Funding Continues for NYS Direct Support Professionals Seeking National Certifications

Apply Today for DSP I and II Microcredentials at JCC

Full tuition funding continues for New York State Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to pursue DSP I and DSP II microcredentials from Jefferson Community College (JCC). Direct support professionals are essential frontline workers who care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Through grant support from the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the State University of New York (SUNY), direct support professionals may pursue DSP I and DSP II microcredentials at no cost as part of the SUNY Direct Support Professional (DSP) Microcredential Program.

Grant funding for this initiative covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) credentialing, along with educational supports. The program offers a $750 incentive to eligible students for each microcredential and earn NADSP certification level earned.

“There has never been a more important time for direct support professionals to pursue national certification and grow in their careers,” says Joanna Brislan, Director of Community Services at JCC. “The need for trained, compassionate DSPs continues to rise, and this grant-funded opportunity removes many financial barriers while creating a clear pathway to professional recognition and advancement.”

At Jefferson, the DSP I microcredential coursework includes foundational knowledge in human services, ethics in helping professions, and interpersonal communication and DSP II microcredential coursework focuses on leadership development and person-centered care practices. Both microcredentials align with NADSP certification requirements, 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: 

• One or more SUNY microcredentials
• National certification(s)
• Transferable college credit
• A $750 completion incentive for each level

The DSP I and DSP II microcredentials serve as feeder programs to Jefferson’s Human Services A.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.

Direct support professionals are encouraged to take advantage of this cost-saving, career and degree-building, opportunity. Apply at www.sunyjefferson.edu/microcredentials.  Classes begin August 25, 2025. For more information, contact JCC’s Enrollment Services office at (315) 786-2437 or email ced@sunyjefferson.edu.