On Tuesday, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation announced new grant funding for a collaboration with Temple University’s College of Public Health and Department of Nursing to create a direct pathway from high school to college and into nursing for students of color. The IBC Foundation Healthcare Scholars Pipeline Program will provide full four-year scholarships, which cover tuition and educational expenses, for students of color pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at Temple University.

In addition to full scholarships, students will receive academic support including paid internships, learning communities and mentorships to further support their undergraduate nursing experience and academic achievement. The initial cohort will include five students from North Philadelphia and surrounding neighborhood high schools and will later expand to additional schools and up to 20 students.  

The announcement of the scholarships was made during a special news conference in the Charles Library, which drew the attention of several local media outlets. Here’s a snapshot of some of the coverage: 

The Philadelphia Business Journal: IBC Foundation, Temple aim to create 'direct pathway to nursing' for students of color
The Philadelphia Tribune: Independence Blue Cross and Temple University collaborate to support nursing students
NBC10: Temple University and Independence Blue Cross Foundation create a pipeline from high school to college
FOX29: New grant creates pathway to Temple nursing program
6ABC: Temple University and Independence Blue Cross Foundation announce new collaboration