Nestle Purina Davenport and Clinton are donating $30,000 to the Regional Innovation Center’s (RIC) small animal/veterinary program in Eldridge. The donation, awarded by the Purina Foundation, will be presented at a ceremony on December 12. The funding will be used to purchase modern veterinary technology and educational equipment, including tools and software, to prepare students for careers in animal healthcare. The RIC, a state-of-the-art education center, offers a range of programs, including animal care, healthcare, and technical trades.
The donation will specifically support the completion of a state-of-the-art training lab, featuring a digital x-ray simulator and advanced dental cleaning tools. This will enable students to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills needed to become highly skilled veterinary assistants. The program aims to create a pipeline of talented professionals who can improve animal care in local clinics and strengthen the regional workforce.
The RIC, which opened in January, has already seen hundreds of students enroll in its various programs. The center’s total investment is expected to be around $22 million, which includes the cost of high-tech equipment and furnishings. The Purina Foundation’s donation is part of its annual giving, which awards over $1 million to support capital and capacity-building projects nationwide.
This grant is not the only recent donation to the RIC. In October, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded a $35,000 Workforce Readiness grant to create a dedicated STEAM/Robotics Room. The RIC’s programs and facilities are designed to provide students with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the modern world. The Purina Foundation’s donation is a significant contribution to this effort, and will help to support the development of a skilled and talented workforce in the region.