Western Michigan University receives grant from U.S. Department of Education for early childhood special education initiative

Western Michigan University has received a $1.2 million grant from the US Department of Education in support of its Project Shine initiative. Project Shine, “Supporting High-Intensity Needs in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education,” focuses on training highly prepared professionals to work with children with high-intensity needs in early childhood special education. The initiative seeks to fill the growing demand for this type of educator by providing funding for 10 individuals to earn master’s degrees in early childhood general and special education and 10 individuals to earn master’s degrees in behavioral analysis.

According to an article on Western Michigan University’s website, Dr. Laura Dinehart, who serves as the dean of the College of Education and Human Development, was quoted as saying of the grant award, “This grant is a tremendous opportunity. It allows us to prepare more early childhood special educators—professionals who can positively change the course of children’s lives. We are proud to help build a workforce that strengthens families, schools and our entire community.”

Project Shine is a collaborative initiative between the university’s College of Education and Human Development and the College of Arts and Sciences. The initiative is being led by Dr. Emily Curiel, who is an associate professor of special education and the lead investigator on the grant, as well as Dr. Hugo Curiel, an assistant professor of psychology, Dr. Melissa Rajter, a faculty specialist of special education, and Dr. Meagan Walsh, an assistant professor of special education. 

Project Shine provides funding for a total of 20 students, 10 working toward master’s degrees in early childhood general and special education, and 10 working toward master’s degrees in behavioral analysis. The first cohort of Shine Scholars will begin with the Fall 2026 semester. In addition to receiving the funding to cover their tuition and access to a fund to help cover their textbook costs and other fees, students will work on group assignments within their cohort and have shared classwork. They will participate in field experiences with mentors and have study sessions for the certification exam.

The goal of Project Shine is to prepare early childhood special education professionals who know how to provide high-intensity needs students with language and behavioral interventions. 

Dr. Emily Curiel said, “We’re trying to intervene as early as possible so that we can really change the developmental trajectory of a child and really make a difference for their family. Nationally recognized programs like the Autism Center of Excellence make WMU well-positioned to implement Project SHINE, and its impact will be seen both in the preparation of scholars and the children for which they serve.”

Dr. Carla Koretsky, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, added of the project, “This project is a great example of the innovative, interdisciplinary collaborations happening among our world-class WMU faculty and their power to positively impact communities.”

According to the webpage for Project Shine, funding for the cohort participants is dependent on grant funding continuation and funding is only available for Michigan residents. Additionally, “Funded scholars must work in special education or a related field for two years per year of support, totaling four years.” 

For more information about Western Michigan University, visit the school’s website.