OSERS-OSEP: Personnel Preparation of Special Education, Early Intervention, and Related Services Personnel at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, and Other Minority Serving Institutions, ALN 84.325M

The U.S. Department of Education, through the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), has announced the fiscal year 2025 funding opportunity titled "Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities—Personnel Preparation of Special Education, Early Intervention, and Related Services Personnel at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, and Other Minority Serving Institutions." This initiative is authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and seeks to address the nationwide need for qualified personnel in special education and related fields. The program's objective is to prepare scholars at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the fields of special education, early intervention, and related services. These individuals will receive education at various levels—bachelor’s, certification, master’s, educational specialist, or clinical doctoral degree—and be trained to work in diverse educational settings including homes, communities, early learning programs, schools, and child care centers. The overarching goal is to equip these professionals with evidence-based skills to effectively serve children with disabilities and improve their educational outcomes. Applicants may propose projects under two focus areas: (A) Preparing personnel to serve infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, and (B) Preparing personnel to serve school-age children. Each focus area constitutes a separate funding category. Applicants can allocate up to $100,000 in the first 12 months for planning activities, such as program development or faculty training, and may request a maximum of $350,000 annually for a period of up to 60 months. At least 65 percent of the total award must be dedicated to scholar support, and support cannot be conditioned on scholars working for the grantee during their studies. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education and private nonprofit organizations that have legal authority to represent such institutions. These institutions must offer qualifying degree programs in special education and related fields. Only one application is allowed per eligible applicant under this competition. Subgrants may be made to other public agencies, IHEs, or nonprofits to directly carry out project activities. No cost sharing or matching is required. Applications are due by June 26, 2025, with intergovernmental review due by August 25, 2025. Pre-recorded informational webinars will be posted no later than June 2, 2025, to assist applicants. Interested parties should follow submission instructions outlined in the Federal Register notice from December 23, 2024. For questions, applicants may contact Tracie Dickson at the U.S. Department of Education via phone at 202-245-7844 or email at Tracie.Dickson@ed.gov.