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).
Intern Grant Application is Now Open for 2026-27!
The 2026-27 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 application process.
If you are a current grant recipient, please reach out to Macy Bruhy with any questions.
For any questions or concerns regarding the grant application or process, please contact Macy Bruhy.
Grant Timeline 2026-27
- January 12, 2026 | Application opens for 2026-27
- April 30, 2026 | Applications due to AWSP
- May 11-22, 2026 | Grant Application Screening
- June 3, 2026 | Intern Advisory Committee Meeting (Tentative)
- June 8, 2026 | Applicant Notifications
Resources, Tips, and Questions
Have questions regarding the application process, or are you a current grant recipient?
Looking for tips on completing your intern grant application?
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 completed 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.
