Project RISE

Project RISE (Research-informed Interdisciplinary Scholar Preparation in Evidence-based Practices) is designed to address high-quality learning and achievement outcomes for students with disabilities through the personnel preparation of special educators, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists who are fully qualified to promote high-expectations and teaching practices addressing the individual needs of students with high-intensity disabilities through interdisciplinary competencies relating to:

• Developing evidence-based differentiated curricula
• Utilizing evidence-based individualized instruction (EDI) through the data-based individualization (DBI) framework
• Engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration with families and other providers
• Exercising leadership to improve professional practices and services for students with disabilities in the school setting

Project RISE is funded through a competitive, five-year federal grant (2026-2029) awarded from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education:

• Occupational therapy scholars will complete their MOT degree and all standards of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) required to sit for the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and achieve high training standards for practice.
• Special education scholars will complete their M.S.Ed. degree in Special Education and requirements to apply for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) Endorsement if they do not already hold the endorsement.
• Speech-language pathology scholars will complete their M.S. degree and meet all standards to apply for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) and the Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator License (PEL).

Project RISE Programming

• Financial Support: Scholars receive a scholarship that covers a significant portion of their degree cost. Scholars also receive a yearly $900 stipend (for two years) to cover any additional costs that accrue during their participation in the program (e.g., technology, books, professional organization fees, childcare, transportation, etc.)
• Academics: Coursework will include evidence-based services designed to support students with disabilities and their families through practices grounded in data-based individualization, centering interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals.
• Fieldwork/Clinical Practicum: Scholars will complete various assignments with students with disabilities in the on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and externships. Special education scholars continuing their school employment while enrolled in the graduate program will complete fieldwork and course assignments in classroom, school or district settings. Project RISE will also provide the opportunity for scholars to engage collaboratively in the Field Analysis Project and the IEP Case Study.
• Cohort Collaboration and Mentorship: Project RISE scholars will engage in frequent interdisciplinary seminars in which speakers and panelists discuss current information on collaboration, evidence-based interventions, and data analysis. Additionally, Project RISE scholars will move through their respective programs in a cohort of three to five scholars per program. Scholars will also receive ongoing guidance, mentoring, feedback and other support throughout their time in the program.

Additional Supports for Scholars

Elmhurst University faculty are known for excellence in teaching. Faculty have participated in training through the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) on best teaching practices. These trainings include the use of tailored instruction, fostering engagement through active learning strategies (e.g., large and small group discussions, case studies, simulations, labs, reflections, etc.), and assessment to provide meaningful feedback to enhance learning. Faculty foster an environment that values academic excellence and collaboration among all scholars.

Scholars will also have access to strong Elmhurst University Support Services, including the Learning Center, Student Accessibility Services and the Wellness Center and Counseling Services, with whom we work closely to support participation in the program.

Project RISE Service Obligation

In accordance with the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education, individuals that receive scholarship assistance from projects funded under IDEA are required to complete a service obligation or repay all or part of the costs of such assistance. For each academic year scholars receive assistance, they must maintain full-time employment for the equivalent of two years or repay the federal government for the portion of assistance they received that has not been repaid through service. Scholars fulfill their service obligations through eligible employment by providing indirect or direct service to students with disabilities. Only the scholar’s employer can validate employment eligibility. For more information, refer to the Department of Education’s frequently asked questions.

How To Apply

1. Complete the regular graduate program application for admission into the corresponding graduate program (i.e., CSDCAS for Communication sciences and disorders (CSD) and Occupational therapy (OT), Elmhurst University for special education).
2. Complete the Project RISE Scholar Application. On the application, you will provide information for federal grant reporting and describe your:

• • Interest and experience serving school-age children
  • Depth of qualifications to serve students with disabilities and their families
  • Commitment to a professional career serving children with disabilities or developmental delays to fulfill the service requirement (i.e., 2 years per year of funding)

3. Interview. Candidates will interview with Project RISE program directors to discuss their interest, qualifications, and commitment to the profession while addressing any remaining questions about the project components and requirements. Interviews will be scheduled from April through May.

Program and Scholarship Application Deadlines

CSD and MOT Project RISE Scholar application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year: March 1, 2026

Special Education Project RISE Scholar application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year: April 1, 2026

Accepted students will first be accepted into the graduate program and then receive separate notification of acceptance as a Project RISE Scholar.

Project RISE personnel ensure fair treatment of all scholars in accordance with Elmhurst University’s student rights and protections policies.

For questions, please contact the project directors:

Communication sciences and disorders:
Jennifer Kremkow ([email protected])

Occupational therapy:
Elizabeth Wanka ([email protected])

Special education:
Amanda Passmore ([email protected])

The contents of this web page were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this web page may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of this outside information. The content of this web page does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of, or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by, any Federal agency.