2024 IBX Foundation interns
One in ten regional nursing students receive support from the IBX Foundation
Philadelphia — August 8, 2024 — The Independence Blue Cross (IBX) Foundation recognized 11 nurse interns today at an annual event held at its offices at 1901 Market Street. Beginning in 2004 with support from Independence Blue Cross, and later through the IBX Foundation Nursing Internship Program, more than 400 undergraduate nursing students have been exposed to career options beyond the traditional hospital setting. Through this immersive 10-week experiential summer program, students improve clinical and community nursing skills at health centers throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. Now in its twentieth year, this paid internship helps students gain practical knowledge, cultivate professional relationships, and refine leadership skills.
Nursing internships are just one way the IBX Foundation is advancing the next generation of practitioners, educators and leaders in nursing. Since 2011, the Foundation has awarded more than $16 million to provide more than 6,000 scholarships to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral nursing students through the Nurses For Tomorrow® program. The IBX Foundation currently supports scholarships for student nurses at 21 regional nursing schools. One in ten regional nursing students receives a Nurses for Tomorrow® scholarship.
In 2021, the Foundation launched a pilot program with Temple University’s College of Public Health and Department of Nursing that provides a pathway for underrepresented students from high school through nursing school to increase representation in the nursing profession. Currently, the IBX Foundation Healthcare Scholars program provides funding to support full scholarships and mentorship for 31 students from underrepresented groups attending 12 area colleges and universities.
In November 2023, the IBX Foundation launched IBX Foundation Service Scholars, a first-of-its-kind initiative, designed to enhance educational opportunities for post 9/11 military veterans to become nurses. Service Scholars enhances educational benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program at participating schools and provides support beyond the classroom including career development opportunities and one-on-one mentoring. The program was recently featured on Military Makeover: Operation Career,” hosted by Montel Williams. The series, which airs on Lifetime and the Armed Forces Network, promotes organizations that are helping veterans prepare for life and employment after service. The segment can be viewed on YouTube.
“The IBX Foundation is committed to expanding opportunities within the health workforce,” said Heather Major, executive director of the IBX Foundation. “IBX Foundation nursing initiatives are growing the nursing workforce, promoting diversity in the nursing profession, and increasing clinical and community nursing skills to meet the evolving needs of our communities and nation.”
Learn more by visiting: ibxfoundation.org. Connect with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Ruth Stoolman
215.667.9537
Ruth.Stoolman@ibx.com
About the Independence Blue Cross Foundation
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation is leading a future for equitable health in our communities and nation. The IBX Foundation’s grant programs and the Independence Blue Cross Foundation Institute for Health Equity are advancing three areas of impact: Access to Care, the Healthcare Workforce, and Health Equity.
Since its inception, the IBX Foundation has placed the community at the center of its work. By the end of 2024, the IBX Foundation will have awarded grants totaling more than $85 million to support nonprofits and research improving the health and well-being of communities in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Learn more by visiting our website: ibxfoundation.org. Connect with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation on LinkedIn.
