Ignite Your Potential

Your partner from application to impact

ABOUT US

    • The EdD Project is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting scholar-practitioners navigating the EdD journey. 

    • We exist to make sure students don’t have to figure it out alone. Our mission is simple—connect early-career Doctoral students and graduates with experienced mentors who understand the challenges of balancing research, leadership, and life.

      We focus on three critical points in the journey:

    • ✔ Pre-Admission — Helping prospective students apply with intention
    • ✔ Pre-Dissertation — Supporting coursework, research design, and scholar identity
      ✔ ABD & Beyond — Guiding students through dissertation completion and into leadership

      Our small-group Impact Circles are designed to build relationships, not just networks. Every scholar in our program has someone in their corner—mentors who care, who’ve been there, and who want to see them succeed.

      We’re building a community of leaders ready to shape the future of K–16 education, nonprofit work, and policy. 
Our Mission
To cultivate a dynamic, research-backed mentorship community that empowers Doctor in Education students at every stage of their journey. 


Our Vision
We envision a future where every student, from prospective candidates to seasoned professionals, benefits from a nurturing, well-resourced community. 
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Building a Strong, Supportive Network of Education Leaders
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Be part of a movement that uplifts scholar-practitioners.

Mentorship

✔ Pre-Admission

Before applying, students often need help clarifying their academic and career goals. We offer one-on-one advising sessions, informational workshops, and targeted resources to help prospective candidates reflect on their motivations and align their interests with the right programs. This initial guidance ensures that each applicant embarks on a journey that is both purposeful and well-informed.

✔ Pre-Dissertation

After completing the dissertation, the journey toward academic or industry leadership begins: Career Development Services: Comprehensive career counseling, resume workshops, and interview preparation sessions help graduates transition into postdoctoral roles, faculty positions, or industry leadership. Leadership Training: Programs focused on public speaking, grant writing, and strategic planning empower graduates to take on leadership roles in their fields. Alumni Networks and Continued Mentorship: A robust network of alumni and professional mentors provides ongoing support, advice, and opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that new leaders are well-connected and well-prepared for future challenges.

✔ ABD & Beyond

Sustaining a Lifelong Scholar Identity Even beyond graduation, we encourage the continued development of a scholar identity: Continuing Education: Opportunities for further training and skill development help graduates stay at the forefront of research and innovation. Community Engagement: Alumni are invited to participate in seminars, mentorship programs, and advisory boards, reinforcing the sense of community and ongoing intellectual exchange.

FAQ

The EdD Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting current and future EdD scholar-practitioners. We serve students at every stage of their doctoral journey—pre-admission, coursework, dissertation, and beyond. Our community includes K–16 educators, nonprofit leaders, and policy professionals who are committed to balancing research, leadership, and life.
Impact Circles are small, mentor-led groups designed to foster connection, accountability, and support. Each circle is made up of EdD students and graduates who meet regularly to share experiences, ask questions, and receive guidance. To join an Impact Circle, simply reach out through our [Contact Us] page or sign up during one of our enrollment periods.
Do I need to be an EdD graduate to become a mentor or board member?
While we prioritize mentors with EdD or doctoral-level experience, we welcome education leaders, researchers, and nonprofit professionals who understand the unique challenges of practitioner-scholar work. If you’re passionate about supporting emerging leaders, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at theeddproject@gmail.com. 
We are a nonprofit organization funded through donations, partnerships, and volunteer support. Your contributions help us expand mentoring programs, host events, and provide resources for scholar-practitioners. You can support us by donating, volunteering, or becoming a mentor. Learn more on our

Testimonials

 Donovan’s mentorship provided invaluable guidance and encouragement during my PhD application journey. His thoughtful check-ins, resource sharing, and willingness to connect me with his network made me feel supported and confident throughout the process. 

Chioma N.: Doctoral Program Admissions Support

 "My conversation with Donovan eased many of my concerns about choosing the right institution. I truly appreciated his authenticity and generosity in taking the time to help me with my graduate program decision." 

Iyah D.
  

Blog

Bridging the Funding Gaps Between PhDs and EdDs: A Closer Look at Educational Equity

Explore the overlooked disparities in funding between PhD and EdD programs in our latest blog post. While PhDs often enjoy ample financial support through grants and assistantships, EdDs—focused on applying educational leadership in real-world settings—face significant funding shortages. This blog delves into how these economic barriers not only discourage talented individuals from advancing in educational leadership but also perpetuate socioeconomic inequalities within the field. Join us as we advocate for more equitable funding solutions that support all forms of doctoral education and foster a diverse array of leaders in education. Read more to discover actionable steps toward funding equity and why it matters for the future of educational innovation.

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Community is Curriculum: Rethinking Doctoral Education Through Virtual Connection

What if every doctoral course included a virtual meet-up—not for grades, but for genuine connection? In this post, I explore how one simple shift could transform the scholar-practitioner journey, build belonging, and make community an intentional part of the curriculum.

Read More

Contact


  • 632 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
  • Unit #546
  •  Mon-Fri - 9 AM- 5 PM