Inspiring the Next Generation of Nurses to Help Ease the Sustained Shortage

Local High School Students Scrub In for Real-World Experience Through USF & Pepin Family Foundation

While many teens spent the start of summer break relaxing, 50 local students suited up in scrubs to explore one of the most in-demand and purpose-driven careers in the country: nursing.

These rising sophomores and juniors from Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties just completed the third annual Pepin Family USF Nursing Pathway Summer Program, a free, hands-on experience hosted by the University of South Florida College of Nursing 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—and they even got their own stethoscopes and scrubs.

Interest in the program is skyrocketing. Applications for 2025 nearly doubled from last year—from 134 to 265—and the need couldn’t be more urgent. According to the Florida Hospital Association, the state is projected to face a shortage of more than 59,000 nurses by 2035—one of the most severe nursing deficits in the nation. Programs like this directly address that gap by engaging students early and giving them a look at the variety of nursing opportunities.

“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. This program is creating real momentum in solving the workforce challenges our area is facing.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Pepin Family Foundation,” said Dr. Usha Menon, 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.”

Mentored by USF faculty, Bull Nurse students, and academic advisors, participants say the program is a turning point in discovering their careers.

“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,” said student Hariniya Vaitheeswaran.

“It was the greatest opportunity I’ve ever seen in my life,” said student Aliana Joseph. “The fact that it was free—and everyone made us feel so welcome—it meant everything.”

“It’s very eye-opening,” added student Jayden Nunez. “I’m grateful the Pepin Family Foundation made this possible—not just for myself, but for everyone who got this chance.”

Faculty say this year’s class set a new standard. “This was our strongest group yet,” said Dr. Elizabeth Jordan, senior associate dean of student success. “They were curious, driven, and fully engaged. If they’re the future of nursing, we’re in fabulous hands.”

Information on applying for the Summer 2026 program will be available in January. Eligible students must:

• Attend high school in Hillsborough, Pasco, or Pinellas County
• Be current 10th or 11th graders with at least a 2.8 GPA.
• Be 16 years old by the start of the program
• Submit a short personal statement

For more information or to support the program, visit PepinFamilyFoundation.org.

About the Pepin Family Foundation
The Pepin Family Foundation is a family-led nonprofit focused on healthcare, education, and mental health and wellness services for frontline professionals. From its support of students with disabilities at Pepin Academies to its groundbreaking cardiac care at Pepin Heart Institute, the foundation’s initiatives embody a commitment to creating a stronger, healthier Tampa Bay. For more information, visit PepinFamilyFoundation.org.

About USF Health
USF Health’s mission is to envision and implement the future of health. It is the partnership of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Public Health, the Taneja College of Pharmacy, the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, the Biomedical Sciences Graduate and Postdoctoral Programs, and USF Health’s multispecialty physicians group. The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. For more information, visit health.usf.edu.