Holmes Scholars® Program
Email For DetailsHolmes Virtual Policy Institute 2025
The 2025 Holmes Virtual Policy Institute (VPI) is a three-session virtual course designed to prepare…
Learn More about Holmes Virtual Policy Institute 2025Cultivating Joy and Genius: A Graduation Message with Gholdy Muhammed
This webinar will NOT be recorded. The Urban Teaching Consortium (UTC) is a quarterly gathering…
Learn More about Cultivating Joy and Genius: A Graduation Message with Gholdy Muhammed2025 Washington Week
Join teacher educators and leaders from colleges and institutions nationwide for AACTE’s 2025 Washington Week, happening June…
Learn More about 2025 Washington Week
Impact at a Glance
Retention and Completion Success
of Holmes Scholars successfully complete their advanced degrees, significantly higher than national averages
Mentorship and Professional Growth
of scholars report that the mentorship and professional development opportunities provided by the program contributed to their career advancement
Leadership Development
of Holmes Scholars go on to hold leadership positions in education, helping to diversify faculty and administration in higher education
Mission
The mission of the Holmes Scholars® Program is to create a professoriate and education leadership pipeline that is representative of the diverse student body in America’s schools, and to elevate and empower graduate students whose academic interests prioritize ensuring fairness, belonging, and equal opportunity in education for all.
Hear Their Stories
Learn More About the Program
The Holmes Program, founded in 1991 by the Holmes Group, is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and cultural
competence in education. Led by AACTE since 2010, the program supports graduate students of color pursuing careers in education through mentorship, peer support, and professional development. While its focus has evolved, its mission to diversify the profession remains unwavering. Learn more about the program — view the Holmes Scholar brochure.
Program Overview Start a Program
Holmes Virtual Policy Institute 2025
The 2025 Holmes Virtual Policy Institute (VPI) is a three-session virtual course designed to prepare Holmes Scholars for 2025 Washington Week and beyond with essential civic, policy, and advocacy knowledge. Participation is mandatory for Scholars attending the 2025 Washington Week.
Register below for each session, and complete the required learning activities. Content remains accessible through the end of 2025.
For scholars attending Washington Week: Session 1 is pre-recorded and available to view at your convenience. Sessions 2 (May 8) and 3 (May 21) are live events, with recordings available afterward for those who cannot attend in real time.
As a Washington Week scholar, you will be automatically registered to attend Sessions 2 and 3 live. Please ensure that you complete all sessions by May 30.
Note: Recordings and resources are located in the Holmes Program Connect360 Community Library. Scholars should have access through their AACTE profile. Need help setting up your profile or Connect360? Click here for instructions. For additional support, email Nicole Dunn at holmes@aacte.org.
1st Annual Holmes Virtual Graduation Celebration
Thursday, May 1
2:30 – 4:00 p.m. EST
You’re Invited
Join AACTE for a momentous occasion as we honor the achievements of our 2025 Holmes Scholars during the 1st Annual Holmes Virtual Graduation. This celebration recognizes the incredible journey of scholars who have committed themselves to advancing equity, leadership, and excellence in education.
Featuring Commencement Speaker
Cheryl Matias
Professor, University of San Diego
An award-winning educator, author, and fierce advocate for racial equity in education, Matias will share a powerful keynote address to inspire and uplift our graduates and guests alike.
Amelia Q. Rivera, North Carolina State University, Named April 2025 Holmes Scholar of the Month
The AACTE Holmes Scholars Program is proud to recognize Amelia Q. Rivera, a doctoral candidate in the Teacher Education and Learning Sciences: Educational Equity program at North Carolina State University, as the April 2025 Holmes Scholar of the Month. Rivera exemplifies the mission of the Holmes Scholars Program through her groundbreaking research on linguistic justice and her commitment to educational equity.
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