What is the UNA LEAD Initiative?

UNA is proud to be a partner with several Alabama school systems. The LEAD partnership allows you to obtain an advanced degree, certification, and/or micro-credential via UNA Online program offerings at a reduced cost. Please find links and information concerning the UNA LEAD Partnership, current school system partners, and instructions on obtaining the scholarship below.

Current Educational Partner Districts

A: Alabaster City, Albertville City, Arab City, Athens City

B: Bessemer City, Birmingham City, Blount County, Boaz City

C: Colbert County, Covenant Christian, Cullman City, Cullman County

D: Decatur City, Dekalb County, Demopolis City, Diocese of Birmingham Catholic Schools

F: Fairfield City, Fayette County, Florence City, Fort Payne City, Franklin County

G: Guntersville City

H: Haleyville City, Hartselle City, Homewood City, Hoover City, Huntsville City

J: Jackson County, Jasper City, Jefferson County

L: Lamar County, Lauderdale County, Lawrence County, Leeds City, Limestone County

M: Madison City, Madison County, Marion County, Mars Hill Bible, Marshall County, Midfield City, Morgan County, Mountain Brook, Muscle Shoals City

O: Oneonta City

P:  Pelham City, Pike Road

R: Russellville City

S: Saraland City, Satsuma City, Scottsboro City, Sheffield City, Shelby County

T: Tarrant City, Trussville City, Tuscaloosa City, Tuscaloosa County, Tuscumbia City

V: Vestavia Hills City

W: Walker County, Winfield City, Winston County

Helpful Links

College of Education Graduate Program Options: https://www.una.edu/education/academic-programs/graduate.html
Information on the New Start Scholarship: https://www.una.edu/online/
Office of Student Financial Aid: https://www.una.edu/financial-aid/ 

Link for Applying (with instructions): https://www.una.edu/graduate/graduate-application.html
First-time Graduate Application Fee is normally $50, but is currently being waived for a limited time.

*After being admitted to UNA, please make sure to consult with your assigned advisor to discuss your specific program of study.

Please feel free to contact Dr. Jeffrey Cornelius (jdcornelius@una.edu) and Dr. Chris James (cljames@una.edu) should you have any questions regarding graduate programs covered under the LEAD agreement. Please contact the COEHS Program Specialist (coehsinfo@una.edu) with questions concerning the admissions requirements or the application process.

What do I need to do in order to receive the scholarship?

• First, you must apply for admission to an online program offering at UNA. Use the following link to get started: https://una.edu/apply/
  
  
• Once admitted, please contact your school system’s central office and/or your system's designated point of contact. If you are unsure of your system's point of contact, please e-mail the COEHS Program Specialist (coehsinfo@una.edu).
  
  
• Your school system's designated point of contact should then send verification of your eligibility via email to Student Accounts (studentaccounts@una.edu). At this point, your account will be modified for participation in the program including the scholarship. This may take up to 1-2 business days to be processed. Please contact the Student Accounts Office (studentaccounts@una.edu) if you are having any account-related issues.