Prospective Principal Fellows

Program Information for Prospective Fellows

Participation as a North Carolina Principal Fellow enables the individual to obtain an MSA degree after completing a one year full-time academic program on campus and a full-time internship at a public school in North Carolina. Fellows receive a scholarship loan which provides $30,000 the first year and 60% of a first year assistant principal’s salary and an internship stipend determined by the General Assembly the second year. The total amount varies according to the state salary schedule and the amount for the internship determined by the General Assembly. This year’s second year Fellows will receive an internship stipend of $15,124 for ten months and $26,786 from the Principal Fellows Program.

Fellows are expected to complete the MSA degree in two years and agree to meet the standards set by the Principal Fellows Commission. They agree to practice as a full-time administrator for four years within six years following completion of the master’s degree. Individuals who do not complete the program or serve in an eligible position for four years must repay the debt in cash at an interest rate of 10%. (Specific requirements for details are included in the SEAA website at ncseaa.edu under rules and regulations.)

North Carolina Principal Fellows Program applicants need to be able to demonstrate in their application strong evidence of leadership roles and responsibilities at the school, school system, statewide and in the community.

Application Process

Prospective Fellows should complete an application by January 15. Applications must be submitted by the January 15 deadline and include a non-refundable application fee of $45.00. Candidates must complete a separate application for admittance into a Master of School Administration degree program for at least one of the participating institutions. In order to be awarded a Principal Fellows Program scholarship loan, candidates must be unconditionally admitted to one of the participating institutions before the Principal Fellows Commissions meets to select Fellows.

Interviews of all qualified applicants will take place in late February or early March at several sites in the state. Selection will take place in April and candidates notified in May. A required Orientation Program for all first year Fellows will take place in August.

Scholarship loan awards and renewal awards for the Principal Fellows Program are made contingent upon annual appropriations by the North Carolina General Assembly.

Eligibility

To be considered for the PFP scholarship loan, each applicant must meet the following criteria:

Be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident Immigrant Alien or a Non-Immigrant Alien with the capacity to remain indefinitely in North Carolina;
Not be in default on any previous federal or North Carolina student loan;
Be a domiciliary (legal resident) of North Carolina;
Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution;
A strong academic record (at least a 3.2 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of study);
Be unconditionally admitted as a full-time student in the first year of the two year master of school administration program at one of the participating UNC institutions by the date the Principal Fellows Commission selects the recipients;
Have completed no more than two courses that apply toward the master’s degree in school administration;
Have at least four years of successful teaching experience or relevant experience;
Provide evidence of effective leadership and management potential;
Provide evidence of superior communication skills;
Be willing to comply with the Program Regulations;
Be willing to practice at an approved site in North Carolina as a full-time administrator for four years, with six years of completing the master’s degree, or repay in cash the amount received through the Principal Fellows Program plus interest at a rate of 10%.

Supporting Documents

In addition to a completed application all candidates must submit the following:

Official transcript(s) of all course work. Transcripts must bear the appropriate seal or signature and be sent in a sealed and signed envelope or sent directly to the PFP office by the institution. Copies and unofficial transcripts are not accepted.
GRE/MAT test scores
Three references, one of which must be from the current principal or supervisor. Both a reference rating form and a signed letter of endorsement on letterhead stationery are required. Letters and completed forms must be mailed in a sealed envelope signed by the person completing the reference.
A $45.00 application fee, non-refundable and non-applicable to tuition or any fees. Check or money order made payable to UNC-GA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What obligations must I meet as a Principal Fellow?

A. One must be enrolled full-time and remain in good standing in an MSA program at a university participating as an approved Principal Fellows Program site, complete a full-time internship in a public school during the second year of the program and participate in professional development activities provided by the Principal Fellows Program and the participating university. There are 11 participating universities.

Q. Am I required to take a leave of absence from my school district?

A. Principal Fellows are required to be enrolled as full-time students during the first year of academic studies and to participate in a full-time internship during the second year. These requirements necessitate taking a leave of absence or resigning from a full-time position.

Q. How many years do I have to repay the scholarship loan?

A. You are required to complete the four years of service in a public school in North Carolina within six years following graduation. If you serve as an assistant principal or principal for four years your loan is repaid.