Ohio Education Policy Leadership Program

APPLICATIONS for OEPLP 2027-2028 OPENING SOON

• Developing Strategic Education Leaders.
• Advancing Policy for Ohio’s Future.

The Ohio Education Policy Leadership Program (OEPLP) brings together education leaders from across Ohio to strengthen their leadership, deepen their understanding of education policy, and build the relationships needed to turn ideas into action. Through shared learning, policy engagement, and a statewide network of peers and experts, participants gain new perspectives on the issues shaping education and the communities they serve.

Interested in our 2027-2028 OEPLP cohort? Save your place on the waiting list by emailing n.pratt@csuohio.edu.

What Is OEPLP?

OEPLP is a professional education policy and leadership Fellows Program for experienced professionals who want to better understand the forces shaping education in Ohio and strengthen their ability to lead within that environment.

From September through June, Fellows learn alongside colleagues from across Ohio and across the education sector, engage with current policy issues, and examine how decisions made at the local, state, and national levels affect their organizations and communities. The fellowship connects policy to practice, helping participants expand their perspective, sharpen their leadership, and build a strong statewide professional network.

Fellows will:

• Learn with a statewide cohort through monthly sessions focused on education policy, leadership, and the issues shaping Ohio’s communities
• Apply their learning through a policy project connected to a professional interest, organizational priority, or issue they want to advance
• Strengthen their ability to lead, communicate, and make decisions in complex policy environments
• Build lasting relationships with professionals from across the education sector through a cohort experience centered on dialogue, shared learning, and exchange

Our Five Pillars:

• Policy
• Advocacy
• Leadership
• Communication
• Networking

Who Should Apply?

OEPLP is designed for mid-career professionals who:

• Are committed to improving outcomes for children, youth, adult learners, families, and communities
• Work in K–12 or higher education, education policy, government, youth development, workforce development, public health, human services, advocacy, or related fields
• Want to grow as leaders and strengthen their ability to engage with and influence policy
• Value learning with peers from across sectors and want to broaden their perspectives through dialogue, shared experience, and collaboration

Program Outcomes

Upon completing OEPLP, Fellows will be able to:

• Demonstrate a deeper understanding of how education policy is developed, implemented, and experienced across local, state, and national contexts
• Analyze complex policy issues from multiple perspectives and consider their implications for organizations, communities, and the people they serve
• Strengthen their leadership capacity to navigate complex policy environments, engage differing perspectives, and lead through change
• Communicate effectively about policy with colleagues, decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public
• Build collaboration across organizations, sectors, and professional perspectives to address shared policy and leadership challenges
• Apply policy knowledge and leadership practice through a project connected to a professional interest, organizational priority, or public issue
• Develop and leverage a statewide network of professionals working across education, government, policy, and related sectors

Program Schedule and Format

OEPLP runs from September through June, combining virtual and in-person learning throughout the fellowship year. Our 2027-2028 dates will be available soon.

• Monthly sessions alternate between in-person and virtual formats
• Additional optional events may be offered throughout the year
• Field experiences include travel within Ohio and to out-of-state locations, with some experiences requiring an overnight stay

Fellows are expected to participate in both in-person and virtual sessions throughout the program year. Consistent participation helps ensure each Fellow benefits fully from the learning, relationships, and experiences that make OEPLP distinctive.

Travel and Field Experiences

Fellows should expect travel to be an important part of the program, including some overnight stays.

Signature experiences include travel to Gettysburg and the U.S. Army War College, participation in a Washington, D.C. policy conference, and regional leadership and policy experiences in Columbus and other locations across Ohio.

The Application Process

OEPLP accepts applications on a rolling basis, with final cohort selections made in mid-June before the program begins in September.

Prospective Fellows may apply directly or be nominated by a colleague, supervisor, employer, or other professional contact.

Additional information about the application process, deadlines, and selection timeline will be posted soon.

Should Your Organization  Support Your Participation?

Yes! OEPLP is designed to strengthen not only the individual Fellow, but also the organization they represent. Fellows bring their learning back to the workplace through stronger policy understanding, broader professional networks, and greater capacity to lead across complex issues and systems.

We are also happy to speak directly with your supervisor or organization to answer questions about OEPLP, the time commitment, and the value of participation.

The OEPLP Fellow Commitment

OEPLP is a 10-month fellowship running from September through June, beginning with an opening retreat in September. Fellows are expected to participate consistently in both in-person and virtual sessions throughout the program year to benefit fully from the learning, relationships, and experiences that are central to OEPLP.

Tuition may be paid by the Fellow or sponsored by an employer or organization. Tuition and funding information for the 2027–2028 cohort will be announced with the application materials.

Fellows are responsible for travel-related expenses associated with field experiences, including transportation, lodging, meals, and incidentals. These experiences include travel within Ohio as well as signature out-of-state opportunities.

Estimated travel costs will be provided once the 2027–2028 program calendar is finalized.

Time: Fellows are expected to participate in all in-person and virtual sessions, many of which are held during regular work hours. Fellows may miss no more than two scheduled sessions during the program year. Participation in four overnight field experiences is also an important part of the fellowship.

Prospective Fellows should consider their professional and personal commitments before applying and be prepared to make consistent participation a priority throughout the program year.

Program Alumni

OEPLP has a statewide network of hundreds of alumni working across education, policy, government, child and family services, and other public and community-serving organizations.

The best way to stay connected with the OEPLP community, engage with fellow alumni, and follow program updates is through our LinkedIn group.

A reception for OEPLP alumni and prospective Fellows nominated for the 2027–2028 cohort is planned for December. Additional details will be shared soon.

Contact Us

Have questions? Interested in learning more? Contact Dr. Nancy Pratt at n.pratt@csuohio.edu.