JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.–Gov. Mike Parson announced $5 million in grants was approved for 13 Missouri colleges and universities to continue enhancing nursing education programs.
St. Charles Community College, Saint Louis University (SLU) and the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) were among the recipients, totaling 1,250,000 in funding.
"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,” Gov. Parson said.
"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."
The grants totaling $5 million were from a special appropriation to the Missouri State Board of Nursing that Governor Parson recommended and approved.
- $343,000 to Bolivar Technical College
- $115,533 to Mineral Area Community College
- $719,135 to Missouri Baptist University
- $347,252 to Missouri Southern State University
- $359,000 to Missouri State University - West Plains
- $286,438 to Missouri Valley College
- $630,000 to Rockhurst University - Kansas City
- $150,000 to State Fair Community College
- $621,975 to Stephens College
- $424,500 to St. Charles Community College
- $334,117 to St. Louis University
- $150,000 to University of Missouri - Kansas City
- $519,050 to University of Missouri - St. Louis
The recipients will now be able to improve their nursing programs by increasing faculty salaries, develop future faculty through scholarships and nursing educator programs. They’ll also be able to invest in clinical simulation technology and equipment. With new technology, nursing students may practice, refine and replicate complex 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.
“Education is the foundation for addressing the nursing workforce shortage. These funds allow nursing programs to increase that pipeline and to leverage advanced technology.”
Previously through appropriations by the Missouri General Assembly in 2022 and 2023, Governor Parson approved more than $7.9 million in grant funding. His administration has awarded nearly $13 million.
Additionally, the Missouri State Board of Nursing awarded more than $11 million through the Nursing Education Incentive Program (NEIP), an annual grant program seeking to increase the physical and educational capacity of professional nursing programs throughout Missouri.
The Missouri State Board of Nursing’s website has more information on NEIP grants.