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!
Join our Zoom Sessions to learn more!
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. October 15, 2023.
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
- 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 student’s entire application, including GPA, transcript, written essay, letters of reference and interview.
- Applications are now being accepted with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. October 15, 2023. 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.
Student Eligibility
- Be a U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national, or legal permanent resident
- Underrepresented population in Nursing
- Enrolled in the 11th grade during the 2023/2024 academic year
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale (as demonstrated by an official transcript)
- Ability to attend all 12 Saturday sessions
Students must also meet 2 of the following 3 criteria:
- Underrepresented minority in nursing
- Would be the first generation in their family to graduate from a four-year accredited college or university
- Demonstrate financial need. Use the following link as a guideline: Income guideline reference table.
- Students can initially self-report family income levels if they apply to the program. However, at a later date students accepted into the program may be asked to provide documentation. Acceptable forms of documentation will be communicated upon acceptance.
Program Info
- Howley ASPIRE program sessions are in-person. We follow all CDC and Cleveland Clinic recommended safety guidelines related to COVID-19.
- Students selected to participate must complete Cleveland Clinic onboarding process, (including obtaining ID badge) prior to first Saturday session
- Program hours are 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. each Saturday. Students are expected to attend all 12 sessions to meet successful completion, (extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on an individual basis).
- Meals - Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all participants. Students or their guardians will need to report any special diet requests, i.e. food allergies, religious restrictions, etc.
- Transportation – Bus passes will be provided, round trip if needed
- Professional Appearance – Students are expected to dress professionally in proper program attire. Proper program attire consists of white ASPIRE polo shirt and khakis, black, or navy slacks. No jeans or leggings are permitted. Hair must be a natural color (ie no pink, blue, green, etc.). Scholars must attend sessions in uniform, neat, clean, and well groomed.
- Students who successfully complete the program will receive a $500 stipend
FAQs
General Program Information FAQs:
What is the selection process?
The selection process is a balance of scholar 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 scholar’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 starts January 6, 2024 and ends March 23, 2024.
What are the start and end times?
Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.
How many students will be selected?
There will be up to 25 students selected for the junior cohort.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, scholars are provided round trip bus passes if needed.
Are meals provided?
Yes, if the students are on Cleveland Clinic’s campus, breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided.
Are provisions made for students with special dietary needs?
Yes, accommodations are made for food allergies and restrictions for religious purposes
Is there a dress code/uniform for the program?
You are expected to dress professionally in proper program attire. Proper program attire consists of white ASPIRE polo shirt and khakis, black, or navy slacks (provided by the program). No jeans or leggings are permitted. Hair must be a natural color (i.e. no pink, blue, green, etc.). Scholars must attend sessions in uniform, neat, clean, and well groomed.
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 ASPIRE team.
Is there any additional course work required for the program?
It is highly recommended for students to complete pre-requisite classes through College Credit Plus (CCP) prior to college entry. Ohio's College Credit Plus can help you earn college credits by taking free college courses from community colleges or universities while attending high school. The ASPIRE team will assist in enrollment if the student has not started the process.
If I am selected to participate, how do I get my $500 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?
Scholars are expected to attend all 12 Saturdays. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Is time away allowed during the program?
Students offered placement in the program are expected to make a commitment to the full program, which consists of 12 consecutive Saturdays, February- April. We encourage students to consider all of their options and choose mindfully before applying.
Ursuline College FAQ’s
Do I get to choose a college if I earn a scholarship?
Current academic partner is with Ursuline College Breen School of Nursing. A decision to attend Ursuline is not required until the student has been presented a financial aid award letter from the college.
If I get a scholarship to Ursuline, do I live on campus?
Yes, scholars are required to live on campus for the first 2 years in order to promote academic success.
Does the scholarship include room and board?
Yes, however, depending on each individuals’ financial status, there may be minimal out of pocket expenses in the form of student loans that will be due after graduation. No decision is required by the scholar 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
Who can I contact for questions about Ursuline College?
The Ursuline contact is Mike Brown. Her email is mike.brown@ursuline.edu
