New Principal Mentoring Program
Illinois funds individualized mentoring for first-year principals to build leadership capacity, reduce turnover, and support diversity through veteran principal guidance.
Funder: Illinois State Board of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Application deadline for New Principal Mentoring Program, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1.2–$1.8 million total; individual awards vary based on mentees served (approx. $12,000 per mentee); no matching required.
Summary: Provides funding for Illinois entities to deliver individualized mentoring to first-year principals, supporting leadership capacity and retention, especially among diverse leaders.
Key Information: Forecasted opportunity—dates and funding subject to annual state appropriations.
Description
The New Principal Mentoring Program supports all newly appointed principals in Illinois by providing access to individualized mentoring from experienced, successful veteran principals. The program aims to build leadership capacity, reduce principal turnover (with an emphasis on supporting diversity in leadership), and ensure that new principals receive targeted professional development during their critical first year. Approved providers partner with school districts and other stakeholders to match new principals with mentors, deliver training, and monitor progress, with a focus on serving diverse and high-need schools.
