Ascend PreK-12 Leadership Program
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The Ascend program equips PreK–12 educators and rising leaders to sustain their leadership, strengthen their teams, and create schools where both adults and students can thrive. Rooted in the science of resilient leadership, Ascend bridges research and real-world practice to prepare educators for leadership at every level, whether in the classroom, a department, or administration. Leadership roles continue to grow in complexity. Ascend offers tools that support both the leader and their practice while connecting participants to HACU’s national network.
Main Topic Areas
Program Outcomes
Participants will leave each session with at least one immediately usable resource or tool to apply in their own setting. By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Apply neuroscience-based leadership tools to navigate stress, regulate reactions, and lead with clarity during uncertainty
- Analyze and improve school culture using brain-aligned communication and conflict strategies that strengthen trust and collaboration
- Design sustainable leadership habits that preserve energy, reduce burnout, and increase long-term impact
- Connect with and contribute to a nationwide cohort to expand networks, strengthen leadership pathways, and access ongoing peer support
Program Structure
Ascend is a fully online interactive professional learning experience that connects research with
practical strategies educators can apply immediately.
Dates
Jan. 20 – May 5, 2026
Schedule
Tuesdays, 5:30–7:00 p.m. CT (fully online, accessible nationwide)
Format
Interactive webinars led by a national researcher and a PreK–12 practitioner
Requirements
Minimum Participant Section Requirements are:
- At least 1.5 years of professional experience
- Completion of at least a bachelor’s degree
- PK–12 educators looking to expand their leadership skills or pursue future administrative roles
Who Should Apply/Nominations
- PK–12 educators, specialists, coordinators, deans, and administrators who want to grow their leadership impact.
- Applicants from public, private, charter, independent, and faith-based schools nationwide are welcome.
Apply
Applications/Nominations Open: Nov. 20, 2025
Priority Deadline: January 10, 2026
Priority applicants will be considered first for scholarship awards.
For more information, download the program brochure.
Scholarships
HACU offers 20 fully funded scholarships for the 2026 cohort (Title II funds may be used if your LEA approves HACU as a vendor. HACU will provide W-9, invoice, and agenda).
Program Costs
Program fee per participant from a HACU-member institution is $3,000. The fee for participants from non-member institutions is $5,000. The program fee covers all program materials.
Graduation
Participants earn a Certificate of Completion (16 CEU hours) to support their pathway in PreK-12 leadership development.
Get in Touch
Contact Information
Please include your name, institution and campus as part of your communication.
For questions or more information about HACU Professional Leadership Programs, please contact:
- Paul Machen, Ph.D.
- Senior Executive Director of Professional Leadership and Student Programs
- leadership@hacu.net
- (210) 576-3229
- Abigail Salazar
- Director of Professional Leadership Programs
- (210) 576-3215
