Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP): State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) Program

The State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) program, administered by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services within the U.S. Department of Education, supports State educational agencies (SEAs) in reforming and enhancing systems of personnel preparation and professional development. The program's primary aim is to improve results for children with disabilities by bolstering early intervention, educational, and transition services. This grant initiative is authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and is funded under Assistance Listing Number 84.323A. The FY 2025 grant competition makes an estimated $3,767,623 available for awards. Individual awards will range between $500,000 and $2,100,000, depending on factors such as state population, proposed activities, and alignment with IDEA and ESEA priorities. Grants must support projects spanning from one to five years. Eligible applicants include SEAs from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. outlying areas such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Outlying areas will receive no less than $80,000, while states must request no less than $500,000 per year. To qualify, applicants must submit a comprehensive State Personnel Development Plan (SPDP). This plan should detail strategies for addressing state and local personnel needs, including preservice and in-service training, recruitment, and retention of qualified personnel, as well as professional development programs. The plan must be developed through partnerships with local educational agencies (LEAs), institutions of higher education, and other stakeholders such as parent organizations and early intervention providers. A minimum of 90 percent of funds must be used for professional development activities, with no more than 10 percent allocated to administrative reforms and related activities. Applicants are required to meet three absolute priorities to be considered: effective and efficient delivery of professional development; compliance with statutory requirements outlined in IDEA; and improving engagement between schools and families. Additionally, up to two of three competitive preference priorities may be addressed for additional points: establishing residency, Grow Your Own, or apprenticeship programs for certification; supporting emergency-certified teachers toward full licensure; and developing person-centered IEPs. Applications are due by August 1, 2025, and must be submitted according to the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs. Applications opened on June 23, 2025. Pre-recorded informational webinars will be available by June 30, 2025. The intergovernmental review period ends August 31, 2025. The grant application must include a logic model, detailed budget, personnel loading charts, assurances, and a plan for program sustainability and accessibility. Grantees are also expected to attend annual meetings in Washington, DC, and allocate $6,000 annually to support the SPDG network and website. All funded projects must operate in accordance with applicable federal civil rights laws and maintain standards for open licensing and data transparency. For additional information, applicants may contact Jennifer Coffey at jennifer.coffey@ed.gov or by phone at (202) 987–0150.