Scholarships and Mini Grants
CASE is proud to support the professional growth and innovative work of special education leaders through a variety of scholarships and mini grants. Explore available opportunities designed to help advance your learning, leadership, and efforts to make a meaningful impact for students with disabilities.
Dr. Luann Purcell Scholarship for Continuing Education
The Dr. Luann Purcell (pictured) Scholarship for Continuing Education allows aspiring administrators to continue their pursuit of excellence with a scholarship of $1,000 to use toward higher education, or added certification in the area of special education administration. The application opens annually on January 1st and the deadline to apply is June 1st of each year.
2026 Scholarship Winners - will be announced at The 2026 CASE Conference
Congratulations to 2026 Dr. Luann Purcell Scholarship Recipient, Ms. Letitia Render
CASE is proud to recognize Ms. Letitia Render as the recipient of the Dr. Luann Purcell Scholarship for Continuing Education. With more than 17 years of experience in special education, Ms. Render has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for students, supporting educators, and advancing equitable practices. Currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Piedmont University, Ms. Render continues to exemplify the values of lifelong learning and transformational leadership. Her dedication to research-based practices, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration has made a meaningful impact on students and educators across Georgia. Congratulations, Ms. Render! We look forward to seeing the continued impact of your leadership and advocacy in the field of special education.
Congratulations to 2026 Dr. Luann Purcell Scholarship Recipient, Kacee Mann
 CASE is proud to recognize Kacee Mann as a scholarship recipient and celebrate her emerging leadership in the field of special education. As a school psychologist in O’Fallon District 90 and a participant in the CASE Special Education Leadership Institute (SELI), Kacee has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving systems, supporting staff, and strengthening outcomes for students and families. Her leadership includes developing a comprehensive special education handbook for families, training new staff on special education processes, and contributing to districtwide improvements through collaboration and continuous learning. Kacee’s solutions-oriented approach and commitment to leadership make her a valued advocate for students, families, and educators. Congratulations, Kacee! CASE looks forward to your continued growth and contributions to the field of special education.
CASE Professional Learning Scholarship
 The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) is proud to offer our members the CASE Professional Learning Scholarship, designed to support and empower special education leaders in their pursuit of continuous growth and excellence. This scholarship provides financial assistance for professional learning opportunities that enhance leadership capacity, promote equitable practices, and drive improved outcomes for students with disabilities. At CASE, we believe in investing in our members—when leaders grow, so does their impact! This professional learning scholarship is for up to $1,000. The application is due by September 15th. The scholarship application will open in the spring of 2027. The 2026 window is closed.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a current CASE Member. If you aren't a member, join CASE here.
- Must currently serve in a role that supervises special education programs or supports the preparation of future special education leaders (e.g., Directors, Supervisors, or Higher Education faculty).
- Scholarships are available only for CASE-hosted events and will cover registration costs only (not travel or lodging).
- Individuals may receive this scholarship only once.
Requirements
- Application Form: Complete an application form, which includes a narrative outlining the benefits of how this financial support will enhance the individual's professional growth and career, and includes a summary of your involvement in professional learning at the local, state, and national level.
- Professional Resume: Submit a current resume reflecting your employment in a qualifying role. Applicants must be currently employed in a role supervising special education programs (i.e., Director of Special Education; Special Education Leadership, etc.), or in a Higher Education position focused on preparing special education teachers and/or leaders.
- Recommendation Letter: Provide one letter of recommendation from a colleague or supervisor that speaks to your commitment to professional growth in the field of special education leadership.
Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed and scored using a rubric aligned to CASE’s strategic priorities.
- A minimum score will be required for funding consideration.
- Awarded funds must be used by the end of the school year in which the scholarship is granted.
Mini Grant for CASE Units
The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) is proud to offer the CASE State Subdivision Mini Grant, created to support and empower current and emerging state subdivisions. This grant provides financial assistance to subdivisions that are:
- Developing new programs within their state unit
- Working toward becoming an officially recognized CASE subdivision
- Expanding opportunities for CASE members at the state level
The Mini Grant is open to all current and prospective CASE State Subdivisions. The dollar amount varies based on a portion of what is collected via the CASE Patron Club, with a maximum award of $5,000. The award amount for this opportunity will be determined annually based on the funds available through the designated portion of Patron Club donations. Award availability and funding levels may vary from year to year depending on donor support.
Eligibility Requirements
- Subdivision Status: Must be an active CASE state subdivision in good standing, or be formally engaged in the process of becoming an officially recognized subdivision.
- Annual Reporting: Existing subdivisions must have submitted a Unit Report for the prior two years.
- Narrative Commitment: Must submit a narrative detailing how the funds will be used to support members or to help establish the subdivision.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must submit a completed CASE Subdivision Mini Grant Application.
- The application process will include the requirement for the narrative. The narrative should be thorough with objectives/targets from initiation of the plan through completion.
- A completed itemized budget outlining all projected expenses, including the specified total amount requested.
Funding Details
- Funds available: the current school year and must be complete by May
- Funds may not be used for salaries, stipends, or the like
- Funding Priorities include: new or emerging subdivisions, projects that clearly align with CASE goals, and/or proposals that address equity, innovation, and/or sustainability
Examples of Potential Projects
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Host a regional conference on instructional best practices, behavior management, or MTSS
- Bring in a speaker to provide a focused area of content for your state (behavior, Universal Design for Learning, Science of Reading)
- Develop a mentoring program that pairs veteran special education leaders with early-career administrators
- Sponsor state subdivision representatives to participate in the CASE Special Education Leadership Institute
- Design and develop resource materials for your state subdivision, or purchase resource materials from CASE to provide for unit subdivision members
- Host networking events to increase subdivision membership to build community among special education leaders
- Develop a Special Education Advocacy Network and/or replicate the Special Education Legislative Summit at the state level
|
