Empowering Futures: Inside the Howley ASPIRE Pathways Program

Podcast Transcript

Dr. James K. Stoller: 

Hello, and welcome to MedEd Thread, a Cleveland Clinic education podcast that explores the latest innovations in medical education and amplifies the tremendous work of our educators across the enterprise.

Dr. Tony Tizzano: 

Hello, welcome to today's episode of MedEd Thread. The first in a series of three education podcasts, exploring Cleveland Clinic's, Howley Aspire Program. I'm your host, Dr. Tony Tizzano, director of Student and Learner Health, here at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Today, I am very pleased to have Dr. Pamela Combs, director of the Howley Aspire Program. Dr. Combs, welcome. 

Dr. Pamela Combs: 

Thank you so much, Tony, for having us here today. 

Dr. Tony Tizzano: 

Also joining us is EJ Clark, caregiver support specialist for the Howley Aspire program here as well. EJ, thanks for joining us today. 

EJ Clark: 

Tony, thank you for this opportunity to talk about this amazing program.

Dr. Tony Tizzano: 

So again, welcome both to the podcast. To get us started, if each of you would just tell us a little bit about yourselves, your educational background, what brought you to Cleveland and your role here at Cleveland Clinic. 

Dr. Pamela Combs: 

Sure. I am a Cleveland native, having spent the majority of my career here at Cleveland Clinic.

By trade, I'm a nurse practitioner having received both my bachelor's and master's degree from Kent State University, and I completed my clinical doctorate of nursing practice at Case Western Reserve University in 2018. My clinical specialty is in endocrinology with a specific focus on diabetes, hormones and metabolism.

However, in 2023, I left my clinical position to join the Howley Aspire program and now serve as the director of this again, impressive pipeline program. 

Dr. Tony Tizzano, MD: 

And we are glad to have you. Ej, what about you? 

EJ Clark: 

All right. There is a saying that when you do what you love, you never work a day in your life. I've had the privilege of not working for 30 years.

I've been engaged with this program since its inception serving as a volunteer, working with students on their personal brand and professional presentation. Also bringing awareness to how they show up and the impact that that has on the trajectory of their success. 

But a little bit about me. I'm a clevelander, born and raised. I have two master's degrees in education and psychology, and over the course of my career, I've served in roles that motivate, inspire, and impact lives of the underserved communities. Those roles include that of an educator, author, workforce development specialist, domestic violence advocate, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, incorporated.

I recently had the honor of being a feature speaker at Cleveland Clinic's conference discussing the importance, benefits, and best practices of working with these underserved populations. 

Dr. Tony Tizzano, MD: 

Thank you very much, EJ. Appreciate it and we're so happy to have both of you. So as our listeners may surmise in today's episode, we will provide an overview of the Howley Aspire program, an enrichment program sponsored by the Howley Foundation in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic.

This innovative initiative is designed for high school juniors, interested in pursuing careers in the areas of nursing, respiratory therapy and surgical technology or sterile processing. The program's focus is on and geared towards those students who would most benefit from the opportunity to participate in this unique experience.

So, Dr. Combs, if you could help frame today's topic by providing our listeners with an overview. Of the program, its goals and objectives. 

Dr. Pamela Combs:

Well, Tony, to reiterate, this is a brilliantly conceived program, like you said, that was designed for high school juniors interested in pursuing one of the four careers that we support, like you said, nursing, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, and sterile processing.

This program provides participants with career options and critical skill sets to support their transition into and through higher education and assist them with their entry into the workforce and beyond. So this is a pipeline program, Tony, that focuses on workforce development for our organization.

Dr. Tony Tizzano, MD: 

Excellent. And you know, we will be the benefactors of it for I'm sure years to come. So EJ, what is the Howley Foundation? What was the inspiration for this program? 

EJ Clark:

Nick and Lori Howley established their family foundation in 2003 with the intent of helping students receive the best education possible. The Howley's firmly believe that the best way to create social and economic mobility and improve life is to provide educational opportunities through strong academics and the character formation in a program that has clear and verifiable effective measures. 

They have grown the foundation and the Howley Scholars program to provide meaningful tuition assistance. In 2024, over 1200 scholarship students in Philadelphia and Cleveland were awarded, as well as other high schools and colleges in United States. 

The inspiration for this program came when Nick Howley upon reflecting on his experience around a total joint replacement in Cleveland thought that nurses and other caregivers should be reflective of the communities that they serve. Nick then had a conversation with Dr. Kelly Hancock, executive vice president, chief caregiver officer, and thus the Howley Aspire program was born. 

I must add that Dr. Hancock and executive leadership are very passionate about this program. In in fact, Dr. Hancock attends our graduation ceremonies and personaly extends congratulations to students and their families during our formal events. 

Dr. Tony Tizzano, MD: 

Boy, it's amazing how, when great minds meet the things that can happen, and this is certainly an example of that. So, Dr. Combs, how is the Howley Aspire program structured? What, what do students come to expect? 

Dr. Pamela Combs:

Tony, this is a 12 week enrichment program designed to develop and foster an understanding of those careers that again, we support. We immerse our students in career specific exploration, CPR certification, shadowing, and hands-on experiences. 

We prepare them for college and on the job training. We collaborate with other healthcare professionals within our organization to execute these objectives and enhance the student's experiences.

We utilize advanced medical training equipment and our advanced simulation center to supplement learning. 

Select participants are invited after junior year to come back and return for a second year as seniors in high school. At that time, we often utilized them as mentors for our younger students, and we continue to build on foundational skills and concepts that they learned in their junior year.

Also, after they complete their senior year with us, then they are considered for scholarships at one of our academic partners. We utilize the Ursuline College of Nursing for those students interested in pursuing a four year degree in nursing, graduating with a BSN. Our academic partner for surgical technology is Cuyahoga Community College at which students pursue at two year degree at the associates level.

For those students interested in respiratory therapy, our academic partner is Kent State University, and again, this is also in pursuit of a two year degree as an associate. 

Then we have those students who will come directly into our workforce to do on the job training in sterile processing. Our students at the end of their senior year do receive a monetary stipend that's awarded upon successful completion of the entire program, and all participants that complete the program after high school are invited to join the Cleveland Clinic workforce.

And so those pursuing nursing become patient care nursing associates, those pursuing surgical technology become operating room assistants, and those pursuing respiratory therapy become respiratory therapy assistants. And so the whole time they're matriculating on their academic journey, they're also working for us in a role in those particular specialties, which again, further enhances their learning.

Dr. Tony Tizzano:

You know, Dr. Combs, I try to imagine myself back in high school when I had absolutely no thoughts of becoming a physician or even entering healthcare. It just seemed beyond me. 

To be able to have this kind of experience at Cleveland Clinic is just absolutely fascinating, and I wonder for individuals who may not have anyone in healthcare within their families or their day to day comings and goings. It sounds like a chance to really inspire the idea that I could be a professional. What would you say to that? 

Dr. Pamela Combs:

Absolutely. It's an amazing opportunity for our students. And I agree with you at the high school level as a senior I reflect back myself as I was pursuing my nursing degree, a program like this, and I am a first generation college student, and so a program like this is certainly providing our students with the support and really a clear map forward, a clear trajectory forward.

And so again, I'm. The program was just brilliantly conceived. And you know, it's a very comprehensive program and I don't really believe that there's a program that matches it. 

Dr. Tony Tizzano:

I have to say and of course, we're, we're beginning to learn that this isn't just Cleveland, it's actually Northeastern Ohio that's sort of involved in this.

Dr. Pamela Combs:

That's right. 

Dr. Tony Tizzano:

So EJ, in your role as a program caregiver support specialist, what all does that entail? 

EJ Clark:

Well, if you can imagine being 16 to 17 years old, having to select a career path, a coach is very necessary in helping direct and map out that plan. I. The coach role is relatively new in the career focus programming.

In my role as a success coach, we take an individualized, holistic, proactive approach, understanding that success is multifaceted and encompasses various aspect of the person's goal setting and action planning. We work with students to help them identify their goals, assess their strengths and challenges, and help develop plans to achieve their objectives.

We provide motivational encouragement and support students to stay on track and overcome their obstacles and barriers. We support students with academic challenges through assistance with resources. 

We encourage them to develop their leadership and social and emotional learning skills, improve their interpersonal skills, things like conflict resolution, problem solving, time management, and most importantly, we cultivate an environment of belonging.

Now before the student even begins the program, they have a Meet the Coach session where a student can share what they're looking forward to and what concerns they have, and then we start with their individualized plan before they even step foot on campus. 

One other unique aspect about the program is we provide a variety of wraparound services to assist with mitigating barriers to success. We assist with things like transportation by providing bus tickets, ride shares, clothing and food insecurities by providing gift cards. We support students with finding appropriate mental wellness provided if needed. 

Again, we provide a holistic framework to support the students. And I personally have seen the amazing butterfly effect of the students after starting with the program, receiving these supports. Learning and growing and who they are and becoming successful caregivers with Cleveland Clinic, and it's an amazing thing to see and be a part of. 

Dr. Tony Tizzano:

That has to feel just great. So, so what are the prerequisites for entrance into the program eJ? 

EJ Clark:

So that's great, as you can imagine, this program is nearing its 10th year and the Howley Aspire program is consistently evaluating successes, making sure that the best outcomes for both the students and the program.

So in its current iteration, the students have to have a desire to explore opportunities in healthcare. They have to meet the economic guidelines and have the appropriate GPA for the program. In its current state, the nurse college GPA is 3.0, and for the Howley Aspire Pathways Program, the GPA is a 2.0.

The students must provide an intent to participate in the sessions, maintain good academic standing and adhere to the program guidelines, come with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Those students are eligible to come, grow and thrive with the Howley Aspire program. 

Dr. Tony Tizzano:

And you know, when I listen to you and Dr. Combs and the enthusiasm you have for this, I am absolutely confident that it is contagious when they begin to meet you and see themselves perhaps differently. Dr. Combs, how many spots are available and how does a student apply? 

Dr. Pamela Combs:

Each year, we admit 50 students to our Nurse Scholars program and 60 students for the Howley Aspire Pathways program, which encompasses the other three careers. Those 60 Pathways students will choose one of those three specialty careers that we described. 

And then I just have to brag a little bit. EJ talked about the fact that the program is 10 years old, and in fact, in the Nurse Scholars program, we have 20 registered nurses that have come out of the program with the expectation of more graduating in May. We have 43 nursing students at Ursuline College, and we have a total of 185 participants in all other facets of the program. So that's just my plug for the program and how we're doing. 

Interested students may simply visit our website where they'll find a QR code with application information. 

Dr. Tony Tizzano:

You know, with these diverse avenues that one might pursue it, it speaks to the kind of collaboration that the Clinic tries to foster with its educational partners throughout Northeastern Ohio. So both of you, when considering where you've gone, what do you see on the horizon? 

Dr. Pamela Combs:

Well, I'll jump in and, and tell you, Tony, that I really believe that in time we'll continue to grow in terms of how many students we admit, as well as how many careers we may support.

I could see that on the horizon. 

EJ Clark:

I see us continually impacting the lives of not only of our students, but their families and their families, and then ultimately the people that they serve. I see this growing and us becoming the model of excellence in planning career paths for students interested in healthcare, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Dr. Tony Tizzano:

Yeah. You know, it's not lost on me. There are so many opportunities. There are so diverse that knowing. Even a little bit about many of them is very difficult to obtain, and I think this program really sets its sight in a direction that has turned out to be very profitable. So again, for either of you, is there anything that I didn't ask that you feel is important for our listeners to know?

Dr. Pamela Combs:

No, I can't think of anything right now in this moment, but certainly any questions that anyone has, I would just like to say that they can reach out to us through our email address, which is aspire@ccf.org, and really just stay tuned. I think there'll be much, much more to come from the Howley Aspire program.

Dr. Tony Tizzano:

Fabulous. Well, thank you so much, Dr. Combs and EJ. This has been a wonderfully insightful and thought provoking episode of MedEd Thread. 

Dr. Pamela Combs: 

Thank you. 

EJ Clark:

Thank you for having us. 

Dr. Tony Tizzano:

To our listeners, if you'd like to suggest a medical education topic to us or comment on an episode, please email us@educationatccf.org.

Thank you very much for joining, and we look forward to seeing you on our next podcast. Have a wonderful day.

Dr. James K. Stoller:

This concludes this episode of MedEd Thread, a Cleveland Clinic Education podcast. Be sure to subscribe to hear new episodes via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Until next time, thanks for listening to MedEd Thread and please join us again soon.