When Alexis Washington took a leap of faith and applied to be a Holmes Scholar, she had no idea just how transformative the experience would be. Now, as one of two inaugural Holmes Scholars at Temple University, Washington is continuing her doctoral studies determined to shape the future of education through advocacy, research and mentorship.
Before joining the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University, Washington built a career in both higher education and K-12 education. Beginning in student affairs, she earned a Master of Science in higher education counseling and student affairs from West Chester University prior to transitioning into school counseling in the School District of Philadelphia, and later working in diversity, equity and inclusion. Washington also earned a principal certification from the University of Pennsylvania. Beyond education, she serves as a pastor, an executive board member of their local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and a member of various community organizations. As a doctoral student, Washington aims to remain a scholar-practitioner, focusing on teacher education and pathways into the profession through Grow Your Own programs to address the educator shortage and increase diversity in education.
For Washington, the Holmes Scholars Program is a gateway to better understand fairness and equal opportunity in education. It is a community where scholars from different backgrounds come together to break barriers and forge paths for future generations. “To be an inaugural Holmes Scholar at Temple is both a privilege and a responsibility,” she reflects. “I feel honored to be part of a community of leaders focused on advancing research and policy to create meaningful change in education.”
According to Washington, the mission of the Holmes Scholars Program is to empower scholars from diverse backgrounds, which deeply resonates with her personal and professional aspirations. As a dedicated elementary school counselor education leader, she saw the program as a chance to expand her influence and connect with like-minded scholars passionate about educational transformation.
Through the program, Washington has already gained access to invaluable resources, including national conferences, research development workshops and professional mentorship. She describes attending the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) Holmes pre-conference events as pivotal. “Even when I was on the flight back to Philadelphia, faculty members who recognized my Holmes Program jacket stopped to offer professional insights and support. That’s the power of this network.”
Mentorship is an integral component of the program, according to Washington, and it has been a transformative aspect of her journey. “Beyond the mentors at Temple University, I have access to professionals in academia across the country who genuinely want to support scholars like me,” Washington reports. Washington states that the support system extends beyond structured mentorship. It is a network of educators, researchers and policymakers who uplift and guide one another.
Furthermore, the impact of the Holmes Program extends beyond personal growth. It fuels Washington’s commitment to leadership and advocacy. As she engages in research, participates in national discussions and builds professional competencies, she envisions a future where Holmes Scholars rise to become deans, presidents, policymakers and education leaders. “This program provides what I call ‘the secret code’ to navigating academia. It gives us the tools and confidence to step into leadership roles and advocate for systemic change.”
Washington highly recommends other graduate students seek out opportunities such as the Holmes Scholars Program. “If you are passionate about equal opportunity in education for all, if you want to be part of a community dedicated to transformation, if you are seeking mentorship and opportunities to grow as a researcher and leader—this program is for you.” Her advice to prospective applicants is deeply personal and rooted in history. “My maternal great-grandmother came up on a bus from South Carolina to Philadelphia at the age of 16 with a third-grade education, carrying nothing but hopes and dreams for her descendants. We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams.” As she continues her journey, Washington carries the torch for future generations, proving that with courage, mentorship and opportunity, transformation is possible.