Bowie State University Secures $2.3 Million in Statewide Nursing Grants to Strengthen Workforce Pipeline

Multiple awards from the State of Maryland to expand capacity, research and student success initiatives

Bowie State University has been awarded more than $2.3 million in competitive grants from the State of Maryland to advance the university's efforts to address the critical shortage of nurses in Maryland and across the nation. The grants, administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission in partnership with the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission, support initiatives designed to increase the number of nurses and strengthen nursing education programs.

"These awards represent a transformative investment in Bowie State's nursing program and our ability to prepare the next generation of highly skilled, compassionate nurses," said Dr. Monique Alston, chair of and associate professor in the Department of Nursing. "Through expanded faculty development, student support, simulation training and collaborative research, we are strengthening pathways into the profession and helping meet the urgent healthcare workforce needs facing our state and nation."

The collective awards support five key initiatives led by the Department of Nursing:

• Simulation Team Staffing (STS) - $1,052,196 over five years to enhance hands-on clinical training through expanded simulation resources
• Cohen Scholars Cohort Model - $995,590 over five years to provide comprehensive academic and financial support for nursing students
• Nursing Education Research Consortium (NERC) - $142,701 over two years to advance research and innovation in nursing education
• Student Success Resource Grant - $90,241 over one year to strengthen retention, advising and academic support services
• Professional Development Resource Grant - $49,998 over one year to support faculty growth and instructional excellence

Each grant is funded through the Nurse Support Program II, which is designed to increase the number of nurses by expanding program capacity, strengthening faculty development and improving student outcomes.

These investments position Bowie State to expand enrollment capacity, reduce barriers to degree completion and enhance hands-on learning, key strategies for addressing the nationwide nursing shortage. By preparing more graduates and equipping them with advanced clinical and research skills, the university is helping to build a stronger healthcare workforce.

Bowie State University's Department of Nursing prepares students to address workforce needs and advance health equity through high-quality education and training. Visit our website for more information on undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at Bowie State.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the 'Research College and University' designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacie Burgess, [email protected], 301-860-4311