School Leader Fellowship

This highly-selective fellowship for school leaders provides participants access to recognized experts in the field and an opportunity to network with their peers from around the country. The eight-month long, all-expenses-paid fellowship uses a mix of in-person and virtual training sessions to dispel the fear of the unknown regarding the formation, expansion, and defense of school choice nationally and in their home states.

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL LEADER FELLOWSHIP?

A project of the American Federation for Children to partner with school leaders and provide a pathway to advocate for the establishment, expansion, and defense of school choice scholarships.
An educational and professional development opportunity to learn how educators can impact educational policy in their home state to benefit their school.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION:

An all-expense-paid, eight-month program consisting of two in-person seminars and three virtual sessions.
Training on school choice advocacy and policy formation.
Develop strategies for effective communications with stakeholders and effective tools for mobilizing.
Communities to support the needs of your school networking opportunities with educators from across the nation for idea sharing on admissions and enrollment.
Professional development in effective marketing strategies to maximize enrollment using school choice programs.

GRADUATES IN ACTION

SLF graduate Sharla Elton, Superintendent of Heritage Christian School, testifies on behalf of school choice legislation in Ohio.

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FROM OUR GRADUATED FELLOWS

The AFC School Leader Fellowship helped broaden my perspective and sharpen my understanding about school choice programs across the nation. The fellowship experience gave me invaluable training and resources to support families who have questions about the school choice programs in our state and to find ways to advocate for improving and expanding programs that are working to help families make informed choices for their child’s education.
-Tracey Heisler, Notre Dame Prep, Scottsdale, AZ

The opportunity to network with other professionals who are working each day in the arena of school choice was priceless! I completed the fellowship experience feeling even more equipped and empowered to make a difference in the lives of kids. Plus, I now have a professional network of people working in this space!
-Dr. Josh Bowar, Sioux Center Christian School, Sioux City, IA

It is imperative that all educational leaders assume responsibility for state advocacy on behalf of children. Participating in the AFC educational leader fellowship provides practical, hands-on experiences that give educators the knowledge and confidence needed to inform and persuade legislators. If you aren’t the voice for school options, who will be?
-Dr. Kimberlee Gill, Resurrection Christian School, Loveland, CO

The SLF was well worth my time. school choice is a growing movement in our country and a basic civil right in America. Whether you are a school leader in a state without school choice, or a state with a robust program, the AFC School Leader Fellowship will better equip you to advocate for your families and communities. As a school leader we attend many professional development programs, I would put the AFC School Leadership Fellowship at the top of the list.
-Michael Pecchia, Valley Christian Schools, Youngstown, OH