The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has announced the Fiscal Year 2025 Rehabilitation Long-Term Training (RLTT) Program grant competition. This initiative aims to increase the number of qualified personnel available to serve individuals with disabilities through the vocational rehabilitation system. The RLTT program specifically targets critical shortage areas by funding institutions and agencies to deliver academic training in high-need disciplines relevant to rehabilitation. These include, among others, vocational rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation technology, mental health services, services for individuals who are blind or have low vision, and services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Each awarded project must use a minimum of 65% of total project funds to provide scholarships to RSA scholars, which can include tuition, fees, supplies, and related stipends.
Eligible applicants include state entities, public or private nonprofit agencies and organizations, Indian Tribes, and institutions of higher education. The program expects to distribute approximately $15 million in funding across various topic areas, each with specified maximum award ceilings ranging from $150,000 to $200,000 per year, per grantee. The number of awards varies by topic area, with at least one award intended for each of the seven priority fields. Awardees may receive support for project periods of up to 60 months. A cost-share of at least 10% of the total project cost is required, though waivers may be considered in specific cases.
Applications will be accepted beginning June 20, 2025, and the final deadline for submission is July 17, 2025. Intergovernmental reviews are due by September 15, 2025. OSERS will provide competition-specific pre-application resources on its NCRTM website and invites applicants to submit questions to 84.129@ed.gov. Applications must follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs and are subject to a recommended 45-page narrative limit.
Two absolute priorities govern the competition. Priority 1 supports Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) projects for State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies, requiring programs to prepare current VR employees—including those with disabilities—for a master’s degree or certificate. Priority 2 supports training programs in one of six rehabilitation topic areas. A third invitational priority encourages applicants to maximize use of grant funds for scholarships, ideally devoting 85% or more to direct student financial support. Training must align with state CSPD plans, meet the personnel standards of the designated State Unit (DSU), and prepare scholars for employment in VR roles upon completion.
The application requires documentation of state and regional personnel shortages, a plan for academic and career support for scholars, and clear metrics for evaluation and accountability. Applications must describe innovative methods of instruction, including hybrid or competency-based models, and must include formal internship partnerships and evaluation tools for scholar performance in real-world settings. Performance measures will include metrics such as the number of graduates who fulfill their payback service through employment in State VR agencies and the total cost per graduate.
For questions about the grant, applicants should contact Diandrea Bailey at the U.S. Department of Education by phone at (202) 245–6244 or via email at 84.129@ed.gov. Applicants with hearing or speech disabilities may use the telecommunications relay service by dialing 7–1–1.
Use at least 85% for scholarships to meet the invitational priority; emphasize partnerships and State VR alignment.
