Holmes Scholars® Program
Join Our CommunityWashington Week 2026
This one-of-a-kind event brings together educator preparation leaders — including members, state association leaders, Holmes…
Learn More about Washington Week 20262026 Holmes Research & Dissertation Retreat
The Holmes Research & Dissertation Retreat provides Holmes Scholars at all stages of their doctoral…
Learn More about 2026 Holmes Research & Dissertation RetreatThe Holmes Scholars® Program: Established in 1991
’s Holmes Scholars® Program originated from the Holmes Group, a consortium of major research universities formed in the 1980s to strengthen educator preparation and reaffirm the role of colleges of education as central to the mission of higher learning. These universities came together in response to growing concerns that teacher preparation was undervalued within academia, seeking to demonstrate that preparing excellent educators required both scholarly rigor and strong collaboration across disciplines.
Building on this foundation, the Holmes Partnership was established in 1996 to unite universities, school districts, and professional organizations around a shared goal: improving how educators are prepared, supported, and developed throughout their careers. The partnership emphasized innovation in teacher preparation, strong connections between schools and universities, and the continuous renewal of educational practice through research and collaboration.
One of the partnership’s cornerstone initiatives — the Holmes Scholars® Program — was created in 1991 to expand opportunities for talented graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in education. The program was inspired by the Trilogy Reports developed by the Holmes Group between 1986-1995, which outlined principles for strengthening teacher education and leadership. Through mentoring, professional development, policy initiation, and research engagement, the program helps build a strong pipeline of future faculty and education leaders who reflect the nation’s students and communities and meet all learners where they are.
The Holmes Scholars® Program has continued under the leadership of since 2010, and its participating member institutions. Together, we invest in scholars’ growth through academic support, leadership opportunities, and national programming that strengthens their persistence in higher education and impact across the education profession. With more than 1,000 alumni, Holmes Scholars now span the realm of education and social impact— as faculty, researchers, university provosts and presidents, state and local representatives, nonprofit leaders, P-12 educators, education agency professionals, advocates, and more.
Mission
Since 1991, the Holmes Scholars® Program has built a pipeline of education leaders and scholars, reflecting the richness of America’s student population. The program supports master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral students through mentorship, peer support, and professional development opportunities.
Hear Their Stories
Washington Week: June 1-3
’s premier policy & advocacy conference where Holmes scholars learn foundational federal skills, network with national education policy leaders, and visit their congressional representatives on the hill to advocate for ’s federal policy priorities for educator preparation.
Holmes Scholars must attend Washington Week at least once during their tenure in their university’s Holmes Scholars Program. Contact holmes@aacte.org if you are a scholar or coordinator concerned about meeting this requirement.
Any Holmes scholar or graduate student with the capacity to do so. Washington Week is most often quoted as the most transformative part of their Holmes Program experience. We encourage you to attend again or to invite fellow scholars and colleagues to join you.
The 2nd Annual Holmes Virtual Graduation Ceremony took place to celebrate Holmes Scholars from across the country who completed their degrees between July 2025 and June 2026.
This special event honored an extraordinary milestone—not only for our graduates, but for the Holmes community and the future of educator preparation. These scholars represented the next generation of leaders advancing equity, strengthening institutions, and shaping the future of education.
The ceremony featured a commencement address by Holmes alumnus Shanika Hope, Ph.D., Director for Americas & Knowledge, Skills, and Learning at Google.org, along with reflections from Holmes alumni and student speakers. Graduates were individually recognized during the calling of names, offering attendees a glimpse into each scholar’s journey and accomplishments.
Who Attended
- Graduating Holmes Scholars (July 2025–June 2026)
- Holmes alumni
- Current scholars and coordinators
- Friends, family, and supporters
Congratulations Graduates
2026 Holmes R&D Retreat
The Holmes Research & Dissertation Retreat provides Holmes Scholars at all stages of their doctoral journey with targeted guidance, skill-building, and networking opportunities to advance their research and degree completion. Through track-specific workshops, mentoring sessions, and peer feedback, scholars refine their research design, strengthen their writing, and build strategies for successful dissertation defense and post-graduation career pathways.
Sponsored by the University of Maryland, College Park
Dates: November 6–7, 2026
Location: University of Maryland, College Park
Holmes Scholars Celebrate 35 Years of Legacy and Leadership
The Holmes community joined together to commemorate 35 years of impact, belonging, and excellence in educator preparation. The Holmes 35th Reunion in New Orleans united alumni, current Scholars, and supporters to honor the program’s legacy and invest in its future.
Participants reconnected with peers, shared stories through the “Once a Scholar, Always a Scholar” campaign, and explored new ways to mentor and support today’s Scholars. Proceeds from the celebration helped fund current Scholars’ participation in ’s 2026 national programming.
Attendees stayed engaged by updating their contact information, submitting tributes, and sponsoring Scholars to ensure the Holmes legacy continued to thrive.
Impact at a Glance
Retention and Completion Success
of Holmes Scholars successfully complete their advanced degrees, a rate significantly higher than national averages
Mentorship and Professional Growth
of scholars report that the mentorship and professional development opportunities provided by the program contributed to their career advancement
Leadership Development
of Holmes Scholars go on to hold leadership positions in education, helping to diversify faculty and administration in higher education
Jessica Fort, Virginia Commonwealth University, Recognized as May 2026 Holmes Scholar of the Month
The Holmes Scholars Program recognizesJessica Fortas the May 2026 Holmes Scholar of the Month. Fort is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral program at Virginia Commonwealth University. She has centered her academic, professional, and leadership work on equity, critical consciousness, and systemic change within counselor education.
March 2026 Holmes Scholars Bulletin
Stay connected with the Holmes community through The Holmes Bulletin, ’s newsletter highlighting scholar achievements, research, and upcoming opportunities.
and stay engaged with the Holmes community.
Resources
Access helpful tools and information to support Holmes Scholars and participating institutions, along with guidance on how to join the Holmes Program and become part of the community.
