Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Scholars Program

Apply Now! Send this application form to Maxine Kwofie at mkwofie1@gsu.edu

The Program for Rehabilitation Leadership at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies in collaboration with the Department of Counseling & Psychological Services at the College of Education present the:

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Scholars Program

Receive up to $21,531 for your graduate degree!

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) training program provides financial support to students seeking a master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. Scholarships cover:

1. Tuition (in-state graduate tuition rate $192 per hour for 48 hours)
2. Fees ($463 per semester for 5 semesters full time)
3. Stipend for books, supplies, transportation ($2,000 per semester for 5 semesters)
4. Reimbursement for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor preparation course and examination application fees, whilst still in masters program
5. Potential support for relevant professional conference attendance

THE REHABILITATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The purpose of the RSA Scholars program is to increase the supply of qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors to serve the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities assisted through:

• Vocational rehabilitation (VR)
• Supported employment
• Independent living programs

The Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) provisions of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 require State vocational rehabilitation agencies to establish and maintain standards to ensure staff are appropriately and adequately prepared to serve customers. For rehabilitation counselors, this standard equates to a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling and certification, or eligibility to sit for the certification exam.

The Rehabilitation Counseling master's program at Georgia State University has earned a reputation of rigor and excellence in counselor education, and boasts a pass rate of 95% for students who sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) examination. Students are prepared to work with individuals on educational, vocational, social, emotional or medically-related barriers to employability. In addition, the masters program helps students develop a strong value for disability rights advocacy, in order to support individuals as they address the environmental and attitudinal barriers to full access, choice, and independence.

Georgia State University works closely with the Georgia Department of Labor, Vocational Rehabilitation Program to recruit, train, and employ RSA Scholars throughout the State of Georgia. There is a growing need for professionals in the public rehabilitation program, and the Georgia Department of Labor offers competitive salaries and benefits that emphasize long-term career development. The Vocational Rehabilitation Program assists over 4,000 people with significant disabilities to obtain and retain employment annually. In fact, during the 84-year history of the public rehabilitation program, more than 14 million individuals with disabilities have acquired gainful employment across the nation. 

Eligibility

A candidate for an RSA scholarship must:

1. In order to be considered for the scholarship, candidates must already be admitted to the graduate program in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling.
2. Express an interest in a career in clinical practice, administration, supervision, teaching or research in the vocational rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, especially persons with severe disabilities
3. Promise, in writing, that within two years after ending the program, the Scholar will find and keep employment in a state rehabilitation agency, or a related agency that provides services to individuals with severe disabilities under an agreement with a state agency, or other public agency as defined by RSA. For each full-time academic year funded by this scholarship, the Scholar must work two years in this field. No more than 4 years will be required for a two-year master's program.

Georgia State University Requirements:

1. Scholarship candidates must be fully admitted to graduate status prior to acceptance into the program
2. Submit the APPLICATION FOR RSA SCHOLARSHIP for each year of funding
3. Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA each semester

Once the candidate is awarded a RSA scholarship, and based on the availability of federal funds, the scholarship will continue to be awarded each successive semester of that academic year provided that the student maintains satisfactory progress in the master’s degree program.

If a scholarship recipient drops a course that has been paid with scholarship funds after the tuition refund date, the student will be required to pay for the hours dropped.

Program Components

1. Mentoring program
2. Disability culture immersion experiences
3. Practica and internships
4. Placement support
5. Qualifying Employment

Course Information

You may visit the Counseling and Psychology Services website within the College of Education for information on courses offered:  http://education.gsu.edu/cps/M.S. Rehab Counseling.htm

• Flyer on the Scholars Program
• Brochure on Rehabilitation Counseling
• Meals and Incidental Expense How-To
• Application Form (send to Maxine Kwofie)