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Maria College Receives $420,000 Grant From Cabrini Foundation To Enhance Nursing Student Success

Maria College has received a $420,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to support the JumpStart Nursing Success Initiative, a program designed to improve academic success, retention, and career readiness for nursing students from vulnerable and diverse communities across the Capital Region.

The three-year grant, which began Jan. 1, 2026, will expand academic preparation, coaching, and student support for LPN and RN nursing students. The program addresses gaps in numeracy, reading comprehension, and professional communication that can create barriers to success in nursing education and practice.

“At Maria College, our Mercy mission calls us to meet students where they are and help them achieve their full potential,” said Dr. Lynn Ortale, president of Maria College. “We are deeply grateful to the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for their continued support, which allows us to overcome barriers, strengthen student confidence, and prepare future nurses to care for members of our community with compassion and dignity.”

The initiative begins with an academic skills evaluation for each student, followed by a free four-week summer JumpStart program, ongoing coaching, and access to support services throughout the year. Approximately 420 nursing students will benefit annually, including students with significant financial need, English language learners, students with disabilities, and students in need of mental health support.

Funding will support expanded coaching by subject matter experts, enhanced communication training using immersive technologies like virtual reality, and continued access to mental health counseling and basic needs assistance. Virtual Reality scenarios help students build therapeutic and empathetic communication skills for real-world clinical settings.

Faculty and regional healthcare partners identified the need for the program after noticing many students struggle early in nursing coursework despite strong motivation. By addressing academic and communication skill gaps before and during studies, the program aims to improve confidence, progression, and graduation rates while strengthening our local healthcare workforce.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation provides grants to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable New Yorkers, strengthen outcomes in diverse communities, and eliminate barriers to care. Inspired by Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini’s commitment to social justice, the Foundation supports initiatives that expand access to affordable quality healthcare across New York state, including the social determinants of health, with the goal of building a brighter future for all New Yorkers.

For more information about Maria College and the JumpStart Nursing Success Initiative, visit mariacollege.edu.