Advancement Academy 2026

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Start the school year off strong!

This transformative event brings together advancement leaders in the areas of admission, alumni relations, development, enrollment, fundraising, and marketing communications — along with School Heads. Bring yourself or a team. Engage in interactive sessions, meet in mentor groups tailored to your role, and leave with a strategic action plan.

The Harold Brown Scholarship

ISM established The Harold Brown Scholarship to honor the life and legacy of Harold Brown, a dedicated mentor, leader, and advocate for private-independent school advancement professionals. Harold, a long-time faculty member of the ISM Advancement Academy, was committed to educating, mentoring, and inspiring advancement professionals, helping them navigate the challenges of independent school fundraising with wisdom, generosity, and a deep belief in the power of relationships. As Phil Higginson of ISM remarked:

“Harold Brown was a dedicated leader in independent school advancement, deeply committed to his work and those around him. He had a true passion for mentoring and found great joy in the ISM Advancement Academy. With a rare gift for making others feel seen and valued, Harold had a way of celebrating everyone he met — leaving them with the sense that, in that moment, they were the most important person in the world.”

Explore ISM’s professional development events.

Develop new skills, gain confidence in your role, and lead with clarity. Be mentored by leaders who are experts in their field, many currently working in private schools today. Get hands-on experience, network with fellow school leaders, and walk away with an action plan you can use the minute you return to campus.