Overview
Cleveland Clinic Howley ASPIRE Pathways
Calling all high school juniors who ASPIRE to a career in healthcare: This program is for you!
The Howley ASPIRE Pathways is an enrichment program sponsored by The Howley Foundation in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic. This enrichment initiative is designed for high school juniors (with a 2.5 grade point average or above) interested in pursuing careers in Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Technology or Sterile Processing.
The Howley ASPIRE Pathways focuses on providing participants with career options and critical skill sets to support their transition through higher education, entry into the workforce, and beyond.
Applications are now being accepted with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. October 12, 2025.
A 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. Returning seniors will have the opportunity to earn a scholarship to attend Cuyahoga Community College for Surgical Technology or Kent State University for Respiratory Therapy to complete a 2-year degree or receive on-the-job training and certification in Sterile Processing from Cleveland Clinic.
This 12-week hands-on enrichment program will offer instruction to high school juniors to develop their understanding of careers in Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing. Students can expect to be enlightened on, but not limited to:
- Exploration of Respiratory Therapy
- Exploration of Sterile Processing
- Exploration of Surgical Technology
- CPR Certification/Heart Saver and Mock Code
- Shadow and Hands-On Experience
- College and On-the-Job Training
- Collaboration with Experts in Healthcare
- Advanced Medical Training Equipment
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. October 12, 2025. 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
- 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 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale (as demonstrated by an official transcript)
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 - 2.4 on a weighted 4.0 scale with an additional letter of recommendation from a high school guidance counselor, coach, manager/supervisor, or another qualified person to speak on your behalf.
- 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
- 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
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 2.5, or 2.0 with additional letter of recommendation, 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. We encourage participants to consider all their options and choose mindfully before applying.
