OSERS: OSEP: Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities Program-Stepping-up Technology Implementation

The U.S. Department of Education, through the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), has announced a grant opportunity under the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities Program (ETechM2). The specific competition for fiscal year 2025 is titled “Stepping-Up Technology Implementation.” This program seeks to improve outcomes for children with disabilities by supporting the implementation of evidence-based, technology-based tools or approaches aimed at enhancing reading achievement. The primary objective of this grant is to promote the use of developed technological tools or methods that demonstrate at least promising evidence of effectiveness in improving reading outcomes for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students with disabilities. The initiative is grounded in the belief that technology can serve as a crucial tool in enabling educators to provide timely, accessible, and individualized reading instruction and interventions. Projects funded through this grant are expected to improve reading outcomes, enhance educator implementation fidelity, foster family engagement, and ensure sustained integration of the tools into instructional settings. The grant will support five cooperative agreements, with estimated awards ranging between $375,000 and $400,000 per year, not exceeding $400,000 annually per project. The total estimated funding available is $2 million, and projects may span up to 60 months. Funded projects are required to include specific implementation plans, including work at two product development sites, three pilot sites (including at least one Title I school), and ten dissemination study sites. The tools must be accessible and incorporate universal design for learning principles. Applicants must also describe a plan for broad dissemination and sustainability, including strategies for scaling the tool’s use during the fifth project year. Eligible applicants include state and local educational agencies (including charter schools operating as LEAs), institutions of higher education, public agencies, private nonprofit and for-profit organizations, Tribal entities, freely associated States and outlying areas. The Department does not require cost-sharing or matching contributions. Applicants must describe in detail how their proposed tool or method meets the definition of “promising evidence” and is ready for implementation. Projects should be designed to evaluate usability, scalability, and effectiveness through both formative and summative assessments. Additionally, applicants must incorporate feedback from stakeholders including families and educators throughout the project lifecycle. Applications became available on June 25, 2025. The deadline for submission is July 25, 2025, and applications are subject to intergovernmental review by August 25, 2025. A pre-recorded webinar is available to assist applicants, hosted at www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/osers/osep/new-osep-grant-competitions. The Department encourages applicants to adhere to the recommended application narrative length of 50 pages and to follow formatting guidance precisely. Applicants are required to submit annual performance reports and participate in cohort collaboration activities coordinated by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). For further information, applicants can contact Anita Vermeer at anita.vermeer@ed.gov or (202) 987–0155. Individuals with disabilities may request materials in accessible formats. The Assistance Listing Number for this opportunity is 84.327S, and the program is authorized under sections 674(b)(2) and 681(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Adhere closely to formatting and narrative guidelines. Include logic models and letters of commitment from sites.