Van Lunen Ascending Leaders

The Ascending Leaders program is designed and directed by Christian school leaders who have management experience, expertise, and a longstanding association with the Center’s Fellows program. Ascending Leaders will learn from currently practicing heads of school, in both program sessions and in-school settings. Each participant of the Ascending Leaders will be paired with a graduate of the Van Lunen Fellows program for a one-on-one mentoring experience.

Topics during the three in-person sessions will include knowledge and skill preparation in the following main areas of Christian school leadership:

Mission and vision
Spiritual leadership
Budgeting and financial management
Principals of leadership
Marketing and enrollment
Effective communication

Additional topics essential to preparing leaders to step into their first head of school role will also be incorporated into the program. Ascending Leaders also participate in a mentor-mentee relationship with a Van Lunen Fellow during the year-long program.

Eligibility

You can apply if you currently serve in a Christian school and will likely be serving as a head of school in the next 1-5 years. Your current head of school will need to sign a form indicating they support your participation in the program. To learn more about cost and additional details, contact us at info@vanlunencenter.org.

Built on the successful Van Lunen Center Fellows program for heads of Christian schools, the Ascending Leaders Program is designed to equip aspiring leaders with executive management education in preparation for new leadership roles, particularly for those beginning the head of school role within the next 1–5 years of their career.

Applications for the 2026-2027 Ascending Leaders Program open on October 30, 2025, and will be accepted through February 28, 2026.

Program Dates and Locations

Session I: Prince Conference Center, ��Ƶ, Grand Rapids, MI
Sunday, July 12 – Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Session II: Franciscan Renewal Center, Scottsdale, AZ
Tuesday, February 16 – Friday, February 19, 2027
Session III: Prince Conference Center, ��Ƶ, Grand Rapids, MI
Wednesday, July 14 – Saturday, July 17, 2027