The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has awarded funding for a project focused on leadership training through the UConn Administrator Preparation Program (UCAPP), a school leadership program based at the Neag School that prepares highly qualified school administrators in Connecticut. Jennifer Michno, assistant clinical professor in educational leadership, is the principal investigator for the project.

According to Michno, the purpose of the project, now funded through its first year, is to infuse 10 hours of research-based content in the areas of family, school, and community partnerships into the UCAPP curriculum. In addition, Michno says, the project seeks to build the capacity of practicing school administrators in these areas and to expand statewide knowledge of family, school, and community partnership practices as a means of influencing student achievement.

“[This award] will advance our work to prepare school leaders committed to excellence and equity for every school community in Connecticut.”

— Richard Gonzales, director of Neag School educational leadership preparation programs

Anticipated outcomes of the project include implementing pilot curriculum modules in UCAPP during the 2017-18 academic year; designing measurement tools to assess the impact of this curriculum on aspiring leaders and practicing administrators; and collaborating with partners at UConn, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and others across the nation in exploring ways to reach teacher preparation programs with UCAPP’s curriculum materials.

“We congratulate Jen on securing this significant award, which will advance our work to prepare school leaders committed to excellence and equity for every school community in Connecticut,” says Richard Gonzales, assistant professor-in-residence and director of the Neag School’s educational leadership preparation programs.

Funding totaling $208,103 has been awarded for the project’s first year, with future funding to be sought following completion of the expected outcomes for year one of the project.

Learn more about UCAPP at ucapp.education.uconn.edu. For more information about the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, visit hfpg.org.