NCPFP Commission Selects 2026-32 Grant Recipients

The North Carolina Principal Fellows Commission is pleased to announce the approval of six-year grant funding for four principal preparation programs, advancing the state’s commitment to cultivating high-quality school leaders.

The selected institutions are:

  • East Carolina University
  • North Carolina Central University/North Carolina Regional Education Service Alliance
  • NC State University
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The North Carolina Principal Fellows Program (NCPFP) received 11 applications for grants that will be funded from Fiscal Year 2026 to FY32. The state provides funding for up to eight principal preparation programs through a highly selective process that is designed to ensure the highest quality preparation for this corps of future school leaders. These four grantees join Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Western Carolina University to complete the roster of eight institutional programs.

“We received an extraordinary set of applications, highlighting the rising caliber of leadership preparation programs across the state,” said Dr. Lauren Lampron, NCPFP director and chair of the NCPFP Commission. “NCPFP was designed to be competitive to elevate school leadership development and it is bearing out with each grant cycle. Each of the selected institutions will recruit, select, prepare and support an exceptional new generation of school leaders. No other state matches North Carolina’s commitment to its school leaders.”

In recognition of the need to expand support for exceptional programs that did not receive a grant but demonstrate a commitment to strive for excellence in leadership development, the NCPFP Commission also unanimously approved High Point University to receive a developmental grant. This grant is subject to the passage of proposed legislation that would establish up to one development grant for each application cycle.

“This new developmental grant aligns with the state’s mission to ensure every school is led by a well-prepared, effective principal,” Lampron said. “High Point University has demonstrated a strong commitment to preparing principals who are ready to lead and transform schools across North Carolina. By partnering with the General Assembly to award this developmental grant, North Carolina recognizes the competitive design of the NCPFP program while incentivizing continuous improvement among all applicants in each program cycle.”

How can I "apply" for the NC Principal Fellows Program?

The process of becoming a NC Principal Fellow is collaborative and involves your school principal, district leadership (Human Resources and Superintendent) and grant-funded University Programs.

No application from our state office exists.  Each academic year, grant-funded University Programs will work with their partnering school districts to determine the number of aspiring leaders they have "on the bench" and ready to enroll in a cohort.  As partners, they manage a rigorous selection process used to ensure the highest caliber participants are accepted.

Learn more here

NC Principal Fellows Commission Meetings Scheduled for 2024-25

The North Carolina Principal Fellows Program Commission meets regularly to discuss various aspects of the program.  The fifteen-member governing body represents various educational and business areas, and are appointed to serve four year terms.

See 2024-25 Commission Meeting Dates
About

Producing Exemplary School Leaders for 30 Years

The North Carolina Principal Fellows Program, launched in 1993, was a scholarship program that provides funding to exemplary educators who aspired to begin a career in school administration.  For twenty six years, scholarship funds (in the amount of ~$3.2 million) were awarded.  The Transforming Principal Preparation Program, developed in 2016, was a competitive state grant ($4 million) which required NC university programs to apply through a Request for Proposal process in order to receive funding.  These grant awards were provided to university programs and not directly to students.

In 2020, the consolidation of the NCPFP and TP3 began, keeping the best aspects of each program.  The full merger of these programs has been complete since 2021.

To read more about about the TP3 and Principal Fellows Program consolidation, click here.  You can also find more information on the Principal Preparation Program by visiting BEST NC.

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CLOSING THE GAP

NC schools with higher poverty and lower academic performance lose principals at an alarming rate. We're closing the gap!

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Testimonials

Dr. James V. Davis, II

The NCPFP prepared me for a successful career as a school administrator. The program made me aware of current school conditions and helped me recognize ways that I could support students and teachers with various problems in numerous settings. The NCPFP also helped me build a foundation for a doctoral program which I recently completed.

Dr. James V. Davis, II

Associate Professor, High Point University

Dr. Judy Moore

I’ve been through the NC Principal Fellows Program as a student and also have enjoyed the pleasure of being a Principal mentor for another NC Principal Fellow. Without question, the strongest, most-prepared administrative candidates seem to be produced from the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program.

Dr. Judy Moore

Bessemer City High School

Ms. July Brady

Being a NC Principal Fellow did not “get” me a job; however, the experiences I had because of the program, and the constant reflection about my practice, prepared me well for my current role as a principal. UNCG and its focus upon the cultural foundations of education helped me to become a principal that questions, so that children continue to be the focus of all that I and my staff do to create a positive,  worthwhile education for our children.

Ms. July Brady

Charles W. McCrary Elementary

Dr. Anne Marie Radke

The indescribably rigorous and extremely relevant material and assignments I was exposed to as a NC Principal Fellow uniquely prepared and filled me with an immense level of confidence, pride and organizational skills. I find myself incredibly energized and capable of being student-oriented, supportive of my co-workers, compassionate, and understanding of parents, as well as very patient.

Dr. Anne Marie Radke

East Union Middle School

Mr. Fred Cook

I am proud to be an alumni of the NC Principal Fellows professional learning community. NCPFP provided a wealth of opportunities for me to grow and learn as a school executive. Without the NC Principal Fellows Program, I would not have gained from the experience of working with a variety of school principals at different levels. The professional development and internships from the program have broadened my thinking and shaped me into a much better administrator.

Mr. Fred Cook

East Bladen High School

Ms. Judy Yeager

If it had not been for the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program, I would not have been able to participate in the MSA program. The opportunity to develop as a professional on a full time basis was too good to pass up.  The internship year provided me with learning opportunities that part-time students never experience. As a result, I entered the administrative workforce more knowledgeable and more confident.

Ms. Judy Yeager

Onslow County Schools