Grant-Funded Opportunities

Project ASD

Preparing Special Educators and Speech-Language Practitioners in Autism Spectrum Disorders

For: Students pursuing a Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education or a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders

If you are seeking a master’s degree in either exceptional student education or communication sciences and disorders, consider participating in Project ASD. This project intends to increase the number of fully credentialed special education teachers and speech-language pathologists in the workforce. As a participant, you’ll receive financial assistance with a $250-per-course scholarship for up to 36 credit hours. There are also opportunities to complete internships or attend state and national conferences. You’ll graduate not only with a master’s degree but also a graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorders that fulfills requirements for endorsement in the state of Florida. To be eligible, you will need to be either already enrolled in or accepted to either the Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education or the Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders programs, as well as meet minimum requirements for the graduate certificate in ASD. To participate beginning in Spring 2026, apply for Project ASD funding by November 1.

Application Requirements

Apply and be accepted for admission to UCF.

• If you are seeking a master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, you’ll first need to complete a Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) application for the UCF program. Although there is no GRE requirement, you will need to provide supplemental application materials — such as an official transcript, letters of recommendation, a letter of intent and a current résumé — directly to CSDCAS. Visit the application portal for more details. Then, submit a UCF application for graduate admission. Note that both applications must be submitted by the stated application deadlines.
• If you are seeking a Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education, you will only need to submit a UCF application for graduate admission to the program. All supporting documents are to be submitted directly to UCF.
• Once you have applied and received admission to your desired program, you will then need to apply to Project ASD by the project-specific application deadlines listed below.

Project ASD Application Deadlines:

• July 1 (Fall admission)
• April 1 (Summer admission)
• November 1 (Spring admission)

Funder: U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (through December 2028)

Contact: projectasd@ucf.edu

Project Next-Gen SET

Preparing Next-Gen Special Education Teachers (SET) Scholars

For: Exceptional student education master’s students

If you are interested pursuing a master’s degree in special education and currently hold a teacher certification in any K-12 subject area, Project Next-Gen SET may be an opportunity for you. This grant is helping to address the shortage of special education teachers by providing select exceptional student education master’s students with financial assistance over the next five years. Scholars are expected to attend on a part-time basis, or two courses per semester. In addition to fully funded tuition, you will receive a $3,000 annual stipend.  By gaining the advanced skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality instruction and intervention services, you’ll be equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of exceptional education students. Join the Project Next-Gen SET team at any of three interest sessions in February 2026 to learn more and ask any questions you might have. Be sure to fill out the interest form to be notified regarding specific dates.

Application Requirements:

Apply and be accepted for graduate admission to UCF.

• Supplemental application materials — such as an official transcript and current résumé — may be required. Visit the application portal for more details.
• Once you have applied and received admission to your desired program, you will then need to apply for Project Next-Gen SET by the project-specific application deadlines listed below to be considered for funding.
• Note that university admission does not automatically guarantee acceptance for funding. All Project Next-Gen SET applicants will be invited to an interview before a final cohort of 10 scholars is selected.

Project Next-Gen SET Recruitment and Application Periods:

• Mid-February through mid-March 2026 (for Fall 2026 admission)
• Mid-February through mid-March 2027 (for Fall 2027 admission)

Funder: U.S. Department of Education

Contact: elizabeth.dooley@ucf.edu or ashley.grays@ucf.edu

Project SPEECH

Speech-Language Pathologists and Exceptional Educators Collaboration for Children with High-Intensity Needs

For: Students pursuing a Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education or a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders

If you are passionate about helping school-age children with high-intensity needs, consider applying to participate in Project SPEECH, which aims to increase the number of qualified special education teachers and speech-language pathologists in the workforce. You’ll pursue your studies in learning best practices for providing intensive interventions and specialized services to the students you serve — plus, your tuition is fully funded up to 36 credit hours at the in-state tuition rate. As a participant, you’ll also work toward earning a graduate certificate in Interdisciplinary Language and Literacy Intervention. Engage in professional learning experiences with your interprofessional cohort of education teachers and speech-language pathologists, and experience hands-on learning in high-need school settings and UCF clinics. If you receive funding support from Project SPEECH, you will also need to complete and sign a Service Obligation Agreement, as each year of funding support is contingent on agreeing to “pay back” two years through service in eligible employment working with students with disabilities.

Application Requirements:

Apply and be accepted for graduate admission to UCF.

• Supplemental application materials — such as an official transcript and current résumé — may be required. Visit the application portal for more details.
• Once you have applied and received admission to your desired program, you will then need to apply for Project SPEECH by the project-specific application deadlines listed below to be considered for funding. Contact the Project SPEECH team for more information.
• Note that university admission does not automatically guarantee acceptance for funding.

Project SPEECH Recruitment Periods:

• Cohort 3: Fall 2025 (for Spring 2026 admission)
• Cohort 4: Fall 2026 (for Spring 2027 admission)

Note that the above recruitment periods apply only to the Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education program. The Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders is recruited separately within its own program.

Funder: U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs

Contact: projectspeech@ucf.edu

Project CENTRAL

Connecting Enhanced Networks to Reach All Learners

For: Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education and Educational Specialist in School Psychology students

Project CENTRAL addresses a critical need for special education teachers and school psychologists who can support students with high-intensity needs. The project prepares both aspiring and practicing special education teachers and school psychologists with the skills needed to provide intensive interventions and specialized services to school-age children. As a participant pursuing a Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education or an Educational Specialist in School Psychology through Project CENTRAL, you will receive financial assistance for up to 36 credit hours. You’ll also earn additional credentials in the form of a Collaborative Intervention Specialist graduate certificate. In return, you agree to “pay back” two years through service in eligible employment working with students with disabilities for each year of funding received. As a Project CENTRAL scholar, you’ll be well-equipped to apply what you learn in the classroom to make a lasting impact on the lives of students with high-intensity needs.

Application Requirements:

Apply and be accepted for graduate admission to UCF

• Supplemental application materials — such as an official transcript and current résumé — may be required. Visit the application portal for more details.
• Once you have applied and received admission to your desired program, you will then need to apply for Project CENTRAL by the project-specific application deadlines listed below to be considered for funding. Contact the Project CENTRAL team for more information.
• Note that university admission does not automatically guarantee acceptance for funding.

Project CENTRAL Recruitment Periods:

• Spring 2026 (for Summer or Fall 2026 admission)

Funder: U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs

Contact: projectcentral@ucf.edu