Leadership Academy and Urban Network Chicago (LAUNCH)

The Leadership Academy and Urban Network for Chicago’s aspiring principals (LAUNCH) was an early principal preparation program, designed to support and develop aspiring principals for Chicago Public Schools (CPS).  LAUNCH targeted strong assistant principals within CPS schools, in addition to identifying teacher-leaders and other high-potential individuals who met the basic requirements of a master’s degree, an administrative certificate and at least six years of teaching experience.  As candidates were already certified, the program targeted the development of key competencies, through a five-week intensive program at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a semester-long full-time apprenticeship with a mentor principal.

Impact

• More than 240 leaders prepared for CPS schools.
• More than 100 principals hired.
• Served as the model for future principal preparation programs.