General Program Information FAQs

Program Eligibility & Criteria

Am I eligible to apply for this program?

You are eligible if you meet the following criteria:

• A U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national, or legal permanent resident
• Junior attending a high school in Philadelphia
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale (on official transcript).
• Have the availability to attend 10-12 full Saturday enrichment sessions during Spring of junior year.
• Demonstrate financial need. For example, the student’s household meets the Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels criteria (which specifies that household taxable income for the preceding year not to exceed 150 percent of the poverty line).
  • Other examples of households with demonstrated financial need would be households with minimal disposable income after paying bills, households living paycheck to paycheck, or households that otherwise struggle to pay bills or are seriously affected by debt or low job security.
• All high school students meeting the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. We welcome persons of any race, gender, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Do you accept high school students in their sophomore year?

No. You must be in your junior year to apply. But if you send an email to APSIRE-HUP@pennmedicine.upenn.edu with your name and email address, we will be sure to reach out to you next year.

Application Process

What is the selection process?

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania considers applications for the ASPIRE Program based on a holistic review of the student’s entire application, considering the student’s biographical information and experiences, grade point average, letters of recommendation, written essay and interview. If the student meets the ASPIRE Program eligibility requirements, no one aspect of the application will determine whether a student is selected to be an ASPIRE Scholar.

When filling out the application, can you save and finish later?

Yes, you just need to make sure you are on the same device when you go back to finish. “Allow respondents to finish later” uses cookies to save a respondent’s progress, it will only work as long as the respondent returns to the survey on the same internet browser on the same computer to finish the survey.

We recommend downloading and printing the PDF version of the application, available on the website, to see and gather all the elements needed to fill out the application.

What do I need to do to submit my recommendation letters?

Nothing. As long as you provide the names and email addresses on your application for your references, the ASPIRE Team with reach out to obtain the letters.

Enrichment

If accepted, is there any additional information or requirements needed prior to starting Enrichment?

Yes, to participate in Enrichment ASPIRE Scholars will need to complete a Penn Medicine onboarding process that includes paperwork and Immunization Records

Anyone who meets all the program eligibility criteria is able to apply. If accepted, in order to be a part of the program they would need to follow the Penn Medicine employment standards, which requires vaccinations.

When does the program start and end?

Enrichment Sessions will be held on Saturdays
Start and end dates: February 1, 2025 – April 12, 2025

What are the start and end times?

Sessions begin at 9:00 AM (arrival time 8:30 AM) and end at 4:00 PM

Where are the sessions located?

Location: Primarily at HUP (3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia), but will change on simulation days (students to be notified in advance)

Is transportation provided?

Yes, SEPTA passes will be provided to support travel during enrichment sessions.

Are meals provided?

Yes, during Enrichment Program sessions, breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Accommodations can be made for food allergies, dietary needs, and restrictions for religious purposes.

Is there a dress code/uniform for the program?

Yes. You are expected to dress professionally in proper program attire. Proper program attire includes closed-toed shoes or sneakers, business appropriate pants (no jeans or leggings) and the ASPIRE polo shirt (provided at Kick Off Day). Hospital ID badges must be always worn and visible along the chest area.

If I am selected to participate, how do I get my $500 stipend?

Stipends are awarded after successful completion of the junior and senior enrichment program.
A stipend of $500 can be awarded for each year in the enrichment program.

What if I am unable to attend on one of the Saturday sessions?

ASPIRE Scholars are expected to attend all Saturday sessions. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on an individual basis, and sick call procedures need to be followed.

Is time away allowed during the program?

Students offered acceptance in the program are expected to make a commitment to the full program, which consists of 10-12 consecutive Saturdays, February - April. We encourage students to consider all of their options and choose mindfully before applying.

If I am selected, do I need to re-apply to continue in the ASPIRE Program senior year?

Senior selection is dependent on meeting all junior program requirements and evaluation from the ASPIRE Team.

La Salle University

Can you apply to any college for nursing schools?

Yes, but the ASPIRE Program is a partnership with La Salle University. In order to receive the funding associated with the ASPIRE Program, ASPIRE Scholars must attend La Salle University’s BSN Program. A decision to attend La Salle University is not required until the student has received a financial aid letter from the college and is committed to attending La Salle and maintaining commitment to the ASPIRE Program requirements.

How do I get more information regarding La Salle?

Follow this link for more information about La Salle University School of Nursing: Nursing | La Salle University | Philadelphia, Pa.

Who can I contact for questions about La Salle University?

The La Salle University contact is Molly Walsh. Her email is Walshmb@lasalle.edu

Employment

What if you do not want to participate in part time employment at HUP?

Part-time employment with HUP during college is a part of the requirement to remain an ASPIRE Scholar and receive any college scholarship funding and for completion of the program. ASPIRE Scholars start at HUP in a part-time role (for example: 8 hours per week or 400 hours per year).

Is Employment guaranteed?

No, you need complete an employment application and complete onboarding requirements to be hired at HUP.

Can I still apply for this role/employment opportunity if I do not attend La Salle University’s BSN Program?

No, this role/employment opportunity is only offered to active ASPIRE Scholars.