America’s Promise Schools Project

In collaboration with regional school districts, Mennonite College of Nursing's America's Promise Schools Project (APSP) aims to support the health and well-being of children in kindergarten through high school. Led by Drs. Shelly Malin and Carla Pohl, the APSP team is conducting ongoing evaluation research to determine the influence of student nurse led interventions to promote physical activity and oral health. This team has presented their work at the prestigious American Public Health Society annual conference.

About America's Promise

America’s Promise Schools Project is Mennonite College of Nursing’s answer to a marked decrease in pediatric clinical opportunities available to students. Under America’s Promise, the clinical experience for MCN’s traditional and accelerated B.S.N. programs is redesigned with an emphasis on pediatric and public health.

The newly designed and tested pediatric clinical model places undergraduate students at elementary and secondary school sites and is built in accordance with America’s Promise Alliance’s mission to improve the health and well-being of children.

Under America’s Promise, Bachelor of Science in Nursing students are exposed to pediatric clinical experiences in both urban and rural settings. They learn about public health issues and the challenges faced by children and families with chronic health issues while navigating the health care system. In keeping with the goals of America’s Promise Alliance, students prepare to show leadership in nursing and become advocates for children.

Recognition

In 2017, America's Promise Schools Project received an Innovation in Nursing Education award from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The awards program recognizes the outstanding work of AACN member schools to re-envision traditional models for nursing education and lead programmatic change.

Learn more about Mennonite College of Nursing's AACN Award for Innovation in Nursing Education.