RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf Receives $92.5 Million in Federal Funding for Fiscal Year 2024

The Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) has received a significant boost in funding for fiscal year 2024, thanks to the efforts of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and Rep. Joseph Morelle. The institute has been granted $92.5 million, which is level funding from the previous year, with an additional $9.5 million allocated to NTID’s Regional STEM Center.

This funding was included in the fiscal year 2024 omnibus budget package, signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden on March 23. The “Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024” will provide funding through September 30, 2024, for various projects and activities of federal departments and agencies.

Sen. Schumer praised NTID as one of the nation’s premier schools for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, emphasizing the importance of empowering these students for success in academia and the professional world. Sen. Gillibrand highlighted the unique education and workforce skills provided by NTID, expressing pride in securing funding for the institute. Rep. Morelle emphasized the transformative education offered by NTID and pledged continued advocacy for the institution.

NTID President Gerry Buckley expressed gratitude for the level funding, noting the crucial support from Schumer, Gillibrand, and Morelle in ensuring the institute’s mission and resources are maintained. The funds will enable NTID to continue providing access services, instruction, technology, and outreach programs for students.

Established in 1965, NTID is one of nine colleges of RIT and is dedicated to preparing deaf and hard-of-hearing students for employment in the global economy. In addition to the funding for NTID, RIT also received $1.25 million to expand its Battery Prototyping Center, contributing to national efforts to strengthen the battery ecosystem in the U.S.

Overall, the funding secured for NTID and RIT demonstrates a commitment to supporting educational opportunities and workforce development for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, furthering their potential for success in various industries.