MoExcels Grant Funds Nursing Expansion to STLCC-Wildwood

While a workforce shortage has existed for years, the need for trained nurses has never been more apparent. 

St. Louis Community College has addressed this need by expanding capacity in its nursing program at each of its campuses. Among these, STLCC renovated nearly 3,000 square feet of space at its Wildwood campus to bring the nursing program to the school. 

When the program opened in August, the campus welcomed a full cohort of 24 students who will spend the next two years training to become registered nurses at STLCC-Wildwood’s new state-of-the-art learning laboratory. 

Funding for the project was made possible through MoExcels, a Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development grant focused on the development and expansion of employer-driven education and training programs and initiatives to substantially increase educational attainment. 

In addition to the expansion at Wildwood, STLCC allocated the $2 million it received toward nursing facilities renovations at both the Florissant Valley and Meramec campuses. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Friday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. at STLCC-Wildwood, 2645 Generations Drive. 

Gov. Mike Parson will join STLCC to celebrate its work to expand opportunities for students to train for nursing careers. Zora Mulligan, Missouri’s commissioner of higher education, will also attend the ceremony. 

Separate from these projects, the College celebrated the opening of its Center for Nursing and Health Sciences building at STLCC-Forest Park in August 2019. Together, these actions will enable STLCC to meet its goal of increasing capacity in its nursing program 75% by 2024. 

“At STLCC, we know that nursing is a noble profession and a much needed one,” said Jeff L. Pittman, Ph.D., chancellor. “We appreciate the support we have received from the state to expand our nursing program, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to help students train for careers in nursing across the College.” 

During the ribbon-cutting event, STLCC will share how its fully accredited nursing program prepares students to earn both an associate degree and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Gov. Parson will highlight Missouri’s work to fund workforce initiatives that are designed to target state and regional workforce needs. 

In the interest of public health, attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony will be limited to allow for proper social distancing and to follow the guidelines set by St. Louis County. All attendees will be required to wear masks. Guided tours of the nursing space will be available after the ceremony.