Why the COPAA Conference Matters — and How the Beth Goodman Scholarship Can Get You There
Advocacy does not happen in isolation. It happens when parents and advocates understand the law, know how systems operate, and are connected to others doing the work.
That is exactly why the annual COPAA Conference matters — and why the Beth Goodman Scholarship is an opportunity advocates should not overlook.
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) is currently accepting applications for this scholarship, which provides financial assistance to attend the conference.
Application Deadline:
Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Why Attend the COPAA Conference?
The COPAA Conference is one of the few spaces intentionally designed for parents, advocates, and attorneys to learn together.
Attendees gain:
Practical guidance on IDEA, Section 504, evaluations, services, and dispute resolution
Insight into how advocacy actually plays out across districts and states
Tools to move from emotional advocacy to strategic, documented advocacy
Access to a national network of experienced advocates and professionals
This is where many parents stop feeling isolated and start feeling prepared.
This Year’s Conference Is Local
This year, the COPAA Conference is in the region, making it far more accessible for families and advocates who may not typically be able to travel long distances.
That matters. Reduced travel time and cost can be the difference between attending — or missing out on training that changes how you advocate moving forward.
About the Beth Goodman Scholarship
The Beth Goodman Scholarship is available to:
Current COPAA members
Individuals who need financial assistance to attend
Advocates who have demonstrated, or are actively demonstrating, meaningful contributions to special education advocacy
This is the only COPAA scholarship that may include:
A conference registration fee waiver, and
Reimbursement for travel and/or lodging expenses
Scholarship awards are determined by COPAA’s Scholarship Committee. Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed.
Important Application Notes
You must be logged into your COPAA member profile to apply.
Do not wait until the deadline — some applicants need time to gather documentation or describe their advocacy work clearly.
Scholarship questions should be sent to: bgscholarship@copaa.org
Final Word
Access to training should not depend on personal finances — especially when advocates are already carrying so much for their children and communities.
If you are eligible, apply.
If you know an advocate doing the work quietly and consistently, share this information.
Opportunity, access, and preparation matter — and this scholarship helps open that door.
