Expanding Leadership Across North Carolina

Since the merger of the Transforming Principal Preparation (TP3) and the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program (NCPFP), 481 candidates have earned school administration degrees and principal licensure. During that time, nearly every school district in North Carolina has partnered with one or more Principal Fellows Programs, building a robust pipeline for recruiting and hiring effective school leaders. Principal Fellows are especially prepared to serve in high-need schools, which are persistently low performing or Title I-eligible, and since 2022, 73% of graduates in leadership roles have taken positions in these settings.

Strong partnerships between school districts and their Principal Fellows Program(s) foster a “grow our own” model, ensuring that graduates return to lead in the communities they know best. Since 2022, this model has contributed to more than 400 graduates being hired into school leadership positions across all eight regions of North Carolina

To take a deeper dive into the employment data, click here.

 

Interested in Becoming a North Carolina Principal Fellow?

The journey to becoming a North Carolina Principal Fellow begins locally and is rooted in partnership. School principals and district leaders, including Human Resources and Superintendents, are the ones who recognize and recommend individuals who show the potential to lead schools and possess the qualities that positively impact a school community.

There is no direct application through the state NCPFP office for a spot in the program.  Instead, each academic year, grant-funded University Programs collaborate with their partner districts to determine how many aspiring leaders are “on the bench” and ready to join a cohort. Together, these partners conduct a rigorous selection process to ensure that only the highest-caliber candidates are accepted into the program.

If you're interest in learning more about how to join one of our affiliate programs, you have options:

  1. Talk with your principal about your interest in becoming a school leader. They can be an important partner in your growth and may suggest opportunities to further develop your leadership skills.
  2. Ask your principal to help you identify your district's point person for the Principal Fellows Program. They play an essential role in the recruitment and selection of candidates.
  3. Review the list of Principal Fellows Programs across North Carolina.  Reach out to directors and coordinators, and ask questions about their programs and selection processes.
  4. Submit any questions or request a meeting with NCPFP staff at the state program -- ncpfp@northcarolina.edu.
Learn more here

NC Principal Fellows Commission Meetings Scheduled for 2025-2026

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 2025-26 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.

Learn More

CLOSING THE GAP

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

Learn More

 

 

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