A nonprofit organization is teaming up with two historically Black institutions in Atlanta in hopes of increasing the percentage of people of color working as principals.
The organization, New Leaders, is working with Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College to launch the Aspiring Principals Fellowship.
That’s an online principal certification and master’s degree program which they said is “designed to train the next generation of equity-focused school leaders who better reflect the students they serve.”
The announcement was made Wednesday.
Organizers say the effort is needed, pointing to research that finds nonwhite students generally perform better academically in schools with principals of color. Nationally, about 20% of public school principals are racial minorities, although about 55% of public school students are nonwhite, federal statistics show.
Credit: Eric Stirgus
Credit: Eric Stirgus
David A. Thomas, president of Morehouse College, said in a statement that equity in the education of students of color must be an urgent national priority.
“Our children need guidance and nurturing from principals who understand the unique cultural experiences, proud heritage, and sometimes challenging socio-economic circumstances that affect learning opportunities for young Black students and those from other minority groups,” he said.
The enrollment process will begin this month. Classes are scheduled to start in August. Participants who enroll in the program by September will receive a $5,000 scholarship towards tuition, officials said.
The fellowship is open to both individual applicants as well as groups of applicants who primarily have their tuition costs sponsored by their local school district, charter network or professional association.
Credit: Steve Schaefer
Credit: Steve Schaefer
Clark Atlanta University President George T. French Jr. said in a statement the effort falls in line with the school’s mission.
“This partnership will give CAU scholars the knowledge, skills and tools needed to become principals and leaders in our nation’s schools and diversify the higher education leaders’ pipeline,” he said.
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