellence.”* The initiative’s goal is to prepare future leaders who will guide with integrity and innovation, helping to elevate educational standards across North Carolina.
The Role of The Innovation Project
The Innovation Project is a nonprofit organization connecting school district leaders across North Carolina to inspire change and promote equity in education. CEO Sharon Contreras emphasized the importance of supporting educators, stating that great teachers can successfully transition into effective principals with strong backing.
Contreras remarked, “The interview process was dynamic. It highlighted candidates with the potential to meet students’ needs.” She expressed enthusiasm for the selected cohort and their potential to advance their careers in smaller districts, where their leadership will significantly impact student success and educational equity.
The First Cohort of Scholars
Candidates selected for the **Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion of Effective Educators** scholarship underwent a rigorous process involving nominations, applications, and group interviews. A total of 16 individuals will receive the scholarship. Here are the members of the first cohort:
– Cecelia Aguilar – Warren County School District
– Trevor Beverly – Lexington City Schools
– James Brown – Warren County School District
– QuaShana Brown – Edgecombe County Public Schools
– Sylvia Carver – Elizabeth City – Pasquotank Public Schools
– Wilonda Gillespie-Cates – Vance County Public Schools
– J’Vonn Davis – Elizabeth City – Pasquotank Public Schools
– Megan Gentry – Mt. Airy School District
– Pamela Jordan – Warren County School District
– Ashley Knowles – Sampson County Schools
– Brandon Powell – Sampson County Schools
– Jennivise Lindsay – Vance County Public Schools
– Kenya Raynor – Edgecombe County Public Schools
– Elaine Reales – Mt. Airy School District
– West Scherer – Asheboro City Schools
– Danielle Wissner – Elizabeth City – Pasquotank Public Schools
These scholars will begin their classes in the upcoming fall semester and, upon completion, are committed to a five-year service obligation in their communities, ensuring they give back to high-need districts.
Conclusion
The North Carolina Aspiring Principals Scholarship is a transformative initiative that advances educational leadership in high-need school districts across the state. By equipping future principals with the skills and support they need, this program is setting the stage for improved academic outcomes and equity in North Carolina.