VDOE NEWS: Virginia Department of Education Announces $510,000 in Grants for Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Department of Education has been awarded $510,000 in competitive grant funding to launch and scale a Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program for 37 participants at six educator preparation programs in partnership with 17 school divisions. This initiative is funded by the State Apprenticeship Expansion Funding grant through the U.S. Department of Labor.

A Black educator progress monitoring students as they complete an assignment.

“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.”

The Virginia Department of Education applied for the State Apprenticeship Expansion Funding grant in partnership with Virginia Works, the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, and was awarded $6 million in competitive funds to support workforce development efforts in the field of education.  

“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.” 

These grants provide a pathway for aspiring principals in partnership with a state-approved educator preparation program to earn their master’s degree or a certificate with licensure to become endorsed in Administration and Supervision no later than June 30, 2027. The Virginia Department of Education anticipates supporting 37 participants for the pilot program of the Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program.

The awards, by educator preparation program and their school division partners, are as follows:  

Educator Preparation Program	School Division Partners	Award Amount
Averett University	Danville City	$29,726.37
George Mason University	Alexandria City, Arlington County, Stafford, Loudoun County, Franklin City	$154,162.00
Regent University	Chesapeake City, Portsmouth City	$66,000
Shenandoah University	Winchester City, Spotsylvania County	$45,611.63
Virginia Commonwealth University	Charles City County, Petersburg City, Prince William County, Roanoke City	$115,500.00
Virginia State University	Hopewell City, Sussex County, Southampton County	$99,000
	Total	$510,000

The Building a Vertically Aligned RAP system for Aspiring Virginia Educators project is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor. A total of $6 million or 100 percent will be financed with federal funds.  

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