The U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued a notice inviting applications on January 7, 2021, for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the Disability Innovation Fund--Career Advancement Initiative Model Demonstration Project, Assistance Listing Number 84.421C. The application deadline is April 7, 2021.
ED intends to fund a multi-site model demonstration project designed to assist State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies, in partnership with other entities, to develop career pathways focused on career advancement. This competition will help VR-eligible individuals with disabilities, including previously served VR participants in employment who re-enter the VR program, to advance in high-demand, high-quality careers, such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), including computer science, careers; to enter career pathways in industry-driven sectors through pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships and Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP); to improve and maximize competitive integrated employment outcomes, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion in society; and to reduce reliance on public benefits (e.g., Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and/or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and State or local benefits).
The Federal Register Notice and additional information, including the Application Package, can be found here.