The Principal for a Day program, organized annually since 1991, helps create an awareness and understanding of the issues facing education today and encourages business-education partnerships. Business and community leaders are invited to take over the role of "principal" in various Phoenix elementary, middle and high schools for a day. They actively participate in the school's administration and interact with both students and teachers.

The program's goals are to immerse business leaders in the public school environment, increase awareness of educational issues, provide a platform for lasting partnerships between businesses and schools, and enhance awareness of workplace skills that are necessary for students to succeed. Since the program’s inception, over 1,000 business and community leaders have participated and a number of them have established partnerships with the schools, and many have contributed needed financial and technical support.

Principal for a Day is sponsored by Merrill Lynch and coordinated by the Phoenix Youth and Education Commission, in partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Valley Leadership. To be a part of the Phoenix Principal for a Day program, fill out an online registration form.

For more information about the Principal for a Day program, call the Youth and Education Office at 602-495-0314 or email us at youth@phoenix.gov.