The College of Education's special education program was one of three programs awarded a five-year, $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. USC joins Rutgers University and Northern Arizona University to support individuals pursuing advanced education in this critical field. 

What it is: This grant provides funding for individuals pursuing Ph.D. degrees in special education administration. Project PASE (Preparing Administrators of Special Education), is designed to prepare the next generation of special education leaders, emphasizing evidence-based practices and the use of technology, including artificial intelligence. PASE scholars will complete coursework, internships and collaborative research projects across the three partner institutions while receiving mentorship from faculty and experienced administrators. Participants will receive stipends to support tuition, travel, conference participation and other professional development opportunities.

How it works: Project PASE integrates the fields of special education and educational administration to develop solutions for supervising and managing complex administrative challenges in the delivery of special education services for students with disabilities, including planning, supervising, mentoring and the evaluation of evidence based practices.

The program also emphasizes serving high-needs districts and high-poverty schools, as well as collaborating closely with families and communities.

Mitch Yell, Ph.D., is the Fred and Francis Lester Palmetto Chair and Professor of Special Education and primary investigator of the project. If you are interested in participating in Project PASE, contact Professor Yell at myell@sc.edu.