Paraprofessional Grant

The Paraprofessional Grant aims to assist Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) in New Jersey by supporting paraprofessionals pursuing teacher certification through an alternate route. It encourages partnerships with high poverty school districts and focuses on enhancing training and sustainability models for these educators. The grant, overseen by the New Jersey Department of Education, is available for up to $260,000 and is set to operate from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

Purpose:
The intent of the Paraprofessional grant program is to support eligible Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to recruit and support paraprofessionals with a bachelor’s degree pursuing teacher certification through the alternate route pathway, in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Public School Staff Shortages in New Jersey which was created under Governor Murphy’s Executive Order #309. As part of the NGO application process, applicants with approved educator preparedness programs (EPPs) will submit plans aligned to the recommendations of the task force and address the following:
Establish and/or expand a partnership with at least one high poverty school district to support paraprofessionals with a bachelor’s degree seeking teaching certification through an alternate route pathway. This partnership may prioritize one of the teacher shortage areas (e.g., special education, bilingual, career and technical education (CTE), English as a Second Language (ESL), science, and math), though it is not a requirement.Develop district specific plans to supplement coursework. These plans should include, but not be limited to, designing targeted training and workshops for paraprofessionals, providing weekly opportunities for them to lead classroom instruction.Formulate a funding model to reduce or eliminate unnecessary program costs and fees over the course of the two years for paraprofessionals seeking certification. This funding should fully offset the costs of tuition, books, test prep, testing and any other program-related fees for paraprofessionals, relieving financial and administrative burdens throughout the duration of the grant; andDevelop a sustainability model to provide tuition reimbursement to paraprofessionals through new or existing funding opportunities beyond the conclusion of the grant, ensuring that paraprofessionals can complete the second year of the alternate route pathway with continued financial assistance.
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has established a fifteen (15) month grant program. This limited-competitive grant program is open to IHE’s with an approved educator preparation program (EPP) located in the state of New Jersey. IHEs must provide evidence of successful implementation of programs that remove barriers for paraprofessionals to become certified in New Jersey public school districts. The IHE must apply on behalf of the partnership that includes at least one high poverty school district. The partnership may also include additional school districts, IHE’s and other educational or community organizations
Based on the availability of FY26 state appropriations, this grant program will begin June 1, 2026, and will end on August 31, 2027. Applicants may apply for up to $235,000.