Holmes Scholars® Program
Join Our CommunityHolmes Virtual Policy Institute 2025
The 2025 Holmes Virtual Policy Institute (VPI) is a three-session virtual course designed to prepare…
Learn More about Holmes Virtual Policy Institute 20252025 Washington Week
Join teacher educators and leaders from colleges and institutions nationwide forAACTE’s 2025 Washington Week, happeningJune…
Learn More about 2025 Washington Week
Mission
The mission of the Holmes Scholars® Program is to create a professoriate and education leadership pipeline that is representative of the diverse student body in America’s schools, and to elevate and empower graduate students whose academic interests prioritize ensuring fairness, belonging, and equal opportunity in education for all.
Impact at a Glance
Retention and Completion Success
of Holmes Scholars successfully complete their advanced degrees, a rate significantly higher than national averages
Mentorship and Professional Growth
of scholars report that the mentorship and professional development opportunities provided by the program contributed to their career advancement
Leadership Development
of Holmes Scholars go on to hold leadership positions in education, helping to diversify faculty and administration in higher education
Hear Their Stories
Learn More About the Program
The Holmes Program, founded in 1991 by the Holmes Group, is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and cultural
competence in education. Led by AACTE since 2010, the program supports graduate students from diverse backgrounds pursuing careers in education through mentorship, peer support, and professional development. While its focus has evolved, its mission to diversify the profession remains unwavering. Learn more about the program — view the Holmes Scholar brochure.
Program Overview Join Our Community
June 2025 AACTE Holmes Scholars Bulletin
This month, I want to reflect on a tension many of us know too well: the desire to bring about real, lasting change in our communities while navigating academic spaces that often caution us to “protect our careers.” These subtle warnings can make speaking truth feel risky, but what happens when your very presence, voice, and truth disrupt spaces that were never designed to hold you?
and stay engaged with the Holmes community.
Resources
Access helpful tools and information to support Holmes Scholars and participating institutions, along with guidance on how to join the Holmes Program and become part of the community.
Holmes Virtual Policy Institute 2025
The 2025 Holmes Virtual Policy Institute (VPI) is a three-session virtual course designed to prepare Holmes Scholars for 2025 Washington Week and beyond with essential civic, policy, and advocacy knowledge. Participation is mandatory for Scholars attending the 2025 Washington Week.
Register below for each session, and complete the required learning activities. Content remains accessible through the end of 2025.
For scholars attending Washington Week: Session 1 is pre-recorded and available to view at your convenience. Sessions 2 (May 8) and 3 (May 21) are live events, with recordings available afterward for those who cannot attend in real time.
As a Washington Week scholar, you will be automatically registered to attend Sessions 2 and 3 live. Please ensure that you complete all sessions by May 30.
Note: Recordings and resources are located in the Holmes Program Connect360 Community . Scholars should have access through their AACTE profile. Need help setting up your profile or Connect360? . For additional support, email Nicole Dunn at holmes@aacte.org.
Ihsan Thaheem, a fourth-year doctoral scholar in Educational Leadership at Ohio University, Named June 2025 Holmes Scholar of the Month
Ihsan Thaheem, a fourth-year doctoral scholar in Educational Leadership at Ohio University, stands out as a visionary and dedicated academic leader whose work exemplifies the highest standards of scholarly engagement, innovation, and institutional service. His selection as Scholar of the Month is a celebration of not only his academic accomplishments but also a commitment to mentorship, educational equity, and transformative leadership in higher education.
