Project accelerate

ST Francis College received a $245,626 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Education's 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), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The grant funds the development of degree programs and training initiatives designed to prepare personnel to serve children with disabilities, aligning with the federal program's objective to address state-identified workforce shortages in special education and related services.

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority Institution, ST Francis College will leverage this funding to build academic capacity and expand educational opportunities in special education personnel preparation. This award reflects the institution's commitment to developing qualified educators and support professionals through research-based training and professional development, contributing to the national effort to ensure children with disabilities have access to fully certified, highly skilled personnel in both specialized and inclusive educational settings.