NELA Scores $2 Million Grant

An NC State program to train principals for rural schools received a three-year $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education on top of an award for effectiveness from the University Council for Educational Administration.

NELA, the Northeast Leadership Academy at NC State, trains principals and assistant principals for 13 high-need districts in northeastern North Carolina. NELA graduates complete a yearlong internship, earn a master’s degree in school administration and agree to work in one of the participating counties for three years after completing the program. Training includes a summer institute and mentoring from executive coaches.

NELA, directed by education professor Bonnie Fusarelli, won a $4.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education in 2013 to expand its reach.

It is one of two recipients of the 2014 Exemplary Educational Leadership Preparation Program Award, to be presented in Washington in November. It comes with a cash award of $7,000.