Meng Announces $220,000 Federal Grant for Queens College
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today announced a $220,000 federal grant for Queens College.
The funds, allocated by the U.S. Department of Education, will be used for the school to continue its Disability Student Support Services project, an initiative that assists enrolled students with disabilities.
Under the program, 100 low-income students with disabilities are provided with numerous support services to aid them with their studies, and help ensure that they graduate.
"Queens College does an outstanding job preparing students for their futures," said Meng. "I am happy to deliver the great news about these important funds, and I'm pleased that that the money will allow this critical program to continue. I look forward to many more Queens College students benefiting from the Disability Student Support Services project."
"We are extremely happy to be awarded this grant, and that this important program will be funded for another five years," said Dr. Mirian Detres-Hickey, Director of Queens College's Office of Special Services. "We serve a great number of students who require supportive services and these funds help a great deal. Our counselors work hard to support these students, and that shows in the increased number of graduates who have disabilities. I'm very proud and happy for our students and staff here at the Office of Special Services."
The assistance provided under the Disability Student Support Services (DSSS) project includes:
- Assessments of career development and counseling
- Academic and programmatic accommodations for students' disabilities
- Self-advocacy training
- Mentoring program matching new students with upper-class students who have similar disabilities
- Tutoring and remedial services
- Peer mentoring
- Personal and academic counseling
- Disability-related academic adjustments, cultural activities and support
- Graduate school enrollment assistance and transitional services
- Referrals to local state agencies
- Assistive Technology Training Program (an equipment lending program to ensure that DSSS participants have equal opportunity to avail themselves of the College's educational resources)
- Non-cognitive activities and behaviors assessment
- Intrusive coaching and academic advising, and regular (at least bi-weekly) coaching through texts, emails and phone calls
The funds are set to be used over the next five years. The money is appropriated from the Department of Education's Student Support Services Program.