For the third consecutive year, the University of South Florida College of Nursing and Pepin Family Foundation teamed up to provide local high school students with first-hand nursing experience. The Pepin Family USF Nursing Pathway Summer Program is the only nursing-based pathway program of its kind that the Pepin Family supports, according to Pepin Family Foundation Executive Director Tina Pepin.
“Through our work, we have seen the signs of the nursing shortage,” Pepin said. “When we met with Dean Menon, we saw the numbers and how crucial it is to support nurses, but also create a program where young students can be exposed to the profession.”
Their support is vital in supporting the college’s mission of building a workforce of exemplary nurses.
50 rising sophomores and juniors from high schools in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties spent a week at USF learning from faculty, developing life-saving skills, and even earning a certificate in CPR.
While attendance matched last year’s numbers, interest in the program surged. In 2024, the college received 134 applications from local high school students—this year, that number nearly doubled to 265.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Pepin Family Foundation,” said Usha Menon, PhD, RN, FAAN, FSBM, senior associate vice president at USF Health and dean of the College of Nursing. “Their investment is more than just a gift; it’s a powerful demonstration of their commitment to expanding education and access to healthcare across the Tampa Bay region.”
Senior Associate Dean of Student Success Elizabeth Jordan, DNSC, RNC, FAAN, described this year’s cohort as the strongest group to participate in the program to date.
“They’re well engaged, they’re curious, they’re intelligent, and they ask lots of questions,” Jordan said. “If this group is any indication of what the future holds for nursing, we are in fabulous hands.”
Many students didn’t know how much variety a career in nursing could offer.
“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 be impactful and help others,” said Hariniya Vaitheeswaran.
“I’m very grateful that they were able to make this opportunity. Not just for me, but for everybody else. It’s very eye-opening to not just see what USF is like, but nursing as a profession. We were all catered to and given a chance, and I’m grateful for that.”
Jayden Nunez
Learn more about the Pepin Family USF Nursing Pathway Summer Program.