Holmes Scholars® Program
Join Our Community2025 Holmes Research & Dissertation Retreat
Hosted in Partnership with Boston University Join AACTE for the 2025 Holmes Research and Dissertation…
Learn More about 2025 Holmes Research & Dissertation RetreatAACTE 2026 Annual Meeting
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Learn More about AACTE 2026 Annual Meeting
Holmes Scholars 2026 Preconference
Wednesday, February 18 4:00 – Friday, February 20, 5:00 p.m.
The Holmes Preconference brings together Holmes Scholars and coordinators for research, mentoring, and networking. Required annually for all active Holmes Scholars, it builds leadership and advances in education.
The Holmes Preconference is a signature national event of the AACTE Holmes Program, bringing together current Scholars and program coordinators to strengthen the community and mission of diversifying the education leadership pipeline. Held annually in conjunction with the AACTE Annual Meeting, the Preconference provides Scholars across master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral journeys with opportunities to present their research, participate in mentoring sessions, and develop leadership skills through workshops and networking.
Program highlights include dynamic research presentations, poster sessions, academic job talks, and the Dissertation Funding Competition, as well as professional development sessions designed to enhance scholarly, career, and advocacy skills. The 2026 Preconference will also include a career fair, mentor matching opportunities, and the 35th Holmes Alumni Reunion, expanding ways for Scholars to connect with professional pathways and strengthen community ties. Program coordinators benefit from dedicated support sessions and networking opportunities with their peers to strengthen collaboration across institutions.
Attendance at the Holmes Preconference is required for all active Holmes Scholars each year they are enrolled in their institution’s Holmes Program.
Hosted in Partnership with Boston University
Join AACTE for the 2025 Holmes Research and Dissertation Retreat — designed specifically for graduate students in colleges of education. This immersive experience offers:
- Dedicated writing time
- Community-building opportunities
- Interactive sessions on dissertation committees, funding, research methods, publishing, and more
- Expert guidance on theoretical frameworks and scholarly strategies
Whether you are just starting your doctoral journey or nearing completion, this retreat is a space to learn, grow, and connect.
Mission
Since 1991, the AACTE Holmes Scholars® Program has built a pipeline of education leaders and scholars, reflecting the richness of America’s student population. The program supports master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral students through mentorship, peer support, and professional development opportunities.
Impact at a Glance
Retention and Completion Success
of Holmes Scholars successfully complete their advanced degrees, a rate 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
Hear Their Stories
Alexis Briggins, M.S.Ed., is a doctoral candidate in counseling and educational psychology at Indiana University Bloomington whose academic achievements, leadership, and community engagement make her a model recipient for the AACTE Holmes Scholar of the Month recognition.
Her scholarly contributions include co-authoring the peer-reviewed article “Voices of Decolonization: First-Hand Experiences of Psychology Students in Reshaping the Discipline” (2025), published in Counselling Psychology Quarterly. She also presented her original research, “How Racial Socialization Shapes Dating Experiences for Black/White Biracial Women,” at the 2025 CRRES Research Symposium, highlighting her dedication to exploring complex intersections of race, identity, and lived experience in psychological research.
September 2025 AACTE Holmes Scholars Bulletin
As we step into this new academic year, I want to celebrate what I am witnessing among you. Some of our scholars are transitioning from student to candidacy. Others are now collecting data, advancing into the heart of their doctoral journeys.
Read more and stay engaged with the Holmes community.
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