Impacts of an Alumni Association-Institutional Partnership to Invest in Educational Innovation

An 8-year small grants program funded by an alumni association has awarded $814,356 to 50 principal investigators for educational research. The 63 projects principally concerned simulation, educational tools and techniques, interprofessional education, and pilot projects for curricular reform. Awardees identify career growth and institutional advancement of education as major outcomes. Four publications, 63 posters/presentations, nationally disseminated educational materials, and external grants have been generated. Other outcomes include a second small grants program and travel funding for educational scholarship. The alumni association has made additional investment of over $1.8 million in educational development and has been nationally recognized for its collaborative philanthropy.