Shaping the Next Generation of Healthcare in East Central Indiana
In East Central Indiana, the future of healthcare is being built close to home. Over the past eight years, a growing network of hospitals, colleges and universities, and community partners has worked to strengthen the healthcare workforce pipeline—connecting education, training, and clinical practice so local students can pursue meaningful careers while helping improve community health.
Through more than $3 million in grants awarded by Ball Brothers Foundation, organizations across the region are expanding real-world training, early career exposure, and mentorship opportunities. Together, these efforts support a coordinated “grow our own” approach—opening doors for high school students, college students, medical students, and physician residents while helping address some of the region’s most pressing health needs.
Most recently, funding awarded by Ball Brothers Foundation has supported the following efforts:
Ivy Tech Community College will begin offering new dual-credit and dual-enrollment pathways for high school students pursuing Central Service Technician (sterile processing) and Pharmacy Technician roles, aligning coursework with industry credentials and clinical rotations while meeting a strong demand from local hospitals and other healthcare employers for these workers.
IU Health Foundation is expanding immersive healthcare career exploration events, giving high school students early exposure to a range of clinical roles and connecting them with internships and job shadowing opportunities at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.
IU School of Medicine–Muncie is enhancing physician training through expanded mentorship, community engagement, and enriched clinical learning experiences that strengthen student understanding of local health needs.
Open Door Health Services is expanding its Medical Assistant program, combining classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and structured mentorship to build workforce capacity.
Ball State University is supporting interprofessional training and community-based health programs via the Healthy Lifestyle Centers while providing housing and learning spaces for IU School of Medicine–Muncie students, enhancing both access to care and long-term provider retention.
Taylor University is equipping nursing students with expanded hands-on training tools, including clinical lab kits and demonstration models, to better prepare students for healthcare roles.
Meridian Health Services will continue a regional provider education series focused on trauma-informed, integrated care, strengthening collaboration and professional development across agencies.
Delaware County Health Department plans to create apprenticeship opportunities in a public health career pathway, broadening workforce development beyond traditional clinical settings.
Ball State University is also piloting “Empathy in Action,” an interactive training tool to help nursing and healthcare students strengthen communication with autistic patients and deliver more patient-centered care.
Together, these efforts reflect a long-term commitment to growing and retaining healthcare talent in East Central Indiana. By strengthening hands-on training, expanding career pathways, and connecting education with community health needs, our region is helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals while supporting healthier communities across East Central Indiana.
Ball Brothers Foundation’s support for this work comes from our Optimus Primary initiative funding. Learn more here.