Ignite Your Potential

Built for EdD students. Backed by community.

ABOUT US

  • The EdD Project is a mentorship-based initiative created by and for service-driven doctoral students. We exist to close the support, funding, and visibility gap for those pursuing practice-based doctorates, especially students balancing full-time work, family, and community commitments.

Rooted in equity and belonging, our tiered mentorship model connects scholars at every stage of the doctoral journey, from pre-admission and coursework to dissertation and beyond.

Whether exploring programs or pushing through your final chapter, The EdD Project offers the community clarity and confidence to keep going. We believe mentorship isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline. And your journey deserves to be supported every step of the way.
Our Mission
The EdD Project closes the equity gap between EdD and PhD students by providing mentorship, community, and career support for service-based leaders. We empower under-resourced EdD candidates with the guidance, sponsorship, and connections needed to thrive.

Our Vision
We envision a future where every EdD student, regardless of income or institution type, has access to the tools, networks, and encouragement needed to succeed, without choosing between purpose and sustainability.
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Building a Strong, Supportive Network of Education Leaders
Transforming Education Together
Join our network of leaders driving change in K–16 education

Mentorship

✔ Pre-Admission

Thinking about starting your EdD journey? We connect prospective students with current EdD mentors who offer real talk, guidance, and encouragement. Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and how to choose the right program for your goals.

✔ Pre-Dissertation

In the thick of coursework and juggling life? This tier offers support for early-career EdD students navigating classes, research ideas, and work-life balance. Our mentors help you stay focused, grounded, and ready for what’s next.

✔ ABD & Beyond

All But Dissertation—and pushing through. This space is for EdD candidates and recent grads refining proposals, writing, and defending. Our mentors offer accountability, feedback, and post-graduation insight to help you finish strong and lead boldly.

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.

 "Donovan Forrest, MPA is the best in the EdD mentoring business." 

Kristina Lamour Sansone: EdD Candidate, USC
  

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.

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Mentoring Scholar-Practitioners: What It Is, and What It Isn't

Mentoring EdD students isn’t about being the expert in the room—it’s about journeying with them. This blog from The EdD Project explores the power of developmental mentoring, knowing your capacity, and the importance of humility in nurturing authentic scholar-practitioner relationships.

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Capella Ain’t the Problem: Access Is

This blog challenges the narrative that only degrees from “prestigious” universities matter in a world where educational elitism still dominates. Capella Ain’t the Problem: Access Is unapologetically defends nontraditional doctoral journeys and spotlights the real issue: structural barriers that limit access to higher education. If you believe impact matters more than pedigree, this one’s for you.

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Contact


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