Academic Programs
CSP has a long tradition of developing and acquiring academic programs that are responsive to the desires of students and meet the needs of employers. In recent years, programs like our Doctor of Physical Therapy, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Master of Arts in Trauma and Resiliency, and the Accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Nursing programs in Portland, Ore. and St. Paul have been added to ensure students who have callings in these fields can reach their full promise.
Launching a new academic program typically requires an initial investment of financial resources to secure program leadership, hire faculty, develop learning spaces, purchase technology, and market the new program to prospective students. In addition, new programs often require approval from one or more accrediting bodies, adding additional time between investment of financial resources and student enrollment. Philanthropy allows CSP to launch new programs faster and more efficiently by underwriting these costs and allowing CSP to invest those resources in other student-focused initiatives.
Program Expansion
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics indicates that healthcare jobs are projected to grow 14 percent between 2018 and 2028. Currently, six of the top ten fastest growing careers in the United States are in health-related occupations.
We know that through investment in continuous innovation and development of new programs we can serve more learners in emerging career fields. Additional resources are needed to help CSP develop and launch new programs in healthcare, business and technology, and to invest in workforce development programs offering certificates in specific skills and competencies relevant to the 21st and 22nd century worker.
One example of donor support to launch a new academic program was the successful launch of our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in 2014. With a demonstrated need for physical therapists, CSP planned the launch of this new program over the course of five years. Philanthropy allowed CSP to completely renovate the former Moenkemoller Hall to house the program, which was then renamed Thompson Hall after one of the key benefactors. Gifts from generous donors also provided funds that aided in accreditation and recruitment of faculty for the DPT program. CSP is currently in the process of building a new physician assistant program. With two to three years until the program is fully accredited, and an initial cost of $2-3 million to launch the program, donors can help fund the launch of this new program through their gifts.
With a demonstrated return on investment for our students and for employers, philanthropy allows CSP to accelerate its delivery of academic offerings that prepare students to use their God-given gifts in needed career fields.
Program Endowment
Endowing an academic department or college ensures that CSP continues to recruit and retain highly talented and experienced faculty members who help our students discover their gifts and pursue meaningful careers in their chosen fields. Such endowments may also support programming like lectures, curriculum development, or technology and equipment enhancements. For example, a $1,000,000 program endowment may support faculty salaries or provide funds for annual upgrades and additions of laboratory or simulation equipment in health science programs.