The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) Opens Applications for its 2026-27 Leadership Academies

Academies for aspiring principals and superintendents – plus a new academy for central office administrators – provide leadership development for those serving Latino youth

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 23, 2026) – The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) invites aspiring school and district leaders to apply for its 2026-27 leadership academies. The signature academies are designed to provide targeted leadership development for current and aspiring education leaders who are Latino, or who work in schools and districts that primarily serve Latino or other historically marginalized youth.

This year, in addition to its flagship academies for superintendents and principals, the association is offering a new Central Office & Administrators Academy (COAA) for those who want to move or advance in central office leadership roles.

The 2026-27 academies begin in the fall and run through May of 2027. Seats are limited. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2026.

“These academies are designed to support, elevate, and empower members of our profession who are ready to lead with purpose, courage, and impact,” said ALAS Executive Director Ulysses “Uly” Navarrete. “When you join an ALAS Academy, you’re not just enrolling in a program, you are becoming part of a national familia of leaders who are unidos in advancing equity, excellence, and opportunity for every student, including Latino and other historically marginalized youth. If you have ever thought about leading a school, or imagined yourself leading at the district level, this is your moment!”

About the ALAS Leadership Academies

The ALAS Superintendents Leadership Academy (SLA) is ALAS’ premier leadership academy for aspiring superintendents. It brings participants from around the country together for a deep dive into the structures, strategies and challenges of the superintendency. Every session is a rich interactive and engaging learning experience where veteran superintendents reflect on personal stories and leadership practices that support systemic transformation to better serve a diverse student population. Learn more and apply: https://alasedu.org/communities/superintendents-leadership-academy/

The ALAS National Principal Leadership Academy (NPLA) is for both aspiring principals, as well as those who are new to the principal role. It focuses on developing the knowledge and networking skills necessary to lead a school of high-quality and transformative practices. Ideally, candidates are serving as teacher leaders, assistant principals or novice principals. Candidates should have served in a leadership position for a minimum of two years. Learn more and apply: https://alasedu.org/communities/national-principal-leadership-academy

The ALAS Central Office & Administrators Academy (COAA) launched this year and supports the continued leadership development of experienced building and central office leaders who are ready to expand their impact at the systems level. Learn more and apply: https://alasedu.org/communities/central-office-admin-academy/

Participants must be ALAS members to participate in the academies. For details on how to join ALAS, visit https://alasedu.org/members/

The ALAS academies are built on a proven model. Year after year, ALAS academy alumni have moved into principalships, district leadership roles, and superintendencies.

“The SLA provided me with the skills needed to successfully obtain the position of superintendent by equipping me with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead a diverse school community,” said SLA Alumna Dr. Evelyn Nuñez, CEO/superintendent of Esperanza Academy Charter School, in Philadelphia. “It provided me with in-depth training on equity-driven leadership, strategic decision-making, and fostering inclusive environments... Lastly, the networking opportunities and collaborative experiences strengthened my capacity to build partnerships and lead with confidence and vision.”

NPLA alumna Nyurka “Nikki” Morales, assistant principal of Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, added: “ALAS NPLA provided me a transformative experience that not only honed my leadership skills, but also empowered me to continue elevating and embracing my identity, culture, and language. Being among Latine (o/a) leaders from across the United States who shared a similar mindset of "sí se puede" was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my commitment to leading with equity and inclusivity at the core.”

For more information about ALAS, visit https://alasedu.org/.

About the Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents (ALAS)

The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents [ALAS] is committed to providing a perspective to all aspiring school and district administrators, including superintendents, through programs, services, advocacy and networks rooted in Latino experiences and culture. Our Vision, Mission and Goals are to provide leadership at the national level that assures every school in America effectively serves the educational needs of all students with an emphasis on Latino and other historically marginalized youth through continuous professional learning, policy advocacy, and networking to share practices of promise for our students and the communities where we serve.

Latino children make up approximately 30 percent of the school-age population. It is of vital interest to invest in the education of every child, and the professional learning of all educators who serve Latino youth.

# # #