Fresno State nursing patch
published on July 21, 2026 – 12:05 PM
Written by Ben Hensley
The California State University, Fresno Foundation has received a Nursing Education Investment Grant to strengthen nursing faculty development and expand clinical training opportunities across the Central San Joaquin Valley.
The grant, which is part of $486,300 awarded statewide by the Foundation for California Community Colleges through its Nursing Education Investment Fund, selected the CSU Fresno Foundation as one of two 2026 grant cycle recipients.
The foundation’s “Strengthening Community College Nursing Faculty Capacity through Regional Collaboration” project will support five community colleges, 11 nursing programs and 10 clinical partners. The initiative is designed to strengthen preparation for nursing faculty, program directors and clinical preceptors while improving coordination of clinical placement data and expanding faculty development through a hybrid training model.
The Foundation for California Community Colleges said the effort aims to better prepare nursing students to provide high-quality, culturally responsive care in rural and underserved Valley communities.
The second grant recipient, San Bernardino Valley College, will use its funding to expand nursing skills and simulation labs in its new health sciences building, providing hands-on clinical training opportunities for students.
Established in 2005, the Nursing Education Investment Fund has awarded over $8 million to 37 projects supporting California’s nursing workforce. Grants are intended to strengthen nursing education, particularly in rural and underserved communities.