Overview

Overview

Cleveland Clinic Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program

Learn more about the Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program.

**9th and 10th graders: Join our mailing list by filling out this form. Be ready to apply in your junior year!

Summer Boot Camp
Open to students entering 9th, 10th or 11th grade in the fall of 2024. Learn more about the program.

Sponsored by The Howley Foundation and Cleveland Clinic

Calling all high school juniors who aspire to a career in nursing: This program is for you!

The Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program is an enrichment program sponsored by Cleveland Clinic and The Howley Foundation in collaboration with Ursuline College Breen School of Nursing. This enrichment program is designed for high school juniors interested in pursuing a career in nursing.

The Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program focuses on providing participants with career information and critical skill sets to support their matriculation through higher education, nursing school, and beyond.

Applications are now being accepted with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. November 3, 2024.

A $500 monetary stipend will be awarded upon successful completion of the program. Select participants will be invited to return for a second year as mentors, as well as to build on the foundation of skills and concepts learned in junior year. The returning seniors will have the opportunity to earn a scholarship to attend Ursuline College to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

This 12-week enrichment program will offer instruction to high school juniors to develop their understanding of a nursing career. Students can expect to be enlightened on, but not limited to:

  • Profession of Nursing
  • Relationship Based Care
  • Personal Brand
  • Simulation Skills Lab Experience
  • Health Literacy/Health Care Disparities
  • CPR Certification
  • Shadow Experience
  • Healthcare & Technology
  • Diversity & Cultural Competence
  • Nursing and the Community
  • Research and Evidenced Based Practice
  • Professional Communication/Presentation Skills
Application Process

Application Process

  • Now accepting applications!
  • All applicants will be notified via email in a timely manner and provided next steps in the process.
  • Cleveland Clinic will make the final selections based upon the strength of the participant’s entire application, including GPA, transcript, written essay, letters of reference and interview.
  • Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. November 3, 2024. Late applications will NOT be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: Cleveland Clinic does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ethnicity, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Cleveland Clinic administers all programs and services without regard to disability and provides reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

Participant Eligibility

Participant Eligibility

  • Be a U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national, or legal permanent resident
  • Enrolled in 11th grade during the 2024-2025 academic year.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale (as demonstrated by an official transcript)
  • Demonstrated financial need
    • At least minimally eligible for Federal Pell Grant (see income guidelines below)
  • Ability to attend and provide transportation for all 12 Saturday sessions

Income Guidelines

Applicants for the Howley ASPIRE Program must demonstrate financial need and be at least minimally eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.  Eligibility parameters for the Federal Pell Grant are provided below. 

Participants accepted into the program may be asked to provide additional documentation of financial need. Acceptable forms of documentation will be communicated upon acceptance.

Federal Pell Grant Eligibility Guide – See page 24 for minimum Federal Pell Grant Eligibility

Refer to this chart for 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Program Info

Program Info

  • Howley ASPIRE Program sessions are in person. We follow all CDC and Cleveland Clinic recommended safety guidelines related to COVID-19.
  • Participants selected to participate must complete Cleveland Clinic onboarding process (including obtaining a tuberculosis (TB) test and ID badge).
  • Program hours are 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. each Saturday. Participants are expected to attend all 12 sessions to meet successful completion.
  • Breakfast and lunch are provided for all participants. Participants or their guardians should report any special diet requests, i.e. food allergies, religious restrictions, etc.
  • Participants are expected to dress professionally in proper program attire.
  • Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a stipend.
FAQs

FAQs

General Program Information FAQs:

What is the selection process?

The selection process is a balance of participant experiences, attributes, and academic metrics. Selection is based on, but not limited to, the following criteria: review of high school transcripts, grade point average of 3.0, extracurricular activities/experiences, PSAT (or ACT) results (if taken), recommendation letter(s), independent testing, sufficient financial information to determine likely Pell Grant eligibility, interview, and subjective evaluation. This holistic process is designed to consider a broad range of factors reflecting the participant’s academic readiness, contribution to the incoming class, and potential for success both in college and later as a professional nurse at Cleveland Clinic.

When does the program start and end?

The program begins in February 2025 and ends in April 2025.

What are the start and end times?

Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.

How many participants will be selected?

There will be up to 50 participants selected for the junior cohort.

Are meals provided?

Breakfast and lunch are provided.

Are provisions made for participants with special dietary needs?

Accommodation is made for food allergies and restrictions for religious purposes.

Is there a dress code/uniform for the program?

Participants are expected to dress professionally in proper program attire.

If I am selected, does that mean I get to continue in the program as a senior?

Senior selection is dependent on meeting all junior program requirements and evaluation from the Howley ASPIRE Program team.

Is there any additional course work required for the program?

Participants should complete pre-requisite classes through College Credit Plus (CCP) before college entry. Ohio's College Credit Plus can help participants earn college credits by taking free college courses from community colleges or universities while attending high school. Our team will assist in enrollment if the participant has not started the process.

If I am selected to participate, how do I get my stipend?

Stipends are awarded after successful completion of the junior curriculum at the final ceremony.

What if I am sick on one of the Saturday sessions?

Participants are expected to attend all 12 Saturdays. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed individually.

Is time away allowed during the program?

Participants offered placement in the program are expected to make a commitment to the full program, which consists of 12 consecutive Saturdays. We encourage participants to consider all their options and choose mindfully before applying.

Ursuline College FAQ’s

Do I get to choose a college if I earn a scholarship?

Our current academic partner is Ursuline College’s Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions. A decision to attend Ursuline is not required until the participant has been presented with a financial aid award letter from the college.

If I get a scholarship to Ursuline, do I have to live on campus?

Participants are required to live on campus for the first two years to promote academic success.

Does the scholarship include room and board?

Depending on each participant’s financial status, there may be out of pocket expenses in the form of student loans that will be due after graduation. No decision is required by the participant and family until they have been provided with an award letter from Ursuline College.

How do I get more information regarding Ursuline College?

For more information about Ursuline College Breen School of Nursing: www.ursuline.edu/academics/programs/nursing