LEWISTON, Idaho – Lewis-Clark State College officials recently finalized a $234,267 grant to purchase equipment for the newly introduced Healthcare Immersive Learning Lab (HILL) inside Sacajawea Hall on the college’s campus.
The grant, which is active until August 2027, will allow the Nursing & Health Sciences Division (NHS) to purchase virtual reality headsets and charging stations, Dell laptops and dock stations, a pop-up event canopy, a recruitment/training trailer, and standardized patient simulation equipment. The equipment will not only provide simulation opportunities for current students to learn in a safe environment but will also allow for the division to have a mobile recruitment resource where they can take their equipment to prospective students. This will also provide a mobile outreach tool within the community.
The grant was awarded by the Idaho Workforce Development Council after the division completed a comprehensive grant proposal. The grant utilizes a scoring rubric comprised of categories such as engagement of industry partners, letters of support, approved matching of institutional funds, and more. Division representatives expressed thanks to Gritman Medical Center, Kootenai Health, and St. Joseph Reginal Medical Center for their letters of support in this grant process.
“We are appreciative of the Idaho Workforce Development Council for their generosity in supporting this endeavor,” said Chelsea Cronin, LC State associate professor and BSN program coordinator. “It will positively impact LC State health professions students and the healthcare workforce in our region.”
Cronin will report to the Idaho Workforce Development Council quarterly for a time period of three years to continue forward in good standing. She will report data including students starting and completing the program, as well as community outreach.
Those interested in scheduling a recruitment event or outreach opportunity, please email the LC State NHS division at nhs@lcsc.edu
To learn more about the HILL visit: www.lcsc.edu/hec/healthcare-immersive-learning-lab