Summer program inspires diverse students to pursue health care

Nursign track students participating in the SHPEP program at UCLA
1 min read

Each summer, students from across the country journey to UCLA for the Summer Health Professions Education Program, or SHPEP, a free enrichment program designed to improve access to information and resources for college students interested in health care.

Dozens of students, many who are the first in their families to go to college, took part in the 2023 program. Funded by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools.

SHPEP students meeting UCLA Nursing Dean Lin Zhan
Students had the chance to meet and interact with UCLA Nursing Dean Lin Zhan.

Jointly administered by the UCLA School of Nursing, David Geffen School of Medicine, and School of Dentistry, the program helps students gain a better understanding of the urgent need for health care professionals in medically underserved communities.

“The program provides the students with the confidence they need to pursue their dreams of a career in nursing or other health care professions,” said Dr. Anita Bralock, PhD, RN, CNM, co-principal investigator for the program. “They start the program tentatively and end with new knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to apply for future education in nursing, as an RN, a nurse practitioner or a nurse researcher working to improve health disparities.”

The program gives students the chance to connect with expert faculty and staff, learn about real-world health challenges and patient outcomes, participate in small-group discussions, and gain vital hands-on learning experiences. They also learn study skills and receive coaching on how to apply and interview for degree programs in their areas. 

Students learning from Anita Bralock
SHPEP students learning from UCLA Nursing's Dr. Anita Bralock.

Nearly 20 students participated in this year’s nursing track and got to engage with UCLA Nursing faculty and staff throughout the program. Students had the chance to visit the School of Nursing’s Skills & Simulation Lab and got up-close with a variety of simulated learning experiences. 

For Lab Director Jihan Ceyhan, MSN, RN, AGPCNP-BC, HNP, the visit is an opportunity to help inspire tomorrow’s nurses. 

“At the UCLA School of Nursing, we’re fortunate to have access to state-of-the-art tools and resources along with some of the world’s foremost experts on nursing,” she said. “To be able to open our doors and provide these opportunities to students who may otherwise not have access is truly validating.” 

Learn more about SHPEP