Campus Leadership Program

Program Details

A 2-year learning journey for principals and their teams to become stronger leaders and drive positive change for students on their campus.

Applications are open January 5-30, 2026.

What People Are Saying

“The Holdsworth experience is phenomenal. Rich learning opportunities allowed me to look at challenges from a different lens. I feel more equipped to support our teachers and improve student outcomes.” – Katrina McLean, Campus Leader, Lamar CISD

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Program Overview

01 First, principals work to strengthen their leadership skills through executive coaching and learning sessions at the Campus on Lake Austin.

02 Then principals are joined by a team of campus leaders to learn new skills and practice them in real situations they face on campus. Field visits enrich the learning and show teams what is possible.

03 Together, the team learns continuous improvement methods and applies them to improving outcomes for an underserved group at their school.

Great principals drive results for students

96 %

of schools who completed our Campus Leadership Program in 2025 improved outcomes for students.

100 %

of principals increased their overall leadership effectiveness, according to their colleagues.

96 %

percent of principals reported learning and growth in all areas of our curriculum.

Our Impact Support Our Work

School leaders emerge stronger from Holdsworth program

According to alumni, our programs are not a training or a professional development – they are a transformational experience. Hear more.

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Holdsworth Firsthand

After a 2-year learning journey with Holdsworth, campus leaders say they feel transformed and empowered to tackle any issue that stands in the way of student success.

At Holdsworth, you will be stretched and inspired. You will learn from national experts and other phenomenal Texas educators. If you want to remember why you do the great work you do, this is for you.

Julie Carrera

Principal / Round Rock ISD

Before Holdsworth, I was managing everything at our campus. Today, I am leading our campus. There was a lot of putting band-aids on problems and now I am empowering others to build strong systems.

Mario Mireles

Principal / Laredo ISD

It’s too small to say that I’ve grown here. My work with Holdsworth has awakened me. I came into this program experiencing my role as a job and was beginning to consider looking outside of education. My work with Holdsworth has helped realign me to my purpose and calling.

Lacy Starnes

Mesquite ISD

Program FAQs

Who is eligible to apply?

Principals of pre-K–12 Texas public schools are welcome to apply. We look for principals and campuses that are ready, willing, and able to engage in learning and use it to improve student outcomes.

Ready: Principal has led the campus for at least one year and plans to stay for two more; campus is not in an urgent turnaround situation.
Willing: Principal is motivated to grow in their own leadership; eager to make change happen for students and staff.
Able: Principal and team can attend all sessions; principal is able to participate in bi-weekly executive coaching for the first year and meet regularly with their team to sustain the work.

How long is the program?

Two years (July 2026 – June 2028).

What does the program cover?

Three main areas:

Developing your personal leadership
Growing and empowering others
Creating lasting change

What does the program cost?

Each campus / district will be asked to contribute $11,000 towards the total cost of participation in the program. Each campus / district will also be responsible for the costs associated with traveling to and from sessions and one site visit to another campus during the second year of the program.

What’s the time commitment?

12 sessions total: 10 in-person (2–3.5 days) at the Campus on Lake Austin and 2 virtual (~4 hours). Principals attend all; teammates join in year one and expand in year two.

What’s the experience like?

Private rooms, all meals included, full days of learning (typically 9am start), with time to connect, reflect, or enjoy campus amenities.

What coaching and support are provided?

Principals receive one year of bi-weekly executive coaching and the campus team is supported by a Leadership Facilitator.

When is the deadline?

Applications are open January 5-30, 2026. In order to apply, the campus principal must attend an informational webinar. Click here to sign up for an upcoming webinar.

interested in learning more?

Are you interested in learning more about our programs? Sign up and we’ll keep you updated on application windows, webinars and information sessions.