Middle School Innovators Get Boost from Inspira

Inspira leadership announced their support of Vineland Public School’s Applied Math and Science Academy.
It includes software, a mentorship program and a $10,000 grant.

VINELAND, NJ (May 4, 2018) — Inspira Health Network shared exciting news with the students and faculty of Vineland Public Schools’ Applied Math and Science Academy (AMSA) last month. AMSA is a program that allows enrolled students to concurrently obtain a high school diploma and earn an associate’s degree in math and science, with a concentration in engineering, from Cumberland County College. 

During the announcement, John DiAngelo, president and CEO of Inspira Health Network detailed Inspira’s support, which includes three components: education, mentorship and funding. First, he described software that Inspira has purchased on the program’s behalf, which will teach students how to code through fun interactive games. Additionally, Inspira will provide faculty training on the software, so that the teachers can utilize it in their classrooms. Next, he announced Inspira’s plan to develop a mentorship program where students may learn about various technology-focused health care positions and their day-to-day duties and responsibilities. At the conclusion of the program, DiAngelo, along with other members of Inspira’s leadership, presented a check representing a $10,000 grant to help fund the AMSA program.

The announcement follows a presentation that the students made to Inspira’s leadership last fall, where they presented their ideas for some health-related smartphone apps.

“We were so impressed by these students the last time we saw them, that this decision was an easy one,” said DiAngelo. “For us, this is about much more than just cutting a check. Our goal was to come up with a well-rounded approach to support the efforts of Vineland’s Applied Math and Science Academy, its students, and its faculty.”

“We are so excited about the opportunities presented to us by Inspira's leadership,” said Dr. Mary Gruccio, Vineland Public School District Superintendent. “The coding software is going to be integrated as part of the STEM curriculum allowing students to develop a better understanding of coding and how it impacts the world around them. The mentorship offers an opportunity for the students to see how the skills they are learning in their STEM courses are applied in the health care field as well exploring various career options that the field offers. Finally, we are very grateful for the grant. We plan to use it to purchase innovative technology to enhance our new AMSA Mission Center to mirror the Innovation Center being developed by Inspira at the Rowan Technology Park. We would like to thank Mr. DiAngelo, Mr. Galloway [Gary Galloway, chairman of the Inspira Hospital Board], Mr. Johnson [Dave Johnson, vice president of Innovation, Inspira Health Network], the Inspira Health Network Hospital Board, and the senior leadership of Inspira Health Network for supporting the students in the Applied Math and Science Academy of Vineland Public Schools.”

About Applied Math and Science Academy (AMSA)

The Vineland Public School District created the Applied Math and Science Academy in 2014 to enhance the interest and cultivate the growth of students in the Math, Technology, and Science fields. The curriculum for the program was developed to be highly rigorous and facilitate academic growth and creativity.  The program includes students in grades 5 through 10. At every level, STEM competition and community service are incorporated to enhance the academic opportunities and help students establish a sense of purpose for their learning.

About Inspira Health Network

Inspira Health Network is a charitable nonprofit health care organization serving communities across southern New Jersey. The network, which traces its roots to 1899, comprises three hospitals, a comprehensive cancer center, several multi-specialty health centers and a total of more than 150+ access points. These include urgent care; outpatient imaging and rehabilitation; numerous specialty centers, including sleep medicine, cardiac testing, digestive health and wound care; home care and hospice; and more than 30 primary and specialty physician practices in Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem and Camden counties.

Together with its medical staff of more than 1,100 physicians and other care providers, as well as more than 5,700 employees, Inspira Health Network provides evidence-based care to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. Accredited by DNV Healthcare, the network’s clinical and support staffs are focused on providing quality care in a safe environment. For more information about Inspira Health Network, visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA.