Established in 2010 through a generous gift from the Lynch Foundation, the Lynch Leadership Academy (LLA) seeks to establish a national model for strengthening leadership among early- to mid- career school leaders across Catholic, Charter and District urban schools.  An integral part of the Boston College Carolyn A. and Peter S. Lynch School of Education, the Academy is an innovative program that will inspire, challenge, and train urban leaders across sectors to effectively engage and direct dynamic school change with significant impacts. The ultimate goal is to build leadership capacity for effecting high student achievement and new hope for children and families who depend upon the vitality and excellence of urban schools.

The Academy offers a unique cohort model for up to 25 highly motivated and mission driven Lynch fellows each year. Over time, a network of fellows will evolve to provide mutual support in ongoing efforts to improve educational policy and practice. Lynch fellows participate in learning experiences characterized by dynamic interaction among practicing school leaders and scholars/experts representing multiple professions. This includes an initial program retreat, a two-week summer institute, bi-monthly sessions throughout the year, interactive leadership coaching, and an online community to encourage the continuous exchange of ideas and practices among all those involved in the Lynch Leadership Academy including current fellows and alumni.

The fellows are drawn from the leadership of Boston’s 134 district schools, 16 charter schools, and the 124 schools of the Archdiocese of Boston. It is estimated that within five years approximately 45 percent of these school leaders will have benefited from the Lynch Academy, receiving a critical new model of support for an increasingly complex position.