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
AACTE’s Annual Meeting remains the premier gathering of educator preparation and education professionals to advance…
Learn More about AACTE 2026 Annual MeetingThe Holmes Scholars® Program: Established in 1991
AACTE’s Holmes Scholars® Program originated from the Holmes Group, a consortium of major research universities formed in the 1980s to strengthen educator preparation and reaffirm the role of colleges of education as central to the mission of higher learning. These universities came together in response to growing concerns that teacher preparation was undervalued within academia, seeking to demonstrate that preparing excellent educators required both scholarly rigor and strong collaboration across disciplines.
Building on this foundation, the Holmes Partnership was established in 1996 to unite universities, school districts, and professional organizations around a shared goal: improving how educators are prepared, supported, and developed throughout their careers. The partnership emphasized innovation in teacher preparation, strong connections between schools and universities, and the continuous renewal of educational practice through research and collaboration.
One of the partnership’s cornerstone initiatives — the Holmes Scholars® Program — was created in 1991 to expand opportunities for talented graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in education. The program was inspired by the Trilogy Reports developed by the Holmes Group between 1986-1995, which outlined principles for strengthening teacher education and leadership. Through mentoring, professional development, policy initiation, and research engagement, the program helps build a strong pipeline of future faculty and education leaders who reflect the nation’s students and communities and meet all learners where they are.
The Holmes Scholars® Program has continued under the leadership of AACTE since 2010, and its participating member institutions. Together, we invest in scholars’ growth through academic support, leadership opportunities, and national programming that strengthens their persistence in higher education and impact across the education profession. With more than 1,000 alumni, Holmes Scholars now span the realm of education and social impact— as faculty, researchers, university provosts and presidents, state and local representatives, nonprofit leaders, P-12 educators, education agency professionals, advocates, and more.
Hear Their Stories
Holmes Scholars Celebrate 35 Years of Legacy and Leadership
Join the Holmes community in commemorating 35 years of impact, belonging, and excellence in educator preparation. The Holmes 35th Reunion in New Orleans will unite alumni, current Scholars, and supporters to honor the program’s legacy and invest in its future.
Participants can reconnect with peers, share stories through the “Once a Scholar, Always a Scholar” campaign, and explore new ways to mentor and support today’s Scholars. Proceeds from the celebration help fund current Scholars’ participation in AACTE’s 2026 national programming.
Stay engaged by updating your contact information, submitting a tribute, or sponsoring a Scholar to ensure the Holmes legacy continues to thrive.
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
Join us in celebrating Pablo Gutierrez, a third-year doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership (Community College/Higher Education) at California State University, San Bernardino. Pablo exemplifies academic excellence, a global perspective, and a deep commitment to student success in higher education.
As a Holmes Scholar, his research and professional pursuits reflect scholarly rigor and strong leadership. His dissertation, which explores culture shock among international students in U.S. higher education, connects cross-cultural adaptation and leadership frameworks to shed light on the experiences and development of international students.
October 2025 AACTE Holmes Scholars Bulletin
Stay connected with the Holmes community through The Holmes Bulletin, AACTE’s newsletter highlighting scholar achievements, research, and upcoming opportunities.
Read more and stay engaged with the Holmes community.
Resources
Access helpful tools and information to support Holmes Scholars and participating institutions, along with guidance on how to join the Holmes Program and become part of the community.
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