Principal Fellowship Program
Supporting principals in creating thriving school communities
2026-27 Principal Fellowship
Building a community of school leaders using the arts to transform school culture.
The Arts for Learning Principal Fellowship brings together visionary school leaders to explore how the arts can strengthen school communities, support student success, and advance equity. Through collaborative learning, creative practice, and peer connection, principals develop strategies that center joy, justice, and belonging across their schools.
Applications are now closed
The 2026-27 Principal Fellowship will support 15 outstanding principals in developing an action plan that utilizes the arts for school-wide improvement. We invite applications from principals in:
Baltimore City · Baltimore County · Harford County · Montgomery County · Prince George’s County
Since its launch, the fellowship has supported school leaders in building more joyful, connected, and culturally responsive school environments.
The Principal Fellowship is not currently accepting applications. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when the next application round is announced.
About the Principal Fellowship
The Arts for Learning Principal Fellowship is a transformative leadership experience designed for school leaders who believe in the power of the arts to strengthen school communities.
Through a cohort-based model, principals engage in collaborative learning, creative exploration, and reflective practice alongside fellow school leaders and arts partners. Fellows build lasting relationships, develop actionable strategies for arts-integrated school improvement, and gain access to a network of cultural institutions and mentors across the region.
The fellowship centers wellness, equity, and creative leadership—supporting principals as whole people while equipping them with tools to lead schools grounded in justice, joy, and belonging.
Participants leave with…
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A stronger network of peer leaders
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Practical strategies for arts-integrated school improvement
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Connections to arts and cultural resources
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A renewed sense of purpose and possibility as school leaders
What to Expect
Who is the Fellowship for?
The Principal Fellowship brings together a small cohort of public school principals from Baltimore City, Prince George's, Baltimore,
Montgomery, and Harford counties who are committed to using the arts as a lever for school transformation and community connection.
Who is the Fellowship for?
What is the compensation?
Fellows receive a $500 stipend and $2,000 in dedicated funding to support arts-integrated school improvement efforts. Participants also gain access to coaching, mentorship, wellness experiences, and a network of peer principals committed to creative and equitable leadership.
What is the compensation?
What is the timeline?
Welcome Dinner
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
5:30-8:30 pm, Location TBD
A warm welcome and a celebration of selected Fellows! The evening will include dinner, an orientation to the program, time to build our community, and artmaking!
Summer Site Visits, Baltimore City
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
9:30 am-2:30 pm
Spend a day at Summer Arts for Learning Academy observing arts-integrated classrooms.
Cultural Visits (in your region)
Thursday, July 16, 2026
9:30 am-2:30 pm
After connecting virtually with the whole cohort to learn about statewide arts opportunities, visit two cultural arts organizations to engage with education departments and learn how the institutions can support schools with arts-based or arts-integrated learning.
Principals Retreat at Hotel Revival
Friday, October 23, 2026, to Sunday, October 25, 2026
Join in community Saturday and Sunday at the Hotel Revival and surrounding cultural institutions in Baltimore City where we will dive into abolitionist teaching and leadership, hear from principals about how they have leveraged the arts for positive change in their school communities, meet and connect with your mentor, start dreaming up your own plan for leveraging the arts for positive school change, and engage in self care moments throughout the weekend. **Please note: this retreat includes a Friday evening dinner starting at 5 pm, and Friday and Saturday overnight stays at Hotel Revival.
Virtual Happy Hour with A4L Staff (OPTIONAL)
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
4:00-5:00 pm
Join A4L Coordinators for an informal opportunity to schedule artists, programs, and events on the spot! Come with ideas of what you would like to book for your school in November-June! You can join breakout rooms with various coordinators/program leads to share your dreams, and they will make the magic!
Throughout the Program
Meetings with your Mentor
Throughout the program, you will meet with your Mentor to continue mapping out your Strategic Arts Plan and consider how to leverage the arts in your school.
VIRTUAL Book Clubs - Optional!
Throughout the program, we will read a book grounded in equitable leadership together! During this virtual hour, connect with your cohort about your personal reflections and ideas around collective action in your school communities. We will model the process you can use with your staff, should you find it to be effective and inspiring. Each meeting, a different pair of principals will be our facilitators!
Wellness + Sharing + Resources + Inspiration, Location TBD
Saturday, January 30, 2027
10:45 am-3:30 pm
We will begin with grounding and wellness. Engage in a tour and get info about the organization hosting the session, get feedback on strategic arts planning, share and gather arts resources, reflect on our abolitionist leadership efforts, and part with the art. *Brunch included!
Small group visits to the Dream Academy Charter School, Baltimore City
February 2027 (exact dates TBD)
We will visit the Dream Academy, the first artist-integrated charter school in Baltimore City, built on the Arts for Learning model.
Wellness + Sharing + Resources + Inspiration, Location TBD
Saturday, March 13, 2027
10:45 am-3:30 pm
We will begin with grounding and wellness. Engage in a tour and get info about the organization hosting the session, get feedback on strategic arts planning, share and gather arts resources, reflect on our abolitionist leadership efforts, and part with the art. *Brunch included!
Evaluation and Celebration
Thursday, May 6, 2027
5:00-9:00 pm
Submit your Strategic Arts Plan, reflect, and evaluate. Stay for a graduation reception and surprise performance!
Throughout the Program
Meetings with your Mentor
Throughout the program, you will meet with your Mentor to continue mapping out your Strategic Arts Plan and consider how to leverage the arts in your school.
VIRTUAL Book Clubs - Optional!
Throughout the program, we will read a book grounded in equitable leadership together! During this virtual hour, connect with your cohort about your personal reflections and ideas around collective action in your school communities. We will model the process you can use with your staff, should you find it to be effective and inspiring. Each meeting, a different pair of principals will be our facilitators!
What is the timeline?
