91Å®Éñ Celebrates Inaugural High School Scholars and Influencers Program Completion
Bronx students earn 25 college credits while still in high school, fast-tracking path to nursing careers
On July 31, 91Å®Éñ celebrated the achievements of nearly 20 Bronx high school graduates who completed the inaugural High School Scholars and Influencers (HSSI) Program. The HSSI Program represents 91Å®Éñ's commitment to addressing critical healthcare workforce needs while providing educational opportunities for Bronx students to pursue meaningful careers in their own communities.
"This is our response to strengthen our healthcare workforce, provide diversity and trust our students here to become influencers," said Fernand A. De Los Reyes, PhD, RN, PMH-BC, FNYAM, FADLN, HSSI program director and assistant professor.
Launched in 2024, the innovative HSSI Program offers aspiring nurses a unique opportunity to earn 25 college credits while still in high school, receive mentoring from experienced nurses, gain acceptance into Mercy's nursing program, and the ability to graduate with a bachelor's degree in just three years.
The HSSI celebration brought together university leadership, program participants and their families, and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, who attended both the program's launch and completion ceremony.
"I was here in 2024 for the announcement of this program. Congratulations! You did it. What an amazing accomplishment!" Gibson told the students. "Just last month, you graduated from high school and you are also celebrating that you have already acquired 25 college credits."
Gibson praised the students' dedication, noting that balancing high school and college-level nursing courses requires exceptional commitment. "You are valued. You are worthy. You are ambitious, courageous, driven, determined, exceptional, fearless," she said. "There is a shortage of nurses. We need all of you more than ever before. You are our success stories."
Zainab Toteh Osakwe, PhD, MSN, NP, FAAN, senior associate dean and chief nursing officer, emphasized the program's comprehensive approach to student development. "Part of the attributes of this program was to prepare them with communication skills, leadership skills, and skills that would be critical not just to be successful in nursing programs but also to be successful as leaders in the community," she said. "Today we celebrate successful completion of a program that embodies Mercy's mission to support and empower our students in career advancement."
Nannette Hyland, PhD, PT, FNAP, interim dean of the School of Nursing, expressed confidence in the cohort's future success. "I can't even tell you how impressed I am with your scholarly ability. Going into the healthcare professions, courses are not easy, but I have full confidence in you that in three years, you are going to walk across that stage in May of 2029 and I am going to shake your hand."
HSSI scholar José Maria Raval reflected on the program's impact: "What I think I liked best about it was being able to set yourself up for nursing education so early. It was a really good opportunity. I am really grateful that I was able to get in."
