High Schoolers invited to Black Student Nurses Day at UC

University of Cincinnati College of Nursing invites rising juniors and seniors in high school interested in a nursing career to join us on campus for Black Student Nurses Day.

The event, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Procter Hall, will highlight the college's programs, organizations and scholarship opportunities that help support and empower Black students throughout the UC Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Attendees will hear from Interim Dean Gordon Gillespie and faculty, staff and students who lead each program or opportunity. Students also will tour the college's simulation laboratory spaces and view a demonstration. A pizza lunch will be provided.

Kendyl Mitchel, a second-year student in UC's Leadership 2.0 program, says the event offers a chance to learn about and engage with other Black nurses, students, faculty and staff.

"You will learn about the community of Black nurses we have at UC," she says, adding that the Leadership 2.0 program, specifically, has helped her as a nursing student. "Leadership 2.0 has taught me the importance of using resources and networking to enhance my knowledge and become a leader."

Registration is required by May 31.

AMBITION, which stands for Advising Minorities by Inspiring and Transforming them into Outstanding Nurses, offers a mentoring system for students. The organization meets regularly and is led by a student executive board and faculty advisors.

The Black Nurse Network was founded by two UC alumni who now serve as faculty. The group regularly hosts events that bring together nurses and nursing students across the Greater Cincinnati region to provide support, networking and mentorship opportunities.

CURE stands for Cultivating Undergraduate Nursing Resiliency and Equity. The CURE Fellowship is a grant-funded initiative that provides financial, academic and social support to students admitted to the BSN program in their second year who are of underrepresented backgrounds. It includes additional instruction/tutoring and workshops on test taking, personal finances and college life, along with monthly events, mentorship and career planning help.

The Leadership 2.0 program provides first-generation and underrepresented BSN students with academic, social and financial support for the four years of their degree program. It includes a seven-week summer bridge to aid in the transition from high school to college, monthly events, advisement, a two-year financial award and priority consideration for scholarships.

SHIIFT stands for Systems in Holistic Innovation and Inclusion for Transformation. The SHIIFT Scholars program provides financial, academic, social and wellness support to first-year students of underrepresented backgrounds. It includes a three-year stipend, personal nurse mentor, coaching sessions, wellness program and professional development workshops.