Ivy Tech Receives $50,000 Grant From Ball Brothers Foundation

A nursing class is pictured in session at the Ball Brothers Foundation School of Nursing wing at Ivy Tech in downtown Muncie. Photo by: Mike RhodesA nursing class is pictured in session at the Ball Brothers Foundation School of Nursing wing at Ivy Tech in downtown Muncie. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

By: Jennifer Gasiorek, Executive Director of Workforce Partnerships, and Strategic Communications—

Muncie, IN—Ivy Tech Muncie received a $50,000 grant from Ball Brothers Foundation to explore opportunities for current Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)  to become a License Practical Nurse (LPN) in order to fulfill demand for LPNs within Delaware County. These funds would help Ivy Tech Muncie expand the program to include more students to be in the position to obtain high wage and in-demand employment.

According to a 2017 U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics report, in the State of Indiana, the mean annual salary for a Certified Nursing Assistants was $24,330. While, the salary of LPN’s salary was $40,730. This is a 66.9% increase in salary.  According to Indeed.com (7/2019), Muncie has 83 LPN open positions. By increasing the program by 30%, allowing 10 more students to pursue their LPN, Ivy Tech would help supply local workforce demand.

“CNAs have an intrinsic need to help nurture and care for people,” said Dr. Mia D. Johnson, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “Providing current CNAs the opportunity to earn an LPN will increase their marketability and earning potential.”

“We are grateful for the generosity of the Ball Brothers Foundation,” said Jeffrey D. Scott, Chancellor. “I am excited to see these students continue to pursue their education in the healthcare industry. This is yet another example of our intentionality and collaboration by breaking new ground in academic programming.”

This program will be housed on the fourth floor of the John and Janice Fisher Building in Ball Brothers Foundation School of Nursing wing. These opportunities would allow the necessary skills for students to advance into the next step in their career.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.