Indianapolis, Indiana – Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis has officially launched its 2025 Summer Healthcare Academy, offering 16 high school students a powerful jump-start into the world of healthcare. Hosted at the Indianapolis Lawrence campus, this eight-week summer experience is designed for rising juniors and seniors from high schools across Central Indiana.
Students participating this year represent schools such as Ben Davis, Eman Schools, Franklin Central, North Central, Perry Meridian, Speedway, and Warren Central—a diverse group united by one goal: exploring meaningful careers in the healthcare field.
Thanks to a generous $1 million grant from United Healthcare, the program is completely free for participants. The investment supports Ivy Tech’s broader mission to create educational opportunities that break down barriers and build real career pathways for young people.
“THE IVY TECH HEALTHCARE ACADEMY REPRESENTS OUR MISSION TO EXPAND ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY. THIS PROGRAM EQUIPS STUDENTS WITH FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE, REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE, AND THE CONFIDENCE TO PURSUE CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE. IT’S ABOUT GIVING STUDENTS A HEAD START—NOT JUST ACADEMICALLY, BUT PROFESSIONALLY,” said Dr. Terri Fleming, dean of Ivy Tech’s School of Health Sciences.
Students enrolled in the Healthcare Academy benefit from a robust curriculum that blends academic rigor with hands-on experiences. Participants:
• Earn Ivy Tech college credits in health sciences
• Receive CPR certification
• Train in high-tech labs and clinical simulations
• Hear from guest speakers across the healthcare field
• Visit healthcare facilities and explore career pathways
• Receive a $500 gift card after successful program completion
Each week, students dive into simulation labs that mirror real-world hospital environments. They also spend time in classrooms, working closely with Ivy Tech faculty and health professionals. The goal is to help students build confidence and knowledge in critical areas of the healthcare profession—from emergency care to patient communication and beyond.
The program will wrap up with a completion celebration on July 31, held at the downtown Indianapolis campus. Family members, faculty, and healthcare industry partners will be on hand to honor the students’ achievements. Each participant will showcase what they’ve learned, reflecting on both their academic growth and personal development throughout the summer.
The impact of the Healthcare Academy goes beyond the classroom. Last year, one participant used her newly acquired CPR skills to save an infant’s life at her workplace. Her story served as a powerful reminder of how early training can have real-life consequences—and save lives.
By nurturing curiosity and building practical skills, Ivy Tech’s Healthcare Academy is helping Indiana grow its future healthcare workforce. For many students, this summer program is the first step toward careers in nursing, medical technology, emergency services, and more.
To learn more about the program and how to get involved, visit ivytech.edu/healthcareacademy. Media interested in covering the July 31 celebration or interviewing students and staff can contact Ivy Tech Indianapolis directly.
This summer, Ivy Tech is not only teaching students—it’s inspiring them to save lives and change the world.
