Indy Standard

The Indiana University Health (IU Health) High School Fellowship with Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has been recognized by the Carnegie Corporation of New York as one of ten exemplary initiatives in education. This recognition comes with a $200,000 grant from the Profiles in Collective Leadership initiative, which supports collaborations that educate youth and bolster the workforce.

The fellowship is a partnership involving IU Health, IPS, local higher education institutions, and community leaders. It aims to equip students with healthcare skills through a three-year curriculum offering five industry-recognized certifications and up to 20 dual credits from Ivy Tech Community College. Graduates are guaranteed job offers from IU Health and encouraged to pursue further education.

Aleesia Johnson, superintendent of IPS, highlighted the significance of this award: “Our partnership with IU Health has created a paradigm shift in educational collaboration and community engagement.” She believes it could serve as a blueprint for future initiatives nationwide.

Jamal Smith from IU Health noted the program's broader impact: “We are not only investing in the future and diversity of healthcare; we are also investing in the health and wellbeing of the communities where our team members live, work, and play.”

LaVerne Evans Srinivasan from Carnegie Corporation emphasized their goal: “We launched Profiles based on our belief that communities across the country are working to create opportunities for economic and social mobility as well as civic engagement irrespective of red, blue, or purple politics — and we want to listen and learn from them.”

The initiative seeks to reduce political polarization while supporting civic engagement by drawing on local government, education, nonprofit business, and healthcare professionals' strengths.