Project Hi2LD provides funding for selected graduate students pursuing an Ed.S. degree in School Psychology or M.A. in Special Education with Learning Disabilities endorsement at Michigan State University.
Scholars will complete their respective programming along with additional monthly seminars that include training for working collaboratively in school teams to promote positive outcomes among students with high intensity needs in high-needs schools. Participating scholars receive funding1 to alleviate tuition and supply costs and attend in-state professional conferences in-person.
With $1.2M in total funding, we have 21 fellowship spots. Participants can expect two (2) semesters of in-state tuition provided to them. Degrees typically take 2-3 years to complete.
Helping Michigan students
Upon graduation, participants can work in K-12 schools to better meet the needs of approximately 50% of elementary students statewide who are not reading proficiently, and the approximately 80% of students receiving intervention who are not meeting proficiency standards (2017 English Language Arts M-STEP).
With the skills learned through this fellowship, graduates will be highly trained special educators or school psychologists who can effectively address the literacy needs of students, particularly those with high intensity needs.
1Upon admission to the program, scholars must sign a service obligation agreement in which they commit to work in their selected area of study following graduation from their program for twice the amount of years for which they received funding, or else they will be required to pay back the funding received.
Project Hi2LD is made possible through funding from the Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities 2020 New Award Program: Interdisciplinary Preparation in Special Education, Early Intervention, and Related Services for Personnel Serving Children with Disabilities Who Have High Intensity Needs (CFDA 84.325K), which is provided through the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, Office of Special Education Programs. Total federal funding for Project Hi2LD is $1,161, 999, which represents 90% of total costs for the project. University-based funding for Project Hi2LD is $120,469, which represents 10% of the total costs for the project.