“A brutal reality is that to be successful in improving outcomes for all students, superintendents of color and women must survive the politics and power of the status quo while simultaneously addressing the forces that race and gender play in leadership dynamics. The HYA/Howard University Superintendent Academy takes this challenge head on and equips candidates with research and practical advice to thrive in this complexity.”
Dr. Shawn Joseph, HYA Associate and Howard University Professor
The HYA Leadership Academy with Howard University is designed with a shared vision to foster leadership that promotes equity and excellence in education. Both HYA and Howard University believe in developing school leaders who are not only equipped with critical skills and knowledge, but are also deeply committed to uplifting communities. The academy offers a powerful platform for aspiring educational leaders, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to gain insights and mentorship from education experts and thought leaders.
Our goal with this academy is to help reshape the future of education by empowering leaders who will make a lasting impact on schools and communities nationwide. By creating a space for professional development, strategic thinking, and innovation, the academy seeks to inspire school leaders to drive transformational change in their schools and districts.
This new academy combines HYA’s expertise in leadership consulting with Howard University’s legacy of academic excellence and commitment to social justice. Through the classes, leadership coaching, and hands-on training, the HYA Leadership Academy will provide participants with:
- Leadership Development – A curriculum that covers key areas of leadership, including strategic planning, educational policy, community engagement, and effective communication.
- Mentorship Opportunities – Access to executive coaches from HYA who are experienced leaders in education, offering guidance, support, and real-world perspectives to help participants navigate challenges and refine their leadership approach.
- Networking and Collaboration – Opportunities to connect with other aspiring and established leaders, fostering a community of shared learning and support that can continue beyond the academy.
This comprehensive approach ensures that participants emerge from the academy equipped with practical tools and a supportive network to effect positive change within their organizations.
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
The response to the launch of the HYA Leadership Academy has been overwhelmingly positive. We are inspired by the enthusiasm from educators, school leaders, and supporters across the country who share our commitment to creating a more inclusive and effective education system. Our initial cohort of participants brings diverse perspectives and a shared dedication to driving equity and excellence in education, and we can already see the positive impact they are poised to make.
Dr. Shawn Joseph, HYA associate and associate professor at Howard University, stated that, “a brutal reality is that to be successful in improving outcomes for all students, superintendents of color and women must survive the politics and power of the status quo while simultaneously addressing the forces that race and gender play in leadership dynamics. The HYA/Howard University Superintendent Academy takes this challenge head on and equips candidates with research and practical advice to thrive in this complexity.”
As we celebrate this successful beginning of this academy, HYA and Howard University are excited to continue growing this partnership and expanding the academy’s reach. We are committed to evolving the program to address emerging needs in education leadership and to support the continuous professional growth of each participant.
At HYA, we believe that great schools begin with great leaders. We look forward to watching this academy cultivate those leaders and empower them to shape the future of education. Together, with Howard University, we are excited to support and celebrate the leaders who will make a lasting difference.
Join an HYA Academy
The launch of this first HYA Leadership Academy with Howard University is just the beginning. As we look to the future, we invite educational professionals, district leaders, and community members to join future HYA Academies. Visit hyasearch.com/academy to view all upcoming academies and to enroll. We are eager to see the innovative ideas, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to equity that our graduates will bring to the field.
