FAQs
What is the selection process for the Onward Leaders Program?
Applicants are encouraged to participate in the CAPP (Catholic Aspiring Principals Program) prior to applying or while applying to the OLP and submit an interest form by clicking the ‘Apply’ button.
Applications with all required documents must be submitted to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles by December 15 for early consideration and no later than January 31. Candidates with strong applications will be invited to interview in January and February.
Selected candidates will be offered a residency by Spring.
How is the residency school chosen and as a resident principal do I have input into my residency school?
Residency schools are selected based on two factors. The residency school must be an under-resourced school and the principal must qualify as a mentor principal through the online application process based on their documented success in creating a culture of learning at their schools. The Onward Leaders Program matches the most highly qualified resident with the most highly qualified mentor principal.
How are Mentor Principals chosen?
Mentor Principals are invited based on their documented success in creating a culture of learning at their schools through recommendation of members of the Department of Catholic Schools.
What is my schedule as a resident principal?
As an Onward Leaders resident principal you will have administrative duties based on both your learning goals and the authentic needs of the school in the areas of Governance & Leadership, Mission & Catholic Identity, Academic Excellence, and Operational Vitality. Weekly meetings with your mentor principal and bimonthly meetings with the OLP Team both individually and as a cohort are required. As a resident principal you are required to participate in all events within the parish and school as directed by your mentor principal.
When does the residency begin?
Residency begins July 1 and is completed by June 30 the following year. Residents must be available during July for training even if the residency school is not in session.
What is my commitment after my residency year?
Onward Leaders serve in an Archdiocesan school identified by the Archdiocese and the Onward Leaders Program for at least three years.
Do I have to apply for my position after my residency or is my school assigned?
Onward Leaders must apply and interview at under-resourced Archdiocesan schools. The Onward Leaders Program Team will assist with the application and interview process for each resident principal; however, position is not guaranteed.
Will I receive a Masters or Administrative Credential if I complete the OLP residency program?
The Onward Leaders Program is not affiliated with any university and residents do not receive a Masters or credential upon completion.
FINANCIAL
How much does the program cost?
There is no cost to the Onward Leaders resident principal or the school of residency.
What is the compensation for the Resident Principal?
The salary, funded by The John H. and Cynthia Lee Smet Foundation, is $68,000 for the residency year. Benefit package is the same for the residency principal as any principal in the Archdiocese and is also funded through the Smet Foundation.
What is the compensation for the Mentor Principal?
Each Mentor Principal receives a stipend of $5,000 for the coaching and mentoring of the Onward Leaders Resident Principal, which is also funded by The John H. and Cynthia Lee Smet Foundation.
If you have any further questions, please contact:
Allyson Smith, Onward Leaders Program Director
asmith@lacatholicschools.org, or
Danielle Forillo, Onward Leaders Program Associate Director