PSU's Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) and Speech & Hearing Sciences Program (SPHR) have received funding from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), part of the US Department of Education. Funds will be used to address the shortage of diverse Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) and Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) providers in Oregon and the country who are prepared to serve children and families with elevated service needs from high poverty urban and rural areas.

What funds are available? Funds are available for 7 SLP students and 10-12 EI/ECSE students who apply for a summer 2024 program start date. Funds cover up to 40-85 percent tuition each term over the two-year program.

Why become a KITE Scholar? 

• Interdisciplinary coursework. As a KITE scholar you will receive enhanced training and support, including 240 hours of interdisciplinary coursework and seminars in collaboration with Columbia Regional Inclusive Services (CRIS) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) faculty.

• Summer experience. KITE scholars will work together to offer an in-person summer camp in Portland, Oregon for children with elevated service needs. Scholars outside of the Portland metro area will receive additional support to cover transportation and housing expenses. This opportunity was designed with rural students in mind. Some individual variations may be possible depending on the student's location.

• Enhanced mentoring. KITE scholars will received enhanced mentoring opportunities to support their academic, personal, and professional growth.

• Collaborative master's project. KITE scholars will have the opportunity develop and complete joint master's projects under the guidance of KITE faculty.

Who can become a KITE scholar? Individuals who identify as culturally and linguistically diverse students, students with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ students, veterans, or students with other underrepresented identities and rural students are encouraged to apply. 

Service Obligation regulations requires that the scholar (1) Is a citizen or national of the United States; (2) Is a permanent resident of (i) Puerto Rico, United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; or (ii) The Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau during the period in which these entities are eligible to receive an award under the Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program; or (3) Provides evidence for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that the individual is (i) A lawful permanent resident of the United States; or (ii) In the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident; Unfortunately, DACA holders are currently not eligible.

If you believe you may be eligible for KITE Project support, please email askcoe@pdx.edu. KITE Scholars will be selected once admitted to ECIP. 

How can I learn more? Virtual information sessions are being planned. If you would like more information please email askcoe@pdx.edu We look forward to meeting you!