Originally published on Humana.com
Simmons College is proud to announce that it has signed a $1.3 million grant agreement with The Humana Foundation. This funding will help to close the online learning gap that exists at the historically black college.
Simmons College had set the goal of developing and offering online courses and degree programs for its students for some time now, and, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this move became a necessity for its students.
“We are grateful for these funds in support of our college to build a quality online distance learning program, so our students can continue their education during this time of uncertainty,” says Dr. Kevin Cosby, President of Simmons College of Kentucky. “This funding will be used to provide a stable and academically rigorous learning environment that meets universal accreditation standards.”
COVID-19 and social distancing measures forced Simmons College to reevaluate the best ways to respond to and support its students, the majority of whom come from under-resourced and marginalized populations. Many Simmons College students are on the downside of the “digital divide,” and lack access to computers and the Internet.
Funding from The Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc., will help upgrade the college’s IT infrastructure and help make the leap to online teaching possible. Simmons College students will also receive computers and WiFi access.
“We are proud to help put Simmons College on a path that helps assure its continued service to the Louisville community and beyond,” said Walter D. Woods, CEO of The Humana Foundation. “Education is key to attaining sustained employment and health equity, and, right now, online education is crucial to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep the Louisville community safe.”
The COVID-19 health crisis and civil demonstrations in Louisville and across the country are causing The Humana Foundation to re-think how it approaches creating greater health equity and the manner in which the Foundation can help to close systemic and individual social needs gaps. By investing in Simmons College, the Foundation is funding a community partner with Black executive leadership that has served a historically marginalized community for decades and an organization that will continue to improve the environmental, economic and social factors that influence health outcomes.
Simmons College of Kentucky is an accredited private, co-educational historically black college located in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1879, Simmons College is institution of biblical higher education dedicated to educating people in the urban context through strong academic and professional programs in order that they may become productive citizens and agents of change in society.
About The Humana Foundation
The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc., one of the nation’s leading health and well-being companies. Located in Louisville, Ky., the Foundation seeks to co-create communities where leadership, culture, and systems work to improve and sustain positive health outcomes. For more information, visit humanafoundation.orgopens new window.
Humana and The Humana Foundation are dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Our goal is to ensure that every business decision we make reflects our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our members, our employees, the communities we serve, and our planet.
About Humana
Humana Inc. is committed to helping our millions of medical and specialty members achieve their best health. Our successful history in care delivery and health plan administration is helping us create a new kind of integrated care with the power to improve health and well-being and lower costs. Our efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.
To accomplish that, we support physicians and other health care professionals as they work to deliver the right care in the right place for their patients, our members. Our range of clinical capabilities, resources and tools – such as in-home care, behavioral health, pharmacy services, data analytics and wellness solutions – combine to produce a simplified experience that makes health care easier to navigate and more effective.
