INDIANAPOLIS — Eskenazi Health and Eskenazi Health Foundation recently announced a $1.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to expand the Initiative for Empowerment and Economic Independence (IEEI). The Eskenazi Health program provides meaningful internships for students from Indiana colleges and universities to help the students achieve meaningful employment.
The timing of the announcement was fitting as July 26 marked the 27th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Since 2013, the college students who participated in the IEEI program have held internships in such fields as occupational/physical therapy, computer programming, music therapy and public affairs/communications. As part of their internships, students receive competitive hourly wages, lunch vouchers and nearby housing free of charge.
Interns are recruited from Indiana colleges and go through a rigorous application process. Students are required to submit transcripts, writing samples, and five professional and educational references. Those who are accepted to the program are held to the same standards as their fellow employees in their respective departments. The program prides itself on assigning meaningful work that benefits both intern and employer.
The grant will enable Eskenazi Health to expand IEEI with the ultimate goal of establishing the Gregory S. Fehribach Center for Empowerment and Economic Independence by 2019. Greg Fehribach is an attorney who works throughout Indianapolis, the state and the country to create accessible environments and opportunities for individuals with physical and sensory disabilities.