Aspire Public Schools Receives $3.9 Million Grant to Grow and Develop Diverse Leaders in Education
The Diversity in Leadership Institute (DLI) partners with Loyola Marymount University to offer a 16-month fellowship cohort for diverse educators seeking administrator credentials.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2024
Media Contact:
Barbara Roy
(818) 261-9292
barbara@larsonpr.com
July 24, 2024 – Aspire Public Schools has been named the lead recipient of the California Teaching Commission (CTC) Diverse Education Leader Pipeline Initiative grant, in partnership with the Diversity in Leadership Institute (DLI) and Loyola Marymount University. The grant, totaling up to $3.9 million, aims to train, place, and retain diverse and culturally responsive administrators and education leaders to enhance student outcomes in public schools throughout the state.
Aspire Public Schools will oversee two separate grants, each with a different school serving as the lead Local Education Agency (LEA). Aspire Firestone Academy will lead the Southern California consortium, which includes all 11 Aspire Los Angeles schools, Bright Star Schools, New Los Angeles Charter School, ICEF Public Schools, and Perris Unified School District. Aspire Lionel Wilson College Prep Academy will lead the Northern California consortium, encompassing all 9 Aspire Bay Area schools and all 16 Aspire Central Valley schools, Rocketship Public Schools, Voices Academies, Envision Public Schools, and Sequoia Union School District. These partnerships highlight the collaborative nature of the initiative and the broad impact it aims to achieve.
“Aspire has a long track-record of supporting the professional growth of our team members, from pre-teacher programs to graduate-level teacher residencies. The Diverse Education Leader Pipeline Initiative grant will advance Aspire’s commitment to create pathways for teammates that are authentic to their identities and aligned with their career development aspirations, without worrying about financial barriers,” said Mala Batra, CEO of Aspire Public Schools. “This will further our efforts to establish diverse leadership pipelines that reflect the demographics of the communities we serve, which is essential for creating empowering and culturally responsive learning environments.”
The Diverse Education Leader Pipeline Initiative grant addresses the significant lack of Black and Brown leadership in education across the state. In partnership with DLI, the grant supports individuals with teaching credentials in obtaining administrator credentials through a 16-month fellowship that combines in-person and virtual components, with credentialing provided by Loyola Marymount University. Fellowship participants receive mentoring support extending beyond the fellowship by an additional year, focusing on culturally responsive school leadership.
“The Diverse Education Leader Pipeline Initiative grant is a transformative step toward closing persistent student equity gaps and increasing diversity within the TK-12 school administrator pipeline,” said Laura McGowan-Robinson, Founder and CEO of the Diversity in Leadership Institute. “The grant will empower aspiring leaders from underrepresented backgrounds, equipping them with the tools and opportunities needed to effect meaningful change in our communities.”
The grant awards $30,000 per fellow, eliminating the financial burden on participants and their schools. DLI will continue to seek additional funding to cover any remaining gaps, ensuring the program remains fully accessible and free to participants. The grant funding opens up eligibility for teammates from the consortiums to participate in the DLI cohorts. The grant will cover cohorts starting in the fall of 2024, 2025, and 2026, eliminating any additional fees for participants and the associated costs to their schools.
The grant provides up to 62 fellowship seats, valued at $1.86 million, for the Southern California consortium and up to 69 fellowship seats, valued at $2.07 million, for the Northern California consortium, ensuring comprehensive support for aspiring education leaders across California.
About Aspire Public Schools:
Aspire Public Schools operates 36 schools across California dedicated to preparing students for college, careers, and life. Aspire focuses on providing high-quality education to underserved communities and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all students.
About Diversity and Leadership Institute (DLI):
The Diversity and Leadership Institute is committed to promoting diversity and leadership in education. By providing fellowships and support for aspiring administrators, DLI aims to create a pipeline of diverse education leaders equipped to meet the challenges of today’s educational landscape.
About Loyola Marymount University
A top-ranked national university rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount traditions, LMU is committed to fostering a diverse academic community rich in opportunities for intellectual engagement and real-world experience. Our three campuses are rooted in the heart of L.A. a global capital for arts and entertainment, innovation and technology, business and entrepreneurship.