RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- More than $500,000 in grant funding was awarded to the Virginia Department of Education (DOE) to train future principals through a new statewide apprentice program, with some funding going toward two Central Virginia universities.

The $510,000 grant, awarded to the DOE through a U.S. Department of Labor initiative, will launch a Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program for 37 participants at six educator preparation programs in partnership with 17 school divisions, according to the department.

Two Central Virginia educator preparation programs -- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Virginia State University (VSU) -- received $214,500 in combined federal grant funding as part of the initiative.

Per the department, VCU will be awarded $115,500.00, while V

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