Overview
Howley ASPIRE Explorers: Nursing 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 Nurse Scholars Program
Current juniors - apply today to the Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program!
Applications for current juniors are now being accepted with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. on October 12, 2025.
The Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program is an enrichment experience sponsored by Cleveland Clinic and The Howley Foundation in collaboration with Ursuline College Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions. The program is designed for high school juniors interested in pursuing a career in nursing.
The Howley ASPIRE Program provides participants with career information and critical skill sets to support their matriculation through higher education, nursing school, and beyond.
A stipend will be awarded upon successful completion of the junior program. Eligible participants are invited to return during their senior year to build on the foundation of skills and concepts learned in junior year. Returning seniors could receive a scholarship to attend our program academic partner to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The current academic partner of the Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program is Ursuline College.
The program offers instruction to high school students to develop their understanding of nursing careers at Cleveland Clinic. Participants will experience and learn about:
- The profession of nursing
- Relationship-based care
- Simulation skills lab
- Health literacy and barriers to care
- CPR certification
- Nursing and the community
- Research and evidence-based practice
- Professional communication, personal brand, and presentation skills
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.
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 eleventh grade during the current academic year
- Earned cumulative GPA of 3.0+ 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 50 participants are selected for each Nurse Scholars 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.
Ursuline College FAQs
Do I get to choose a college if I earn a scholarship?
The current academic partner of the Nurse Scholars Program is Ursuline College. Only participants continuing with the Howley ASPIRE Program track to Ursuline College are eligible for the Howley ASPIRE Program Scholarship.
If I get a scholarship to Ursuline College, 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?
Out-of-pocket expenses may be due after graduation. No decision is required by the participant and/or their family until they have been provided with an award letter from Ursuline College.
How do I get more information about Ursuline College?
For more information about Ursuline College Breen School of Nursing: www.ursuline.edu/academics/programs/nursing
