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Leadership Bridge Overview
Launched in 2019, Leadership Bridge addresses the critical need for high-quality, diverse school leaders in CPS. Through professional development, expert coaching, and collaboration with current principals, this program ensures assistant principals are prepared to lead CPS schools within three years. Central to its mission is planning for strong leadership transitions, which mitigates the disruption that data and experience show schools can experience when a principal transitions.
In partnership with New Leaders and the University of Illinois Chicago, the program has evolved to meet the changing needs of Chicago’s schools, focusing on reflective self-assessment, collaborative planning, and strategic succession planning. The 2025-26 cohort serves 25 assistant principals, with a focus on increasing the representation of Black and Latino/a/x leaders and addressing the unique needs of schools serving high populations of students with disabilities. Seats for this program are competitive and require a formal interview, as well as participation from the sitting principal, for the assistant principal to be considered.
Leadership Bridge has demonstrated success in building a sustainable leadership pipeline, with 50% of participants (76 out of 153 leaders) attaining principal positions, accounting for 18% of all new CPS principals since 2020.
Outcomes
Readiness to assume the principalship at a public school in Chicago.
Who Should Apply?
Assistant principals in Chicago’s public schools who want to fully prepare to lead in a school similar to the one they currently serve. This program has placed 42% of participants in principal roles within three years of completion. Investment from your current principal is critical because you will work together through coaching and learning throughout the school year. If you’re ready to take the next step in your school leadership journey, click the button below!
