PROJECT ALIGNS Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Kansas Center for Research Inc. received a $556,785 Project Grant award effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) under the Special Education - Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program (CFDA 84.325). PROJECT ALIGNS (Advancing Leadership Through Interdisciplinary Graduate Networks in Special Education) supports personnel preparation and professional development activities designed to train special education personnel, including teachers, early intervention specialists, related services providers, and school leaders, to effectively serve children with disabilities. The award reflects OSERS's ongoing commitment to address state-identified workforce shortages in special education by funding research-based training programs that ensure personnel are fully qualified and possess the necessary skills and knowledge to support students with disabilities in educational settings.

As the prime awardee and research administration entity for the University of Kansas, the Center will manage grant execution and oversee the delivery of training and professional development services through the project period. The funding supports the development and implementation of interdisciplinary graduate-level networks and leadership preparation initiatives, which represents a typical personnel preparation grant within the $200,000–$350,000 range common for CFDA 84.325 awards. Consistent with program requirements, the award is subject to annual renewal for up to five years based on demonstrated progress toward project goals and appropriations availability.