Skip to content
Open navigation
arp-esser-hero.jpg arp-esser-hero.jpg

ARP-ESSER Funding

How to Advocate for Available Funding for Your Simulation Program

In 2020 and 2021, Congress passed three stimulus bills that provided nearly $190.5 billion to the American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP-ESSER) Fund. States receive funds based on the same proportion that each state receives under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title-IA. In addition to many other uses, funding can be utilized for purchasing educational technology (including hardware, software, connectivity, assistive technology, and adaptive equipment) for students that aids in regular and substantive educational interaction between students and their classroom instructors. This includes simulation equipment.

ESSER Fund Tracker

It's essential for CTE leadership to be included in conversations around spending related to relief funds, as the distribution process of the funds are intricate, and there is no clear-cut requirements that funding be used on CTE programs.

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

  • Understand where decisions are being made at a state level and a local school district level
  • Advocate, advocate, advocate for your program
  • Outline your “wish list” and develop a solid business plan

When determining what will make the largest impact for your simulation program, it can help to create a wish list. Weigh the benefits of upgrading existing equipment, expanding the curriculum, improving reporting, and even hiring additional staff to maintain and oversee simulations. By clearly outlining what would improve efficiency and learning outcomes for your organization, you will have the basis to make your case for funding.

What to Consider When Making Your Simulation “Wish List”

Laerdal offers many solutions that are eligible to meet the criteria for funding. As you compile your wish list, here are a few things to consider.

Keep in mind the long-term benefits of virtual learning.

Virtual learning became the primary means of education in 2020, though it was previously only used as a supplement to in-person training. Now, organizations are seeing the lasting benefits of using virtual learning technologies to provide a standardized foundation for later, more immersive clinical training. With options ranging from solutions such as vSim for Nursing and TruVent to remote skills training solutions such as SimCapture for Skills with Modular Skills Trainer, we can provide the tools you need to support distance learning. 

Don't forget the importance of faculty development.

This past year brought on a plethora of new challenges in healthcare education, and educators felt the brunt of them as they worked to provide quality training. It's worth considering the value of faculty development to bring all faculty and staff to the same standard of operation and increase their confidence. We offer a variety of virtual instructor-led training courses that dive deep into simulation pedagogy while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Make the most of your investment.

In nursing education, it can be necessary to use different simulation solutions to meet evolving learning objectives and to appropriately depict more complex patient cases. However, it is also possible in many cases to provide entirely unique training opportunities using one single simulator. Our new SimMan 3G PLUS and the Nursing Anne Simulator Platform provide just that - modularity consisting of an assortment of accessories and interchangeable parts to modify the learning experience. Consider what your real need is and how you can maximize the funding you receive.

Use a holistic learning approach.

Laerdal's Circle of Learning is a systematic approach to healthcare training that shows the stages of learning required to develop confidence and competence to safely treat patients. Depending upon the curriculum, the learning goals may be specific to only one stage or across a progression of multiple stages. Using this approach, carefully determine what your sim lab might need to "complete the circle." Are there any gaps or weak spots you can identify? For example, do you focus heavily on skills proficiency and clinical experience, without giving an adequate amount of time to decision making and teamwork? Use your answers as a guide to making smart investments.

Ready to Advocate for Funds?

As you determine your eligibility and decide which solutions will be most impactful for your organization, you will also need to compile a professional business proposal. Use our free Business Proposal Template to ensure that you make a strong case to your internal stakeholders.

Contact us to learn more about Laerdal Solutions for K-12 Programs

We will handle your personal contact details with care as outlined in Laerdal's Privacy Policy.

We will handle your personal contact details with care as outlined in Laerdal's Privacy Policy.

Explore Solutions Eligible for Funding