Rehabilitation counseling long-term training: strengthening the VR workforce: a cspd initiative for master's and certificate training at VCU

Virginia Commonwealth University received a $391,074.22 Project Grant from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) under the Rehabilitation Long-Term Training program (CFDA 84.129) for the period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The award supports the Rehabilitation Counseling Long-Term Training initiative, which aims to strengthen the vocational rehabilitation (VR) workforce through a Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) approach. The project delivers master's degree and certificate training programs in rehabilitation counseling at VCU's Richmond, Virginia campus, preparing qualified personnel to serve individuals with disabilities within the state-federal vocational rehabilitation service system.

Under program requirements, a minimum of 65 percent of the awarded funds must be directed toward scholarships covering student stipends, tuition, fees, books, supplies, and travel for enrolled trainees. The initiative addresses documented personnel shortages in the rehabilitation counseling field by expanding educational capacity and producing trained professionals equipped to provide vocational rehabilitation services. This award is one of 75 Project Grants made nationally in fiscal year 2025 under the Rehabilitation Long-Term Training program, with VCU's award amount aligning with the program's recent funding range of $194,000 to $391,000 per grant.