The Department of Education has awarded more than $19.9 million to support the education of special educators. Most of the funds will be used to increase the number of quality, fully qualified individuals to serve as special education personnel. The remaining $6 million will be used as grants to support doctoral, post-doctoral and special education administration degree programs.

Of the grants announced, $13.5 million will be used to help current and future special education professionals complete degrees, state certification, professional licenses or state endorsement in early intervention, special education or a related services field. It will also be used to support the education of special education paraprofessionals and educational interpreters, and assistants in related services including physical therapist assistants and occupational therapist assistants.

In Michigan, Western Michigan University was the recipient of two grants.

For a complete list of recipients of the grants, please see the Department of Education press release.