Paraprofessional Grant

The Paraprofessional Grant, administered by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), is a limited-competitive funding initiative designed to support the advancement of paraprofessionals holding a bachelor’s degree as they pursue teacher certification via the alternate route pathway. This 15-month grant program is part of a broader strategic response to staffing shortages in New Jersey public schools, as recommended by the Task Force on Public School Staff Shortages created under Governor Murphy’s Executive Order #309. By targeting institutional partnerships between approved educator preparation programs (EPPs) and high-poverty school districts, the program seeks to reduce financial, administrative, and systemic barriers that impede paraprofessionals from transitioning into fully certified teaching roles. The grant specifically supports Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) located in New Jersey with approved EPPs. These institutions are encouraged to form and expand partnerships with at least one high-poverty school district, as identified in the provided list of eligible districts. The aim is to implement district-specific support systems that include targeted training, classroom leadership opportunities, and program guidance for paraprofessionals. While partnerships are not limited to certain content areas, priority may be given to shortage subjects such as special education, bilingual education, English as a Second Language (ESL), science, math, and career and technical education (CTE). Applicants must clearly demonstrate their capability and readiness to support these partnerships by detailing prior successful initiatives and plans for project execution and sustainability. Funding under this grant is structured to directly offset paraprofessionals' costs related to certification. Allowable uses include full coverage of tuition, books, test preparation, exam fees, and other related program expenses over the grant’s two-year duration. A sustainability model is required as part of the proposal, ensuring financial support mechanisms will continue beyond the conclusion of the grant period. This continuity is essential for paraprofessionals entering the second year of their alternate route certification pathway, reinforcing the state’s commitment to long-term investment in educational talent pipelines. IHEs must apply on behalf of their partnership and submit proposals through NJDOE’s Electronic Web-Enabled Grant (EWEG) system. Detailed instructions for access, application completion, and submission are provided in the NGO. Each application must include all required uploads, such as the Affirmation of Partnership Form and documentation demonstrating alignment with project goals and evaluation criteria. The application must be submitted electronically by 4:00 p.m. ET on April 16, 2026. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered. Proposals will undergo a rigorous two-tiered review process, including evaluation by a panel of reviewers and assessment by NJDOE’s program office. Scoring is based on key areas such as need, project description, activity planning, organizational commitment, and budgeting. Applications that receive 70 points or higher and meet eligibility requirements may be approved for funding, pending availability of the total program budget of $957,869. Up to four awards are anticipated, with a maximum individual award of $235,000. The program period will run from June 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, with monthly reporting requirements, fiscal reimbursements, and interim activity updates mandated throughout the term. Grantees must adhere to all NJDOE guidelines concerning allowable costs, documentation, and indirect expense limits. Attendance at virtual meetings during the reporting periods is also required. By fostering institutional partnerships and providing direct support to paraprofessionals, the Paraprofessional Grant aims to expand New Jersey’s qualified teaching workforce, ensure equity in access to certification, and address the state’s critical need for certified educators in underserved districts.