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The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Bureau of Special Education, is requesting applications from Intermediate Units (IUs) to establish or expand opportunities for practicing paraeducators with associate’s degrees to advance their skills and knowledge of special education to earn bachelor’s degrees and PK-12 special education certification through partnerships with Pennsylvania Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
The overarching goal is to provide practicing paraeducators the opportunity to obtain bachelor’s degrees and PK-12 special education teacher certification at no cost while actively learning and working in their LEA.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Click on the "apply now" button to access the online application. You will be prompted to create an account with a user name and password to access the application. A save and return option is available.
Grant Materials
Grant Overview Recording
Grant Overview Recording
Watch the Overview Recording to learn more about the grant requirements and application process.
Request for Application
Request for Application
Access the Request for Application by clicking on this link or on the document below.
RFA_2026-2028 PARAEDUCATOR ADVANCEMENT GRANT.pdfApplication
Application
Preview a PDF of the grant application by clicking on this link or on the document below.
2026-2028 Paraeducator Advancement Grant Application - for viewing purposes only.pdfGrant Contact
Have questions or need more information?
Contact Tammy Bertel - Project Lead
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