Elmhurst University Project RISE Scholarship 2028, USA

Elmhurst University Project RISE Scholarship 2028, USA

The Project RISE Scholarship at Elmhurst University is a federally funded graduate scholarship program designed to prepare future professionals in special education, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. Supported through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the program combines financial assistance with intensive professional training, clinical experience, and a structured service commitment after graduation.

Unlike traditional scholarships that focus only on tuition support, Project RISE is a workforce development initiative aimed at addressing the shortage of qualified professionals serving students with disabilities in the United States.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: United States
  
• Scholarship Name: Project RISE Scholarship
  
• University: Elmhurst University
  
• Funding Type: Federally funded graduate scholarship program
  
• Level of Study: Master’s / Graduate programs
  
• Fields of Study: Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
  
• Financial Support: Partial tuition funding + stipend
  
• Stipend Amount: $900 per year
  
• Duration: Typically 2 years
  
• Deadline: January 15 (CSD and MOT programs), April 1 (Special Education program)
  
• Selection Type: Competitive, application + interview process

Degree Level

The Project RISE Scholarship is available for graduate students pursuing:

• Master’s in Special Education
• Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
• Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

These programs are designed to lead toward professional licensure and certification in the United States.

Available Subjects

Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in one of the following fields:

• Special Education
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Occupational Therapy

Each program includes academic coursework, clinical training, and field-based professional experience.

Benefits

Selected scholars receive:

• Partial tuition scholarship support
• Annual stipend of $900
• Interdisciplinary professional training
• Clinical placements and field experience
• Mentorship and academic support services
• Career preparation for high-demand disability support professions

Eligible Nationalities

• Open to applicants from the United States
• International students may be eligible depending on Elmhurst University admission policies (must be confirmed with the university)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be admitted to a relevant graduate program at Elmhurst University
• Demonstrate commitment to working with individuals with disabilities
• Meet academic and program-specific admission requirements
• Participate in interviews if shortlisted
• Agree to the service obligation requirement after graduation

Service Commitment Requirement

A key feature of the Project RISE Scholarship is its service obligation:

• Scholars must work in approved disability-related professional roles after graduation
• For each year of funding received, two years of full-time service is required
• Failure to meet the service requirement may result in partial repayment of funding

This makes the program best suited for students committed to long-term careers in special education and therapy fields.

Application Procedure

1. Apply for admission to Elmhurst University graduate programs
2. Choose an eligible field (Special Education, SLP, or OT)
3. Submit the separate Project RISE Scholarship application
4. Attend interviews if shortlisted (February–May)
5. Await final selection results
6. Meet all enrollment and program requirements if selected