The Special Education Foundation aims to empower students with disabilities by giving them the tools they need to succeed. Learn more below about SEF programs and how we support students, families and the educators within the Special School District of St. Louis County.
The following program applications are accepted year-round:
Critical Needs
SEF provides immediate funding to support students in overcoming challenges that impact their success in and beyond the classroom. Applications are initiated by an SSD professional.
Adaptive & Assistive Equipment
With support from the Tilles Foundation, SEF funds the purchase of adaptive equipment for SSD students to enhance social interaction, independence, and confidence. The grant covers augmentative communication devices, adaptive equipment, and technology for students aging out of SSD up to 21 years of age. Audiology and vision needs apply for all ages served by SSD.
Teachers should complete the initial application. Once received, SEF will contact the parent(s) to complete the Parent application. Both forms are necessary to finalize the process.
Autism Independence Project
SEF has partnered with the iSocial Remote Group Therapy program, designed to significantly improve the lives of individuals with autism by fostering independence, meaningful employment, and social connections through group telehealth therapy. Applications are subject to the timing of cohort session availability.
Kid-to-Camp
SEF’s Kid-to-Camp program helps students with disabilities maintain social skills and educational progress during extended academic breaks—including winter and spring breaks.
The following program applications have specific deadlines:
Classroom Innovation Grants
These grants fund innovative projects that enhance learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. Teachers may apply for up to 2 projects and may have a co-applicant.
Applications are open until December 13, 2024.
John Cary Scholarship
The John Cary Scholarship honors college-bound seniors who embody resilience, courage, and determination. Students, with their parent(s), should complete and submit the initial application online. After submission, SEF will contact the teacher to complete the Teacher nomination form. Both forms are required.
Applications are accepted through January 24, 2025.
Fred Saigh Leadership Academy
The Fred Saigh Leadership Academy provides students with unique opportunities for community engagement beyond the classroom. An SSD teacher must nominate a student for the Academy by completing the Teacher Nomination form. The student must also fill out and submit the Student application. Both forms are required.
Applications are open until February 28, 2025
Applications are hosted on the Submittable platform. When you apply, you will create a secure account, which will let you track the status of your submissions.
These programs are made possible through the generosity of individual donations, corporate, sponsorships, and grant contributions. See our Ways to Give page and help support our mission to provide more funds to more students and families in the SSD community.
For assistance or questions about the online application process or about our programs, please contact Shannon Benedek, SEF’s Program & Communications Manager at Shannon@sef-stl.org or 314.394.7036.
