The Education Leaders Experience (ELE) is designed to immerse South Carolina’s established education leaders in real-world learning beyond the classroom. Through interactive site visits, executive mentorship, and statewide collaboration, ELE builds powerful connections between the education, business, and civic sectors. Participants explore how economic trends shape the workforce, learn from transformational leaders across industries, and gain practical strategies to strengthen their leadership vision, influence, and impact on student success.

From the first retreat to the final celebration, the Education Leaders Experience is designed to stretch, challenge, and connect participants.

Each session offers fresh insight:

  • How do we prepare students for a global workforce? What does change look like across sectors? How can education leaders influence policy and practice at the state level?
  • Midway through the program, participants will spend a day shadowing a business or community executive, gaining a new perspective on leadership outside of education. The experience ends with a celebration and reflection, as participants share their stories and growth with the cohort that’s walked beside you them.
  • The ELE experience isn’t just about building knowledge; it’s about building connections, courage, and the capacity for education leaders to lead boldly.

At a Glance

  • Leadership Development
    Explore leadership styles and strengthen the ability to create engagement, equity, and service cultures.
  • Economic Awareness
    Understand how statewide economic trends influence workforce pipelines and shape educational priorities.
  • Talent for the Future
    Identify the skills students need for success in a global economy—and how to adapt curriculum and instruction accordingly.
  • Business & Entrepreneurship
    Hear directly from business leaders about starting, sustaining, and scaling successful ventures.
  • Executive Shadowing
    Participate in a one-day experience with a civic or industry leader for firsthand insight into executive decision-making.
  • Policy & Influence
    Discover how education leaders can shape policy and advocate for equitable change.
  • Leading Change
    See how industries respond to disruption—and apply those lessons to education organization transformation.
  • Reflection & Celebration
    Present leadership journeys and celebrate with the cohort at the closing gathering.

FAQ

The Education Leaders Experience is designed for established and emerging leaders in education across South Carolina—principals, assistant principals, district staff, teacher leaders, and higher education faculty who are ready to expand their impact beyond their current role.

While most participants come from K–12 public education, the program welcomes professionals from higher education, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations connected to education and workforce development. The diversity of roles strengthens the cross-sector collaboration at the heart of ELE.

District leaders, higher education partners, or past ELE alumni nominate participants. Self-nominations are also welcome and considered. The cohort is selected to represent a diverse mix of geography, role, experience, and perspective.

The program runs from July through April and includes eight in-person sessions. Most sessions are one-day commitments, except the Opening Retreat (2 days) and an optional full-day shadowing experience. Travel across the state is expected, and attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged.

Thanks to the generous support of Colonial Life and program partners, participants are not charged. Meals, materials, and site visit expenses are covered. Participants are responsible for their own travel.

Each session is held in different locations across the Midlands and surrounding regions. Sessions often include visits to businesses, nonprofits, government offices, and community hubs to provide immersive, place-based learning.

ELE isn’t just about learning—it’s about connecting. Participants gain real-world insights and build a professional network that extends beyond education by engaging with leaders in business, government, and community sectors. It’s a unique opportunity to step outside their usual environment and return with new ideas, tools, and inspiration.

Visit sc-cep.org/elevate/education-leaders-experience to access the interest form or nomination portal. Applications for the 2025–2026 Kappa Cohort will open in early spring.

For more information, please contact the CEP team at carolinacep@mailbox.sc.edu or follow us on social media for updates and highlights from current cohorts.

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