Words for Good is thrilled to announce tremendous success by two clients selected to receive over $1.9 million each in grant funds from the U.S. Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA)’s Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP).
The Indiana University School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences (IUSHRS) was awarded $1,941,099 over three years to provide disadvantaged students from a broad range of educational levels (high school, adult/non-traditional learners, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, and professional school) with academic and supportive services to successfully enroll in and graduate from health professions programs, particularly occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistant programs. The project will serve economically and educationally disadvantaged students in a key charter school within the Indianapolis Public Schools district, the Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School, where 94% of the student body (540 students) is comprised of racial/ethnic minorities and 77% qualify for free/reduced lunches.
In addition, the Metropolitan Indianapolis Central Indiana Area Health Education Center (MICI-AHEC) (part of the University of Indianapolis) has been awarded $1,939,532 . The “HCOP INDY: Health Careers Opportunity Program to Increase Needed DiversitY” project will focus on the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, kinesiology, athletic training, public health, and social work. Project partners include the University of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College, five high schools in three school districts and the charter school system, the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, Health Occupation Students of America, The Excel Center, and Success Coach, LLC.
These projects will provide a triple impact in Indiana by helping disadvantaged students attain a degree, ultimately growing the diversity of the health care workforce and improving the care provided to patients. Congratulations, IUSHRS and MICI-AHEC!