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�첥��Ƶ Cortland Community College joined with The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and The State University of New York (SUNY) on December 6 to recognize 15 students who have completed the Direct Support Professionals microcredential programs. Direct support professionals, or DSPs, help people with developmental disabilities succeed with daily living tasks, achieve their goals, find and keep a job, and participate fully in their communities.

The DSP microcredential program, a partnership between The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, SUNY, and OPWDD, provides the ability to earn national certification in the distinct skills and competencies required of today’s direct support professionals through small credit-bearing microcredentials.  

“Direct Support Professionals are essential to caring for one of our most vulnerable populations," said TC3 President Amy Kremenek. "The dedicated employees who serve as DSP’s are to be commended for their dedication to the well-being of others and their commitment to professional excellence. With the support of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, SUNY, and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, and working with our regional employer partners at the Unity House, Racker Center, and Catholic Charities of �첥��Ƶ/Tioga, TC3 is proud to serve the educational needs of DSP’s and to support continued growth in their careers to the benefit of the entire community.”

Supported through over $50 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the SUNY DSP 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. Students are 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. 

“SUNY is proud of our role as an engine of upward mobility for New York State," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. "Across participating SUNY campuses, demand for the Direct Support Professional Microcredential Program is increasing, and I’m honored to recognize the 15 students enrolled in �첥��Ƶ Cortland Community College's DSP program. We look forward to growing this crucial program across the state."

Photo caption (from left to right): Angela Carl, Mindy Darling, William Henry Vaughn-Russell