Diversity in Leadership Institute

🚨 Who leads our schools matters.

~70% of California TK-12 students are students of color, yet only 1 in 3 principals are.

For Principal Mercedes Macumber, was a turning point, helping her grow as a leader and strengthen her school community.

At Principal Macumber’s school, representation is driving stronger retention, trust, and student outcomes.

That’s why we’re calling for continued state budget investment in .
When students see themselves in leadership, it changes what they believe is possible.
📖 Read Principal Macumber’s op-ed: https://lnkd.in/g6VXnThb

When the Diverse Education Leaders Pipeline Initiative (DELPI) was created in 2023, grants were awarded to 10 local education agencies across California. By 2027, the program will have supported 367 diverse administrator candidates. 

Financial barriers, including graduate tuition and credentialing costs, often prevent qualified educators from pursuing leadership roles. Without targeted grant programs such as DELPI, California risks losing experienced educators from the leadership pipeline.

🍎 Renewed state funding for DELPI will enable experienced, diverse educators to access leadership pathways and meet the needs of California’s student population. 

🌱 Ready to grow into your leadership potential?

📣 Explore our fellowship programs to find the training and network that will support your journey toward principalship. Lead with confidence and represent the needs of your diverse student populations.

Diverse Leaders Fellowship:
Learn more: tinyurl.com/DLF-2-pager | Apply by May 1: wkf.ms/4ru6VCF

Aspiring Principals of Color Fellowship:
Learn more: bit.ly/APOC2Pager | Apply by May 8: wkf.ms/4iITydJ

💫 Full tuition scholarships are available for candidates employed in eligible districts and partner organizations

📣 Now Hiring: Fellowships Manager

We’re seeking a Fellowships Manager to join our growing team!

This role supports the success of DLI’s fellowship programs by overseeing program operations, data systems, and fellow engagement. Reporting to the Fellowship Managing Director, the Fellowship Manager ensures participants have a high-quality, well-organized, and equity-centered leadership development experience.

🔗 Learn more about the role and apply, or share with a leader in your network: https://apply.workable.com/daniels-solutions/j/2EBF6C9245/

🍎 California’s educator workforce is under strain, and many educators are approaching retirement. Securing strong school leadership is key to closing student achievement gaps.

💡 The Diverse Education Leaders Pipeline Initiative (DELPI) is a proven, cost-effective program that builds diverse school leaders and improves academic outcomes in high-need communities.

➡️ Renewed investment in programs like DELPI is critical to prepare the next generation of leaders.

Achievement

Stepping into school principalship should feel as energizing as it is impactful. The right community doesn’t just prepare you to lead; it fills your cup.

🌟 “I’m in love with EVERYTHING I’m learning. I brag about my program so often. Seriously. My cup is full.”

Through the DLI/LACOE Diverse Leaders Fellowship, educators gain the mentorship, skills, and network to advance to the principalship with confidence.

📣 Applications close on May 8th: wkf.ms/4ru6VCF
🌱 Cost-free tuition available for eligible candidates

🎓 Schools with diverse leadership experience: higher student achievement, increased college and career readiness, lower suspension rates for students of color, and stronger recruitment and retention of diverse teachers.

📈 The Diverse Leaders Pipeline Initiative (DELPI) helps build culturally responsive school leaders who reflect and understand the students they serve.

📚 California’s educator workforce is under strain, and we can’t close achievement gaps without strong school leadership.

💡 That’s why the Diverse Education Leaders Pipeline Initiative (DELPI) matters. It’s a proven, cost-effective solution that strengthens leadership, stabilizes the workforce, and improves student outcomes—especially in high-need communities. 🎓Research shows students thrive academically and socially when principals and vice principals reflect the communities they serve.

🍎 With a wave of educator retirements on the horizon, continued investment in DELPI is critical. Sustained support will help prepare the next generation of school leaders, strengthen pipelines of administrators, and drive better outcomes for students across California.