Lourdes University is among 29 national recipients of the Addressing Educator Shortages in Ohio Grant program.
Awarded by Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Ohio Department of Education, the grant addresses the educator shortage in Ohio.
Awards totaling $5.2 million will be shared among four-year public and independent colleges and universities with chancellor-approved educator preparation programs, including those collaborating with school districts, educational service centers and community colleges.
“This award will help address immediate needs within the profession, targeting populations that could enter the workforce within one or two years,” explained Mary Ann Gawelek, Lourdes president.
Awardees are focusing on specific, high-need areas such as special education and STEM disciplines. Grant funds will be prioritized for student scholarships and other direct student supports to increase educator workforce enrollments.
The Lourdes University Expanding Special Education Licensure (ExSEL) will recruit students from multiple populations into focused pathways designed to accelerate completion and licensure of special education/intervention specialists in northwest Ohio.
Recruitment will be done in conjunction with partner school systems including Springfield Local Schools, Sylvania City Schools and Toledo Public Schools, as well as Tiffin University.
“As an institution of higher learning, our goal is always to make education accessible to all,” said Ms. Gawelek. “The ExSEL project will increase the number and availability of intervention specialists within these districts, our surrounding districts and throughout northwest Ohio.”
For more information on the grant process and funding, visit ohiohighered.org/ educator-shortages.
