Maria College receives three-year $449K federal grant

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Maria College will continue strengthening students' opportunities to help children with disabilities and their families after the U.S. Department of Education awarded the college $449,997 over the next three years. The national federal funding is to enhance students' chances of gaining experience helping kids with disabilities and their families in underserved communities.

The funding will support Maria College students gain hands-on experience and training within Capital Region communities. The college's curriculum will expand to offer clinical experiences through occupational therapy for kids in early intervention and educational settings.

Congressman Paul Tonko submitted a letter of support for the college to receive federal funding. Tonko said the funding will bolster the college's efforts to train the next generation of care providers. Earlier this year, Tonko visited the college to open the Center for Academic Innovation, supporting the project by providing $770,000 through the Fiscal Year 2023 Community Project Funding process.

"Through innovative experiential learning initiatives and a deep connection to the local community, Maria College is already helping to bring top-notch care to countless Capital Region residents," Tonko said. "With this award, the College will be able to expand opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to provide direct assistance to children with disabilities and their families."