August 1, 2023
SUNY CHANCELLOR KING ANNOUNCES REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR DIRECT SUPPORT MICROCREDENTIALS
Program to be offered through Empire State University and select SUNY colleges
(ALBANY, NY – August 1, 2023) — State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. today announced the start of the direct support microcredential program approved earlier this year to provide training that leads to national certification in the field of developmental disabilities. This program will be offered through Empire State University and select SUNY colleges.
The program was developed in partnership with the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to recognize the distinct skills and competencies required of today’s direct support professionals.
This microcredential program will be offered through Empire State University and other participating SUNY campuses including SUNY Corning, Dutchess Community College, Finger Lakes Community College, Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Jefferson Community College, Mohawk Valley Community College, SUNY Morrisville, Niagara County Community College, Onondaga Community College, SUNY Schenectady, and Tompkins Cortland Community College.
The programs are a partnership between the State University of New York (SUNY) and the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to recognize the distinct skills and competencies required of today’s direct support professionals. Each campus is working with an OPWDD-operated or affiliated provider partner to help upskill incumbent workers or to provide internships for those new to the field.
Supported through $5 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan, this microcredential program aims to assist direct support staff already working in the profession and those new to the developmental disabilities field in earning college credits that meet requirements for certification from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). Students will be able to secure national certification and college credit toward a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. The grant program covers tuition, certification, fees, books, and student support, and students can earn a one-time $750 stipend.
To read SUNY’s full release, visit www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/8-23/8-1-23/dsp-mc.html.