Project SEARCH Support: FY 2027 Special Education Services Special Initiatives Grant
Project SEARCH Support: FY 2027 Special Education Services Special Initiatives Grant supports Alabama school systems’ licensing, supplies, and training for workplace-based employment preparation.
Funder: Alabama State Department of Education
Due Dates: September 11, 2026 (Round 1) | December 4, 2026 (Round 2, subject to remaining funds)
Funding Amounts: Start-up: up to $48,000; renewal: up to $15,350 or $15,385 (licensing fee discrepancy); replication: up to $42,000; funds expended by September 30, 2027
Summary: Reimbursement funding supports Alabama LEAs’ Project SEARCH licensing, materials, supplies, and workplace-based employment preparation training.
Key Information: Applications must be approved before expenditures are made, including requests for supplemental funds.
Description
The Alabama State Department of Education’s Special Education Services (SES) Section administers Project SEARCH Support through its FY 2027 Special Initiatives grants. The program reimburses Alabama local education agencies (LEAs) for licensing fees, materials, supplies, and professional development supporting Project SEARCH. Funding comes from IDEA Part B, Section 611.
Project SEARCH is a business-led, one-year transition-to-work employment preparation program conducted entirely at the workplace. It combines classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on worksite rotations, culminating in individualized job development. Support helps partners develop high-quality internship sites, provide disability awareness education, and prepare to implement the program. Partner preparation covers intern recruitment and selection, the employability skills curriculum, the Business Advisory Committee, employment search processes, and training tailored to host businesses and partners.
