New York Education Policy Leadership Program (NY EPLP)

Co-Sponsored by Fordham University Graduate School of Education and Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES

A yearlong, cohort-based professional learning experience designed for education leaders across New York State. This nonpartisan program supports school and system leaders in engaging with complex, often polarizing, education policy challenges—while centering student needs.

Fellows gain strategic insight, national perspective, and peer support through immersive, hands-on experiences and virtual seminars.

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Applications for the 2025–26 cohort are open.

  • Originally launched in 1981 as the New York chapter of the Education Policy Fellowship Program, NY EPLP became an independent New York-based program in 2020.

    In 2022, Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education became its institutional home under the leadership of Margaret Terry Orr, Ph.D., division chair and director of the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy program.
    Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES is a long-standing co-sponsor and provides administrative support.

  • Virtual Seminar Series
    Fellows engage in eight monthly Friday Zoom sessions, featuring seminar-style discussions with Fordham faculty and prominent education policy leaders. These interactive sessions examine policy issues at a macro level and emphasize situational leadership.

    Strategic Leadership Forum
    In partnership with peer programs from Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, Fellows participate in a two-day in-person leadership forum in Pennsylvania on October 9–10, 2025, including:

    • A docent-led leadership experience at Gettysburg National Military Park

    • A seminar on strategic leadership at the U.S. Army War College

    Team Policy Analysis Project
    Working in small teams, Fellows investigate a policy issue of shared interest, produce a written policy paper, and present their findings to the full cohort.

    Washington, D.C. Forum
    Fellows convene in the spring for closed-door sessions with education think tank leaders and national policymakers representing diverse viewpoints.

  • The program brings together up to 25 professionals each year, including:

    • School and district leaders

    • Education organization executives

    • Board of education members

    • Fordham GSE graduate students

    Participants represent public, private, and charter schools in urban, suburban, and rural areas across New York.

  • Advanced EPLP (AEPLP)
    A multi-state consortium offering yearlong, cross-cohort collaboration for senior Fellows.

    Global Education Policy Fellowship Program (GEPFP)
    An opportunity to examine education policy abroad through virtual learning and a culminating field experience in countries such as Bhutan, Iceland, or the U.K.

  • “This invaluable experience provided me with tremendous insight into the complex landscape of education policy, directly enhancing my leadership perspective. The program's rich content, immersive experiences, and impactful trips sparked new ideas and significantly motivated my thinking.”
    — Rebecca Carman, Shenendehowa CSD (2024–25)

    “Highly effective instructors, erudite guest speakers, excellent in-person seminars, and a cohort of great education colleagues.”
    — Dr. Patrick Pizzo, East Meadow School District (2022–23)

    “The resources were varied, rich, and really opened my eyes to issues beyond my current role.”
    — Scott Rice, Pawling CSD (2019–20)

  • Applicants should demonstrate:

    • Leadership experience in education

    • Interest in policy and systems-level impact

    • Commitment to equity and student-centered leadership

    Ideal for:
    Superintendents, principals, board members, nonprofit leaders, and GSE students.

  • Applications for the 2025–26 cohort are open.
    Submit the:

    Essay prompts (750-character max):

    1. Why does NY EPLP interest you, and what are your learning goals?

    2. How will you add value to the experience of others in the cohort?

Fellows must attend all sessions, including the two in-person forums. One excused Zoom absence is permitted. A certificate of completion is awarded at year’s end.