The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Indian Health Service has awarded $1.6 million to the University of Arizona College of Nursing to extend their Indians in Nursing: Career Advancement and Transition Scholars (INCATS) program for another five years.
Since its launch, INCATS has assisted 13 Native American students, 10 of whom have completed their studies and advanced in the nursing field. The grant will go to support an additional four to six students annually over the next five years, providing tuition, fees, and living stipends.
INCATS scholars will also benefit from culturally relevant mentoring from peers and faculty, top-notch professional development, and preparation for RN licensure or APRN certification and job placement.
In addition to financial aid, the grant supports outreach and collaboration with tribal communities across Arizona to encourage more Indigenous youth to pursue nursing careers and to strengthen partnerships between the University of Arizona and tribal health facilities.
Enrolled members of Federally Recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribes can be nominated by a community partner, such as a tribal clinic, tribal college, or tribal organization. Applicants with Arizona based tribal affiliations and those who are veterans will receive priority consideration
Each INCAT scholar must maintain a GPA of 3.00 throughout the entire funding period. Additionally, to acknowledge the support received from tribal collaborations and partnerships, scholars are required to commit to working in a tribal community or healthcare setting for 2 years for every year of financial support they receive.
The grant is timely, given the ongoing nursing shortage in southern Arizona that has significantly impacted tribal communities. By training more tribal affiliated nurses, helping them acquire the necessary skills for careers in nursing, and contributing to healthcare improvements in their communities, the INCATS program addresses health equity and the specific needs of tribal nations.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for delivering health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Established in 1787 through Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, HIS serves approximately 2.6 million individuals from 574 federally recognized tribes across 37 states.
The INCATS program is recognized as a model for increasing diversity in the nursing workforce and enhancing Indigenous representation in healthcare. The new funding will enable the program to continue its efforts to support students and contribute to healthcare improvements in Native American communities.
