When Assumption’s Rehabilitation Counseling program was awarded a five-year, $1,000,000 long-term training grant in 2015 from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the institution embarked on an effort to develop one of the best programs in the country.
This grant from the RSA, a division of the U.S. Department of Education, supports scholarships and provides funds for leadership, technical assistance, and increased enrollment as well as student visibility. Ninety percent of the funds distributed thus far have benefited nearly 50 students with individual average tuition awards of $8,500.
“Through the resources of the generous federal grant, Assumption is able to offer tuition assistance to students enrolled in the Rehabilitation Counseling program to pursue a career assisting those with disabilities,” said Nicholas Cioe, Ph.D., CRC, director of the Rehabilitation Counseling program. “The Assumption program takes a unique approach to preparing leaders in this critical field by using content-expert faculty across the various rehabilitation sectors to provide a breadth of experience-based learning.”
In just two years, Assumption has allocated funding for more than 30 students to attend National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) conferences in Washington, DC, and Anaheim, CA. The conferences expose students to the latest services, therapies, and educational initiatives to assist those with disabilities. Three Assumption students were invited to make presentations at the spring conference exploring best methods for effective practice with individuals with disabilities and techniques to strengthen the therapeutic relationship with clients living in poverty.
Assumption’s Rehabilitation Counseling program, offered both online and on campus, is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP).