Maria College

The best way to understand the impact of JumpStart is to hear from the students who have been there.

As this year's program concludes, Deborah Clawson, Abigail Wetsel and Althia Boutrin share how JumpStart eased their transition to Maria College through academic review, hands-on simulation experiences, study strategies, and meaningful connections with faculty and classmates.

Their experiences show how JumpStart helps future nurses begin the semester prepared, connected and confident.

Healthy Capital District Nurse.org

The need for compassionate mental health professionals continues to grow, and every future counselor has a story!

Meet Juanita Dobbs, Melanie Dutra, Casey Young, and Carlos DeLarosa as they share their perspectives as students in our Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

Learn more about the program: https://mariacollege.edu/ms-degree-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling-cmhc-program

Joseph Pelton ’87 pursued higher education later in life, finding confidence, flexibility, and lasting impact through his Maria College experience.

Q. Why did you decide to pursue a degree later in life?
A. I didn’t go to college until my mid-thirties. I wanted to make my mother proud as the only one of my siblings without a degree, and I also needed to further my education to advance in my management career.

Q. Why did you choose Maria College?
A. A friend and coworker recommended Maria College, and the flexibility of evening and weekend courses was perfect while juggling work and family. Spreading my coursework over three years instead of two helped alleviate the strain.

Q. How did your time at Maria impact you?
A. Maria helped me feel more confident in myself, improved my public speaking, and allowed me to interact more effectively with people. Most importantly, my achievement set a positive example for my children and grandchildren, inspiring them to pursue higher education.

Every nurse remembers someone who made a difference early in their career. Now it's your turn!

Maria College is inviting nursing alumni to become mentors through the Maria Student Nurse Mentoring Program. By sharing your knowledge, encouragement, and real-world experience, you'll help students and new graduates navigate the transition into practice with confidence.

The program includes flexible scheduling and a monthly stipend through support from a $4.9 million New York State DOH HELP grant.

Interested in mentoring? Contact [email protected].

What is it really like in the ADN program at Maria College?

Alicia shares her perspective on the experiences and opportunities that have shaped her journey so far.

Learn more about the college’s standout nursing programs at https://mariacollege.edu

If you've earned, or are completing, a bachelor's degree and are considering graduate school, join our Virtual Information Session to explore Maria College's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

You'll learn about the curriculum, flexible weekend schedule, field placements, licensure preparation, admissions process, and the 25% Mind and Mission Tuition Award available to the inaugural Fall 2026 cohort.

Tuesday, July 28
7-8 p.m.

Register today: https://apply.mariacollege.edu/register/CMHCJuly 👈

At Maria College, student success is about more than academics.

From tutoring and mentoring to mental health resources, emergency assistance, career development, and more, Maria College provides support when students need it most.

These wrap around services help students overcome challenges, stay on track, and achieve their goals.

Explore the many ways Maria supports student success:

https://mariacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Wrap-Around-Services-Brochure.pdf