$5 Million Grant Fuels Principal Training Program by Austin-Based Holdsworth Center in the Permian Basin
The Holdsworth Center, a nonprofit based in Austin, is making a powerful impact far beyond Central Texas. With nearly $5 million in new funding, the organization is expanding its Aspiring Principal Program to support up to 100 future school leaders across 42 districts in the Permian Basin and Southeast New Mexico over the next two to three years.
Backed by $2.7 million from the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP), $2.1 million from the Scharbauer Foundation, and $100,000 from the Still Water Foundation, the grant will strengthen leadership pipelines in regions facing some of the toughest challenges in public education.
“It’s no secret that school districts are struggling to find enough ready leaders to fill these critically important roles, especially in remote areas like ours,” said Dr. Keeley Boyer, Superintendent of Ector County ISD. “We are so excited and grateful for this generous investment in our amazing educators. Holdsworth training is world-class. This will be a game changer for Permian communities.”
Why Strong School Leadership Matters
The Holdsworth Center’s mission is rooted in the belief that great schools begin with great leaders. Founded in 2017 by H-E-B Chairman Charles Butt and named after his mother, Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth—a Hill Country schoolteacher and lifelong advocate for equity—the organization is dedicated to strengthening Texas public schools by investing in people.
In addition to its work across West Texas, The Holdsworth Center partners with districts throughout the state, including those in Central Texas, to offer long-term leadership development programs. These programs are unique in their intensity, offering multi-year executive coaching, personalized support, and real-world application through stretch projects and shadowing opportunities with high-performing school leaders.
And the data backs it up: According to the Wallace Foundation, school leadership is second only to teaching among school-related factors in its impact on student learning. Research shows that effective principals can raise student achievement by as much as 20 percentile points. Yet many regions across Texas report a shortage of qualified candidates ready to step into principal roles, particularly in rural and high-need areas.
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That’s where the Aspiring Principal Program comes in. The program launched this summer with an inaugural cohort of 27 educators, each of whom receives coaching, mentorship, and immersive experiences designed to prepare them for the complex demands of leading a school.
“The content was some of the most impactful professional learning I’ve experienced,” said Amber Godby, an aspiring principal in Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD. “Every session was grounded in real leadership practice with a perfect balance of reflection, skill-building and application.”
A Growing Regional Movement with Statewide Impact
This latest grant builds on a landmark 2023 regional partnership between PSP and the Scharbauer Foundation that included a $6.1 million investment in school and district leader training through Holdsworth’s core programs. That effort not only enhanced leadership capacity in existing roles but also laid the groundwork for the newly launched Aspiring Principal Program.
“This investment will give aspiring principals the tools and support to lead schools where both students and teachers thrive,” said Dr. Lindsay Whorton, president of The Holdsworth Center. “Great leadership changes everything—student outcomes, teacher morale, and the overall strength of a school community.”
PSP CEO Tracee Bentley emphasized that the support came in direct response to feedback from districts. “Principals are hugely important when it comes to influencing student outcomes. When our districts told us they needed more support to develop outstanding school leaders, we listened.”
Mary Ann Beninati, President and CEO of the Scharbauer Foundation, echoed that sentiment, noting the unique challenges and opportunities that come with principalship. “It’s essential that we equip them for success through strong preparation and the confidence that comes from seeing great leadership in action.”
How to Get Involved
The Holdsworth Center welcomes individuals and organizations who want to support its mission of strengthening public school leadership in Texas. Opportunities to get involved include making a contribution, joining its Giving Society, exploring sponsorships, or attending upcoming events.
To learn more about The Holdsworth Center, its programs, and how you can get involved, visit holdsworthcenter.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.