KBCC Gives Free Tuition For Aspiring Addiction Pros

Want to get hooked on a new profession? Kingsborough Community College has just the junk you need.

Kingsborough Community College is dispersing $60,645 in full scholarships to train aspiring professionals in chemical dependency counseling. The funds come from $500,000 in federal stimulus funds awarded to New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) for training as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and will be given to eligible students afflicted by the ailing job market.

“Drawn from the pool of the unemployed or underemployed, students desiring to become professionals in the field of chemical dependency counseling have been given an opening,” said Joan E. Standora, the director of the school’s substance abuse counseling program. “Many of these individuals thought it would not be possible to pursue their goals given the state of the economy and their own personal financial crises. This grant has made it possible for them to enter college, earn academic credits, and become prepared for professional practice.”

As one of eight New York City schools given funds, Kingsborough will train students to be addiction counselors, one of the top 10 fastest growing professions nationally. Addictions treatment professionals who have completed this training and achieved status as Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor-Trainee (CASAC-T) provide a range of services to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families seeking help. These professionals are specially trained to address complex physical, emotional, mental and social issues that result from chemical dependence.

Kingsborough’s program offers 350 hours of training, and includes internships and career counseling.