TAMPA – Fifty spent the start of summer break suiting up in scrubs to explore nursing careers.
These rising sophomores and juniors from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties just completed the third annual Pepin Family USF Nursing Pathway Summer Program. The University of South Florida College of Nursing hosts the free- hands-on experience with support from the Pepin Family Foundation.
Inside the USF College of Nursing, students rolled up their sleeves for a packed week of clinical simulations, skill labs, CPR and Stop the Bleed certifications.
“We’re proud to support a program that not only prepares students for a future in healthcare, but also strengthens the local nursing pipeline,” said Tina Pepin, executive director of the Pepin Family Foundation. “The earlier you can reach students, the greater the impact – not just on their futures, but on our entire community.”
Participants say the program is a turning point in discovering their careers. Jayden Nunez described the program as eye opening while Aliana Joseph said it was the greatest opportunity she has seen in her life.
“I always knew that I wanted to do something in healthcare, but after this program, I learned that nursing is probably the best way for me to make an impact and help others,” student Hariniya Vaitheeswaran said.
Applications for 2025 nearly doubled from last year, from 134 to 265.
Information on applying for the summer 2026 program will be available in January. Students must be current 10th or 11th-graders with at least a 2.8 GPA as well as be 16 years old by the start of the program.
On the web: PepinFamilyFoundation.org
