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LAUNCHPAD
Empowering Leaders to Build Exceptional, Sustainable Schools
LaunchPad guides aspiring and experienced education leaders through building resilient schools.
Targeted Guidance
Customized support for aspiring school founders and established leaders to bring their visions to life and build thriving school communities
Sustainable Solutions
Resilient systems creation aligned with the community’s mission, vision, values, and needs, to ensure long-term success
Collaborative Partnerships
Bridge building to foster innovation, equity, and collaboration among school leaders, authorizers, and governing entities
What is the LeveragED LaunchPad?
The LeveragED LaunchPad leadership development program is dedicated to advancing leadership in education. Whether you are an aspiring school founder or an established leader, LaunchPad provides the resources, guidance, and strategic support needed to create and sustain innovative school models.
With two tailored programs—the Leadership Development Cohort and the New School Support Cohort (launching 2026)—LaunchPad equips participants to inspire, lead, and transform their school communities.
"At this moment in my career, this is precisely the support that I need in order to understand with intentionality, how to help improve things for kids."
Justin Blasko
Director, Vista School
The Leadership Development Cohort
(2025-2026 Cohort Begins in September)
This cohort provides Rising Senior Leaders, Principals, and Executive Directors with a comprehensive professional development experience. Participants refine their leadership skills in three core areas:​​​
Leading & Managing Yourself
Explore authentic leadership styles, effective communication, and self-management strategies using research-informed tools like the DiSC and Cynefin frameworks.
Leading & Managing Others
Develop skills for giving and receiving transformational feedback, fostering collaboration, and building high-performing teams.
Leading & Managing Systems
Learn to design and implement data-driven systems for school culture, instructional quality, and operations to support long-term success.
HBX Online Courses Integration
Accepted leaders will have the opportunity to apply to and engage in Harvard’s Certificate in School Management and Leadership (CSML) courses, a joint venture between the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) and Harvard Business School (HBS), designed to integrate education and business frameworks. These courses provide participants with actionable insights on leading change, managing people, and driving school improvement, with innovative leadership strategies grounded in research.
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 attend monthly virtual coaching sessions and bi-monthly office hours with Regional Captains. Leaders are required to join 2-3 in-person workshops, 2-3 virtual workshops, and 3 site visits (2 in-person, 1 virtual) throughout the program year.
If I am unable to attend all sessions, should I still apply?
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?
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.
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The program begins in September 2025. Key dates include:
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Application Window: April 1-15, 2025; decisions communicated May 20, 2025
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Kick-Off & Workshop 1 (In-Person): September 17-18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia
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4-week HBX Course & Weekly Debriefs (Virtual): October 2025 - November 2025
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Workshop 2 (Virtual): November 2025
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Workshop 3 (Virtual): January 2026
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Workshop 4 (Virtual): March 2026
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Final Workshop & Closeout (In-Person): May 2026
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Site Visits: Scheduled individually (2 in-person visits, 1 virtual), at the beginning, middle, and end of the 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:
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Monthly Virtual Coaching Sessions: Structured small group or 1:1 coaching for personalized support and feedback on leadership approaches and challenges
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Bi-Monthly Office Hours: Ongoing support with an experienced leader through facilitated discussions on pressing issues
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Virtual Workshops: Skill-building, case studies, and interactive discussions mirror the in-person experience
October-November HBX Online Courses: Courses cover essential leadership and management topics, with debriefs held in virtual sessions to integrate learning into practice
What is the purpose of the in-person workshops, virtual workshops, and site visits?
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In-Person Workshops provide opportunities for hands-on learning, collaborative problem-solving, and regional networking, allowing for deeper exploration.
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Virtual Workshops focus on interactive discussions, case studies, and real-time application exercises, providing flexibility while maintaining high engagement.
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3 Site Visits: Personalized site visits with on-the-ground support to observe school operations and provide real-time tailored feedback on leadership and school systems.
Our Partners
Applications for the LeveragED LaunchPad Program are available exclusively through our 2025-2026 partner organizations. For inquiries and questions about LaunchPad programs, email launchpad@leveragedfoundation.org
Connecticut
Georgia
New York
Utah