Ohio Education Policy Leadership Program - DRAFT

Ohio Education Policy Leadership Program (OEPLP) brings together mid-career professionals for a transformative experience that blends professional development, real-world policy work, and experiential learning. Fellows explore education and cross-sector issues critical to their work while strengthening their ability to lead, communicate, and advocate effectively.

Key Components:

• Monthly Professional Development Sessions: Learn alongside peers from across Ohio in structured sessions that build leadership and policy skills.
• Real-World Policy Projects: Tackle a policy project tied to your interests or organizational mission, applying learning to practice.
• Immersive Field Experiences: Participate in visits to the Ohio State Capitol, Washington, D.C., and other key sites to experience leadership and policy influence firsthand.
• Cohort Model: Build meaningful relationships in a supportive cohort, fostering collaboration and networking.

Core Pillars:

• Policy: Understanding and shaping education policies that impact communities.
• Advocacy: Developing strategies to advocate effectively for educational change.
• Leadership: Enhancing leadership skills to drive systemic improvements.
• Communication: Strengthening communication strategies for diverse audiences.
• Networking: Building connections with leaders across sectors to expand influence.

Who Should Apply

OEPLP is designed for mid-career professionals who are:

• Passionate about serving children, youth, families, and communities.
• Engaged in education, youth development, workforce development, public health, human services, or related fields.
• Eager to grow as leaders and make a greater policy impact.

Program Structure

• Duration: August through June
• Sessions: Monthly, primarily in-person with occasional virtual options
• Field Experiences: Four multi-day, overnight visits (two in-state, two out-of-state)
• Locations: Events held across Ohio; travel required for field experiences

Sample Program Schedule

To provide a general idea of the program's structure, here's a sample schedule. Please note that specific dates and locations may vary each year:

Note: This schedule is subject to change based on program needs and external factors.

Nomination and Application

• Nomination Process: OEPLP accepts nominations on a rolling basis. Final participant selections are made in the summer prior to the program start.
• Notification: Nominees are notified via email and asked to accept the nomination and provide additional information.
• Self-Nominations: Not accepted. Interested professionals may ask a supervisor, organizational leader, or professional reference to submit a nomination on their behalf.

Cost: $2,500 per participant, plus travel costs (air/car travel, hotel, food).

Time Commitment: Fellows must attend all in-person and virtual sessions and participate in all four overnight field experiences. Full participation is essential.

About the Program

OEPLP is implemented by the Center for Educational Leadership at Cleveland State University in partnership with the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio. The program provides a unique opportunity for mid-career leaders to experience leadership in action, deepen their understanding of education policy, and expand their professional network statewide and nationally.