Investing in the Future of School Leadership: College Spark Awards $220,000 Grant to WSU Vancouver

At College Spark Washington, we know that equity-focused leadership matters—and that when school leaders reflect the communities they serve, entire school systems become more just, inclusive, and effective.

That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a $220,000 grant to Washington State University Vancouver(WSU) to expand the Leaders for Equity and Advancing Diversity (LEAD) Scholars Program, a groundbreaking effort to prepare and support aspiring school leaders of color in Washington state.

The LEAD Scholars Program was first launched in partnership with Vancouver Public Schools, where its impact was immediate and transformative. In its first year, the percentage of administrators of color in Vancouver Public Schools rose from 13% to 22%, thanks in large part to LEAD graduates stepping into principal and program administrator roles with a deep commitment to educational equity. These leaders described the program as not just professional preparation—but a powerful, personal transformation.

Now, with support from College Spark, WSU will expand LEAD into two new communities: Spokane and Pasco, home to large populations of students of color and regions where equity work has often faced political and community resistance. By bringing the LEAD model to these areas, WSU is helping us all ask and answer a vital question: Can an equity-centered approach to leadership preparation thrive statewide—even in challenging environments?

We believe the answer is yes.

A Model Built on Community Wisdom

What sets the LEAD program apart is how deeply it centers student, family, and community voices. LEAD scholars don’t just learn about educational equity in theory—they put it into practice:

• Internships focus on real-world projects driven by community partnerships, like rewriting school vision statements alongside students and redesigning English Language Learner supports with families.
• Mentorships connect aspiring administrators of color with experienced leaders of color outside their district hierarchy—creating safe, honest, and transformational learning relationships.
• Community-based learning includes listening sessions, guest speakers, and regional convenings to ensure scholars stay grounded in the needs and wisdom of those they serve.

Building Leadership for Long-Term Change

This expansion is about more than a certification program. It’s about investing in the people who will shape the future of education in Washington. Research shows that principals of color play a crucial role in recruiting and retaining teachers of color, which means that supporting diverse leadership today helps build diverse teaching teams tomorrow.

Our investment in the LEAD Scholars Program is an investment in long-term, systemic change. With this grant, WSU will train 25 new future administrators through a mix of remote coursework and in-person learning, all rooted in the lived experiences of students and families in Pasco, Spokane, and Vancouver.

These educators won’t just gain new skills—they’ll be equipped to lead schools that value cultural identity, respond to community needs, and dismantle the inequities that have held too many students back for too long.

Standing Strong in the Face of Backlash

In today’s political climate, equity work in education faces increasing scrutiny and resistance. But the LEAD program is a powerful reminder that advancing justice is not only possible—it’s necessary. As WSU Vancouver expands the program into other regions, they are standing firm in the belief that equity is not a trend or a theory. It’s a commitment to every student, every family, and every future.

At College Spark, we are proud to support this work—and even prouder of the courageous educators who are stepping up to lead the way. We look forward to learning alongside WSU Vancouver and our partners in Pasco and Spokane as we continue working toward a more equitable education system for all.