Maria College Receives $420,000 Grant From Cabrini Foundation to Enhance Nursing Student Success
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Albany, N.Y. (February 9, 2026) — 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.
About Maria College
Founded in 1958 by the Sisters of Mercy, Maria College is a private Catholic college in Albany, N.Y. committed to service and opportunity. Guided by dignity, compassion, and service, Maria provides career-relevant education and strong student support through associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree and certificate programs in nursing, health sciences, psychology, occupational therapy, public health, and liberal arts. Through innovative teaching, experiential learning, and strong regional partnerships, the college supports student success while strengthening healthcare and human services in the Capital Region and beyond. Learn more at MariaCollege.edu.
About the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York state, including many that reflect a variety of religions and faiths. The grantees provide either direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health. For more information, visit cabrinihealth.org.
Photo Caption
Maria College has received a $420,000, three-year grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to support the JumpStart Nursing Success Initiative. The program provides academic skills evaluation, summer JumpStart courses, coaching, and ongoing student support for LPN and RN students. It aims to improve confidence, retention, and career readiness while addressing barriers to success in nursing education. Photos: Edward Parham