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Empowering individuals through Allied Health education and community support.

We provide scholarships, resources, and guidance to underserved individuals pursuing careers in Allied Health—helping remove barriers and create opportunities for brighter, more sustainable futures.

The Ida Bell Foundation is dedicated to honoring the enduring legacy of Ida Bell Lewis. A woman whose life exemplified compassion, love, and unwavering generosity. Her selfless commitment to serving others, especially through her impactful work as a DCFS worker, continues to inspire the mission of this foundation.

In her memory, the foundation is committed to uplifting communities and removing barriers that hinder individual success in health and career advancement. At the heart of this mission is the Ida Bell Scholarship, designed to support individuals pursuing careers in Allied Health.

Understanding that challenges such as lack of childcare and transportation can stand in the way of success, the foundation provides comprehensive support to help scholars remain focused and achieve their professional goals.

With a holistic approach, the foundation recognizes that true success extends beyond financial assistance. By addressing personal, logistical, and systemic barriers, the Ida Bell Foundation empowers individuals to thrive, give back, and build stronger communities—continuing the powerful legacy of Ida Bell.

Our Mission

Opening Doors to Healthcare Careers

The Ida Bell Foundation is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Ida Bell by empowering underserved individuals through Allied Health education, scholarships, and community support. We are committed to removing barriers, providing essential resources, and creating pathways to meaningful, life-changing careers—uplifting individuals and strengthening communities for generations to come.

Education

We invest in futures by funding scholarships for in-demand Allied Health careers, including Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Certified EKG Technician, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, and Certified Pharmacy Technician programs. As our programs continue to grow, we are committed to expanding opportunities through the direct partnership and collaboration with Gifted Hands Academy—ensuring individuals receive the training, support, and resources needed to succeed in today’s healthcare workforce.

Support

At the Ida Bell Foundation, we go beyond scholarships by addressing real-life barriers. We offer free childcare, transportation assistance, and laptops to our recipients—ensuring they have the tools and support needed to succeed in their educational journey.

Community

Building a network of healthcare professionals, mentors, and supporters committed to uplifting underserved communities.

Opportunity

Creating pathways to quality healthcare careers by removing financial and systemic obstacles for those who need it most.

What We Do

Scholarship Programs

We provide funding for certifications in high-demand Allied Health fields, offering scholarship recipients a direct pathway to meaningful and rewarding careers.

Phlebotomy Certification

Learn venipuncture techniques, blood specimen collection, and laboratory safety procedures.

EKG Technician

Master electrocardiogram interpretation, cardiac monitoring, and patient care fundamentals.

Medical Assistant

Gain clinical and administrative skills needed for healthcare office operations and patient support.

Pharmacy Technician

Develop expertise in medication dispensing, pharmaceutical calculations, and pharmacy law.

The Ida Bell Scholarship

How It Works

Our streamlined process makes applying for educational support straightforward. We’re with you from application through career launch.

STEP 01

Apply

Submit your scholarship application with required documents and personal statement.

STEP 02

Review

Our committee reviews your application, eligibility, and financial need assessment.

STEP 03

Award

Selected recipients receive full scholarship funding for their chosen certification program.

STEP 04

Career Support

Ongoing mentorship, résumé preparation, and professional development guidance.

Eligibility Criteria

Our Impact

Changing Lives, One Scholarship at a Time

20+

Scholarships Awarded

92%

Completion Rate

88%

Job Placement

4

Certification Programs

My experience with Gifted Hands Academy has truly been life-changing. I am incredibly grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the Ida Bell Foundation Scholarship, which gave me the opportunity to begin my journey in healthcare. Through my training at Gifted Hands Academy, I was able to fully focus on developing my skills and building confidence as an Allied Healthcare professional. The support from the Ida Bell Foundation eased my financial burden, allowing me to stay committed and engaged throughout the program. The hands-on learning, guidance, and encouragement I received at Gifted Hands Academy prepared me for real-world responsibilities and strengthened my passion for helping others. This experience has played a major role in shaping my path in healthcare, and I am truly thankful for the investment made in my future. Gifted Hands Academy has made a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity and support provided.

My name is Queenester Gardner I am one of the ida bell scholarship recipient the ida bell scholarship impacted my life in a good and positive way I never thought I’ll be in the healthcare field until I came across Gifted hands academy I was interested in the EKG program I fill out the application got accepted and 3 years later I’m still working as a EKG technician now I’m in a much better position to be able to take care of my responsibilities with no worry at all thank you Gift hands for believing in me as much as I believe in myself