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By: Amy Charles | January 24, 2025
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) has been awarded a $41,802 grant from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) to fund a transformative residential program aimed at empowering rising juniors and seniors in Eastern Kentucky. The program, which will take place June 22-27, 2025, will focus on introducing students to nursing and social work careers while providing them with the tools and skills to succeed in these rewarding professions.
A total of 20 students from the counties of Pike and Letcher will be selected for the program, with a special emphasis on first-generation college students and those from diverse communities. These students will participate in an immersive and hands-on experience designed to introduce them to the fields of nursing and social work, which play critical roles in the health and well-being of local communities.
“The idea behind this CPE grant is to offer students more than just a glimpse into nursing and social work careers,” said Genesia Kilgore-Bowling, MSW, Ph.D., chair of the UPIKE Social Work Program. “It’s about empowering them to realize that these professions are within their reach, no matter their background. We want to provide them with skills and knowledge that will help them now, but will serve them long after the program ends.”
The week-long experience will include a variety of workshops and activities. In the nursing-focused track, students will receive CPR certification, learn to take vital signs and provide basic wound care. Workshops in UPIKE’s state-of-the-art skills lab will simulate real-world medical scenarios. Students will also engage in a community service project during the week.
In the social work track, students will participate in interactive workshops that explore the roles and specializations within the social work field, as well as a visit to a community partner to observe the interactions between social workers, healthcare providers and patients. Additionally, they will gain valuable insights through Teen Mental Health First Aid training sessions and a panel discussion with UPIKE social work majors.
Students will also participate in simulation activities designed to foster collaboration between nursing and social work. These activities will allow them to solve real-world health problems, enhancing their understanding of collaborative care. The program will also include fun team-building activities such as an escape room, bowling, yoga and a disco night.
“The goal of this program is to inspire students and give them the confidence and skills they need to consider careers in healthcare,” said Karen Damron, R.N., Ph.D., Dean of UPIKE’s College of Nursing and Human Services. “We want to encourage them toward sectors of our community that need a workforce and equip them with the knowledge to succeed in those fields.”
The application process for this program will begin with high school visits in early 2025, and interested students can apply through their schools. Please visit UPIKE.edu for more information about the university.