Temple University has recently become part of the Holmes Scholar Program, an initiative dedicated to fostering the academic and professional success of graduate students. Part of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) Holmes Program, this initiative provides mentorship, professional development, and a strong support network to Masters, PhD, and EdD students pursuing careers in education.  

A Community of Support and Mentorship 

The Holmes Scholar Program at Temple is designed to address the challenges often faced by students in academia. As Sue Kelley, assistant professor of teacher education and clinical practice, emphasized, "During the AACTE Pre-Conference, the attendees get an opportunity to sit at a table and listen to students who are engaged in their dissertation research, which is a great way to get scholars to receive feedback from other professionals in the education field." 

One of the key aspects of the program is mentorship. Kelley and Associate Dean of Student Success Jennifer Johnson, serve as advisors and support scholars, helping them navigate the complexities of academic research and professional networking. The program fosters faculty-to-student mentorship and peer-to-peer collaboration, enabling scholars to learn from those further along in their academic journey. 

National Collaboration and Conferences 

One of the most significant opportunities the Holmes Scholar Program provides is participation in national conferences. Recently, Temple’s scholars, Latesha Watson and Alexis Washington, attended the Holmes Pre-Conference at the AACTE annual meeting in California. As Johnson noted with enthusiasm, "Just imagine being in a ballroom full of students committed to advancing research and scholarship, all sharing a vision for expanding pathways in education." 

During the pre-conference, students engaged in workshops related to publishing research, academic career strategies and policy advocacy. Additionally, they participated in roundtable discussions and dissertation competitions, allowing them to present their research and receive critical feedback from experts in the field. 

Temple University’s Commitment to Representations in Academia 

College of Education and Human Development’s (CEHD) participation in the Holmes Program is a direct reflection of our commitment to our values. Dean Monika Williams Shealey, who introduced the program at Rowan University in her former role, was eager to establish it at Temple. Dean Shealey is a former Holmes Scholar herself. The program also provides financial assistance for conference travel, networking opportunities and leadership roles within the Holmes national community. Temple’s scholars are also encouraged to engage in advocacy efforts, such as the upcoming Washington Week, where they will meet with policymakers to discuss educational equity. 

Looking to the future of the Holmes Scholar Program at Temple 

As a new initiative, the Holmes Scholar Program at Temple is still in its early stages, but plans are well grounded. In the coming year, the university aims to recruit additional scholars, increasing the cohort from two to possibly three or four members. This expansion will ensure a broader impact, with scholars bringing their knowledge and experiences back to the larger student body within Temple University. Although the current Holmes Scholars are part of CEHD, Dr. Johnson clarified that applicants do not need to be exclusively from the College of Education and Human Development. Students from other Temple programs are encouraged to apply as long as their scholarly interest intersects with education. 

Johnson also emphasized the program’s long-term goal: to create a lasting community of scholars who will continue to support each other throughout their careers. "We want to ensure that students don’t feel isolated in their academic journey," she said. "The Holmes Program offers a space where they can find support, share successes and navigate challenges together." 

With its focus on mentorship, professional development and advocacy, Temple University’s Holmes Scholar Program stands to inspire educators from diverse backgrounds. As it continues to grow, it will undoubtedly shape the future of education by empowering scholars to become leaders, researchers and advocates for change. 

For more information about the AACTE Holmes Scholars Program, please visit the program’s website.