NEWPORT, R.I. – Salve Regina University has been awarded two competitive U.S. Department of Education grants totaling up to $1.25 million over five years to fund full tuition scholarships for qualified students who enroll in a graduate degree program in rehabilitation counseling.
Interested students are encouraged to apply immediately, as scholarships are available for those who begin their course of study in January 2011. For more information, contact the university’s graduate studies office at graduate_studies@salve.edu or by calling 1-800-637-0002.
Funding, provided by the DOE’s Rehabilitation Services Administration, is available for students who successfully enroll in a 48-credit program leading to a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, or a 60-credit program leading to the master’s degree and a certificate of advanced graduate studies degree in mental health.
Students who receive the federal funding must commit to work in a state vocational agency, a non-profit rehabilitation agency or a related agency which has a service arrangement with the state vocational rehabilitation agency (two years of work for every one year of funding).
Awards will be based on applicants who express interest in working as a rehabilitation counselor and can demonstrate experience working with people with disabilities. Applicants need to have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership potential.
“This will improve the quality of rehabilitation services provided to people with disabilities, enabling them to achieve their goals in regard to employment, independent living or participation in the community,” said Dr. Dimity Peter, director of Salve Regina’s Rehabilitation Counseling Program. “This is an excellent scholarship opportunity for those who are already working for rehabilitation services and seeking to develop their skills and knowledge through an accredited masters program, or for those with a strong academic background who wish to pursue a career in rehabilitation services.”
Classes are offered at Salve Regina’s Newport campus, the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in Pawtucket, and online.
Salve Regina University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the national Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE).
Scholarship information sessions will be offered to the public at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, level 2, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket on the following dates: Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 4:30 p.m.; Monday, Nov. 22 at 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 4:30 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m.
An information session will also be offered to the public at Salve Regina University, graduate Department of Counseling, 162 Webster St., Newport, on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m.