Paraprofessional Grant

The New Jersey Department of Education is offering a limited‑competitive Paraprofessional Grant to support New Jersey‑based Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) that have an approved Educator Preparation Program. The grant funds recruitment, tuition assistance, and support services for paraprofessionals (bachelor’s‑degree holders) pursuing teacher certification via the alternate‑route pathway, with a focus on partnerships that include at least one high‑poverty school district. Four awards of up to $235,000 each are available for a 15‑month project period (June 1 2026 – August 31 2027). • Eligible applicants: NJ IHEs with approved Educator Preparation Programs. • Required partnership: Minimum one high‑poverty district; additional partners optional. • Funding scope: Tuition, books, test‑prep, program fees, limited staff and travel costs; indirect costs capped at 10 %. • Deliverables: Partnership development plan, district‑specific training modules, sustainability model, activity timeline, evaluation framework, and quarterly reporting. • Application deadline: April 16 2026 (via EWEG portal). No renewals; award dates not specified.