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LAUNCHPAD

Empowering Leaders to Build and Sustain Exceptional Schools

LaunchPad advances resilient executive leadership capacity by collaborating with school leaders, authorizers, and governing entities

FOCUSED GUIDANCE

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Customized support for school founders and established leaders to bring their visions to life and build thriving school communities

Resilient systems creation aligned with the community’s mission, vision, values, and needs, to ensure long-term success

Bridge-building to foster innovation, equity, and collaboration among school leaders, authorizers, and governing entities

WHAT IS LEVERAGED LAUNCHPAD?

LeveragED LaunchPad is a leadership development program designed to

support education leaders in creating and sustaining innovative school models while growing their leadership capacity. Whether you are serving as a principal or an executive director, LaunchPad  provides the resources, guidance, and strategic support needed to strengthen your leadership and ensure your school can thrive over time.

PARTNERS

Interested in Applying? Applications for the LeveragED LaunchPad Program are available exclusively through our 2026-2027 partner organizations.

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NY_CT when together - Northeast Charter
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Ohio and Michigan - National Charter Schools Institute.webp
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Utah - USCSB - Utah State Charter School Board.png
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NY_CT when together - Northeast Charter
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Florida - FL Charter Institute.webp
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Ohio and Michigan - National Charter Schools Institute.webp

For inquiries and questions about LaunchPad, email launchpad@leveragedfoundation.org

FROM OUR COMMUNITY

“It creates a sense of partnership and camaraderie because you have someone that you can lean on.”

Dr. Charcia Nichols, 2025 Launchpad Leader

The 2026-2027 Leadership Development Cohort Begins in August

THE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COHORT

This cohort supports new and experienced principals, as well as executive leaders who want to strengthen their leadership across seven key competencies:

  • Performance Management

  • Instructional Management

  • Systems Management

  • Adaptive Implementation

  • Relational Trust and Influence

    Strategic Clarity

  • Systems-Level Problem Solving

Harvard Online Course Integration

Accepted leaders will have the opportunity to engage in a Harvard Certificate in School Management and Leadership (CSML) course, a collaboration between the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School that is designed to integrate education and business frameworks. This facilitated experience provides participants with innovative leadership strategies grounded in research and actionable insights on leading change, managing people, and driving school improvement.

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LaunchPad Leadership Development Cohort FAQs

What is the time commitment for the LeveragED LaunchPad Leadership Development Cohort?

Participants should expect to dedicate 15-20 hours per month for assignments, reflections, and planning. Additionally, participants engage in virtual coaching sessions (in-person and virtual) and site visits throughout the program year.

If I am unable to attend all sessions, should I still apply?

Unfortunately, no. Full attendance is required to ensure participants benefit from the complete program experience. All sessions—virtual, in-person workshops, and site visits—are essential for building the skills and relationships central to the program’s goals.

When does the program start, and what are the key dates?

The program begins in September 2026. Key dates include:

  • Informational Webinars: March 19 & March 30, 2026

  • Application Window: April 1 - 15, 2026

  • Interview Window: April 20 - May 1, 2026

  • Decision Notification: May 8, 2026

  • Cohort Welcome Call: May 28, 2026 (5pm EST) 

  • In-Person Convening (Atlanta, GA): September 22-25, 2026

  • Virtual Workshop Series: November 2026 - January 2027

  • Harvard Online Course & Virtual Debriefs: February - March 2027

  • Cohort Closing: May 2027

  • Site Visits & Virtual Coaching: Scheduled individually throughout the program year

 

Monthly virtual coaching sessions, bi-monthly office hours, and additional virtual learning opportunities are scheduled throughout the year. Specific dates for virtual sessions and site visits will be provided in advance.

What virtual sessions are included in the program?

The program includes:

  • Virtual Coaching Sessions: Structured small group or 1:1 coaching for personalized support and feedback on leadership approaches and challenges

  • Office Hours: Ongoing support with an experienced leader through facilitated discussions on pressing issues

  • Virtual Workshops: Skill-building, case studies, and interactive discussions mirror the in-person experience

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​February - March Harvard Online Course that includes essential leadership and management topics, with debriefs held in facilitated virtual sessions to integrate learning into practice

What is the purpose of the in-person workshops, virtual workshops, and site visits?

  • In-person Workshops provide opportunities for hands-on learning, collaborative problem-solving, and regional networking, allowing for deeper exploration.

  • Virtual Workshops focus on interactive discussions, case studies, and real-time application exercises, providing flexibility while maintaining high engagement.

  • Site Visits offer on-the-ground support to observe school operations and provide real-time, tailored feedback on leadership and school systems.

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