SUNY Canton to Offer No-Cost Peer Support Microcredentials
SUNY Canton has developed two no-cost peer support microcredentials that are open to all New York State residents who are interested in working in this field.
Funded by a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, the online credit-bearing microcredentials will be offered during the college’s summer and fall sessions. The grant covers tuition, fees and books and provides a $400 stipend to participants upon the successful completion of each microcredential.
“In New York State, peer support workers are community members who use their lived experience and professional training to support others in similar circumstances,” said SUNY Canton Center for Workforce, Community and Industry Partnerships Executive Director Elizabeth A. Brown. “According to Indeed.com, there are more than 700 state job openings for peer support specialists.”
Peer Support for Health and Wellness
This four-credit microcredential covers the core competencies needed to assist others in addressing healthcare barriers that impact overall quality of life. Those who successfully complete the training will receive New York State recognition and can progress toward becoming a New York certified peer specialist. Participants will complete either a Health Psychology (3 credits) or Health and Wellness Promotion (3 credits) course, in addition to a Peer Support for Health and Wellness course (1 credit). To register or learn more, email wcip@canton.edu.
Peer Support for Older Adults
This four-credit microcredential is designed to equip older adult students with actionable steps to empower their peers to live well. Those who successfully complete the training will receive New York State recognition and can progress toward becoming a New York certified peer specialist. Participants will complete either a Community Psychology (3 credits) or Introduction to Gerontology (3 credits) course, in addition to a Peer Support for Older Adults course (1 credit). To register or learn more, email wcip@canton.edu.
In addition to peer support microcredentials, SUNY Canton offers more than 40 credit and non-credit competency certifications. For more information, email microcredentials@canton.edu or call (315) 386-7504.
About the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing 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 Mother Cabrini
Health Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State that either provide direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health. For more information, visit cabrinihealth.org.
Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college’s career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.