Trusted Local News

IBX Foundation Awards $1.8 Million to Boost Nursing Education, Support Student Veterans

  • Education

The Independence Blue Cross Foundation has awarded nearly $1.8 million in new grants to bolster the region’s healthcare workforce, with a focus on expanding nursing education and supporting student veterans.

The funding, announced this week, includes scholarships and career development programs at several local colleges and universities. A key portion of the grants will support the IBX Foundation Service Scholars Program, which helps U.S. military veterans pursue nursing degrees through mentorship, financial assistance, and career pathway guidance.

This year, West Chester University and Drexel University joined the growing list of Service Scholars participants, bringing the total number of partner schools to seven. Other institutions in the program include Community College of Philadelphia, Gwynedd Mercy University, Montgomery County Community College, Thomas Jefferson University, and Villanova University.

The Service Scholars initiative builds on educational benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering veterans additional resources as they transition to healthcare careers.

“Nursing is a great career choice for veterans,” said Heather Major, executive director of the IBX Foundation. “Expanding the Service Scholars Program helps us meet workforce needs while providing meaningful, high-demand job opportunities for those who have served.”

West Chester University, a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, said its participation reflects a broader mission to address workforce shortages across the state. “We are proud to support veterans pursuing nursing careers,” said Dr. Nancy Barker, Chair of WCU’s Nursing Department.

The IBX Foundation partners exclusively with accredited and state-approved nursing programs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Since launching its nursing initiatives in 2011, the foundation has invested over $23 million to expand and diversify the region’s healthcare workforce.

These efforts are part of the Foundation’s broader mission to improve access to care and strengthen community health outcomes across the Philadelphia area.

author

Anthony SanFilippo

Anthony SanFilippo is the managing editor of both PhillyDaily.com and DelcoNow.com and also contributes to the company's sports coverage at OnPattison.com. He has been covering professional sports in Philadelphia since 1998. He has worked for WIP Radio, ESPN Radio, NBCSportsPhilly.com, the Delaware County Daily Times and its sister publications in the Philly burbs, the Associated Press, PhiladelphiaFlyers.com and, most recently, Crossing Broad. He also hosts a pair of Philly Sports podcasts (Phightin' Words and Snow the Goalie), makes frequent appearances on local television and radio programs, dabbles in acting, directing, teaching, and serves on a nonprofit board, which is why he has no time to do anything else, but will if you ask. Follow him on X @AntSanPhilly.

MORE NEWS STORIES


STEWARTVILLE

JERSEY SHORE WEEKEND

LATEST NEWS

Events

May

S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31

To Submit an Event Sign in first

Today's Events

No calendar events have been scheduled for today.