A partnership between The Innovation Project and North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is providing $1.5 million in scholarship funding for aspiring principals from small, high-need North Carolina school districts.
The Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion of Effective Educators scholarship initiative covers the cost of a two-year Master of School Administration degree program. This includes tuition and a salary for their full-time principal internship, which is completed during their second year. Funding for the scholarship comes from grants, one via the U.S. Department of Education and another from N.C. Department of Public Instruction.
“This partnership underscores our shared dedication to advancing educational equity and excellence and preparing our aspiring leaders to lead with integrity, purpose, and through innovation,” NCCU MSA Program Director Portia Gibbs-Roseboro said.
The Innovation Project is a nonprofit that connects school district leaders throughout the state with the purpose of inspiring change and equity.
“The interview process was especially dynamic and illuminated those candidates with the potential to do the work our students need and deserve. I’m thrilled with the outcome and I look forward to seeing these professionals advance in their careers and continue to serve in smaller districts,” Contreras said.
Candidates were selected to be in the scholarship program’s first cohort after nominations, applying, and a group interview process. The 16 scholarship recipients are listed below.
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
The cohort members will begin classes in the upcoming fall semester. In addition to their course work, recipients also committed to a five-year service obligation.
Ashley Knowles, Union High School
Brandon Powell, Lakewood High School