AWSP
Principal Interns Grant Header

The Washington State Education Leadership Intern Program Grant 

Established in 1993, the Washington State Education Leadership Intern Program Grant is designed to provide rigorous, authentic and quality training experiences for interns. It also provides funds for partial release for those participating in administrative preparation programs that have been approved by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB).


The 2025-26 Intern Grant Application is Now Open!

The 2025-26 intern grant application is now open. Click the Apply Now button below to begin. This link will redirect you to our application program, OpenWater, where you will need to create an account to begin the app

Apply Now

One significant change has been made to the application process. Going forward, to be eligible, the applicant must work in a position that necessitates a substitute for a release day. This decision was not made lightly; however, this change will help give those in a teaching role, the most release time possible.

For any questions or concerns regarding the grant application or process, please contact Macy Bruhy.


Grant Timeline  

  • December 16, 2024 | Application opens for 2025-26
  • March 28, 2025 | Applications due to AWSP
  • Week of April 21, 2025 | Grant Application Screening
  • May 14, 2025 | Intern Advisory Committee Meeting
  • May 21, 2025 | Applicant Notifications

Questions? Want More Resources?


Have questions regarding the application process or are a current grant recipient?

Email Macy

Looking for tips on completing your intern grant application?

10 Tips

View sample look-fors.


Application Look-fors



Reimbursement Funds

The Intern Grant program provides substitute cost reimbursements for the release of administrator intern candidates from their teaching positions in order to engage in on-the-job training with a mentor administrator. Districts are reimbursed for days of release time, and the number of days varies annually. Principal intern candidates are required to complete 540 hours of training, half of which must be when students and staff are present during the regular school day.

PESB-Approved Principal Preparation Programs


  • Central Washington University
  • City University of Seattle
  • Eastern Washington University
  • Gonzaga University
  • Heritage University
  • Pacific Lutheran University
  • Seattle Pacific University
  • Seattle University
  • Saint Martin's University
  • University of Washington (Bothell)
  • University of Washington Danforth (Seattle)
  • University of Washington (Tacoma)
  • Washington State University (Spokane/Pullman, Tri-Cities and Vancouver)
  • Western Washington University
  • WGU Washington
  • Whitworth University 

Intern Advisory Committee

The Intern Advisory Committee meets twice a year to review and approve:

  • Policy standards/guidelines
  • Application packet
  • Required training activities
  • Year-end program assessment
  • Program costs

The committee is comprised of practicing building/district administrators and representatives from AWSP, OSPI, WASA and higher education. 

Committee Roster