ICASE Presidential Scholarship in USA 2026 – $1,000 Award for Future Special Education Administrators

Scholarship Description

The ICASE Presidential Scholarship is awarded by the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE) to individuals who are interested in becoming administrators in special education. For more than 50 years, ICASE members have worked tirelessly on improving the lives of students with disabilities. The mission of ICASE is to serve, support, and represent special education administrators in Indiana in order to provide high-impact learning opportunities for all students.

One goal of ICASE is to build capacity among its members and continue to develop future leaders in special education. To support this goal, ICASE awards two $1,000 scholarships annually to aspiring special education administrators. This scholarship recognizes excellence, empowers future leaders, and helps reduce the cost of education for those dedicated to serving students with disabilities.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is open to individuals enrolled in a Director of Exceptional Needs licensing program in the state of Indiana. The scholarship supports study at Indiana colleges and universities offering approved special education licensing programs.

Scholarship Deadline

The application period opens on October 1, 2026. The deadline for submission is December 30, 2026.

Host Organization

The Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE) is a professional organization dedicated to serving, supporting, and representing special education administrators in Indiana. ICASE members work to improve the lives of students with disabilities and to provide high-impact learning opportunities for all students.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Graduate or licensing program level.

Fields: Special Education Administration / Director of Exceptional Needs licensing program. Applicants must be accepted or currently enrolled in a Director of Exceptional Needs licensing program in the state of Indiana.

Target Group

The scholarship targets individuals who are interested in becoming administrators in special education in Indiana. Applicants must be nominated by a current special education director and enrolled in a special education licensing program. The scholarship aims to build capacity among ICASE members and develop future leaders in special education.

Scholarship Amount

Award Amount: $1,000 per scholarship.

Number of Awards: Two (2) scholarships are awarded annually.

Selection Criteria:

• Applicant must be accepted or currently enrolled in a Director of Exceptional Needs licensing program in Indiana.
• Must be nominated by a current special education director.
• Demonstrated commitment to special education leadership.
• Quality of application materials and essay.

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Nominated by a current special education director – nomination is required for eligibility.
• Enrollment: Must be accepted or currently enrolled in a Director of Exceptional Needs licensing program in the state of Indiana.
• Commitment: Must demonstrate a strong interest in becoming an administrator in special education.
• Residency: The licensing program must be in the state of Indiana.

Required documents:

• Completed application form
• Two letters of recommendation:
  • One from a current director of special education
  • One from immediate supervisor/administrator (principal, assistant principal, superintendent, or program professor in the licensing program if currently taking classes)
• Essay: "What contributions do I intend on making as an administrator in the field of Special Education?"

Application Procedure

1. Secure a nomination – You must be nominated by a current special education director in Indiana. Contact a special education director who can support your application.
2. Verify enrollment – Ensure you are accepted or currently enrolled in a Director of Exceptional Needs licensing program in Indiana.
3. Visit the official website – Go to https://icoaose.wildapricot.org/Presidential-Scholarship/ to access the application when it opens on October 1, 2026.
4. Prepare required documents – Gather the following:
   • Completed application form
   • Two letters of recommendation:
     • One from a current director of special education
     • One from immediate supervisor/administrator or program professor
   • Essay: "What contributions do I intend on making as an administrator in the field of Special Education?"
5. Submit before the deadline – Submit your complete application by December 30, 2026.
6. Selection process – A selection committee reviews applications and selects the recipients based on the quality of the application, recommendations, and essay.

Important notes: The application period opens on October 1, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions, contact ICASE directly through their website.

Official Website & Application Links

ICASE Presidential Scholarship – Official Page

Organization: Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE)

Application Period: October 1 – December 30, 2026