What is the UNA LEAD Initiative?

UNA is proud to partner with several Alabama school systems to offer the LEAD (Leading Educators to Advanced Degrees) Initiative. The LEAD partnership allows school employees to obtain an advanced degree, certification, and/or micro-credential at a reduced cost. More information about the UNA LEAD Partnership, a list of current school partners, and instructions for obtaining the scholarship can be found below.

Current Educational Partner Districts

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

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

C: Chilton County, 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 and Human Sciences Graduate Program Options: https://www.una.edu/education/academic-programs/graduate.html
New Start Scholarship (stackable with the LEAD Scholarship): https://www.una.edu/online/
Office of Student Financial Aid: https://www.una.edu/financial-aid/ 

Application Link: https://www.una.edu/graduate/graduate-application.html
A first-time Graduate Application Fee is typically $50 but is waived for a limited time.

*After acceptance to UNA, please consult with your assigned advisor to discuss your specific program of study.

Feel free to contact Ms. Alicia Brooks at abrooks5@una.edu should you have questions regarding graduate programs covered under the LEAD agreement. Please contact a COEHS Program Specialist (coehsinfo@una.edu) with questions concerning admission requirements or the application process.

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

• First, apply for admission using the following link: https://una.edu/apply/.
  
  
• Once admitted, 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 LEAD contact, Ms. Alicia Brooks (abrooks5@una.edu).
  
  
• Your school system's designated point of contact should send verification of your eligibility via email to UNA Student Accounts (studentaccounts@una.edu). Please allow 1-2 business days for your account to reflect the scholarship and your participation in the LEAD program. Should you have account-related questions, please contact UNA Student Accounts at studentaccounts@una.edu.