Department of Education Announces Demonstration Project on Competitive Integrated Employment
Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced an invitation to apply for a new pilot program designed to connect more people with disabilities to well-paying jobs.
The Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) project, administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), would provide $167 million to State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies and partners in as many as 18 states. The grants would provide job opportunities in high-needs sectors, including transportation and home- and community-based services.
In a press release applauding the new pilot, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona remarked, “Providing individuals with disabilities with a high-quality education and the services that they need to thrive will result in real pay for real jobs, empowering them and leading to greater social and economic inclusions.”
The Notice Inviting Applications is expected to be available on March 21, and the application deadline is June 21, 2022.