Two Central Virginia universities awarded more than $214,000 to train future principals through new program

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- More than $500,000 in grant funding was awarded to the Virginia Department of Education (DOE) to train future principals through a new statewide apprentice program, with some funding going toward two Central Virginia universities.

The $510,000 grant, awarded to the DOE through a U.S. Department of Labor initiative, will launch a Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program for 37 participants at six educator preparation programs in partnership with 17 school divisions, according to the department.

Two Central Virginia educator preparation programs -- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Virginia State University (VSU) -- received $214,500 in combined federal grant funding as part of the initiative.

Per the department, VCU will be awarded $115,500.00, while VSU will be awarded $99,000.

“We are pleased to receive this grant funding, which allows us to continue offering a high-quality pathway to prepare next-generation principals at no cost to participants,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. “Thanks to this incredible partnership with Virginia Works and the U.S. Department of Labor, school divisions can cultivate their own school leaders within their communities who are uniquely positioned to advance student success, foster career readiness, and provide consistent, high-quality educational leadership.”

These grants offer a pathway for aspiring principals to earn their master's degree or a certificate with licensure to become endorsed in Administration and Supervision no later than June 2027.

The following are the other awarded amounts provided to each educator preparation program:

• George Mason University: $154,162
• Regent University: $66,000
• Shenandoah University: $45,611.63
• Averett University: $29,726.37

“This grant exemplifies the power of collaboration between education and workforce development,” said Nicole Overley, Commissioner of Virginia Works.“By investing in the growth of our future school leaders through the Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program, we are not only enhancing educational leadership but also strengthening our learning outcomes and the fabric of our communities. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing Virginians with accessible pathways to meaningful careers and ensuring that our schools are led by dynamic, capable and future-ready leaders.”