Project SPIDERS

Project SPIDERS stands for School-University Partnerships Influencing aDvocacy and Engaging Rural Special educators. This scholarship program for doctoral students is a partnership between the University of Oklahoma, University of Louisville and the University of North Florida. Project SPIDERS prepares special education personnel who are well-qualified for, and can act effectively in, leadership positions in high need rural school systems. This five-year project will fund six scholars from each University.

The three Universities working together were awarded a $3.5M grant from the U.S. Department of Education making this program possible.

Eligibility

SPIDERS scholars are working professionals interested in enhancing their research, professional development, and policy skills.
A Master of Special Education, or closely related field, degree
Interest in conducting applied rural research, rural policy development, and effective rural professional development and training practices
Strong commitment to enhancing rural special education
Admission to the Doctorate of Special Education degree program at the University of Oklahoma, University of Louisville and the University of North Florida

Benefits

Tuition and fees for four years of study
$15,000 yearly stipend for four years of study
$7,000 to support research activities
Yearly conference travel for four years of study
Mentorship and support from experts in rural education from three leading universities
Opportunities to complete advanced research, policy and professional development training and internships.

Project SPIDERS Scholars Commit to...

Fully engage in the doctoral program, SPIDERS activities and training
Part time doctoral study and to working within and across each university team
Work collaboratively with district, advisory panel and project partners
For each year of support, scholars are responsible for two years of service to the special education field that includes working with individuals with disabilities

Interested?

Take a moment to view our brief (less than 5 minutes) pre-recorded information session from Nov. 2021 or our more detailed information session recorded in Jan. 2022 which includes information on how to apply to each University.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ Page
Then, start the application process by completing a quick 6-question prospective student interest form. Click the button below to take the survey.

Prospective Student Interest Form

Ready to Apply?

The application process is easy!

Step 1

Simply apply to any of the three Universities' respective doctoral programs at either the University of Oklahoma, University of Louisville or the University of North Florida.

Be mindful of application deadlines and requirement
Indicate interest in Project SPIDERS when applying

Apply to the University of Oklahoma Apply to the University of Louisville Apply to the University of North Florida

Step 2

Submit a Project SPIDERS grant application.

Please submit this application after you have started your application to OU, UL or UNF
Complete SPIDERS interview process
If selected, meet with Project SPIDERS advisor and begin planning your program of studies

Project SPIDERS grant application

University of Oklahoma

Brittany Hott, Ph.D., BCBA-D, bhott@ou.edu

University of Louisville

Ginevra Courtade, Ph.D., g.courtade@louisville.edu

University of North Florida

David Hoppey, Ph.D., david.hoppey@unf.edu