STEMM Program at the Simulation, Teaching and Academic Research (STAR) Center at Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Receives Grant from Hologic

Funding Creates Opportunity to Foster Critical Skills among Minority Populations of Middle and High School Students in an Environment of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Pittsburgh, PA –  The Simulation, Teaching and Academic Research (STAR) Center at Allegheny Health Network (AHN) recently received a grant from Hologic, a global leader in medical technology and women’s health that provides philanthropic support to standout STEMM initiatives from the elementary-school through college years.  

The STAR Center is a renowned, internationally accredited place of learning where effective hands-on simulations promote learners’ self-discovery and professional growth. The Center has extensive experience training thousands of medical and nursing students and practicing healthcare providers each year.

The STEMM (science, technology, engineering, math and medicine) program at the STAR Center is a year-long, hands-on adventure into the world of allied health/medical professions and the world of simulation-based education, for underserved middle and high school students. The STEMM program at the STAR Center is part of AHN’s commitment to build our future workforce by providing tools and opportunities for students from diverse cultures and backgrounds to excel in STEMM education in an inclusive climate, fostering encouragement to learn, share and leverage each other’s diverse talents and efforts.

“Innovation brings alive Hologic’s purpose of enabling healthier lives everywhere, every day, so we’re committed to cultivating the innovators of tomorrow – especially those from underserved communities – through education in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine,” said Dru Greenhalgh, chairperson of Hologic’s Corporate Philanthropy Committee.  “We are proud to support the STEMM Program at AHN’s STAR Center.”

“The STAR Center is keenly focused on addressing the disparities of access to STEMM programs and as such will focus this funding specifically to advance opportunities to underserved student minorities,” said Dona Wilfong, DNP, RN, Vice President of Simulation Education at AHN “The STEMM Program curriculum is uniquely designed to challenge students to think outside the box, and to think critically and innovatively through a variety of STEMM simulations and activities, within a safe environment of inclusion.”

“We are excited to be able to extend the STEMM Program at AHN’s STAR Center to a younger audience of students and to align the goals of this program with AHN’s mission to improve diversity and inclusion in STEMM education,” said Allie Quick, Chief Philanthropy Officer at AHN.  “The generous support from Hologic enables us to foster encouragement in children and student populations from diverse cultures and backgrounds to learn, share, and leverage each other’s diverse talents and efforts.”

About Hologic:

Hologic, Inc. is a global medical technology innovator primarily focused on improving women’s health and well-being through early detection and treatment. Its advancements include invention of the world’s first commercial 3D mammography system to fight breast cancer; leadership in testing for cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, respiratory illnesses, and the virus that causes COVID-19; and minimally invasive surgical technologies for uterine fibroids and abnormal uterine bleeding. The company also champions women through the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index, which provides a science-backed data roadmap for improving women’s well-being, and Project Health Equality, which elevates awareness, research insights and access to quality care for underserved women.

To learn more about Hologic, visit the website.

To learn more about the STAR Center at AHN, visit the website.