In an announcement made by Senator Tom Harkin, the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Long-Term Training program awarded Drake University a major grant to increase the number of individuals trained in providing all areas of rehabilitation services to people with disabilities. The grant will provide funding of $199,999 per year for five years—totally nearly $999,995.
“We are delighted to receive this grant because it will provide scholarships to students seeking a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling,” says Robert Stensrud, professor of education at Drake University. “These grants are very competitive and we appreciate Drake’s support in securing this nearly million dollar award.”
Drake University will use the grant for long-term training funds to provide a Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling with an emphasis in employer development. Of the total amount, Drake will use $150,000 each year to fund student stipends. This amount will allow the Drake University School of Education to assist an average of 15–16 students per year. This average is based upon an anticipated mix of full-time and part-time students.
As project director, Robert Stensrud, professor of education, will administer the grant and teach courses that are part of the required curriculum. Matt Bruinekool, assistant professor of counseling education, will also devote his time assisting with the management of the grant and teaching a grant-specific course.
The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation will be a partner on this project to help design and construct a national clearinghouse for vocational rehabilitation agencies. They will match students with internships, provide them access to jobs after graduation, connect rehabilitation scholars with mentors, and bring national speakers into classrooms via distance education technology.
For more information, contact the School of Education at 515-271-3726.