The U.S. Department of Education, through the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), has released a Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the fiscal year 2025 under the Rehabilitation Long-Term Training (RLTT) Program. This grant initiative aims to address shortages in qualified vocational rehabilitation (VR) personnel through academic training programs. The RLTT program supports the development of a skilled workforce capable of addressing the specific needs of individuals with disabilities, including but not limited to physical disabilities, mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, blindness, and deafness.
The RLTT program prioritizes funding for academic training leading to degrees or certificates in seven specialized topic areas. These include Rehabilitation Counseling, Rehabilitation Technology, Mental Health, Undergraduate Rehabilitation Services, Blindness/Low Vision, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, and Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD). The grant requires at least 65 percent of the project budget be allocated to scholarships for students—referred to as RSA scholars—covering tuition, fees, stipends, books, and travel expenses associated with training placements.
Two absolute priorities structure the funding: one focuses on CSPD projects for State VR agency personnel, while the other supports rehabilitation academic training across the identified topic areas. Additionally, an invitational priority encourages applicants to maximize the proportion of the budget devoted to scholarships—up to 85 percent. Funded projects must be aligned with the personnel standards set out under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and applicable CFR regulations.
Applications are due by July 17, 2025, with applications available starting June 20, 2025. Intergovernmental review is due by September 15, 2025. OSERS will provide specific pre-application resources through its website and invites questions to 84.129@ed.gov. All applications must follow the Department's Common Instructions for discretionary grants and submit through official channels. A maximum of one award per topic area is anticipated, with a total funding pool estimated at $15 million.
Applicants must demonstrate need based on current and projected employment shortages in their area and describe how their project will address these gaps. Required elements of the application include methods for scholar recruitment, academic support, internship placement, service obligation education, and post-graduation employment support. A 10 percent matching requirement is mandated unless waived for hardship. Projects must include robust evaluation strategies and align with the Department’s performance metrics.
For further details, contact Diandrea Bailey at 84.129@ed.gov or (202) 245-6244. Additional application materials, including formatting and content guidance, are accessible at the Federal Register and OSERS grant webpage.
Applicants are encouraged to allocate at least 85% to scholarships and incorporate hybrid or tech-based learning.
