Set foot in any area hospital or physician practice, and you’ll see firsthand the effects of an enduring shortage facing the healthcare workforce. The short- ages are especially stark for healthcare workers from underrepresented groups. At the same time, the cost of nursing school tuition in the Philadelphia region averages $30,000 per year (tuition and fees).
To address this glaring need, the Independence Blue Cross (IBX) Foundation expanded its Healthcare Scholars Program, which provides full four-year or two-year scholarships to cover tuition and educational expenses for underrepresented individuals pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in nursing (ADN).
On Thursday, August 17, 2023, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation (IBX) hosted an afternoon reception at their Market Street headquarters, welcoming 35 nurs- ing students from 13 area schools and universities.
Greg Deavens, President and CEO Independence Health Group, Dr. Rev. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President Independence Blue Cross Foundation, and Heather Major, Executive Director of Independence Blue Cross Foundation, joined in welcoming the students to the program.
The Keynote speaker for the afternoon was Monica Harmon, MSN, MPH, RN, Executive Director of Community Wellness Hub, Drexel University, Assistant
Clinical Professor, who spoke about growing up in West Philadelphia, attending the public schools in the School District of Philadelphia and how the sum of these experiences influenced her decision to become a public health nurse.
Ensuring the healthcare workforce reflects the communities it serves is critical to promoting more culturally competent care.
IBX Foundation has awarded grants (totaling more than $400,000) to twelve Nursing Schools to fund the annual tuition of 35 students selected to participate in the IBX Foundation Healthcare Scholars Program. In addition, scholars have access to mentoring and professional development programming through an IBX grant to PA-Action Coalition.
The IBX Foundation Healthcare Scholars Program, was launched in 2021 with Temple University’s College of Public Health and the Department of Nursing. More than half of Nursing Schools in the Southeastern PA re- gion are participating in the program, including Community College of Philadelphia, Eastern University, Gwynedd Mercy University, Harcum College, Holy Family University, Immaculata University, La Salle University, Montgomery County Community College (MCCC), Neumann University, Temple University, Villanova University, and Widener University. This program ensures students have access to a quality education thanks to either full or partial scholarships.
“Nurses play a vital role and in health care. Opportunities like this address the shortage in the nursing workforce, as well as the need for greater representation in nursing, the nation’s largest healthcare workforce,” said Lorina Marshall-Blake, President Independence Blue Cross Foundation. “The scholarships also demonstrate the increased commitment of the IBX Foundation to advance nursing education and professional development of undergraduate student nurses.”
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice reported that when nurses are members of the populations they serve, they’re better able to improve communications and trust. They may also be more likely to work in resource-poor communities facing a shortage of healthcare professionals, which can improve access to healthcare.
The new funding creates an educational pathway for 35 students at 13 Philadelphia area colleges and universities, who otherwise may have faced hefty challenges.
For more information, please visit: www.ibxfoundation.org.
