The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education (BSE), and PaTTAN are pleased to offer a limited number of family scholarships to attend:
Bridging Knowledge to Know-How:
Empowering Pennsylvania Educators and Partners
August 4-7, 2026
The Lancaster County Convention Center
This unique conference highlights best practices, research, and strategies that make a positive educational difference for all students, with a specific focus on autism, sensory disabilities, secondary transition, and complex instructional needs. It offers an opportunity to learn and engage with nationally recognized presenters, as well as educators and families from across the state. In addition to inspiring speakers and informative session content, the conference offers:
- a limited number of family scholarships to PA residents to attend in-person or virtually (see details below)
- youth experiences for children ages 4 through 21
- poster sessions on successful approaches, programs, and collaborations from PA local educational agencies (LEAs)
- exhibitors and vendors
- networking opportunites and evening actvities.
Details about the Conference
Scholarship Offerings and Qualifications
Family Scholarships (full, partial, and virtual) are available to Pennsylvania residents who have children (birth through 21)
- with a current IEP/IFSP, or
- who receive supports and services through an Infant Toddler or Preschool Early Intervention Program, or
- are in the evaluation/assessment process for eligibility to receive support and services from a Pennsylvania public or approved private school (APS), as designated by the Commonwealth.
Note: Those employed in a professional capacity by any of the following: school, district, charter school, Intermediate Unit (IU), Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), or other federally funded educational or advocacy organization are not eligible and should seek funding through their employer/organization. Paraprofessionals are eligible to apply.
What Scholarships Cover
All three types of scholarships cover the registration cost for conference attendance.
Full Scholarship (in-person):
- Conference registration: The cost to attend the conference, with all it's amenities, will be covered. Requirements for an in-person scholarship are to register and attend sessions, in order to participate in conference meals, snacks, and activities.
- Youth Experiences: Experiences (camps) are available at no cost (Youth Experiences full details)
- Lodging: For families of up to four* members approved to attend in person and traveling 50 miles or more, one way, from the Lancaster County Convention Center, the cost of one hotel room and tax for approved nights will be covered. Calculate your mileage on Microsoft Maps
* Exceptions to the four family members limit must be requested in writing to bk2khscholarships@pattankop.net. A limited number of exceptions may be granted, based on need and availability.
Instructions for making lodging reservations are listed farther below in this application.
Partial Scholarship (in-person):
- Conference registration: The cost to attend the conference, with all of it's amenitites, will be covered. Requirements for an in-person scholarship are to register and attend sessions, in order to participate in conference meals, snacks, and activities.
- Youth Experiences: Experiences (camps) are available at no cost (Youth Experiences full details).
- Lodging: No Lodging is covered with partial scholarship.
In-person scholarship recipients are responsible for their travel expenses, including meals, transportation, fuel, tolls, and mileage.
Virtual Scholarship:
- Conference registration: For online attendance, conference registration and session attendance are required. You will receive personalized links to your selected registered sessions. Please do not share your links.
Application Process and Deadline
Completed scholarship applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026. Preference will be given to first-time applicants. Scholarship notifications will be sent in mid-late June 2026.
Email inquiries about scholarship application to bk2khscholarships@pattankop.net