EPFP

Since its inception in 1964, the Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP™) has produced over 6,000 alumni who now lead at high levels in all sectors of American life:  K-12 and higher education organizations; local, state, and federal government agencies; public policy groups; foundations and nonprofits; and corporations.  EPFP’s mission is to equip leaders in public and private organizations to create and implement sound public policy in education and related fields. The EPFP curriculum consists of three major strands:  leadership theory and practice, public policy, and professional networking.

EPFP is a 10-month in-service leadership development program sponsored by the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL). The program combines two annual conferences of national scope – the Leadership Forum and the Washington Policy Seminar – with activities specific to each of 16 state sites to provide a rich professional development experience for more than 200 Fellows each academic year. Each annual cohort of Fellows includes teachers, principals, superintendents, state education agency representatives, and higher education professionals. In addition, each group includes individuals from community-based and business organizations, individuals who work in social service agencies, and military personnel.

EPFP State site programs provide the heart of a Fellow's experience. EPFP provides a common mission and core values, but within those each site is free to, and is encouraged to, create a unique program.

My EPFP experience actually laid the foundation for the leadership roles that followed. I learned that effective leadership must start with a critical self-assessment before "it" moves out to touch the lives of others. I learned that leadership is part knowledge, skills, and values AND also a form of ART!

–Darlyne Bailey, Dean, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota

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