OSEP Scholarship

Strengthening the School Interpreting Workforce

PSI Project

PSI Scholars

The PSI Project awarded an OSEP scholarship to 21 upper-division students in the UNC ASL-English Interpretation (ASLEI) program from 2021 to 2026. 

The PSI Project’s OSEP Scholarship prepared interpreting students to successfully work in public schools as part of the interdisciplinary team that supports the education of students who are deaf and hard of hearing. The PSI Scholars completed a 16-credit School Interpreting Series (SIS) concentration as part of their ASL-English Interpretation BA coursework.

SIS Concentration

The School Interpreting Series (SIS) concentration was six (6) courses. These courses were taken during the fall and spring semesters of Year 3 and Year 4 of the ASL-English Interpretation BA program.

Scholarship Benefits

Under the PSI Project, the OSEP scholarship provided two years of financial support to complete the BA degree in ASL-English Interpretation with a specialization in the School Interpreting Series.

~$28,000

In direct support for tuition &
an educational stipend

~$4,000

Stipend to offset the cost of internship experiences outside of the PSI Scholar’s home community

~$4,000 

Post-graduation
professional opportunities

(e.g., reimbursement, induction-mentorship experience, access to the school interpreting support services, research coach, shareship, and national conferences)

Scholarship Service Obligation

In return for the OSEP scholarship, PSI Scholars commit to 4 years of full-time employment in an educational setting with students who receive Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) services (e.g., IEP or 504).

The PSI Project provided scholarships through the Special Education Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities under the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Funding from OSEP required a service obligation based on Section 662(h) of the Act and regulations of this part. Additional information about the service obligation is available on the OSEP website.

PSI Scholar Outcomes

PSI Scholars demonstrated strong outcomes as they transitioned from academic preparation into professional practice. As of April 2026:

Employment

Nearly all graduated Scholars were employed as school interpreters in their respective states and met their states’ employment standards.

School interpreter and student communicating in a classroom, with a U.S. map marked with pushpins and a sign reading “Making Access Possible Everywhere” in the background.

School Interpreting Credentials - Knowledge

85% average EIPA: Written score, with Scholar averages exceeding national averages across all nine content areas.

Infographic showing PSI Scholar EIPA: Written outcomes. Graduated Scholars averaged 85% and exceeded national averages across all nine content areas.

School Interpreting Credentials - Skills

3.63 average EIPA: Performance score

Scores across the four EIPA Roman categories provide a more detailed look at Scholars’ demonstrated interpreting skills.

The largest increase in EIPA: Performance scores was 0.8 points.

Infographic showing average EIPA: Performance scores across four Roman levels. Roman III had the highest average score at 4.45, followed by Roman I at 3.7. Roman II and Roman IV each averaged 3.16.

Professional Credentials - CASLI Generalist

3 of 3 graduated Scholars who completed the CASLI Generalist Knowledge & Ethics Exams post-graduation passed both sections.

School interpreter signs during a collaborative meeting with a student and members of an educational team.

Graduate Spotlight

Grant Recognition

The contents of the PSI Project website were developed under a U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Program (OSEP) personnel preparation project (H325K210024). The contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.