Gov. Mike Parson announced $5 million in grant funding to 13 Missouri higher education institutions, including several in the southern part of the state.
“From the early days of our administration, we set out to invest in workforce and education to ensure that the American Dream stays alive in Missouri,” Parson said in a Monday news release.
“These investments today are a continuation of our commitment to the future of Missouri, ensuring that future generations get the hands-on training necessary to fulfill their American Dream, while addressing the nationwide nursing shortage.”
Grants to institutions in southern Missouri include:
The grant funds allow established nursing programs to increase faculty salaries, award scholarships to develop new faculty, and invest in clinical simulation technology and equipment. The new technology will allow nursing students to practice and replicate clinical procedures.
“These financial investments are evidence of Missouri’s commitment to invest in the pipeline of future nurses,” said Lori Scheidt, executive director of the Missouri State Board of Nursing, in the release.
“Education is the foundation for addressing the nursing workforce shortage. These funds allow nursing programs to increase that pipeline and to leverage advanced technology.”
More:As apprentices, Nixa students gain ‘real world’ skills in stage, pharmacy, teaching fields
Earlier in his administration, Gov. Parson allocated $7.9 million in grant funding, which was approved by the Missouri General Assembly, in 2022 and 2023. In all, nearly $13 million was awarded.
The Missouri State Board of Nursing also awarded more than $11 million through the Nursing Education Incentive Program, which distributes funds annually to increase the physical and educational capacity of professional nursing programs throughout the state.
In this round, the other programs that benefited were Mineral Area Community College, Missouri Baptist University, Missouri Valley College, Rockhurst University – Kansas City, State Fair Community College, Stephens College, St. Charles Community College, St. Louis University, University of Missouri – Kansas City, and the University of Missouri – St. Louis.
