The Independence Blue Cross Foundation has announced nearly $1.8 million in new grants as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
The recent awards to area colleges and universities fund nursing education scholarships and pathway programs, including the IBX Foundation Service Scholars Program for student veterans to become nurses. West Chester University and Drexel University have joined the Service Scholars program this year, increasing the region’s college and university program participation to seven:
- Community College of Philadelphia
- Drexel University
- Gwynedd Mercy University, Frances M. Maguire College of Nursing and Health
- Montgomery County Community College
- Thomas Jefferson University, College of Nursing
- Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
- West Chester University
IBX Foundation Service Scholars enhances educational benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program. Participating schools receive additional support for student veteran career development and mentoring.
“Nursing is a great career choice for veterans,” said Heather Major, Executive Director of the IBX Foundation. “By expanding the Service Scholars Program to more nursing schools in Pennsylvania, we are growing a highly skilled talent pool for healthcare employers and matching veterans with high-demand, good-paying jobs in healthcare.”
“As a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, West Chester University is committed to closing workforce gaps,” said WCU professor Dr. Nancy Barker. “We are proud to join the IBX Foundation Service Scholars Program to support military veterans pursuing careers in nursing.”
The IBX Foundation works with accredited and state-board-approved nursing programs in southeastern Pennsylvania to grow the number of prepared nurses through its scholarship and pathway programs. Since 2011, the IBX Foundation has funded more than $23 million in initiatives to strengthen the health workforce and, as part of its mission, to positively impact health.
