Apply for NDMI 2024!

Head Start directors who have been in their position for less than three years must submit an application on or before Dec. 15, 2023.

The National Center for Program Management and Fiscal Operations (PMFO) is pleased to offer a unique opportunity for new Head Start directors who have been in their position for less than three years. The PMFO-UCLA Head Start New Director Mentor Initiative (NDMI) helps participants expand their knowledge and practice, enhance their networks, and improve performance and career development through a yearlong mentor–mentee relationship with an effective and experienced Head Start director. It also provides new directors with tools and resources on key Head Start management systems, leadership, and governance through live training and technical assistance webinars and self-directed learnings throughout the one year program.

Through the NDMI, new Head Start directors have the opportunity to become more effective leaders to achieve maximum positive impact on their organizations. Applicants who are chosen to become mentees develop the following core leadership capabilities:

• Engage and inspire. Listen well, build teams, create allies, develop talent, and offer their best self in the workplace.
• Learn and grow. Reflect often, share insights, push boundaries, and raise the bar continuously.
• Develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Increase ability to plan, lead, and control effective delivery of comprehensive services.
• Make decisions based on data to plan program operations. Allow for critical thinking and be mission-driven in planning.
• Stay open. Remain curious, ask questions, defer judgment, and seek out diverse perspective.

The NDMI Process

The mentoring program is designed to ensure that both mentor and mentees benefit in ways that result in enhanced performance and career development, overall career satisfaction, and greater self-esteem at work. NDMI is a one-year commitment during which mentors engage with mentees to design and implement a Mentoring Action Plan (MAP).

The key part of a successful mentoring program is a facilitated first meeting between the mentors and mentees. Therefore, the New Director Mentor Initiative kicks off with a three-day live learning event held at UCLA Anderson that both mentors and mentees attend. It allows mentors and mentees to discuss expectations and help them get to know each other. Failure to set initial expectations can have a significant negative impact on the program.

NDMI mentors are graduates of the highly successful UCLA Head Start Management Fellows Program (HSMFP), which has developed the entrepreneurial mindset and competence of over 1,700 Head Start directors and managers nationwide since 1991. Graduates of the UCLA Head Start Management Fellows Program have been known to be quality system thinkers, data-driven decision makers, and implementers of effective management practices. They also operate with a continuous improvement mindset.

2024 Program Details

The 2024 NDMI kicks off with a live, in-person event at the UCLA Anderson School of Management from March 5–7, 2024 (travel and per diem provided). For an opportunity to attend and participate, Head Start directors who have been in their position for less than three years must submit an application no later than Dec. 15, 2023.

Head Start directors chosen to participate must commit to the following.

• Attend the live learning event in Los Angeles, CA. Travel and per diem are provided.
• Access pre- and post-institute online learning opportunities.
• Participate and engage in a yearlong, one-on-one interactive relationship with an experienced mentor.

Timeline

• Oct. 17, 2023: Application window opens.
• Dec. 15, 2023: Submit applications on or before this date.
• Jan. 19, 2024: 48 mentees are notified of acceptance.
• March 5–7, 2024: Attend the live learning event at UCLA Anderson.
• March 2024–2025: Participate and engage in yearlong, one-on-one interactive relationship with an assigned mentor.
• TBD: Access pre- and post-institute online learning opportunities (e.g., webinars).

Last Updated: July 31, 2024