Planting the Seeds for Change: $1.25 Million Grant to Transform Special Education
The College of Education and Integrative Studies is helping shape the future of special education through a transformative $1.25 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
The grant was awarded to Professors Sara Werner Juarez and Deondra Campbell, whose shared vision led to the creation of Special Educators of Excellence and Dedication to Students (SEEDS), an innovative program designed to prepare and empower the next generation of special education teachers while addressing California’s critical teacher shortage.
The SEEDS program will create opportunities for 25 aspiring special education teachers by providing full financial support throughout their credential program. Tuition and fees will be covered, and students will also receive stipends to help with living expenses. In addition to financial assistance, participants will benefit from mentorship, professional development workshops, conference travel opportunities and access to technology resources to help them succeed both in the classroom and throughout their careers.
By removing financial barriers, the program allows students to focus on developing the skills and confidence needed to become impactful educators.
Juarez and Campbell created the program with a clear and meaningful goal: preparing highly qualified special education teachers to serve students in high-need schools and communities. Juarez’s work emphasizes inclusive education, culturally responsive teaching, and support for students with extensive support needs. She also advocates for educator well-being and mental health, recognizing the importance of supporting teachers as they navigate the demands of the profession.
Campbell’s expertise focuses on inclusive curriculum design and instructional strategies that meet the needs of diverse learners. Together, their combined leadership and experience create a strong foundation for future educators entering the field.
Receiving the grant was the result of months of dedication, collaboration, and persistence. The faculty team initially submitted their proposal in late 2024 and strengthened the application in 2025 after being invited to reapply. Throughout the process, they partnered with colleagues, university staff, and local school districts to ensure the proposal reflected the real needs of students, schools, and communities across the region. Their collective effort ultimately helped secure this major investment in the future of education.
Over the next five years, the SEEDS program will recruit and train multiple cohorts of future special educators through hands-on classroom experiences and mentorship opportunities. Graduates will continue receiving support as they begin their teaching careers, including guidance during their first year in the profession. In return, participants will commit to teaching in their credential area for at least four years, directly helping address the shortage of special education teachers in California schools.
“More than a scholarship program, SEEDS represents an investment in students, educators, and communities,” Campbell said. “By preparing compassionate and highly skilled teachers, the initiative aims to create lasting positive change for students with disabilities and expand access to inclusive, high-quality education. Through this program, Cal Poly Pomona continues its commitment to educational equity, innovation, and community impact.”