Since its creation in 2010, the Transformative Leaders Program (RLT) of the Entrepreneurs for Education Foundation (ExE) has established itself as a key training strategy for promoting leadership in official educational institutions in Antioquia. Initially developed with the support of the New York City Principals' School, RLT seeks to train conscious leaders capable of generating profound transformations in their school environment through warm, consistent, courageous, and strategic leadership.

The program, which begins with a 10-month training phase, focuses on the comprehensive development of principals and other school leaders, fostering both personal and professional leadership. It is modeled on participatory management with real impact on the educational community through experiential learning in reflective, collaborative, and situated spaces. The training includes in-person modules, educational coaching, self-training, and pedagogical mentoring. In a subsequent stage, the program can provide follow-up support for up to two years, ensuring sustainability in transformation processes.

Proven Impact 

An evaluation of the program between 2015 and 2017, conducted by Universidad de los Andes, highlighted significant progress in: 

• Learning outcomes in mathematics and language. 

• Improvement in pedagogical management: planning, assessment, and curriculum. 

• School climate: collaborative work, community participation, and better financial management. 

Recent editions also report substantial improvements in Saber 11 test results (for example, an increase of up to 1.5 points in mathematics), school management, and the strengthening of networks between schools and social actors. 

At Fraternidad Medellín, we actively support this initiative by engaging, accompanying, and promoting the participation of 3 principals and 9 coordinators from educational institutions in Rionegro, where the Foundation is present. Their participation not only reinforces leadership capacity within their schools but also enables the replication of transformation models and best pedagogical practices in our areas of intervention.

The Transformative Principals Program stands as a strategic initiative for training and support to strengthen educational management in Antioquia. Thanks to the commitment of allies such as the Medellín Mayor’s Office, Cosmo School, Vibra en Alta, Comfama, ExE, Fundación Sura, the Rionegro Mayor’s Office, and Fundación Fraternidad Medellín, renewed, conscious, and transformative leadership is being built.