News

Eskenazi Health Foundation is grateful to receive a $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the Gregory S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health (Fehribach Center).

The Fehribach Center serves as a catalyst for empowerment, enabling college and university students with physical disabilities to realize their full potential. Lilly Endowment Inc.’s transformative funding aims to address the stark employment disparities these students face, as they currently secure jobs at less than half the rate of their peers without disabilities.

Since its inception in 2013, the Fehribach Center has achieved remarkable success in career engagement:

• 95% of interns have either graduated and secured equitable employment or are continuing their education.
• 91% of interns who entered the workforce found equitable employment, nearly three times the national average for college graduates with physical disabilities.
• 22 interns, including six at Eli Lilly and Company, have transitioned into full-time positions with the companies where they interned.

With the Lilly Endowment grant, the Fehribach Center plans to enhance its internship offerings, providing professional development activities and necessary accommodations to ensure that all qualified students can participate fully. This initiative positions the Fehribach Center to set a national standard for accessibility and inclusivity in the workforce.

“Thanks to Lilly Endowment’s support, we can expand our reach and help other communities adopt our successful model,” said Larry Markle, director of the Fehribach Center. “We are dedicated to equipping these talented individuals with the tools they need to succeed and advocate for their peers.”

This generous investment marks a significant milestone for the Fehribach Center, allowing it to continue fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that empowers students with physical disabilities to thrive in their careers. With a vision to create equitable opportunities, the Fehribach Center is poised to inspire growth and change in Indiana and far beyond, championing accessibility and employment opportunities nationwide.