#LEAD: Charter School Leaders Program is a Michigan-only leadership development and certification program that prepares charter school staff for K-12 administrator roles across the state. The program is affiliated with the National Charter Schools Institute.

GVSU-authorized schools may receive reimbursement of 50% of the program cost from the GVSU Division of K-12 Education Innovation and Scholar Support (DEISS) to support staff pursuing administrator certification through #LEAD.

#LEAD Program Highlights

• Gain support from an on-call school leader mentor who provides step-by-step guidance
• Learn from experienced instructors in monthly sessions and asynchronous online modules
• Build an online portfolio of practical leadership resources tailored to your school
• Earn K-12 Administrator Certification upon program completion

#LEAD Program Cost and Financial Support

The total cost for program participation is $9,850.

For participants approved for DEISS support:

• Full tuition must be paid upfront by the participant’s school
• GVSU DEISS will reimburse the school 50% of the program cost upon submission of a reimbursement request

Eligibility for CSO Support

To be considered for financial support from the GVSU DEISS, an employee must:

• Be full-time staff at a GVSU-authorized charter public school
  • Be employed in a position that requires a School Administrator Certificate 
• Have support of school leadership and board

Note: Support from the GVSU DEISS is limited by the availability of funds and not guaranteed. 

Upcoming Deadlines

#LEAD offers four cohorts per year: January, April, July, and October.

Upcoming application deadlines:

• January cohort: December 1

Next Steps

Employee must complete the #LEAD Application

Upon #LEAD program admission - 

• Academy Representative must submit the #LEAD Program Support Application.
• DEISS will provide a decision (approval or denial) within 10 business days.

To receive reimbursement - 

• Academy Representative must submit a reimbursement request. 
• Academy will receive reimbursement for 50% of the program cost.

Learn More

For additional information, visit the links below:

#LEAD Program Website

Questions?

Please contact:

Jayme Lesperance, Manager of Educator Enrichment and Outreach, for questions about DEISS support. 

Mark Weinberg, Vice President for Leadership & Learning, for #LEAD program specific questions.