Penn Medicine has announced a commitment of up to $7.5 million from the Howley Foundation to launch a program for Philadelphia high school students interested in nursing.  

In partnership with La Salle University, the commitment will launch the ASPIRE Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), which will provide up to 25 high school juniors annually with exposure to healthcare careers through interactive, hands-on experiences in the field, including nursing, patient safety, and mentorship opportunities. With a goal of increasing diversity in health care and improving economic mobility, the program provides students the opportunity upon graduation and fulfillment of requirements 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 through the program itself, as well as the opportunity to apply for paid positions at HUP to practice skills and gain relevant experience.  

“Those who begin nursing school may not have much experience with the field unless they’ve volunteered somewhere or, perhaps, they have family members who are nurses,” said Beth A. Smith, corporate director of nursing professional development at HUP. “Not only will this program attract a more diverse generation of future nurses but will also provide a unique opportunity to see the impact nurses make, while providing them with skills and giving them a strong head start in a nursing career.”  

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Fat Camera)