Timely Information
DPI awarded $10.5M to strengthen Wisconsin’s special education workforce
DPI is pleased to announce it has been awarded a five-year, $10.5 million federal grant to strengthen Wisconsin’s special education workforce and help more special education teachers build careers in Wisconsin schools. The U.S. Department of Education awarded the grant as part of its State Personnel Development Grant Program. The funding will support the Special Education Teacher Apprenticeship and Induction Retention System in Wisconsin (STAIRS-WI), a statewide initiative focused on recruiting, preparing, and retaining special educators.
STAIRS-WI is a statewide initiative designed to address Wisconsin’s critical shortage of special education teachers by expanding apprenticeship and strengthening induction support. DPI will partner with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the University of Wisconsin–Madison, local education agencies (LEAs), Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESAs), professional organizations, and other statewide partners. STAIRS-WI will expand registered teacher apprenticeship programs (RTAP) in special education, providing “earn while you learn” opportunities.
The initiative will also support the DPI’s Special Educator Induction Program and Wisconsin Induction Program for Special Education Leaders (WIPSEL), which provide early career special educators and emerging special education leaders with professional learning, coaching, and ongoing support. Through this coordinated approach, STAIRS-WI aims to increase recruitment into the special education profession, improve retention of early-career special educators and leaders, strengthen implementation of evidence-based practices, and ultimately improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities throughout Wisconsin.
DPI Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention Grant Competition Open
The DPI Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention grant application is now available to Wisconsin high schools. Peer-to-peer programs are grounded in messages of hope, health, and resilience. They equip students—those most likely to be sought out by a struggling classmate, friend, or peer — with the knowledge to identify warning signs and the confidence to get help from a trusted adult. Through this grant opportunity, schools can strengthen student-led prevention efforts and build a network of peer leaders ready to promote mental health and well-being within their communities.
Who Can Apply: any school at which pupils attend the high school grades 9-12 (including public, tribal, charter, and private schools). High schools that received a Peer-to-Peer grant previously are eligible to renew their grant up to three times. Following this cycle, a new application can be submitted.
Focus: support an existing peer-to-peer suicide prevention program or implement a new peer-to-peer suicide prevention program.
Priorities for Funding: implement a new or existing evidence-based or best practice peer-to-peer suicide prevention program and geographic distribution of funds.
Funding Allocation: up to $1,000 per high school.
Due Date: applications are due to DPI by 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Grant Writing Webinar: Thursday, September 9th, from 2:00–2:45 p.m. This webinar will offer guidance on crafting strong applications, including grant writing tips, sample responses, and a chance to get your questions answered. Registration is encouraged.
Contact Information: For questions, reach out to PeertoPeer@dpi.wi.gov.
Application Materials and Supporting Resources: Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention Grants | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
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