Appalachian Regional Commission Selects District University As Grant Recipient
Saint Francis University receives $150,000 for health sciences training
WASHINGTON – The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) recently announced Saint Francis University as the recipient of a $150,000 grant. The funds will support advanced patient simulation training equipment for the University's new Health Sciences Experiential Learning Commons.
"I'd like to congratulate Saint Francis University on this well-deserved grant. The university has committed itself to career and technical education in the health sciences field, and this grant will help provide hundreds of students with the training necessary to prepare for rewarding careers and service to their community," said Representative Glenn ‘GT' Thompson, co-chair of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus. "Pennsylvania's 15th District is in need of healthcare professionals, and Saint Francis students are rising to the occasion."
The grant seeks to help close the skills gap by preparing students for real life situations they may face in their careers.
Not only will the grant support current Saint Francis students, "local employers will have access to a pipeline of highly skilled healthcare professionals to meet labor demands, help create jobs and expand the local economy, and provide quality healthcare to citizens in Appalachian Pennsylvania," says ARC.
"We are so thankful for this vital investment from the Appalachian Regional Commission. This equipment will allow our students to practice hands-on patient care procedures in a simulated environment and to learn how to work in an inter-professional, team-based setting. Beyond the benefit our students, it will also enable us to provide advanced training opportunities to area EMS personnel and first responders," said Saint Francis University President, the Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D. "I want to personally thank Congressman Thompson and the staff of the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission for their hard work in bringing our need to the attention of ARC. We would not have been successful without their assistance," said Van Tasell.
Brandon Carson, Director of the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission offered congratulatory remarks as well. "We're excited to see ARC announce this important investment in the region. The new simulation equipment will enhance the exceptional education and training that Saint Francis already offers," Carson said.
ABOUT THE APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION (ARC)
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.