District and school leaders emphasize the importance of mentor programs for new staff, highlighting their role in supporting successful onboarding and transition into the educational field. However, they have also expressed a need for additional resources to help establish, manage, and sustain these programs effectively.
Section 27h of the State School Aid Act represents a significant investment in our education system—providing up to $10 million annually over five years, with a total of $49 million dedicated to mentoring and induction activities for new educators. While the primary focus has often been on teachers, it is crucial to note that these funds are also available to support new school leaders, including principals, assistant principals, and counselors. On February 28, MDE held a webinar on the grant to inform school leaders about how they could apply for 27h funding.
Implementing a statewide induction, mentoring, and coaching program that pairs new counselors and administrators with experienced, high-quality mentors will give districts and schools a structured framework to support these professionals effectively. This initiative will ensure that they receive the guidance and support necessary to thrive in their new roles.
With 27h funds, districts can leverage up to $3,000 annually per participant directly through educational organizations, like MASSP Strengthening Leaders and MCAN Collaborative Counseling, for a structured 12-month mentorship and coaching experience, ensuring that every new leader is given the support they need to thrive.The deadline to apply for 2025-26 27h funding is March 27, 2025.
Induction and Mentoring Coaching for Building Leaders and Counselors
MASSP, in collaboration with MCAN, offers a unified mentoring program that supports both new administrators and school counselors:
- Unified Support Framework:
MASSP and MCAN combine cohort-based learning with one-on-one mentoring and coaching to deliver tailored guidance. Whether the goal is to develop an equity-driven vision or strengthen counseling practices, participants receive personalized support to build essential skills and confidence. - Evidence-Based Practices:
The program draws on robust frameworks such as UW-CEL’s 4 Dimensions of Leadership and the Behavioral Elements model for administrators, along with the ASCA National Model for school counselors. These models promote data-driven decision-making, reflective practice, and practical strategies that enhance outcomes for both leadership and counseling. - Sustainable, State-Aligned Support:
Designed to meet state mandates—requiring mentor or coach assignments for new administrators—the program offers regular cohort meetings followed by ongoing one-on-one check-ins. This structure not only fosters professional growth and job satisfaction but also supports higher retention rates.
Steps to Secure Grant Funding
- Accessing the Application:
- Log in using your MiLogin for Business Account.
- Request access to the NexSys platform and locate the “27h Mentoring and Induction District Support Grant” under “My Opportunities.”
- Completing the Application:
- Cover Page and Assurances & Certifications must be verified and completed to access grant and budget information pages.
- Review Grant Selections: Confirm your intent to apply for a counseling or administrator grant.
- Responding to Questions:
- Population Impact: Identify the groups (teachers, administrators, school counselors) served.
- Establishing Need: Describe your district’s local mentoring challenges with data and evidence. (Sample Language for Question 2)
- Activity Selection: This requires you to choose your intervention. In this case, select “Contracting with Education Organization to Provide Mentoring for Administrators”
- Additional Questions: Complete Question 3e regarding Contracting with an Education Organization. (Sample Language for Question 3e)
- Budget Section:
- Adding Budget Items: Use the “Add Budget Item” button, fill in detailed descriptions, select correct function and object codes, and carefully enter salary and benefits information.
- Review & Save: Check the Budget Summary for errors (indicated by icons) and make corrections as needed.
Conclusion
In today’s education system, the challenges of retaining and developing effective school leaders and counselors are more pronounced than ever. With the availability of 27h funds, districts have a unique opportunity to invest in structured, research-based mentoring programs that can transform leadership pipelines. The MASSP Strengthening Leaders Program and the Collaborative Counseling initiative represent two innovative approaches designed to equip new administrators and counselors with the skills, confidence, and support necessary to drive student success.