Career innovations project

CAREER INNOVATIONS PROJECT – FEDERAL GRANT AWARD SUMMARY

The University of Illinois received a Project Grant award of $711,104.36 from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) under the Innovative Rehabilitation Training program (CFDA 84.263) on October 1, 2025, with completion scheduled for September 30, 2026. The award supports the development and demonstration of innovative training programs designed to enhance the capacity of vocational rehabilitation professionals and paraprofessionals in delivering services to individuals with disabilities. Under this grant, the University of Illinois will create new types of training curricula and improved methods for training rehabilitation personnel to meet evolving labor force demands and better serve individuals with disabilities through state rehabilitation agencies and nonprofit service organizations.

As a major research institution and experienced federal grant recipient, the University of Illinois will leverage its institutional expertise to advance the field of vocational rehabilitation training. The project aligns with OSERS's strategic objective to develop 21st-century training innovations that equip rehabilitation professionals with contemporary knowledge and skills. The award represents one of twelve grants distributed in the October 2025 funding round under this competitive program, which has increased its annual award activity significantly in recent years and typically funds projects in the $500K to $720K range.