Education Department Funds Special Ed Apprenticeships
Published Date: 5/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Education is offering up to $5 million in grants to help states create apprenticeship programs that train and keep special education teachers and early intervention workers. This program aims to build stronger career paths and get more skilled people ready to support kids with disabilities. Applications are due by July 13, 2026, so eligible agencies should act fast to grab this chance!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Grants up to $5M for Apprenticeships
The Department of Education will make competitive awards up to $5,000,000 for a project period of 60 months (and not more than $1,000,000 for any single budget period) to support registered apprenticeship programs for special education teachers and early intervention personnel. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern time on July 13, 2026.
Only State/Public Agencies May Apply
Only state educational agencies and other public agencies, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C lead agencies and State apprenticeship agencies, are eligible to apply for this competition. Local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and public charter schools are not eligible to apply pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 1461(b)(2).
Funds to Train and Retain Special Ed Staff
The competition funds cooperative agreements to support registered apprenticeship programs that attract, prepare, and retain special education teachers and early intervention personnel. The stated purpose is to build career pathways and increase workforce readiness to serve children with disabilities.
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