2025-2027 Paraeducator Preparation Pathway Grant

The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is pleased to announce the 2025-2027 Paraeducator Preparation Pathway Grant to Intermediate Units who partner with a Pennsylvania community college and one or more Local Education Agencies (LEA). The ultimate goal of this grant is for current paraeducators to obtain an associate of arts degree at no cost while actively learning and working in their LEA.

The requirements for this round of funding differ from the current Paraeducator Preparation Pathways grant in the following ways:

1. The grant is solely focused on the attainment of associate degrees for a minimum of 10 current paraeducators.

2. IUs and LEAs are expected to share in the costs of the degree program.

3. IUs are not limited to partnerships with LEAs within their catchment. The paraeducators can be working in any (PA) LEA.

4. IUs will have the fall of 2024 to onboard paraeducators and support them in enrolling in the community college, and select courses.

5. Partnering community colleges are expected to offer credits at a reduced fee and provide credit for prior work/life experiences.

Note: Current grant recipients are eligible to apply.

Have questions or need more information? 

Contact Tammy Bertel - PaTTAN Educational Consultant or Christine Moon - APR State Lead