AASA Educational Administration Scholarships Last Chance
Offered by AASA, The School Superintendents Association
About This Scholarship
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, awards seven $2,500 Educational Administration Scholarships each year to graduate students preparing for careers leading public school systems. For future principals and superintendents, it is one of the few national awards aimed directly at the school leadership pipeline.
This is a nomination-driven award rather than an open essay contest: applicants must be recommended by the chair of the School of Education where they are enrolled, and each institution may put forward only one candidate per year. That structure thins the field dramatically — if your dean will back you, your odds are far better than in open competitions.
The application includes three essay responses on your career in education leadership, the chair or dean's recommendation letter, and two 400-word endorsement letters: one from a school system officer or university department member and one from a community leader who knows your professional work. Applications close September 30 with no late submissions, and recipients are notified in November.
Eligibility
- Graduate student enrolled in a School of Education, preparing for a career in educational administration
- Recommendation from the chair or dean of your School of Education is required
- Only one applicant per institution per year
- Two endorsement letters (maximum 400 words each): one from a school system officer or university department member, one from a community leader
How To Apply
- Ask the chair or dean of your School of Education to recommend you as your institution's single nominee
- Complete the three career-focused essay responses in the online portal
- Collect the chair/dean recommendation letter plus the two 400-word endorsement letters
- Submit the completed application by September 30; recipients are notified in November
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply on my own?
Not exactly. You complete the application yourself, but you must be recommended by your School of Education's chair or dean, and each institution can support only one applicant per year.
How many scholarships are awarded?
AASA grants seven scholarships of $2,500 each annually.
Who is this best suited for?
Graduate students on an administrator track — future principals, central office leaders, and superintendents — who have faculty support behind their candidacy.