Educational Impact

You advance pediatric excellence through investment in learning and care

At Children’s Mercy, donor-funded educational opportunities empower our dedicated care teams to learn, grow and innovate — all in service of better outcomes for children and families.

These investments fuel hands-on training, creative teaching methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration, directly enhancing the quality, safety and compassion of care delivered every day.

Unlocking learning through play

When Roneika Moore, DNP, RN, CPEN, Education Coordinator, set out to improve sepsis documentation in the Emergency Department, she asked a simple but powerful question: “What can we do to make this fun?” The answer? A hands-on escape room experience that transformed mandatory training into a high-energy, team-building adventure.

Thanks to philanthropic support, Roneika had the resources to innovate. With props, puzzles and a countdown clock, ED nurses and techs raced against time to solve clues, document patient care accurately and “escape” — all while learning critical skills that improve patient outcomes.

The impact was immediate. Staff reported new insights into documentation practices and stronger collaboration across teams.

They’re not just learning — they’re connecting. And that’s what leads to better care.

This creative approach is now expanding to other departments, proving that when donors invest in education, they unlock more than knowledge — they unlock joy, teamwork and lasting change.

With your help, we are inspiring the next generation of medical minds

At Children’s Mercy, the future of medicine is being shaped not only in laboratories and clinics — but in classrooms, mentorships and the hearts of young learners. The Summer Training in Academic Research (STAR) 2.0 Program, provides an immersive research experience for high school students and educators - many from disadvantaged backgrounds. Now in its fifth year, the program is a shining example of how donor support is building a pipeline of diverse, passionate future healthcare professionals.

Honoring achievement and gratitude

In 2025, more than 300 guests came together to celebrate the impact of donor-funded scholarships supporting nursing, allied health and professional development. The event honored not only academic achievement but also the experiences that inspire donors to invest in the next generation of caregivers — bringing the journey of care and healing full circle.

*Statistics as of fiscal year 2025.