Jefferson City - On December 16, 2024, Governor Mike Parson announced $5 million in grant funding has been approved for 13 Missouri colleges and universities to continue enhancing nursing education programs statewide.

"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,” Governor 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."

These 13 competitive grants totaling $5 million were part of a special appropriation to the Missouri State Board of Nursing that was recommended and approved by Governor Parson.

The approved grants include:

- $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 awarded grant funds will allow nursing programs to increase faculty salaries, develop future faculty through scholarships and nursing educator programs, and invest in clinical simulation technology and equipment. New technology will allow nursing students to 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.”

Governor Parson previously approved more than $7.9 million in grant funding through appropriations by the Missouri General Assembly in 2022 and 2023, for a total of nearly $13 million awarded by his administration.

In addition to these funds, the Missouri State Board of Nursing has awarded more than $11 million through the Nursing Education Incentive Program (NEIP). NEIP is an annual grant program designed to increase the physical and educational capacity of professional nursing programs throughout the state. More information on NEIP grants may be obtained from the Missouri State Board of Nursing’s website: pr.mo.gov/nursing.