Important Announcement!

Program Funding Changes

We regret to report that the funding allocation for our IDEA-funded State Project will be discontinued as of September 1, 2025.

This funding change will directly impact several key initiatives that many of you have come to rely on, including:

• The Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism (PEPSA) – a highly competitive, rigorous, and impactful mentoring program focusing on classroom research to improve outcomes for students with autism. THE CURRENT COHORT WILL COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING THIS YEAR.
• The Autism Summer Institutes, a cornerstone event for educators, related service professional, and self-advocates across our catchment area and beyond. While these events may still occur through the Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities, they are likely to change somewhat without collaboration with PEPSA. Similarly, while the PEPSA-sponsored educator training day at the annual CARD conference will be discontinued, there will likely be CARD/DoE activities for that day. THIS SUMMER’S SCHEDULED ASIs ARE STILL OCCURRING.
• Our Professional Development Courses for educators, service providers, families, and self-advocates.

We understand and share the concern and disappointment these changes may cause. We are actively exploring collaborative opportunities to continue supporting our community in meaningful ways.

We appreciate your continued support, understanding, and dedication to the work we do together. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our team (PEPSA@usf.edu).

Sincerely,