Springfield College’s Rehabilitation Counseling Program Receives Major Grant

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College has received a five-year, nearly $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to support the education and professional development of future rehabilitation counselors.

The grant will provide training funds for graduate students pursuing master’s degrees in rehabilitation counseling at Springfield College through September 2030. The college will begin enrolling students in the RSA Scholar Program in the spring of 2026.

The project, directed by Kate Green, associate professor and program director for the Rehabilitation Counseling program, will enhance national efforts to address the growing demand for qualified rehabilitation counselors across the U.S.

According to Green, rehabilitation counselors play a critical role in helping individuals with disabilities achieve employment, independence, and full community participation.

“Through this five-year grant, eligible students will receive financial assistance to support tuition, fees, and experiential learning opportunities in the field of rehabilitation counseling,” she said. “The program aims to increase the number of trained professionals in state-federal vocational rehabilitation.”

Allison Cumming-McCann, professor of Counseling, program chair of School Counseling, and chair of the Department of Counseling, added that “we are thrilled about this grant and the opportunities it creates for future professionals and the individuals they will serve. It expands access for our students and strengthens Springfield College’s long tradition of preparing compassionate, skilled rehabilitation counselors dedicated to leadership and service.”