New USI scholarships to focus on enhancing healthcare quality for Indiana’s aging population

The University of Southern Indiana Foundation has received a $100,000 grant from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to fund scholarships for USI undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the Administrator-in-Training (AIT) residency program or any academic major, minor or certificate program offered in gerontology. The scholarships will increase educational and career opportunities for students interested in working with older adults and bolster the healthcare workforce in Indiana.

The grant announcement was made during the Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness (MAIA) Conference where industry and community leaders gathered to provide and discuss practical tools and best practices for successful aging and wellness strategies through interprofessional collaborative practice.

"Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated financial need, and the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Scholarships are renewable if the recipients continue to meet the eligibility requirements," says Dr. Katie Ehlman, Professor of Gerontology and Director of the USI Bronstein Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness. "These scholarships represent Anthem's commitment to help build a pipeline of new healthcare professionals to care for the growing aging population in our state."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older, reflecting the rapid aging of the baby boomer generation. "This demographic shift, between 2014 and 2060, will see the older population more than double from 46 million to 98 million, profoundly impacting our nation's age structure and creating an urgent healthcare workforce need," says Ehlman. "It is expected that this increase in the aging population will create higher demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in fields related to geriatric care. We are grateful for Anthem's generous support for this new scholarship program to assist USI students pursuing careers in gerontology, long-term care and related areas."

"This scholarship aims to create a clear path to success for students, enabling them to seek rewarding healthcare positions serving older adults across Indiana," said Dawn Butler, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's PathWays for Aging Director. "By working with partners like USI, Anthem continues to invest in innovative solutions that strengthen our healthcare workforce and improve lives in our communities."

In 2017, USI was the first academic institution in Indiana to have an Administrator-in-Training (AIT) residency program incorporated into the undergraduate and graduate curriculum. An AIT program must be completed before an individual can sit for the exams required for nursing home administrator licensure. USI was able to add the new AIT course because of changes in the Indiana statute allowing students to complete an AIT program under the guidance of a qualified nursing home administrator prior to receiving a bachelor's degree.

For more information on the gerontology curriculum at USI and how to apply for scholarships, visit USI.edu/health/gero-curriculum.