The University of Maryland (UMD) and Vanderbilt University have been awarded a $2.5 million federal grant to fully fund the tuition and provide stipends for a select group of doctoral students. These students will be trained to become leaders in special education, with a focus on improving and sustaining research-based practices across various educational settings. This initiative, known as Project Sustain, aims to equip future educators and leaders with the tools necessary to create lasting change in the field of special education.
Project Sustain is a four-year program funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. Slated to begin in Fall 2025, the program will prepare doctoral students to take on leadership roles in higher education, school districts, and research organizations. These future leaders will play a crucial role in training special education teachers and administrators who will be responsible for advancing the field. Applications for the program are due by Dec. 1, marking an important deadline for prospective candidates interested in joining this groundbreaking initiative.
The central goal of Project Sustain is to ensure that special education practices grounded in research are not only adopted within schools but are also sustained in the long term. “We have a lot of support for evidence-based interventions in special education. But sustaining them and closing that research-to-practice gap is a challenge,” said Jade Wexler, co-principal investigator of Project Sustain and professor of special education at UMD. This is an issue that is increasingly being addressed by special education leaders, who are working to bridge the gap between research and classroom application.
Wexler, along with UMD Special Education Assistant Professor Veronica Kang, who is also a co-principal investigator and co-director of Project Sustain, will guide the program’s efforts. Together, they aim to produce leaders who are well-equipped to integrate the latest research into practical, long-lasting strategies that benefit students with special needs.
In addition to its primary focus on research-based special education practices, Project Sustain places a strong emphasis on supporting linguistically and culturally diverse populations. The program recognizes the importance of collaborating with families and communities to create an inclusive learning environment. This holistic approach ensures that special education leaders are prepared to meet the diverse needs of students while promoting equity and inclusion.
The cohort of Project Sustain will consist of eight students, with four students based at UMD and four students based at Vanderbilt University. These students will share coursework with current doctoral students at UMD but will also have additional opportunities to engage in summer intensives, training programs, and monthly virtual seminars. This collaboration will foster an environment of learning and professional growth, with students from both universities exchanging insights and experiences. Along with this, they will receive stipends that will cover dissertation support, travel expenses, and conference costs.
UMD-based doctoral students will have the unique opportunity to engage in internships within the Washington, D.C., area. These internships will offer hands-on experience in special education research and provide invaluable exposure to current projects at UMD. Such experiences will be crucial for students aiming to become leaders who can influence and implement educational reforms.
The success of Project Sustain will be further supported by the expertise of faculty members at both UMD and Vanderbilt. These faculty members will serve as advisors, mentors, and dissertation committee members, ensuring that students receive guidance from leading experts in the field of special education. The close collaboration between these two esteemed institutions will create a rich, interdisciplinary learning environment for students.
Leading the project as the principal investigator is Jason Chow, an associate professor at Vanderbilt University. He is joined by two co-principal investigators: Jennifer Ledford, an associate professor, and Kristen Granger, an assistant professor, both at Vanderbilt University. Together, they form a strong leadership team that is committed to advancing the field of special education and preparing the next generation of educators and leaders.
Project Sustain’s collaborative approach, focus on research-based practices, and commitment to diversity will make it an invaluable program for doctoral students seeking to make a lasting impact in the field of special education. By preparing these students to become effective leaders, the program aims to drive positive change in schools and communities across the nation.
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