Greencroft Communities Foundation Invests in Nursing Education
Ana Urdaneta and her twin sister Victoria haven’t graduated from high school yet, but they both have already completed the equivalent of 32 credit hours toward a college degree in nursing. How did they manage that?
They enrolled as high school juniors in the new Health Sciences Certified Nursing Assistant pathway within Goshen High School’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) program. They completed hands-on learning in the classroom, coursework through Ivy Tech and Legacy Medical Academy, and clinicals at Greencroft Goshen Healthcare.
“It’s a wonderful program,” Victoria shared. “The process was very smooth. The instructors were really helpful.”
A Community Collaboration
When the pilot program for the Health Sciences pathway opened in 2024, Greencroft stepped up to partner with Goshen Community Schools and Legacy Medical Training. What began as workforce training and clinical experiences at Greencroft Goshen Healthcare grew into a much larger collaboration with financial support from the Greencroft Communities Foundation.
"We need to think about nurse creation, not just recruitment," said Todd Yoder, President of the Foundation. "We need to help fill the pipeline of new nurses."
Indiana faces a projected shortage of more than 5,000 nurses by 2030, according to the Indiana Hospital Association — a shortage driven largely by an aging population and greater demand for healthcare services.
An Investment in the Next Generation
The Greencroft Communities Foundation board voted in November to cover the cost of new equipment and instructional materials for the Goshen High School program. In February, they expanded that support to a five-year commitment of $150,000.
“It’s so important to invest in the next generation of CNAs and nurses,” said Hugh Davis, President and CEO of Greencroft Communities. Hugh began his own career as a CNA while pursuing a degree in nursing science.
“Partnerships at this monetary level are critical as we work to prepare students for in-demand professions that directly impact our community,” said Jon Everingham, Director of Career & Technical Education for Goshen Community Schools.
Greencroft Academy of Health Sciences
In April 2026, the Goshen Community Schools Board of Trustees approved naming the Health Sciences pathway the Greencroft Academy of Health Sciences.
“We are honored to help students experience the meaningful difference they can make in the lives of older adults,” Hugh said. “This partnership is an investment in the future of healthcare in Goshen and Elkhart County, and one way we live out our responsibility to the people and communities we serve.”
A Good Career to Get Into
“It’s always been like a dream to be a nurse,” shared Diana Juarez, a Goshen High School senior enrolled in the program. “I promised my mom I was going to do something in the medical field when she was sick.”
“I think nursing is a good career to get into,” added Sean Spencer, a junior. His favorite part of the job is interacting with long-term residents. “I help them feel comfortable, like they’re at home,” he said.
Ana and Victoria work with memory care patients in the Cottages at Healthcare.
“This is my favorite unit,” Ana said. “They need us and we need them.”
“They are like family,” added Victoria. “They’re like our grandparents.”
Greencroft Academy of Health Sciences Timeline
2024
- Pilot program of GHS Health Sciences Certified Nursing Assistant pathway begins at the start of the 2024-25 school year, with Legacy Medical Academy providing instruction.
- 20 students enroll.
- Greencroft Goshen Healthcare serves as a site for clinical training and becomes an active partner.
2025
- All 20 inaugural class members pass their CNA exams and become certified. All 20 offered jobs at Greencroft Goshen Healthcare. Six accept.
- 32 students enroll for the 2025-26 school year.
- The Greencroft Communities Foundation Board of Directors approves a proposal to support the program financially.
2026
- GCS receives an initial gift from the Greencroft Communities Foundation in January to purchase new equipment and instructional materials.
- Greencroft Communities Foundation Board approves a five-year sponsorship of the program, $30,000 a year, for a total gift of $150,000.
- GCS Board of Trustees names the nursing pathway – Greencroft Academy of Health Sciences.
- 56 students enroll for the 2026-27 school year.
2027
- Planned rollout of a senior capstone class with a focus on additional skills to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).