Overview
Howley ASPIRE Explorers: Pathways Bootcamp
- Please check back in the spring of 2026 to register for our Summer 2026 Bootcamp
- Open to students entering 9th, 10th or 11th grade in the fall of 2026
- Sponsored by The Howley Foundation and Cleveland Clinic
Howley ASPIRE Pathways
Apply today! to the Howley ASPIRE Pathways to explore career opportunities in sterile processing, respiratory therapy and surgical technology.
Applications for current juniors are now being accepted with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. on October 12, 2025.
The Howley ASPIRE Pathways is an enrichment experience sponsored by Cleveland Clinic and The Howley Foundation in collaboration with Cuyahoga Community College and Kent State University-Ashtabula. The program is designed for high school juniors who are interested in exploring career options in respiratory therapy, sterile processing, and surgical technology.
The Howley ASPIRE Program provides participants with career information and critical skill sets to support their matriculation through high school, higher education, and beyond.
A stipend is awarded upon successful completion of the program. Eligible participants are invited to return for a second year as program mentors and to build on the foundation of skills and concepts learned in junior year. Eligible seniors could 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.
Participants will experience and learn about:
- Exploration of respiratory therapy
- Exploration of sterile processing
- Exploration of surgical technology
- CPR certification/Heart Saver and Mock Code
- Shadow and hands-on experiences
- College and on-the-Job Training
- Collaboration with experts in healthcare
- Advanced medical training equipment
Application Process
- Current juniors: click here to apply today! Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. on October 12, 2025. Late applications will NOT be accepted.
- All applicants will be notified via email and provided next steps in the process.
- Final participant selections will be based upon the strength of the participant’s entire application, including GPA, transcript, written essay, letters of reference and interview, and any other relevant components.
- Not a junior? Not a problem. Add your name to our mailing list to receive information about other opportunities available from the Howley ASPIRE Program and the Cleveland Clinic Center for Nursing Career Exploration.
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 eleventh grade during the current academic year
- Earned cumulative GPA of 2.5+ on a 4.0 scale, as demonstrated by an official transcript
- Demonstrate financial need
- Ability to attend and provide transportation for all program sessions
Income guidelines
Applicants for the Howley ASPIRE Program must demonstrate financial need.
Applicants may be asked to provide documentation of financial need. Acceptable forms of documentation will be communicated via email.
Program Info
- Howley ASPIRE Program sessions take place in person
- Participants must complete the Cleveland Clinic onboarding process:
- Requires a tuberculosis (TB) test, documentation of annual flu shot, and documentation of comprehensive immunization records
- Participants are expected to attend all program sessions
- Participants who successfully complete the program are eligible for a stipend
- Meals are provided; participants will be asked to submit dietary restrictions upon program enrollment
- Participants are expected to dress professionally in a program uniform (provided)
FAQs
General Program Information FAQs
What is the selection process?
The Howley ASPIRE Program selection process includes a balance of experiences, attributes, and academic metrics. Participant selection is based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:
- High school transcript
- Grade point average
- Essay responses
- Extracurricular and community engagement
- PSAT/ACT results (if taken)
- Letters of recommendation
- Math or Science teacher reference
- Demonstrated financial need
- Program interview
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 takes place during the winter/spring semester.
What are the start and end times?
Program sessions are generally about the same length as a typical school day.
How many participants will be selected?
Up to 60 participants are selected for each Pathways 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 junior program requirements and evaluation from the Howley ASPIRE Program team.
Is there any additional coursework required for the program?
Participants should complete pre-requisite classes through College Credit Plus (CCP) before college entry. Ohio's College Credit Plus allows students in grades 7-12 to earn college credits free of cost from participating colleges or universities. Our team can 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 year.
What if I am sick and can’t attend one of the sessions?
Participants are expected to attend all program sessions. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Participants should review their student handbook for specific information about how to appropriately communicate absences.
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 extracurricular options and make decisions mindfully before applying.
