The Maria College Campus will be closed on Sunday, January 25, 2026. All Sunday instruction has moved to an online delivery. Please check for further instructions in Brightspace. On Monday, January 26, 2026, all classes will be cancelled, and the College will be closed.

Renaissance Scholars Program

The Renaissance Scholars Program at Maria College offers a support package to promising and determined students. The Program provides financial assistance and personalized support for selected low-income residents of the Capital District pursuing college-level education and training to become a nurse or other healthcare professional.

 

Eligibility

Renaissance scholarships are available for students who are:

  • Enrolled (or planning to enroll) in a Maria College degree program in nursing or a related health care track;
  • Residents of Albany County;
  • Eligible for County Department of Social Services public assistance;
  • Eligible for academic financial aid; and
  • Maintaining satisfactory academic performance.

*Please note that, in most cases, all of the above criteria must be met. However, exceptions may be considered under certain circumstances.

Please contact Program Administrator Eileen French at efrench@rencorp.org, or call us at 518-514-0222 for more information.

 

Background

Renaissance means “a new beginning.” An education that leads to a worthy career—of serving others and becoming self-sufficient—is the best new beginning anyone can have.

The Renaissance Scholars Program began in 2004. The healthcare field was facing a shortage of nurses and other skilled professionals. At the same time, there were people on public assistance, with great potential to serve in these jobs, who needed a way to afford and obtain the required educational credentials. The Renaissance Corporation teamed up with Maria College and Albany County Department of Social Services to design a unique scholarship program to fulfill this need.