Welcome to the landing page for the PCAST Cohort Application Process. Below you will find the link to the cohort application form along with helpful information from our project participation agreement. The participation agreement language will help you understand the key requirements and benefits that come with participation in the project. Person-centered approaches are applicable with students of all ages (3-21) and we encourage districts/schools serving students at any grade level to apply.

To apply, please read the information on this webpage, then view the orientation video, and finally, click on the application link to submit all required application information:

PCAST Cohort Application Orientation Video



Cohort Application 2025-2026

The following Participation Agreement lays out specific benefits and requirements of being a cohort district. If your district is ultimately selected as a Cohort District for the coming academic year, then a similar form with a signature page will be sent to you. This version is for applicant information only.

The New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, in partnership with The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development, is pleased that your district is considering participation in next year's PCAST Cohort. If your district is accepted and agrees to implement all the project requirements listed below, your staff will receive on-going customized training and technical assistance on person-centered approaches with multi-year on-site support. PCAST staff will work collaboratively with your staff to explore person-centered approaches, including but not limited to, facilitating individual person-centered plans, classroom implementation, developing internal training capacity, and designing more person-centered IEP meetings and processes.

The PCAST Project has been built on a foundation of respect, trust and partnership with educators, families and students working together to broadly apply person-centered approaches at all grade levels. PCAST efforts focus on helping students to identify, prepare for, and attain their desired post-school outcomes for adult life in their own communities. All person-centered approaches involve a continuous process of discovery that engages educators, and students and their families to develop a deep understanding of each student and supporting them in shaping a personal vision for a positive future. All person-centered approaches involve a continuous process of discovery that engages educators, students, and their families in developing a deep understanding of each student and supports them in shaping a personal vision for a positive future.