There are four principal-endorsed educators for each principal opening in Illinois, yet many talented educators of color and women still do not become principals. WestEd, in collaboration with the Illinois Regional Office of Education (ROE) Lead Hubs, is launching the Bridge Project, a critical Illinois investment in diversifying the state’s principal workforce in urban, rural, and suburban settings that will support the career growth of aspiring principals of color and aspiring female principals.
The deadline to apply is May 15, 2023 but the program will accept applications on a rolling basis until spots are filled.
Why join?
The Bridge Project is a paid fellowship for persons of color or women who intend to apply and start a principalship in the 2024-25 school year. The two-year fellowship provides professional development opportunities in the first year and principal mentoring in the second year.
The first-year learning opportunities include:
- networked learning for aspiring principals,
- monthly coaching,
- instruction-focused content with an emphasis on social-emotional learning and culturally-responsive ELA and mathematics,
- career guidance, including with resume and interviews
- micro-credential in social-emotional learning and leadership for equity.
Fellows will receive a $5,000 honorarium for successful completion of the first year of the program.
Who is eligible to participate?
Those applying to the Bridge Project should:
- identify as a woman or person of color,
- be certified with the Illinois Principal Endorsement or Type 75 Certificate,
- plan to apply to a principalship position in Illinois that begins during the 2024-25 school year,
- serve as an assistant principal or other school leadership position (preferred),
- have been working full-time in their school for at least one year,
- serve in a school outside of Chicago Public Schools, and
- serve in a school that administers the Illinois Assessment of Readiness and the 5 Essentials survey.
When does the program take place?
The program will run from June 2023 through July 2025. Our in-person kick-off will take place June 13, 2023, in Bloomington, IL.
How to apply
All materials and forms must be submitted using our online application form by May 15, 2023. The application includes:
- a written application
- data analysis video
- three forms
- approval form signed by your principal
- recommendation form signed by your principal or another recommender
- letter of commitment signed by you
Questions?
Review our FAQ for answers to commonly asked questions or email us at [email protected].
The Bridge Project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education under the federal Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) program.