Cal Poly Pomona’s Special Education program has received a major boost with a $1.25 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. Dr. Sara Werner Juarez, an associate professor, and Dr. Deondra Campbell, an assistant professor, led the successful grant application for Special Educators of Excellence and Dedication to Students (SEEDS). The grant will fully fund tuition and fees for 25 full-time special education credential students and provide individualized stipends, professional development, conference travel, mentoring, and access to technology resources. The initiative aims to increase the number of highly qualified special education teachers in California’s high-need schools and improve educational outcomes for children with disabilities.
Dr. Juarez specializes in culturally sustaining behavioral interventions, inclusive education, and teaching students with Extensive Support Needs, and her research also addresses mental health and wellness for preservice teachers to prevent burnout. Dr. Campbell focuses on universally designed instruction and curriculum, equipping teacher candidates with research-based strategies to meet the needs of all learners. Together, they brought the SEEDS project to fruition.
“We were inspired by our amazing Cal Poly Pomona credential candidates,” Dr. Juarez said. “Many prospective teachers face financial challenges while attending school, and our primary goal with this grant is to remove those barriers while ensuring they receive high-quality preparation.”
Dr. Campbell added, “This grant allows us to provide more than financial support—it gives our students mentorship, professional development, and real-world field experiences that will prepare them to be effective educators from day one.”
The application process for SEEDS was intensive. The faculty first applied in December 2024, then faced funding delays, and were invited to reapply in June 2025. The reapplication included a 40-page narrative and over 100 pages of supporting documents. “Grant writing is a team effort,” Dr. Juarez noted. “We worked tirelessly with our colleagues, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and our district partners to make sure our application exceeded expectations.”
When the grant was funded, the faculty said their reaction was ecstatic. “We are so grateful for the support from our department, college leadership, ORSP, and school district partners,” Dr. Campbell said. “This funding will make a real difference for prospective special education teachers and, ultimately, the students they serve.”
Over the next five years, SEEDS will recruit multiple cohorts, enhance coursework and field experiences with evidence-based practices, and strengthen partnerships with local schools and families. Graduates will be supported in securing teaching positions, receive mentoring during their first year, and fulfill a four-year service obligation in their credential area.
“Project SEEDS aligns perfectly with our College’s mission to develop innovative, socially responsible leaders,” Dr. Campbell said. “Through rigorous preparation and intentional support, our scholars will become skilled educators and advocates for inclusive instruction.”
The long-term goal of the grant is to address special education teacher shortages in California and improve outcomes for students with disabilities. “We want every student to feel valued, capable, and included,” Dr. Juarez said. “This project allows us to make that vision a reality, not just for our scholars, but for the children and families they will serve for years to come.”
