FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University to invest $250,000 in scholarships to prepare the next generation of K-12 principals in the Yakima Valley

Toppenish, WA – Heritage University is investing $250,000 in the next generation of experienced educators who aspire to leadership roles in K-12 school systems. The “Heritage University Educational Leaders Scholarship” will provide $5,000 to qualified educators who enroll in the university’s Principal Certification Program.

The demand for qualified school administrators has never been higher. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, many principals in the United States are expected to retire in the coming years, leaving a significant gap in leadership positions. Ken Bergevin, Ed.D., the Chair of Educational Administration at Heritage University, said the university wants to help school districts hire the professionals needed to lead their schools. “We know that demand for qualified principals in small towns is acute,” said Dr. Bergevin. “Through Heritage University, these educators can become certified as a principal in as few as ten months with a program designed to meet their career goals.”

Bergevin said Heritage’s innovative, blended delivery model ensures that candidates receive the benefit of a live cohort model with minimal travel required. “The only way to build and practice critical collaborative relationships is to learn from a diverse statewide cohort,” said Bergevin. “Our instructors include superintendents, assistant superintendents, and principals with years of experience in the field. Our program is designed to provide ongoing, individualized support for students and their mentors.”

“Our Principal Certification Program provides participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to become successful school leaders,” said Heritage University President Andrew Sund, Ph.D. “And with our investment in scholarship support, we are committed to ensuring that the program is accessible to all who want to pursue this path.”

The $250,000 scholarship investment from Heritage University will be distributed over the next several years to support students who are pursuing a Principal Certification. Educators admitted into the Heritage program will automatically receive the scholarship. “While open to all educational leaders, this scholarship opportunity represents the Heritage University mission to support leaders who come from our diverse communities,” said Bergevin.

Participants who successfully complete the program will be eligible for Washington State Principal Certification. Applications for the Principal Certification Program are now being accepted. Interested candidates can learn more about the program and apply online by visiting the Heritage University website or by contacting the College of Education at (509) 865-8650. This new cohort will begin their studies in August 2023.

For more information, contact Ken Bergevin at (661) 472-5819 or Bergevin_K@Heritage.edu or Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or Mance_D@Heritage.edu.

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