.png)
Funding for Educators
Porto Charities empowers educators through two initiatives: the Special Education Scholarship Program and the Tuition-free Introduction to Special Education at George Mason University.
Learn more about these initiatives below. Both help educators grow their skill set to better serve students with intellectual disabilities.
Porto Charities believes
that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve to reach their full
potential by receiving an enriching Catholic education.
These initiatives are a meaningful step toward achieving our vision.
Special Education Scholarship Program
Program Highlights:
The tuition reimbursement scholarship program provides financial assistance to educators pursuing advanced education in special education by obtaining a Special Education Certificate or a master’s degree in special education.
Scholarship Awards
Subject to available funding, tuition reimbursement scholarships for the Special Education Certificate Program will be a maximum of 50% of tuition paid by the participant not to exceed $ 5,000. Tuition reimbursement scholarships for a master’s program will be a maximum of 50% of the tuition paid by the participant not to exceed $ 10,000.
Eligibility
Applicants must be employed by and in good standing for a minimum of two years with an accredited Catholic elementary or high school recognized by the Diocese of Arlington.
Deadlines
Applications should be submitted after acceptance to an accredited college or university and prior to beginning coursework. Proof of acceptance is a required part of the application. It is recognized that educators may begin a program at various points throughout the year; therefore, applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Educators who enroll in a certificate program must complete coursework within 18 months. Educators who enroll in a master's program must complete coursework within 36 months. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) must be obtained to be eligible for tuition reimbursement.
Agreement
Porto Charities makes no claims regarding or guarantees of employment anywhere upon completion of coursework. It is expected that awardees who accept reimbursement/scholarship funds to complete a certification program must agree to continue working for the Diocese of Arlington for a minimum of twelve months after completing coursework, or twenty-four months after completing a master's degree.
Reimbursement Process
Scholarships will be awarded to educators after all coursework needed to obtain either a certificate or a master's degree is satisfactorily completed. Educators must submit a copy of an official transcript showing a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and proof of payment. Awardees will participate in an exit interview before reimbursement is made.
There are several universities in the metro area that offer graduate programs in special education. Below are a few options to obtain your Special Education Certificate or master's degree.
Tuition-Free Intro to Special Education at GMU
In collaboration with George Mason University, Porto Charities will sponsor tuition for 25 individuals working or volunteering at schools and parishes in the Diocese of Arlington who wish to participate in EDSE 501: Introduction to Special Education at George Mason University.
This three-credit graduate-level course provides an overview of the foundations, laws, and types of disabilities recognized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and will be delivered in a fully asynchronous online format. Participants will receive three graduate-level credits that can be applied toward a master's or certificate in Special Education.
Educators, administrators, catechists, clergy and religious working or volunteering in the Diocese of Arlington are eligible to apply. If you would like to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity, please sign up below to receive more information regarding enrollment.
As we approach the start date, we will reach out to confirm your interest and send you an email with a link to register for the course through George Mason University. If you have any questions, contact Carmen Chiappetta at education@portocharities.org
Class is offered annually. The next course will be offered in the Fall of 2026.
Please note that while the content in this course syllabus is the same as that covered in the course sponsored by Porto Charities, the timeline will differ.
Questions?
For questions please contact our Education Committee at education@portocharities.org