Embedded Files
Grantee Spotlight
Discover the innovative opportunities grantees are successfully implementing across the state! See below to explore how these efforts are making a meaningful impact and driving positive change in our communities.
Midwestern Intermediate Unit 4 (MIU4) hosts local high school students for a special education workshop
Students from the Future Educator Club at New Castle Area School District participate in an event at MIU4 titled, Special Education Destination: Mapping the Journey to Your Career. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the different specialties encompassed in special education, the education required for those specialties, the potential salaries and benefits associated with each specialty, and what professional educators do to support students.
Bethel Park Supports Special Olympics by Taking the Polar Plunge
Students participating in the Best Buddy Program at Bethel Park participated in the Polar Plunge on January 31, 2025. In addition to the Best Buddies group, over 100 students, faculty and community members participated in the Disney themed event, raising $14,600 for the Special Olympics.
Blackhawk School District Wins State Championship in Unified Bocce
Dr. Trisha Huston, Director of Student Services, had this to say about the unified bocce team and inclusive programming occurring at Blackhawk School District:
"This team is united not only on the bocce court but also beyond it, extending their bond outside the walls of our school. The unified partners and Special Olympic athletes practiced not just the game itself, but also social and life skills as they prepared for the season. The success of the bocce team is a testament to their coach, Mrs. Mariah Brown, BHS Life Skills Teacher, who is a passionate advocate for inclusivity. This season was filled with unforgettable memories, and the friendships formed on the team will last for years to come."
"Their efforts have played a key role in building and shaping an inclusive school community at Blackhawk, leading to many opportunities that foster positive and inclusive interactions. Our Best Buddies club has doubled in size in just one year, thanks to the introduction of several new inclusive initiatives and opportunities. The high school will now offer a new Unified Physical Education course for the 2025-2026 school year, following the success of its pilot this year. Additionally, the district hosted a mobile Polar Plunge event, raising over $35,000 for the Special Olympics, with more than 75 high school students taking part."
"The unified bocce program was Blackhawk's first unified sports program, and its success has paved the way for further growth in unified programming, with new opportunities K-12, including robotics and basketball. While the Blackhawk Cougars are proud to bring home the state championship trophy, we are even prouder of our commitment to ongoing inclusion in both our school and community!"
Hampton Twp. Students Collaborate with Mikayla's Voice
This past February, Hampton Twp. Students collaborated with Mikayla's voice. The students worked together to complete an inclusive and collaborative art project which will be revealed at the Art Unveiling in April, 2025. A smaller group of students also participated in leadership lessons and activities that will prepare them to share books from Mikayla's voice and compete an art activity with students at one of the elementary schools in the district.
Future Educators Club at Pocono Mountain School District Recognized for their Dedication
This Spring, the Future Special Educators group at Pocono Mountain School District achieved several significant successes. They concluded the school year with impactful, hands-on experiences working with students of varying abilities at the Special Olympics Track & Field and Swimming events. Students also explored future educational pathways by attending a Summit at East Stroudsburg University, gaining valuable insights into college life as aspiring educators. Highlighting their achievements, the group was honored with an Excellence in Education Award from Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 (CIU20), recognizing their outstanding dedication and contributions.
Palmyra Area Middle School Proudly Launches Middle School Bocce Ball Club!
This inclusive event brought together students of all abilities to learn the rules of Bocce Ball and engage in friendly competition. Special education students were paired with peers from general education, fostering new friendships while enjoying the excitement of sports. Over 26 enthusiastic students participated in the event, creating a vibrant atmosphere of friendships and teamwork.
76 schools seek to inspire the next generation of special educators
Grantees will develop or enhance opportunities for secondary/postsecondary students to learn about special education career pathways and/or work with students with disabilities. Up to $20,000 per grantee has been awarded to implement experiential learning opportunities (ELOs) beginning in July 2024 through June 2026.
Approved Private School
Approved Private School
The Education Center at the Watson Institute
Charter Schools
Charter Schools
Lindley Academy Charter School
Community Colleges
Community Colleges
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Christian Averill & Dr. Kelly Trahan
Northern Pennsylvania Regional College
Institutions of Higher Education
Institutions of Higher Education
Carlow University
Dr. MiIsha Reid & Dr. Rachel Griffo
Cedar Crest College
Chestnut Hill College
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania - Bloomsburg Campus
Robin Drogan, Stephanie Gardner, Brooke Lylo, & Maureen Walsh
DeSales University
Katrin Blamey & Christiana Pheiffer
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Eastern University
Gywnedd Mercy University
Holy Family University
Immaculata University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Moravian University
Pennsylvania Western University - Clarion Campus
Point Park University
Robert Morris University
Saint Joseph's University
Shippensburg University
Slippery Rock University
Susquehanna University
The Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg
University of Pittsburgh School of Education
Intermediate Units
Intermediate Units
BLaST Intermediate Unit 17
Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15
Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21
Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit 16
Chester County Intermediate Unit 24
Colonial Intermediate Unit 20
Intermediate Unit 1
Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV
School Districts: Central Region
School Districts: Central Region
Cameron County School District
Chambersburg Area School District
Claysburg-Kimmel School District
Elizabethtown Area School District
Fleetwood Area School District
Governor Mifflin School District
Juniata County School District
Northern Tioga School District
Palmyra Area School District
Schuylkill Valley School District
Selinsgrove School District
Southern Tioga School District
Susquehanna Township School District
Warwick School District
Waynesboro Area School District
Williams Valley School District
School Districts: Eastern Region
School Districts: Eastern Region
Delaware Valley School District
New Hope-Solebury School District
Pocono Mountain School District
Pottstown School District
Pottsville Area School District
School Districts: Western Region
School Districts: Western Region
Baldwin-Whitehall School District
Bethel Park School District
Blackhawk School District
Freedom Area School District
General McLane School District
Hampton Township School District
Hopewell Area School District
Laurel School District
Laurel Highlands School District
Mount Pleasant Area School District
North Hills School District
Pittsburgh Public Schools
Plum Borough School District
Redbank Valley School District
River Valley School District
Riverside Beaver County School District
Riverview School District
Slippery Rock School District
Sto-Rox School District
Union City Area School District
West Allegheny School District
Experiental Learning Opportunity (ELO) Categories
Experiental Learning Opportunity (ELO) Categories
Click on the icons to view the work of the grantees within each ELO category.
Grant Contact
Have questions or need more information?
Contact Jeff Mathieson - PaTTAN Educational Consultant
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