Project VOICE

The University of Oregon Special Education - Early Intervention and Communication Disorders and Sciences programs are excited to announce a new student training and scholarship opportunity. 

Project VOICE (Valuing Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Early communication) is a federally funded Personnel Development Grant from the Office of Special Education Programs (H325K250120: PI Shire, Co-I Kunze & Patricelli). VOICE is designed to provide master’s students with specialized interdisciplinary training to support young children with autism and their families in early intervention and early childhood special education settings. 

VOICE scholars will be:

• Provided with tuition coverage during the academic year for two years in either the Early Intervention/ Early Childhood Special Education (EI) or Communication Disorders and Sciences (CDS) programs for all terms with the exception of summer term.
• Funded via associated fees, GE level student insurance, a monthly stipend of $1800 during the academic year ($5400 per term – Fall/Winter/Spring), and support for specific books and professional memberships.
• A part of an interdisciplinary cohort and broader network of students including both students in SPED EI and students in CDS.
• Expected to engage in specialized course work and field experiences with individualized coaching focused on strategies to support young children with autism who have few or no words and cannot rely on speech to be heard or understood.
• Required to complete a service agreement to serve children at risk for and with disabilities in the US for a specific period after graduation (funder requirement). 

Criteria for Admittance

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in special education, early childhood education, communication disorders and sciences, psychology, social work, nursing, an allied health field, or related field.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Experience working in direct serve with young children with or at risk for disabilities and/or individuals with autism.
• CDS students, three letters of recommendation (we will consider those submitted with your regular CDS master’s application unless otherwise specified).
• EI/ECSE students, letter of professional interest and intent, particularly focused on EI/ECSE, young autistic children, and children who cannot rely on speech to be heard or understood.
• Due to the nature of federal funding, scholars must be citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents of the United States.

Project VOICE Application:

If interested in applying for Project VOICE, you must submit an additional letter of intent. Letter should be: a) in PDF format, b) include your name and contact information, and c) should be in standard letter format addressed to Miyoko Patricelli, Megan Kunze, PhD, and Stephanie Shire, PhD.

This letter of intent should:

• Explain your interest and experience in serving EI/ECSC, young autistic children, and/or children who cannot rely on speech to be heard or understood.
• If applicable, specify if you have a documented disability, are a first-generation college student, or are a parent of a child with a disability.
• Comment on your willingness to meet the approximately 4-year service obligation that is required for student funding associated with Project VOICE (i.e., employed in a position within seven years postgraduation that provides direct service to infants, toddlers, or children at risk for or with disabilities).

CDS Students, please email your Project VOICE letter of intent to cds@uoregon.edu by the January 15, 2026 application deadline. 

EI/ECSE students, please email your Project VOICE letter of intent to sshire@uoregon.edu by the February 1, 2026 deadline.