Donor Alliance Launches Digitally Enhanced Transplantation Science Curriculum to Expand Education on Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Donor Alliance, the federally designated organ procurement organization serving Colorado and Wyoming, has unveiled a fully modernized version of its long-standing Transplantation Science curriculum. The updated program transforms a 20-year-old paper-based initiative into a dynamic, digital learning experience delivered via iPads in classrooms across the region.

Designed to educate middle and high school students about the science and impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation, the enhanced curriculum now includes full Spanish-language translation—allowing the program to reach more diverse student populations and expand into new school districts.

“The updated Transplantation Science is more than just an educational program—it’s a transformative experience that brings the science of donation to life for students,” said Judy Larkin, Transplantation Science Educator for Donor Alliance. “This free, hands-on curriculum integrates with existing science standards while introducing students to one of the most profound applications of medical science: saving lives through donation.”

The curriculum addresses a critical education gap, as many teens encounter organ donation for the first time when applying for a driver’s permit at age 15. Post-program surveys of 500 students revealed a significant improvement in understanding: prior to participation, 42% incorrectly believed that medical history or age disqualifies someone from registering as a donor. After completing the curriculum, this misconception dropped to just 17%.

Key features of the updated program include:

• Interactive digital content aligned with contemporary educational frameworks
• Video testimonials from donors, recipients, and their families
• Authentic learning materials such as cornea samples, bone grafts, and ligaments, provided through partnerships with local eye banks and tissue processors
• Multilingual support, starting with Spanish and expanding to additional languages in future updates

The curriculum underwent comprehensive beta testing in spring 2024 and was fully implemented across Colorado and Wyoming in fall 2024. Based on strong first-year results, including reaching more than 13,000 students, Donor Alliance plans to continue expanding the program with regular content updates reflecting the latest medical advances.

For more information about the Transplantation Science program or to bring it to your school, visit www.donoralliance.org/transplantationscience.

About Donor Alliance

Donor Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and healing lives through organ and tissue donation for transplantation in Colorado and most of Wyoming. As a federally designated organ procurement organization – one of 55 in the U.S. – Donor Alliance serves more than 6.3 million residents and more than 100 hospitals. Donor Alliance walks alongside the family during the organ recovery process and ensures their loved one’s gifts are safely received at transplant centers in a timely manner. Donor Alliance also facilitates tissue donation to save and heal more lives across our community.

In addition, the organization maintains partnerships with hospitals and manages the Donate Life Colorado and Donate Life Wyoming registries, which are symbols of the cause. Through Donate Life, Donor Alliance educates residents on the lifesaving benefits of donation, inspiring them to register. For more information, please visit DonorAlliance.org.