The Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP) is a national program that engages a diverse and collaborative community of strategic leaders to promote equitable education policy.
North Carolina's Education Policy Fellowship Program (NC EPFP) is one of 10 EPFP programs nationally administered through the Institute for Educational Leadership in Washington, D.C. NC EPFP has graduated over 800 Fellows and has a rich network of alumni in North Carolina and nationally. North Carolina's program is routinely held up as an example for its strong curriculum, growing network of Fellows, and statewide reach.
Built around the three pillars of leadership, policy, and networking, fellows will come together from across the state to learn the history of education policy in North Carolina, how it still impacts education systems today, and the principles of advocacy that can be used to improve education policy for a better future.
"EPFP has been transformative for me. Before this experience, I didn’t have confidence in seeing myself as an advocate—but this fellowship equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to find and use my voice. It’s helped me better understand the policy landscape and how to influence it. Just as importantly, I’ve built lasting connections with other passionate educators and leaders!"
- EPFP Graduate
Program Information
The North Carolina Education Policy Fellowship Program is the only statewide program of its kind that focuses on leadership and professional development in the context of education policy. Each new class continues the trend of high caliber participants and is rich in its members' range of experiences, both professionally and personally. Fellows come from public schools, higher education, community colleges, state agencies, and a diverse array of education organizations across North Carolina.
Admission
GEAR UP Funding
In 2014, the GEAR UP grant was awarded to Appalachian State University and allowed EPFP to expand and provide better access to the western region of North Carolina.
Participants from Appalachian GEAR UP districts receive funding to cover the cost of participation.
Find out if you're eligible and how to apply.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-2026 cohort!
Contact
Have questions? Contact your North Carolina EPFP Coordinators, Corinne Smith (smithmc3@appstate.edu) or Sara Howell (showell@ncforum.org).
"From the steps of the Capitol to the heart of our policy project work, EPFP transformed my perspective from local educator to empowered advocate for our students."
-2025 EPFP Graduate
"The EPFP program is exactly what is needed for educational practitioners to dive deeper into policy and advocate for our profession in an effective and meaningful way."
- EPFP Graduate