Pepin Family Foundation partners with USF College of Nursing to establish a summer pathway to nursing program

TAMPA, Fla. (July 12, 2023) – Last month, 24 students from high schools in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties gathered clad in hunter-green scrubs to form the inaugural Pepin Family Foundation USF Nursing Summer Pathway Program cohort. 

This four-day immersive nursing experience for rising juniors and seniors provided a unique opportunity to experience life as a nursing student. From interactive workshops and simulations to insightful lectures and hands-on experiences, students explored key aspects of nursing practice, including patient care, critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

“This transformative program was made possible thanks to the extraordinary support of the Pepin Family Foundation,” said USF Health Senior Associate Vice President Usha Menon, dean of the College of Nursing. “This program is a testament to their unwavering dedication to expanding access to healthcare and education throughout the Tampa Bay region.” 

Along with certificates, each student was given a white coat and stethoscope – as a commemorative gift for their effort throughout the program, and a symbol of the hopeful white coats of their future. 

“My experience was amazing,” says student Mimi Pham, “this program allowed me to see the wide variety of opportunities that the nursing career has for me, and it has also taught me the importance of having diversity and women like me within the field.”

Mimi Pham practices listening to the heartbeat of her classmate during the inaugural Pepin Family USF Nursing Summer Pathway Program

The Pepin Family USF Summer Nursing Pathway Program will continue for many summers to come.

“Our community depends on nurses and medical frontline professionals every day, says Tina Pepin, executive director of the Pepin Family Foundation, “and it is crucial that we provide the support and resources they need.”