2024 Invest in Others Grant for Enhancing Health Care Simulation Training Capabilities with Virtual Reality Technology
Springfield, MO Invest in Others Charitable Foundation awards $15,609.98 to CoxHealth Foundation to improve health care workforce training at Alliance for Health Care Education
Springfield, MO, January 13, 2025 CoxHealth Foundation has been awarded a 2024 Grant from Invest in Others in the amount of $15,908.98. This grant will enhance health care simulation training capabilities at the Alliance for Health Care Education. The grant was nominated and supported by Paula Dougherty with Achieve Private Wealth, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services. It will support Alliance for Health Care Education’s mission of developing talent to meet and exceed the region’s health care workforce needs for decades to come.
Specifically, the funds will be used to purchase Virtual Reality (VR) headsets and a storage unit. These headsets and VR programs offer an innovative approach to nursing education, especially for initiatives aimed at expanding the healthcare workforce. By incorporating VR technology into early nursing education, students can immerse themselves in realistic, interactive healthcare environments that simulate clinical scenarios. This technology allows nursing students to practice critical thinking and soft skills.
“Thanks to this generous grant from the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation, students are stepping into the future of healthcare through VR-driven learning experiences,” said Shallina Goodnight, Executive Director of The Alliance for Healthcare Education. “With the addition of VR headsets, laptops, and other essential tools, we can immerse students in advanced simulations that build the critical skills needed to excel in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape. We are deeply grateful for this investment in our students’ futures and the communities they will transform.” Dougherty said, “The Invest in Others Grant Awards recognizes advisors that have tenured volunteer service with an organization and allows anyone in the financial industry to apply for a grant on behalf of the nonprofit they are involved with. The award can have a positive impact in helping the organizations achieve their goals and lives of individuals they impact.” She added, that the grant will provide advanced technology for hands-on training for students at the Alliance.
The Invest in Others Grant program provides an opportunity for those working in the financial services community to secure funding for specific programs or projects on behalf of a nonprofit that they support. Applications were reviewed blindly by a panel of financial advisors and
evaluated on criteria that included background of the organization, need within the community, and impact of the program or initiative. Invest in Others has awarded a total of $301,600.08 to 17 nonprofits throughout the U.S. as part of its 2024 Grant Program.
About the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation is supported by the financial services community to amplify the charitable work of financial advisors, employees, and their firms. Invest in Others is a catalyst to channel philanthropy and volunteerism to where it is needed most. For more information, visit investinothers.org or follow Invest in Others on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formally known as Twitter).
About CoxHealth Foundation The mission of CoxHealth Foundation is to facilitate through philanthropy the quality health care, education and research provided by CoxHealth. The vision of CoxHealth Foundation aligns with CoxHealth’s vision to be the best for those who needs us. About Alliance for Health Care Education (Insert Boilerplate) The Alliance for Healthcare Education is transforming the future of healthcare in the region by creating possibilities, not just programs. A groundbreaking collaboration between CoxHealth, Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College, and Springfield Public Schools, The Alliance unites education, healthcare, and workforce innovation to foster talent, build a skilled professional pipeline, and strengthen communities. As the largest producer of allied health professionals in the region, we offer students unmatched opportunities to gain certifications, degrees, and hands-on experience, equipping them to excel in high-demand careers and make an immediate impact. Discover how The Alliance is shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals at https://www.allianceforhealthcareeducation.org
Media Contacts:
Didem Koroglu, Major Gifts Officer CoxHealth Foundation [email protected]
Faith Bitterman, Project Manager
Invest in Others Charitable Foundation [email protected] | 312.304.4812
Shallina Goodnight, Executive Director
Alliance for Healthcare Education [email protected]
