About Us
What is MOSPA?
The Michigan Occupational Special Populations Association was formed in 1975 to improve opportunities while giving support to career technical students with special needs.
The purpose of MOSPA is to inform members of the requirements of the Perkins legislation and assist in its implementation at the local level to ensure that the needs of the special population student are well served at the secondary and postsecondary levels. In addition, a goal of the organization and the state conference is to enhance the professional development of educators and paraprofessionals working with special population students.
Who are Special Populations Students?
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, Public Law 115-224 (Perkins V) was signed into law July 2018. The act refers to an identifiable segment of the career and technical education population as individuals who are members of “special populations” as defined below:
- Individuals with disabilities
- Individuals from economically disadvantaged families, including low-income youth and adults
- Individuals preparing for non-traditional fields
- Single parents, including single-pregnant women
- Out-of-workforce individuals
- English learners
- Homeless individuals
- Youth who are in, or have aged out of, the foster care system
- Youth with a parent who is a member of the armed forces or on active duty
- Migrants
State of Michigan Support Instrumental in MOSPA Success
The Executive Board and Conference Committee of the Michigan Occupational Special Populations Association (MOSPA) would like to extend our sincerest appreciation for the grant funds provided in support of our yearly State conference held in early May. Your continued support of MOSPA allows us to bring high quality and relevant professional development training to occupational educators throughout the State at a reasonable cost. In 1975, MOSPA began as a mechanism to improve professional development opportunities for career and technical educators in support of improving the success of career and technical special population students.
Our Story
At Michigan Occupational Special Populations Association (MOSPA), we are passionate about providing high-quality education to all individuals. Our story began with a desire to make education accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or location. We believe that education is a powerful tool that can transform lives and create positive change in the world.
Our Partners
