Through funding from the Belk Foundation, NCDPI, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, and NC Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Center, NCPAPA has established the AP Accelerator Program, a statewide leadership initiative for rigorously selected Assistant Principals with a high potential for being fast-tracked into the principalship.  Assistant Principals, who typically spend 3-5 years in the role, will enter the AP Accelerator Program and receive targeted leadership development and coaching from proven practitioners in the field.  Using a concentrated curriculum of leadership development experiences and coaching, the program will accelerate the readiness of selected assistant principals to lead and turnaround high-needs schools.  Participants in the program are nominated by their district superintendent.