Project STRIDE

In partnership with the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)

What is Project STRIDE?

STRIDE stands for: Strengthening Rural, Inclusive, Diverse, Early Educators and is funded by the Office of Special Education Projects (OSEP). The partnership between Northern Arizona University and AzEIP is designed to train AzEIP Developmental Special Instructionists (DSIs) in best practices for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.

What does it take to be a Project STRIDE Scholar?

You must:

• Have a strong commitment to provide services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families
• Have the ability to successfully complete online coursework (two courses per semester for one year)
• Provide a complete application package (including a letter of support from AzEIP Supervisor)
• Be collaborative, open, flexible, and professional
• Provide services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families in rural and/or diverse communities

What do I get as a Project STRIDE Scholar?

• The option to earn your M.Ed. in Special Education – Early Childhood (if scholar chooses). These four courses would apply to the M.Ed. (please refer to the Program of Study online).
• Financial support to complete the degree by paying tuition and textbooks for 4 core courses
• Minimal disruption in personal and professional life while completing the degree

Are there other requirements?

Yes, as part of Project STRIDE, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be accepted into the NAU Graduate College
• Provide 2 years of ‘service’ (working directly with infants, toddlers or young children with disabilities and their families) for every year funded
• Have a bachelor’s degree in any field

How many scholars will you select and when do classes begin?

• Nine scholars will be selected for this first AzEIP cohort
• Classes begin August 2019

How do I apply to Project STRIDE?

Make sure to review the application requirements! Please look at the application information. Application submission opens March 4th and closes April 15th, 2019 at 11:59 PM.

1. 4 core courses covered by Project STRIDE
2. Scholar completes 6 additional courses and obtains M.Ed. in Special Education
3. AzEIP Scholars trained in best practices for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families

Once you have all the required documents in electronic format, you must complete the online application (Please use the Chrome browser. Application may not work properly through Internet Explorer or Firefox).

Additional Project STRIDE information

• Graduate college *
• OSEP service obligation information and forms

*Admission to the NAU Graduate College is required only after Projects STRIDE scholars have been announced on July 1st, 2019