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Earn a Tuition-Free Direct Support Professional Microcredential at JCC While Grant Funding Lasts
Published: July 23, 2026 at
03:15 p.m.
By: Press Release
from Jefferson Community College
Earn a
Tuition-Free Direct Support Professional Microcredential at
Jefferson While Grant Funding Lasts - Apply Today!
Watertown, N.Y. – Direct
Support Professionals (DSPs) are encouraged to earn their DSP I and DSP II microcredentials at Jefferson Community College (JCC)
at no cost while grant funding remains available. Designed with working
professionals in mind, Jefferson's part-time microcredential
programs offer flexible course formats. Fall classes begin August 24, 2026.
Grant funding for
this program covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and National Alliance
for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) credentialing. Eligible students
also receive a $750 incentive upon successful completion of each microcredential.
"This is an
incredible opportunity for direct support professionals to advance their
careers without taking on the financial burden of paying for college,"
said Dr. Mallory Jackson, Associate Professor of Human Services at
Jefferson. "Participants can gain valuable credentials, earn
transferable college credit, and strengthen the skills that can lead to
greater career opportunities and increased earning potential
— all at no cost."
At Jefferson, the
DSP I microcredential provides foundational
knowledge in human services, ethics in the helping professions, and
interpersonal communication. The DSP II microcredential
builds on that foundation with coursework in healthcare systems, case
management, and professional communication, preparing students to
coordinate services and advocate for clients.
Both the DSP I
and DSP II microcredentials align with NADSP
certification requirements. Programs consist of 3 credit-bearing courses, and can be completed fully online or through a
combination of online and in-person instruction. Successful participants
will earn:
1) A $750
bonus once eligibility requirements are met
2) One
or more SUNY microcredential
3) National
certification(s)
4) Transferable
college credit
The DSP I and DSP
II microcredentials serve as preparation for
Jefferson’s Human Services A.S. degree, providing a natural next step for
direct support professionals to continue their education and expand their
career opportunities. Transfer pathways exist for students who already have
their associate degree and are seeking their bachelor’s degree.
Apply at www.sunyjefferson.edu/microcredentials.
Classes begin August 24, 2026. For more information, contact JCC’s
Enrollment Services office at (315) 786-2437 or email admissions@sunyjefferson.edu.
Made possible
through the SUNY Direct Support Professional Microcredential
program with support from Jefferson Community College, New York State
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
and the State University of New York.
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About Jefferson
Community College
Established on
November 7, 1961, Jefferson Community College was the area’s first
institution of higher education. Supervised by the State University of New
York (SUNY), Jefferson offers more than 50 associate degrees, certificates,
and microcredentials for career preparation and
transfer. The college also provides local access to bachelor’s and advanced
degrees through partner institutions; lifelong learning through workshops
and seminars; business and industry training; community-based research;
forums for the productive discussion of ideas and regional issues through
the Center for Community Studies; and cultural enrichment opportunities
that serve the entire tri-county region—Fort Drum’s military installation
among them. Jefferson, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher
Education, currently serves approximately 2,400 students, many of whom are
service members and their families. Visit www.sunyjefferson.edu for
more information.
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