Please note that the College is closed December 21, 2024 through January 5, 2025. Offices will reopen on January 6th at 8:30AM.

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.