January 3, 2023 – Penn Medicine has partnered with the Howley Foundation and La Salle University to launch the ASPIRE Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), marking an important investment in the future of nursing. The high school and college program will support local high school students in Philadelphia with a goal of increasing diversity in health care and offering opportunities for economic mobility. The program is supported by a commitment from the Howley Foundation of up to $7.5 million.
Each year, up to 25 outstanding high-school juniors will be selected to be ASPIRE scholars and participate in an enrichment program, lasting for the reminder of their high-school careers. The enrichment program offers mentorship and exposure to health care, the role of nurses, patient safety, and more through a series of interactive and hands-on sessions at the hospital. The first cohort of high-school students will begin with juniors in early 2023.
Upon graduation and fulfillment of requirements, students then have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at La Salle University with financial support from federal grants, a school scholarship, and a scholarship from the ASPIRE Program itself—which is funded by the Howley Foundation and Penn. During that time, they will have the opportunity to apply for paid positions at HUP where they can practice their skills and gain more relevant experience.
The first portion of the program consists of both lecture-type lessons and hands-on learning in the hospital for the high school students. Instructors are HUP nurses and hospital staff. While the students will not participate in clinical work with hospital patients, they will have opportunities to observe and assist nurses and other clinicians. At the end of this part of ASPIRE, scholars will also have a better understanding of the life of a nurse and the skills and approach required to excel at the job.
During their college years, the ASPIRE Scholars will benefit from ongoing support and guidance through advisors who will offer guidance and support on academic and other matters affecting their education. They will also have regular check-ins with their peers and instructors from the program.
The ASPIRE Program at HUP builds upon the model established by the Howley Foundation for the Cleveland Clinic in 2017.