Montana State University receives $2.5M from Helmsley Trust for rural nursing pipeline

Montana State University has announced a $2.5 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to equip simulation labs at its Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing across five Montana campuses. The funding will cover simulation equipment and technology, expanding hands-on training for undergraduate and doctor of nursing practice students. Montana State University currently graduates more than 300 bachelor’s-prepared nurses annually, with over 75% remaining in Montana. The college aims to reach 400 graduates by 2030, strengthening the state’s rural healthcare workforce and improving access to care.