.png?sfvrsn=c28b72b1_10 "CA.Gov")
.png?sfvrsn=cd8b72b1_0 "Commission on Teacher Credentialing")
Photo caption: Daffne Perez, right, with Candace Singh, Superintendent-in-Residence and director of the Center for Educational Leadership at the University of La Verne.
Hundreds of educators are pursuing an administrative services credential through the Diverse Education Leaders Pipeline Initiative (DELPI) made possible by $10 million in state funding.
In May 2024, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing awarded nearly all funding to 10 local education agencies that plan to support a total of 367 administrator candidates with one-time grants of up to $30,000.
The DELPI program’s first cohort launched in 2024-25 with 104 participants, eight of whom have earned their preliminary administrative services credential.
Early data shared during the February 2026 Commission meeting show that the DELPI program is meeting its legislative goals of increasing administrator diversity, cultivating culturally responsive leadership, and strengthening partnerships that build capacity across California’s education system.
Nearly 80% of participants identify as candidates of color, and nearly one-third speak a first language other than English.
Daffne Perez, an English learner instructional resource teacher in San Jacinto Unified School District recently completed the DELPI program through Riverside County Office of Education’s School of Education.
As a first-generation college graduate and an educator serving a predominantly multilingual community, Perez said that earning her administrative credential is more than a personal achievement, it represents a possibility.
“Being part of the DELPI grant has been a tremendous blessing in my professional journey. Beyond financial support, DELPI provided mentorship, guidance, and a powerful network of equity-driven educators throughout my preliminary credential program,” said Perez.
“Through conferences, professional learning opportunities, and a meaningful collaboration, I have deepened my commitment to advocating for multilingual learners and leading with purpose. DELPI has not only strengthened my leadership capacity, but it also affirmed my vision of becoming an instructional leader who centers equity, access, and belonging for all students.”
Laura McGowan-Robinson, founder and chief executive officer of Diversity in Leadership, expressed her gratitude to the Commission and staff for their “excellent execution and implementation of this critical program.”
“Although we recognize that large statewide programs generally require years of ongoing data and observation to truly see the effects and impacts of programs… the initial rollout of DELPI has demonstrated not only robust demand but immediate, initial quantifiable success in diversifying the state’s administrative pipeline,” said McGowan-Robinson.
The DELPI grant program requires candidates to commit to a minimum of two years of service as a site-level administrator in a California school within four years of earning a preliminary administrative services credential.
The Commission is not currently accepting applications for the DELPI grant. To view all current grant opportunities, visit the Commission’s website.
In May 2024, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing awarded nearly all funding to 10 local education agencies that plan to support a total of 367 administrator candidates with one-time grants of up to $30,000.
The DELPI program’s first cohort launched in 2024-25 with 104 participants, eight of whom have earned their preliminary administrative services credential.
Early data shared during the February 2026 Commission meeting show that the DELPI program is meeting its legislative goals of increasing administrator diversity, cultivating culturally responsive leadership, and strengthening partnerships that build capacity across California’s education system.
Nearly 80% of participants identify as candidates of color, and nearly one-third speak a first language other than English.
Daffne Perez, an English learner instructional resource teacher in San Jacinto Unified School District recently completed the DELPI program through Riverside County Office of Education’s School of Education.
As a first-generation college graduate and an educator serving a predominantly multilingual community, Perez said that earning her administrative credential is more than a personal achievement, it represents a possibility.
“Being part of the DELPI grant has been a tremendous blessing in my professional journey. Beyond financial support, DELPI provided mentorship, guidance, and a powerful network of equity-driven educators throughout my preliminary credential program,” said Perez.
“Through conferences, professional learning opportunities, and a meaningful collaboration, I have deepened my commitment to advocating for multilingual learners and leading with purpose. DELPI has not only strengthened my leadership capacity, but it also affirmed my vision of becoming an instructional leader who centers equity, access, and belonging for all students.”
Laura McGowan-Robinson, founder and chief executive officer of Diversity in Leadership, expressed her gratitude to the Commission and staff for their “excellent execution and implementation of this critical program.”
“Although we recognize that large statewide programs generally require years of ongoing data and observation to truly see the effects and impacts of programs… the initial rollout of DELPI has demonstrated not only robust demand but immediate, initial quantifiable success in diversifying the state’s administrative pipeline,” said McGowan-Robinson.
The DELPI grant program requires candidates to commit to a minimum of two years of service as a site-level administrator in a California school within four years of earning a preliminary administrative services credential.
The Commission is not currently accepting applications for the DELPI grant. To view all current grant opportunities, visit the Commission’s website.
Updated March 05, 2026