The Rehabilitation Long-Term Training (RLTT) Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), provides discretionary grants to support academic training in areas where personnel shortages exist in the field of vocational rehabilitation. This program aims to develop a well-qualified workforce to deliver specialized vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to individuals with disabilities. These grants specifically fund higher education institutions and nonprofit agencies to train future professionals—referred to as RSA scholars—through degree or certificate programs that directly align with identified rehabilitation priorities.
The program’s purpose is to address shortages of qualified rehabilitation personnel by supporting education and training across multiple topic areas. These include rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation technology, services for individuals with mental health disorders, undergraduate education in rehabilitation services, support for individuals who are blind or have low vision, and services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Additionally, there is a specific focus on Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) projects for State VR agency personnel to meet federally mandated standards.
The RLTT program mandates that at least 65 percent of awarded project funds be used for scholarships to support RSA scholars’ participation. These scholarships may include tuition, stipends, travel, books, and other training-related expenses. Projects are encouraged to employ innovative strategies such as hybrid learning, competency-based instruction, and technology integration—including artificial intelligence and assistive technologies—to enhance the training experience. Projects may also include one-time stipends to support internships, job placement, or relocation.
Applications open on June 20, 2025, and are due by July 17, 2025. The intergovernmental review period ends September 15, 2025. Applications must be submitted in accordance with the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs. Prospective applicants can access pre-application resources via the NCRTM website and direct questions to 84.129@ed.gov. Application materials must adhere to a 45-page recommended limit for the narrative portion and comply with specified formatting guidelines.
Eligible applicants include states, public and private nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and federally recognized Indian tribes. Matching is required at a minimum of 10 percent of the total project cost. Awards will be made across the seven listed topic areas, with at least one award anticipated per area. Estimated funding totals $15,000,000 with project periods of up to 60 months. Award ceilings range from $150,000 to $200,000 annually depending on the topic area.
Contact information for the RLTT program includes Diandrea Bailey, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 4A10, Washington, DC 20202-2800. She can be reached via telephone at (202) 245–6244 or email at 84.129@ed.gov. Telecommunications relay services are available by dialing 7–1–1.
Applicants are encouraged to use at least 85% of funds for scholarships and to propose innovative training models using technology.
