The Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services is accepting applications for the fiscal year 2025 under the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) program. This program provides grants to Indian Tribes to offer vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to eligible American Indians with disabilities residing on or near federal or state reservations. The objective is to assist these individuals in preparing for and engaging in high-quality employment that enhances economic self-sufficiency while ensuring services are consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, and interests.

The AIVRS grant program supports a wide range of VR services, including culturally appropriate services, individualized employment plans, and cooperative agreements with designated state units (DSUs) for service implementation. Priority is given to serving American Indians with disabilities who are most significantly affected, and an order of selection is established if resources are insufficient to serve all eligible applicants. Funded projects must align with federal non-discrimination policies and adhere to accessibility regulations, ensuring equitable services for all eligible individuals.

For the 2025 funding cycle, an estimated $4,000,000 in funding is available, with grants ranging from $300,000 to $750,000 per year for a project period of up to 60 months. The Department anticipates awarding approximately eight grants. A cost-sharing requirement of 10% of the total project cost applies, although applicants may request a waiver if they demonstrate insufficient resources. Projects must also comply with indirect cost rate agreements and other federal financial assistance regulations.

Applications are available starting November 6, 2024, with a submission deadline of March 6, 2025. Pre-recorded technical assistance webinars will be posted online by December 12, 2024, to guide applicants through the process. Applications must include evidence of meeting the program’s special application requirements, including cooperative working arrangements, accessibility compliance, and the ability to communicate in the native language of applicants. Proposals will be evaluated based on need, project design, service quality, personnel qualifications, resource adequacy, and management plan feasibility.

Eligible applicants include Indian Tribes and consortia of Tribes located on federal or state reservations. If a tribal organization, rather than a tribal governing body, applies, it must have a primary function of VR service delivery and demonstrate approval from the relevant Tribe(s). Grants awarded under this competition cannot be used for subgrants but may involve contracts with DSUs or other agencies to implement the VR program. Compliance with all reporting, evaluation, and performance measure requirements is mandatory, with annual data submission on employment outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

For more information, applicants can contact Adrienne Rodriguez at the U.S. Department of Education via email at Adrienne.Rodriguez@ed.gov or by phone at (202) 987-0049. Additional guidance, including application instructions, is available on the Department’s website.