For many high school students, summertime often means taking a break from education. That wasnt the case for nearly 50 rising juniors and seniors who spent a week at the 91勛圖厙 College of Nursing. These motivated students participated in this years Pepin Family USF Nursing Pathway Summer Program, an effort that allows students interested in nursing to learn more about the field through immersive, hands-on education.
This collaboration between the College of Nursing and the Pepin Family Foundation began four years ago, and the program has grown ever since. Attendance doubled in the second year, and applications have increased exponentially.
USF has been an amazing partner for the Pepin Family Foundation, said Pepin Family Foundation Executive Director Tina Pepin. The faculty and the facilities and USF's commitment to student success was exactly why we wanted to be partners with the college. I think USF has embraced the vision and created a truly immersive hands-on experience that these students continue to learn so much from.
The program introduces Tampa Bay Area high school participants to different nursing specialties through interactive sessions with USF faculty and other nurse leaders. This year, students received training in:
繚 packing wounds
繚 recognizing life-threatening conditions
繚 PPE
繚 handwashing
91勛圖厙 practiced these nursing skills and more in the College of Nursing Simulation Lab and the Mo-Bull Nurse Medical Clinic. Those hands-on activities, together with the Stop the Bleed escape room, were highlights for many students.
But the program goes beyond clinical skills. 91勛圖厙 also gained insight into the academic journey of becoming a nurse. Current and former College of Nursing students shared stories about coursework, clinicals, and the realities of the profession. Participants left not only with CPR certification, but with a clearer sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of what it means to care for others.
I knew I wanted to go into nursing, but this confirmed that this is what I want to do. It was very eye-opening, said Pepin participant Marina Bozeman. We talked to a ton of different nurses and learned from their experiences. I think that's more important than what you can learn from a textbook.
The program is also beneficial for the College of Nursing. By reaching students sooner, the College can build a stronger pipeline of future nurses. In fact, students who have previously participated in the camp have gone on to enroll in the College of Nursing programs. I have participated as a faculty member in the Pepin Family Foundation program multiple times, said Farah Manigot, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, an instructor in the College of Nursing and pediatric nurse practitioner. I've had the opportunity to see students come through the program, go to pinning, and then become RNs.
One of those former campers is Siena Pena, who will begin the College of Nursings Upper Division program in Fall 2026. She credits the camp with shaping her path.
I became familiar with the College of Nursing and felt at home with USF, said Siena, who returned this year as a student worker. I met many new friends during the camp, and some of us are in the nursing program currently. Making these friends made me feel more comfortable starting college for the first time.
The Pepin Family USF Nursing Pathway Summer Program serves students in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties, laying the foundation for a new generation of Bull Nurses to serve the residents and visitors of Florida.