IBX News

The Innovation Project (TIP) has announced over $1.5 million in scholarships aimed at preparing educators for leadership roles in North Carolina's high-need and small school districts. Among the recipients are several staff members from Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools (ECPPS), who have been selected to earn a fully funded Master of School Administration (MSA) degree, advancing their careers as future school leaders.

This initiative, part of ECPPS's partnership with the NC Principal Fellows Program, covers the full cost of the two-year program and provides salary support during participants' second year when they serve as principal interns. The program seeks to address leadership shortages in smaller districts and support career growth for outstanding educators. Tuition funding is sourced from a grant to TIP from the U.S. Department of Education, while salary funding is provided by the NC Department of Public Instruction.

Through the Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion of Effective Educators (RRP) scholarship initiative, 16 educators from eight TIP member districts, including ECPPS, have been accepted into the program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). The inaugural class includes Sylvia Carver, J'Vonn Davis, and Danielle Wissner from ECPPS.

Additionally, through the NC Principal Fellows Program, Eboni Stallings, Colina Bartlett, Ashley Richardson, Lacoyia Cobb-Eure, Savannah Blystone, and Elizabeth Bill from ECPPS have also been awarded fully funded scholarships for their MSA degrees.

This program aligns with ECPPS’s strategic priority for talent development and demonstrates its commitment to investing in talented staff. By providing this opportunity to earn a master’s degree at no cost, ECPPS aims to foster the next generation of school leaders who will continue to serve and elevate local schools.

"With strong support, great teachers can become great principals. North Carolina Central University has been the perfect partner to help TIP build this program," said Dr. Sharon Contreras, CEO of TIP. "The interview process illuminated those candidates with the potential to do the work our students need and deserve. I’m thrilled with the outcome and look forward to seeing these professionals advance in their careers."

"This partnership underscores our shared dedication to advancing educational equity and preparing aspiring leaders to lead with integrity, purpose, and innovation," said Dr. Portia Gibbs-Roseboro, MSA Program Director at NCCU.

ECPPS remains committed to fostering leadership and professional growth among its staff as part of its ongoing efforts. For more details on this program or The Innovation Project (TIP), visit www.tipnc.org.