OSERS-OSEP: Expanding Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness of Special Education Teachers and Early Intervention Personnel Through Registered Apprenticeships, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.325J
This grant funds programs that use registered apprenticeships to attract, prepare, and retain special education teachers and early intervention personnel to address workforce shortages.
Funder: Department of Education
Due Dates: July 13, 2026 (Full application) | September 11, 2026 (Intergovernmental Review)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000,000 per award per year (max 5 years); total program funding estimated at $7,000,000; ~7 awards expected.
Summary: Supports state agencies to develop, implement, and expand registered apprenticeship programs to address shortages of special education teachers and early intervention personnel.
Key Information: Only state agencies or public agencies partnering with state education agencies are eligible; no cost sharing required.
Description
This opportunity, offered by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), funds cooperative agreements to expand career pathways and workforce readiness for special education teachers and early intervention personnel through registered apprenticeship programs. The program aims to address state-identified shortages in these critical areas by supporting practice-based, accessible, and integrated workforce preparation aligned with local and state labor demands.
Funded projects must develop, implement, scale-up, and sustain registered apprenticeship programs that connect participants to recognized credentials and licensure, increase recruitment and retention, and embed evidence-based practices. Projects should also involve collaboration with relevant partners and demonstrate the capacity for evaluation and sustainability.
