As part of a nationwide grant program through the U.S. Department of Education, Mississippi State University will receive nearly $10 million to further employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Officials at the university in Starkville successfully applied for $9,995,345 from the federal government to be used for the development, refinement, and evaluation of strategies or programs to transition youth and adults with disabilities to competitive, integrated employment.
In total, $251 million was dished out to 27 grantees across the U.S. who are working to ensure individuals not only have access to employment but access to well-paying employment. The grants are for five years and are issued through the Disability Innovation Fund program.
“Today, more than 60 million adults live with a disability – each with unique talents and strengths. In our 21st century economy, we must provide more opportunities for these individuals to achieve their goals for competitive integrated employment, independence, and economic self-sufficiency,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said.
“Through the Disability Innovation Fund and today’s announcement, we’ll make progress to overcome historic barriers to employment, while ensuring the varied needs, preferences, and goals of individuals with disabilities remain at the center for our vision for a strong, inclusive workforce.”
Recipients came from 16 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marina Islands. Mississippi State was one of 13 institutions of higher education to be included and the only recipient in Mississippi.
