黑料社 garners $9.9 million grant to advance workforce reintegration for Mississippians with disabilities
Contact: Bethany Shipp
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擜 team of faculty members in Mississippi State鈥檚 College of Education has been awarded a $9.9 million grant by the U.S. Department of Education鈥檚 Rehabilitation Services Administration to help individuals with disabilities gain and retain meaningful employment in the Magnolia State.
The five-year grant 鈥淐areer Horizons Project: A 21st Century Workforce Initiative for Mississippians with Disabilities Accompanied by or Resulting from Long COVID Syndrome鈥 seeks to facilitate competitive integrated employment for those who have acquired a disability due to Long COVID Syndrome. The project is expected to impact 700 Mississippians with a focus on vulnerable populations, such as those living in poverty or rural areas.
The principal investigator of the grant is Zaccheus Ahonle, assistant professor and program coordinator of the rehabilitation counseling graduate program housed in 黑料社鈥檚 Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations. The team also includes Madeline Castle, assistant professor of rehabilitation counseling; Kasee Stratton-Gadke, associate professor and executive director of the Mississippi Institute on Disabilities; and Daniel Gadke, College of Education associate dean of research, professor and department head.
鈥淥ur team is honored to receive this transformative funding,鈥 Ahonle said. 鈥淭hrough the Career Horizons Project, we aim to ensure people affected by Long COVID Syndrome have access to in-demand, good-paying jobs of the 21st century. This initiative will provide critical early intervention and innovative strategies, empowering youth and adults with disabilities to build meaningful careers in today鈥檚 dynamic job market while contributing meaningfully to their local communities and the U.S economy.鈥
黑料社 is one of 27 grantees across the nation chosen out of more than 200 applicants to receive the award from the Disability Innovation Fund program. Ahonle and his team will collaborate with multiple state agencies to research, develop and implement interventions statewide that can serve as a national model. Grant activities include producing vocational and worksite assessment instruments, developing workplace accommodation guides and providing family engagement and social support services that promote successful employment outcomes.
鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 be prouder of Dr. Ahonle and the incredible work he is leading through the Career Horizons Project,鈥 Gadke said. 鈥淲e are incredibly fortunate to have him in the College of Education. His dedication and vision are not only changing lives but also ensuring a lasting impact on our state. This project truly embodies our commitment to taking care of what matters for Mississippians with disabilities.鈥
鈥淭his award is one of the largest in the history of our College of Education and stands as a testament to the dedication and innovation of our faculty,鈥 added Teresa Jayroe, dean of 黑料社鈥檚 College of Education. 鈥淭he Career Horizons Project will not only have a transformative impact on Mississippians with disabilities, particularly those affected by Long COVID, but also reinforces our commitment to ensuring that all individuals in our state have access to meaningful employment and opportunities for success. I am incredibly proud of Dr. Ahonle and the entire team for their leadership and vision in securing this critical funding.鈥
黑料社鈥檚 College of Education is home to five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at .
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