Southern Connecticut State University's (SCSU) School of Nursing is dedicated to increasing awareness of nursing and broader health care issues by partnering with the community and promoting diversity in nursing. In collaboration with Yale New Haven Hospital, SCSU offers the Summer Nursing Symposium. This program engages students from diverse backgrounds in interactive nursing skill sessions, college preparation, and opportunities to connect with nurses, students, and faculty from SCSU and YNHH. Participants also gain practical health skills and knowledge for everyday use.
Dates
July 6–10, 2026
Application
- Complete and submit the SCSU Nursing Summer Symposium application form by Wednesday, April 8th, 2026.
- Decisions will be sent the week of May 4th, 2026.
- No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required.
Eligibility
- Must have completed freshman or sophomore year of high school by the first day of the symposium
- Identify as part of an underrepresented group in nursing
- Demonstrate an interest in nursing
- Connecticut resident and CT high school student (no housing or transportation provided)
- Good academic standing
- Must be able to provide health documentation showing proof of MMR vaccination, Tdap and TB screening
- Must be available to attend all five days of the program
Program Activities
- Breaking down the barriers to college
- Introduction to the nursing role and responsibilities
- Professional guest speakers
- Understanding health equity
- Increasing health literacy
- Diversity in nursing
- Simulation experiences
- CPR training
- Tourniquet training
- RN shadow experience
- ...and more!
Funding
Thanks to a partnership between Yale New Haven Health and the College of Health & Human Services, School of Nursing, and University programming, the program is free of charge for participants. Each participant receives breakfast and lunch, along with programming supplies such as t-shirts, a notebook, a pen, and an SCSU/YNHH lanyard.
Sponsorship
The program accepts donations made online, designated to the "College of Health and Human Services".
Contact
nursingsymposium@southernct.edu
Partners
Thanks to our partners, the Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and Yale New Haven Hospital.
Previous Participating High Schools
- Amistad Academy Charter High School
- Branford High School
- Bullard Havens Tech High School
- Bunnell High School
- Capital Preparatory Harbor School
- Central High School
- Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School
- Derby High School
- Eli Whitney Technical High School
- Engineering & Science University Magnet School
- Fairchild Wheeler
- Fairfield Warde
- Guilford High School
- Hamden High School
- Highville Charter School
- Hill Regional Career High School
- James Hillhouse High School
- Jonathan Law High School
- Kolbe Cathedral High School
- Lyman Hall High School
- Maloney High School
- Mark T Sheehan High School
- New Haven Academy
- Nonnewaug High School
- North Branford High School
- North Haven High School
- Orville H Platt High School
- Sacred Heart Academy
- Sound School
- The Bridge Academy
- Trumbull High School
- Warren Harding High School
- Wilbur Cross High School
- Wilcox Technical High School
- Zoological & Biotechnology Sciences HS
For questions, please email nursingsymposium@southernct.edu.