Since the program began in Spring 2024, five students who have earned microcredentials through SUNY Jamestown Community College's Direct Support Professional Program have gone on to earn associate’s degrees, demonstrating how short-term credentials can serve as a pathway to higher education and career advancement.
Samantha Wheeler and Heather Wildfire have earned an A.S. Individual Studies degrees; Herimone Riggs and Susanne Stone have graduated with A. S.Human Services degrees; and Samantha Simon was awarded an A.S. Business Administration degree.
Riggs, Simon, Wheeler, and Wildfire are employed by Intandem, and Stone by Aspire of Western New York.
“Their accomplishments reflect a commitment to professional development, lifelong learning and service to others in the human services field,” said Shannon Bessette, JCC’s DSP program manager.
Wheeler completed each of the DSP microcredentials, which helped her earn more than two dozen credits toward an associate’s degree.
"The DSP program at JCC was a great experience for me," Wheeler said. "As an asynchronous online student, I appreciated how supportive and encouraging the instructors were throughout the program. The experience helped me continue building confidence and skills within the field.
“Since earning my associate's degree,” Wheeler added. “I have become a supervisor at the same day program where I previously worked as a DSP. I'm also planning to return to JCC to pursue the Frontline Supervisor certification so I can continue learning and growing professionally."
The DSP microcredential program was developed to strengthen New York's direct support workforce through a partnership among the State University of New York, the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. The program provides free college courses, textbooks and national certification opportunities to eligible participants employed by human service organizations.
Students who complete DSP levels 1, 2 and 3 can earn up to 28 college credits that apply toward an associate’s degree. Participants also receive coaching and support throughout the program and may qualify for stipends upon successful completion of coursework and national certification requirements.
In addition to the DSP microcredentials, JCC offers a Front Line Supervisor microcredential designed to help current DSP supervisors strengthen their leadership skills while earning nationally recognized certification.
The college's DSP program is supported through partnerships with Aspire of WNY, Intandem, People Inc., The Arc Allegany-Steuben, The New York Foundling, and The Resource Center. These organizations work alongside JCC to help develop a skilled and compassionate workforce dedicated to supporting individuals with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.
“JCC continues to seek new partnerships with organizations committed to professional development and high-quality care,” Bessette said.
Direct support professionals employed by human service agencies may be eligible to participate in the program at no cost while grant funding remains available.
For more information, contact Bessette at shannonbessette@sunyjcc.edu.