From the Club to College

How the IU Health Academy Sparked a Career in Healthcare

For one of our standout students, the IU Health Academy at the Jim Kelley Career Pathway Center was more than just a program. It was a turning point.

“Being part of the IU Health Academy was one of the best experiences I’ve had,” Chenelle Riley shared. “I loved how hands-on everything was. We weren’t just sitting in a classroom; we were actually learning real skills and getting a feel for what it’s like to work in healthcare.”

From day one, the program’s engaging, real-world approach helped bring the healthcare field to life. With supportive instructors and a community of like-minded peers, she felt empowered, inspired, and more certain than ever that she had found her calling.

Today, she’s attending IU Fort Wayne, majoring in dental hygiene, and staying active in her college club. This has become a space where she continues to connect with others who share her passion for helping people. Whether it’s volunteering, joining study groups, or participating in social events, she’s found a healthy balance of purpose and community.

“The IU Health Academy really helped prepare me for all of this and gave me the confidence to keep pushing toward my goals,” she said.

We’re proud to see how experiences like this one are helping our members turn passion into purpose, and dreams into reality.